
function depends on the drive program
selected.
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The
automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions
D and
R can help to free a vehicle that has become
stuck in mud or snow. The engine
management system of the vehicle limits
shifting
back and forth between transmission
positions D and R to a maximum speed of
5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and forth
between transmission positions D and R,
move the selector lever up and down beyond
the pressure point. Program selector button
General notes Program selector button on all models except AMG
vehicles
X
Press program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics. E Economy Comfortable, economical
driving
S Sport Sporty driving style
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see
(Y page 166).
i The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program E each time the
engine is started.
AMG vehicles Drive program selector with manual drive program
X
Turn drive program selector : until the
desired drive program appears in the
multifunction display in the speedometer.
The drive program indicator on drive
program selector : lights up in red. C Controlled
Efficiency Comfortable, economical
driving
S Sport Sporty driving style
S+ SportPlus Extremely sporty driving
styleAutomatic transmission
165
Driving and parking Z

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

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

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

DEF. 1 gal (3.8 l) of DEF is equivalent to
approximately 2 DEF refill bottles. Then
have
the DEF supply checked at a qualified
specialist workshop and completely refilled
if necessary.
X Release DEF refill bottle =.
When DEF refill bottle = is no longer
pressed
down, filling stops. DEF refill bottle
= can be removed when it has been only
partially emptied.
X Turn DEF refill bottle = counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Mount DEF filler cap ; on the filler neck
and turn it clockwise. X
Replace DEF cover :
as shown and turn it
clockwise as far as it will go.
X Fold the trunk floor down.
X Close the trunk lid.
X Drive faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
The Check Additive See Operator's
Manual message goes out after
approximately one minute.
i If the Check Additive See
Operator's Manual message continues
to be shown in the multifunction display,
add an additional bottle of DEF.
For further information on DEF, see
(Y page 410). Parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If flammable materials such as leaves, grass
or
twigs are exposed to prolonged contact to
parts of the exhaust system that heat up, they
could ignite. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable
materials come into contact with parts of the
vehicle which are hot. Take particular care not
to park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with
limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking position P
R starting the engine.
They could also operate the vehicle's
equipment.
There is a risk of an accident and
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
! A moving vehicle can lead to damage to
the vehicle or damage to the drive train. Parking
175
Driving and parking Z

To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
R
the parking brake must be applied.
R the
transmission must be in position P and
the SmartKey must be removed from the
ignition lock.
R on uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb. Switching off the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
neutral position N when you switch off the
engine. The vehicle may roll away. There is a
risk of an accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position P.
Using the SmartKey
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
X Apply the parking brake firmly.
i If you turn off the engine with the
SmartKey and then remove it from the
ignition lock or open a front door, the
automatic transmission shifts to P
automatically.
Using KEYLESS-GO
X Press the Start/Stop button (Y page
154).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
X Apply the parking brake firmly.
i If
you use the Start/Stop button to switch
off the engine, the automatic transmission
shifts to N automatically. If you then open the driver's or front-passenger door, the
automatic transmission shifts to
P.
i In
the event of an emergency, the engine
can be turned off while the vehicle is in
motion by pressing and holding the Start/
Stop button for three seconds.
If you have started the engine with the Start/
Stop button and it cannot be switched off as
described:
X Remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The engine switches off. The ignition is in
position 0. Parking brake
G
WARNING
If you must brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the braking distance is considerably
longer
and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the
vehicle when the service brake is faulty. Do
not apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turning again. G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking position P
R starting the engine.
They could also operate the vehicle's
equipment.
There is a risk of an accident and
injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. 176
Parking
Driving and parking

significantly influence the vehicle's
consumption.
The ECO display consists of three bars:
R
Acceleration
R Constant
R Coasting
The
percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher
percentage indicates a more economical
driving style.
The ECO display does not provide any
information on the actual consumption. A
fixed percentage count in the ECO display
does not indicate a fixed consumption figure
in l/100 km.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.:
R Load
R Tire pressure
R Cold start
R Choice of route
R Electrical consumers switched on
These factors are not taken into
consideration by the ECO display.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories:
Acceleration (evaluation of all
acceleration) The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Moderate
acceleration,
especially at high
speeds Sporty acceleration Constant (evaluation of driving style at
any time)
The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Constant speed and
avoidance of
unnecessary
acceleration and
deceleration Speed variations
Coasting (evaluation of total
deceleration)
The bar fills up: The bar empties:
Drive with care and
remove your foot
from
the accelerator
pedal in good time:
the vehicle can
coast without
braking Frequent braking
i
An economical driving style specially
requires driving at moderate engine
speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant":
R observe
the gearshift recommendations.
R drive in drive program E.
i On longer journeys, e.g. on highways, the
only the bar in the "Constant" category
changes.
i The ECO display calculates the driving
style from the start of the journey to the
end. For this reason, the bars change
dynamically at the beginning of the journey.
On longer journeys, there are fewer
changes. For more dynamic changes, carry
out a manual reset.
Further information on the ECO display
(Y page 231). Driving tips
179
Driving and parking Z