
Problems with the engine
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe engine does not
start.
The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
R There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
X Before attempting to start the engine again, turn the SmartKey
in
the ignition back to position 0 or press the Start/Stop button
repeatedly until all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster go
out.
X Try to start the engine again (Y page 155). Avoid excessively
long
and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain
the battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak
or discharged.
X
Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 352).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
X
Allow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two
minutes.
X Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Vehicles with a
gasoline engine:
The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
X
Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
X Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it. The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡
(120 †). The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
X
Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
X Check the coolant level (Y page 331). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.160
Driving
Driving and parking

M Manual Manual gear shifting
RS RACE
START Optimal vehicle
acceleration from a
standstill
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see
(Y page 166).
Only change from automatic drive program C,
S or S+ to manual drive program M when the
vehicle is stationary.
i The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program C each time the
engine is started.
i RS cannot be selected during normal
driving. For further information on RACE
START, see ( Y page 198).Steering wheel paddle shifters
:
Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
; Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range
by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
You can change gear yourself by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters in the manual
drive program.
In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict
or expand the shift range by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters ( Y page 166).
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D. Automatic drive program
Drive program E (drive program C on AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased
sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
Drive program S (drive programs S and S+ on
AMG vehicles) is characterized by the
following:
R sporty engine and automatic transmission
settings
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points Shift ranges
Introduction When the automatic transmission is in
position
D,
it is possible to restrict or expand
the shift range (Y page 166).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear. 166
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
X Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The
automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear. :
Gear indicator
; Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the
multifunction display.
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The
automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down to a gear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
Kickdown i
Kickdown is not possible in manual drive
program M.
Switching
off the manual drive programX
Turn the drive program selector
(Y
page 165) until C, S or S+ appears in the
multifunction display. 168
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Problems with the transmission
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second
gear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position D or R.
If D
is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop immediately. Transfer case
! Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system
or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
! To prevent ESP ®
from intervening, the
ignition must be switched off (SmartKey or
the Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) if:
R the parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles
with 4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be
damaged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always
transmitted to both axles. Refueling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable
and poisonous. They burn violently and can
cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or
clothing contact. Extinguish all smoking
materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health. G
WARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel Refueling
169
Driving and parking
Z

pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
G
WARNING
E85 fuel (ethanol) and its vapours are
poisonous, highly flammable and highly
combustible. E85 fuel can cause serious
injury
if ignited, if you come into contact with
it you or if you inhale fuel vapors. Avoid
inhaling E85 fuel vapors and avoid skin
contact with E85 fuel. Extinguish any naked
flames before refueling. Keep sparks away
from E85 fuel, and do not smoke. G
WARNING
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel
system and engine could be damaged. In
addition, the vehicle could catch fire.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a gasoline engine. Even small
amounts of the wrong fuel result in damage
to the fuel system and the engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades
can be found in the "Fuel" section
(Y page 407). Refueling
Opening/closing the fuel filler flap :
To open the fuel filler flap
; To insert the fuel filler cap
= Tire pressure table
? Fuel type to be used
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
8 in the instrument cluster. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening X
Switch off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
X KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door.
This corresponds to key position 0:
"SmartKey removed".
The driver’s door can be closed again.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.
X Open the fuel filler flap fully.
X Turn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.170
Refueling
Driving and parking

X
Sedan: insert the fuel filler cap into the
bracket on the inside of fuel filler flap ;.
or
X Wagon: insert the fuel filler cap into the
recesses in the fuel filler flap hinge arm
horizontally from above.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
i Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel may leak out.
Closing X
Replace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
X Press the fuel filler flap closed until it
engages audibly.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. Otherwise, the locking pin of the
central locking prevents the fuel filler flap
from closing.
i The 8 reserve fuel light flashes if you
are driving with the fuel filler cap open. In
addition, the ; Check Engine warning
lamp may light up. A message appears in
the multifunction display (Y page 260).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 282). Fuel filler flap emergency release
X Sedan: open the trunk lid. X
Slide down the parcel net.
X Open the right-hand side trim panel.
X Remove the first-aid kit (Y page 342).
X Detach the emergency release from
retainer :.
X Pull the emergency release in the direction
of arrow ;.
The fuel filler flap is unlocked.
X Open the fuel filler flap.
X Wagon: open the tailgate. X
Open the right-hand side trim panel.
X Fold down the trim.
X Pull emergency release : in the direction
of the arrow.
The fuel filler flap is unlocked.
X Open the fuel filler flap. Refueling
171
Driving and parking Z

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G
Risk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition lock and remove
it immediately ( Y page 153).
X Do not restart the engine under any circumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start. The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run
completely dry.
X
Refuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel.
X Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds
(Y page 153).
X Start the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
or
X Start the engine via the touch-start function. To do this, turn the
SmartKey to position 3 in the ignition lock and then release it
immediately
(Y page 153).
If the engine does not start:
X Turn the ignition on again a maximum of ten seconds
(Y page 153).
X Start the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until
it runs smoothly.
or
X Start the engine again via the touch-start function.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.172
Refueling
Driving and parking

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsThe fuel filler flap
cannot be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.
X
Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 80).
X Open the trunk lid or the tailgate.
X Manually unlock the fuel filler flap using the emergency release
(Y page 171). The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.
X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. DEF (BlueTEC vehicles only)
Important notes on use To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment must be operated with the
reducing
agent DEF. Adding DEF is one of the
tasks performed during maintenance. Under
normal operating conditions, a tank of DEF
lasts until the next service due date.
When the supply of DEF is almost used up,
the Check Additive See Operator's
Manual message is shown in the
multifunction display.
When the DEF supply drops to a minimum, the
Remaining Starts: 16 message is shown
in the multifunction display.
If the Remaining Starts: 16 message
appears in the multifunction display, you can
start the engine another 16 times. If DEF is
not added, it will then not be possible to
restart the engine. Fill the DEF tank with
about 1 gal (3.8l) of DEF or have the DEF tank
refilled at a qualified specialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when filling
between maintenance intervals. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center with any
questions or, if necessary, contact Roadside
Assistance ( Y page 23).
If the outside temperature is lower than
12 ‡ ( Ò11) †, damage may occur when adding DEF. If DEF is frozen and there is an
active warning indicator, it may not be
possible to add DEF. Park the vehicle in a
warmer place, e.g. in a garage, until DEF has
become
fluid again. It will then be possible to
add DEF again. Alternatively, have the DEF
tank refilled at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Important notes on topping up G
WARNING
Make sure
R DEF does not come into contact with skin,
eyes, or clothing
R to keep DEF out of the reach of children
If you and/or others have come into contact
with DEF:
R If DEF has gotten into contact with eyes,
flush with plenty of water immediately and
seek medical help.
R Clean
affected skin immediately with plenty
of water.
R If DEF was swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Consult a physician. Refueling
173
Driving and parking Z