2013 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class ignition

i
The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO General notes
R
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key:
-with electronic devices, e.g. a mobile
phone or another SmartKey
- with metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal
foil
- inside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case
This can impair the functionality of the
KEYLESS-GO key.
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key in the
temperature-controlled cup holder
(Y page 344). Otherwise, the KEYLESS-GO
key will not be recognized.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
aS martKey featuring an integrated KEYLESS-
GO function and a detachable Start/Stop
button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey with the
integrated KEYLESS-GO function must be in
the vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignitio nlock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then, you can insert the
SmartKey into the ignition lock.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. You should, however,
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. As long as the
SmartKey is in the vehicle: R
the vehicle can be started using the
Start/Stop button and
R electrically powered equipment can be
operated.
i The engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for approximately
three seconds. This function operates
independently of the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
Key positions with KEYLESS-GO As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
starting the engine or lights up while driving,
see (Y
page 318).
X Insert Start/Stop button 0002into ignition
lock 0003.
i When you insert Start/Stop button 0002
into ignition lock 0003, the system needs
approximately two seconds recognition
time. You can then use Start/Stop
button 0002.
Activating power supply
X If Start/Stop button 0002has not yet been
pressed, this corresponds to the SmartKey
being removed from the ignition.
X Press Start/Stop button 0002once.
The power supply is switched on. You can
now activate the windshield wipers, for
example. 158
DrivingDriving and parking

i
The power supply is switched off again if:
R the driver's door is opened and
R you press Start/Stop button 0002twice
when in this position.
Switching on the ignition
X Press Start/Stop button 0002twice.
The ignition is switched on.
i The power supply is switched off again if:
R the driver's door is opened and
R you press Start/Stop button 0002once
when in this position. Start/Stop button
001F
USA only
001E Canada only Starting the engine
Important safety notes 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. G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces
without sufficient ventilation.
i Vehicles with agasoline engine: the
catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 seconds after a cold start. The sound of
the engine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position
P(Y page 165).
The transmission position displa yinthe
multifunction display shows
P(Y page 165).
i You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey X
To startag asoline engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 3in the ignition lock Driving
159Driving and parking Z

(Y
page 157) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
X To start adiesel engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 2in the ignition lock
(Y page 157).
The 0010 preglow indicator lamp in the
instrumen tcluster lights up.
X When the 0010preglow indicator lamp
goes out, tur nthe SmartKey to position
3(Y page 157) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
i You can start the engine without preglow
if the engine is warm.
Using KEYLESS-GO to startt he engineX
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X To start agasoline engine: press the
Start/Stop button (Y page 158) once.
The engine starts.
X To start adiesel engine: press the Start/
Stop button (Y page 158) once.
Preglow is activated and the engine starts.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
star tthe vehicle without inserting the
SmartKey into the ignition lock. The Start/
Stop button must be inserted in the ignition
lock and the SmartKey must be in the
vehicle. This mode for starting the engine
operates independently of the ECO start/
stop automatic engine start function. Pulling away
Automatic transmission G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor
R, the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor
R(Y page 165).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The electric parking brake (Y page 180) is
automatically released.
The red 0008(USA only) or 000D(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
i It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position Pto the desired position if
you depress the brake pedal. Only then is
the parking lock released. If you do not
depress the brake pedal, you can move the
DIRECT SELECT lever but the parking lock
remains engaged.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away.T he locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic
locking feature (Y page 276).
i Upshifts take place at higher engine
speeds after a cold start. This helps the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature more quickly.
Pulling away with a trailer 160
DrivingDriving and parking

To ensure that you do not roll backwards
when pulling away on an uphill slope, engage
the electric parking brake.
X Press and hold handle 0002.
The electric parking brake continues to
brake and prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards.
The red 0008(USA only) or 000D(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster remains on.
X Depress the accelerator pedal.
X As soon as the vehicle/trailer combination
is held by the driving force of the engine,
release lever 0002.
The electric parking brake is released.
The red 0008(USA only) or 000D(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Hill starta ssist G
WARNING
After a short time, hill start assist will no
longer brake your vehicle and it could roll
away. There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never
leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start
assist.
X Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
The vehicle is then held for about a second.
X Pull away.
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.
It holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
This gives you enough time to move your foot
from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
and to depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or on
a downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.R
the electric parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning. ECO start/stop function
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically and
you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted
automatically. The vehicle may begin moving.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the ignition and secure the vehicle against
rolling away.
General notes 0002
ECO start/stop display
If the 0013 symbol is shown in green in the
multifunction display, the ECO start/stop
function switches the engine off
automatically if the vehicle stops moving.
The engine starts automatically when the
driver wants to pull away again. The ECO
start/stop function thereby helps you to
reduce the fuel consumption and emissions
of your vehicle.
Every time you switch on the engine using the
SmartKey or the Start/Stop button, the ECO
start/stop function is activated.
If the ECO start/stop function has been
manually deactivated (Y page 163) or a
malfunction has caused the system to be
deactivated, the 0013symbol is not
displayed.
AMG vehicles: theStop/Start active or
Stop/Start inactive message in the AMG
menu in the multifunction display goes out. Driving
161Driving and parking Z

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

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