2013 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class key

P
Park position with parking lock
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
D Drive
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
direction of arrow P.
i The automatic transmission shifts into
park position Pautomatically:
R if you open the driver's door while the
vehicle is stationary in transmission
position Dor R
R if you open the door while traveling at
very low speeds in transmission position
D or R
Engaging parkp osition P automaticallyPark position
Pis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the
SmartKey and remove the SmartKey
R you switch off the engine using the Start/
Stop button and open one of the fron tdoors
R the HOLD (Y page 207) or DISTRONIC
PLUS (Y page 194) function brake your
vehicle until it is stationary and at least one
of the following conditions is fulfilled:
- there is a system malfunction.
- the vehicle is on a steep uphill or downhill
gradient. The electric parking brake is
then also applied. Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
R starting the engine.
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 or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically shifts
to N.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the
vehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash with
a towing system, observe the following notes: 166
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Using the SmartKey:
R
Make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R Shift to neutral N.
R Release the brake pedal.
R If the electric parking brake is engaged,
release it.
R Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R Make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R Engage park position P.
R Release the brake pedal.
R Remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
R Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
R Switch on the ignition.
R Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
R Shift to neutral N.
R Release the brake pedal.
R If the electric parking brake is engaged,
release it.
R Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance. Transmission positions
0005
Par
kposition
Do not shift the transmission into
position P(Ypage 179) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking .Always apply the
electronic parking brake in
additio nto the parking lock in order
to secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in position P. Have
the vehicle electronics checked
immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.
The automatic transmission shifts
to Pautomatically if you:
R remove the SmartKey
R switch off the engine when in R
or Dand open one of the front
doors 0007
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary. Automatic transmission
167Driving and parking Z

0004
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission could be
damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g .to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position Nif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch off the engine using
the SmartKey or the Start/Stop
button, the automatic transmission
shifts to neutral Nautomatically.
! Rolling in neutral Ncan damage
the drive train. 000C
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D.This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a possible limitation of the shift range
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
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 Shifting the transmission repeatedly between
gears
Dand Rmay help to free the vehicle if
it has become stuck in slush or snow. The
vehicle's engine management restricts
repeated shifting between gears up to a
maximum speed of 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift
back and forth between transmission
positions Dand R, move the selector lever up
and down beyond the pressure point.
Towing atrailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed
range on uphill gradients.
X Shift down to shift range 3or
2(Y page 170) depending on the uphill or
downhill gradient, eve nifcruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. 168
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Problems with the transmission
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
The 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
secondgear 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 Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
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.
! Because ESP ®
is an automatic system,
the engine and ignition must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0or 1or Start/
Stop button in position 0or 1) when the
electric parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer (maximum
10 seconds).
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
! 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
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and
explosion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before
refueling. G
WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come
into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children. Refueling
173Driving and parking
Z

If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R
Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
R If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medica lassistance
without delay.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek medical
assistance without delay.Don ot induce
vomiting.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel. G
WARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged. G
WARNING
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline
with diesel fuel.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a gasoline engine. Do not
switch on the ignition if you accidentally
refuel with the wrong fuel. Otherwise, the
fuel will enter the fuel system. Even small
amounts of the wrong fuel could result in
damage to the fuel system and the engine.
The repair costs are high. 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.
Do not get into the vehicle again during the
refueling process. Otherwise, electrostatic
charge could build up again.
If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray
out when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.
i Flexible Fuel vehicles can be recognized
by the Ethanol up to E85 sticker on the
inside of the fuel filler flap.
For further information on fuel and fuel quality
(Y page 445). Refueling
Opening/closing the fuel filler flap 0002
To open the fuel filler flap
0003 To insert the fuel filler cap
001F Fuel type to be used
001E Tire pressure table
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO. 174
RefuelingDriving and parking

The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
0012 in the instrument cluster. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening X
Switch the engine off.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
X KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door.
This corresponds to key position 0: "key
removed".
The driver’s door can be closed again.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow 0002.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
X Turn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap 0003.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, attach 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 Close the fuel filler flap.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle.
i If you are driving with the fuel filler cap
open, the 0012reserve fuel warning lamp
flashes.
In addition, the 0010Check Engine warning
lamp may light up (Y page 325).
Am essage appears in the multifunction
display ( Ypage 301). For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see (Y
page 325). Refueling
175Driving and parking Z

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
0001 Solutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle. The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
G WARNING
Risk of explosion or fire.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 0in the ignition lock and remove
it immediately (Y page 157).
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 157).
X Start the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
If the engine does not start:
X Turn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds
(Y page 157).
X Start the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until
it runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.
X
Unlock the vehicle (Y page 79).
or
X Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Y page 80).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.
X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 176
RefuelingDriving and parking

is not permitted if the vehicle is not parked
on a level surface. There is a danger of
overfilling, which could result in damage to
components of the BlueTE
Cexhaus tgas
aftertreatment.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with DE Fimmediately with water or
remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold
water. If the DEF has already crystallized,
use a sponge and cold water to clea nit. DEF
residues crystallize after time and
contaminate the affected surfaces.
! DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to
the fuel tank, this can lead to engine
damage.
For further information on DEF, see
(Y page 448).
Opening the DEF filler cap The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-
GO.
X
Switch the ignition off.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the directio nof
arrow 0002.
The fuel fille rflap swings up.
X Turn blue DE Ffiller cap 0003counter-
clockwise and remove it.
DEF filler cap 0003is secured with a plastic
strip. DEF refill bottle !
Only screw on the DE Frefill bottle hand-
tight .Itcould otherwise be damaged. X
Unscrew the protective cap from DEF refill
bottle 0002.
X Place DEFr efill bottle0002on the filler neck
as shown and screw it on clockwise until
hand-tight.
X Press DEFr efill bottle0002towards the filler
neck.
The DEFt ank is filled. This may take up to
one minute.
i When DE Frefill bottle 0002is no longer
pressed, filling stops and the bottle may be
taken off again after being only partially
emptied.
X Release DEFr efill bottle0002.
X Turn DEFr efill bottle 0002counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Screw the protective cap onto DEF refill
bottle 0002again.
DEFr efill bottles can be obtained at many gas
stations or at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center .Refill bottles without a threaded cap
do not provide overfill protection. DEF may
leak if overfilled. Mercedes Benzo ffers
special refill bottles with a threaded seal.
These are available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. 178
RefuelingDriving and parking