2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS ESTATE engine

Acceleration
Depending on the operating mode, pulling
away and driving under low load conditions
are performed:
R entirely by electric propulsion
R in combination with the internal combus-
tion engine
When accelerating under increased load or at full load, boost mode is utilised. The electric
motor supports the internal combustion
engine by providing additional torque when
the accelerator is depressed rapidly.
Overrun mode or braking
There are three possible operating modes
when the hybrid vehicle is decelerating:
R When coasting and decelerating, energy
recuperation is already taking place
(Y page 273). The electric motor functions
as an alternator and stores the recuperated energy in the high-voltage battery.
R When braking gently, the electric motor
increases the deceleration of the vehicle.
Energy recuperation is increased
(Y page 273). The electric motor functions
as an alternator and stores the recuperated energy in the high-voltage battery.
R Under heavy braking, the service brake is
also used to slow down the vehicle. Both
systems work together.
Driving in the city
Energy is recuperated during frequent decel-
eration and stopping in city traffic.
The vehicle can be driven by the electric
motor alone up to a speed of approximately
35 km/h, e.g.:
R while approaching a traffic light
R in stop-and-start traffic
The vehicle is driven by the electric motor
alone only when all conditions for the auto-
matic engine switch-off are fulfilled.
Further information on the automatic engine
switch-off (Y page 283). Driving on inter-urban roads
Three phases are possible when driving on
inter-urban roads:
R rapid acceleration (boost mode)
R constant energy consumption
R energy recuperation
Depending on the characteristics of the
route, there may be a lot of recuperated
energy available. This reduces consumption
and emissions.
Driving on the motorway
When driving on a motorway, the following
have a particularly positive effect on fuel con- sumption and emissions:
R the decrease in wasted power when using
recuperative braking
R the decrease in wasted power in overrun
mode when the combustion engine is
switched off
Manoeuvring and turning
The hybrid drive makes it possible to manoeu-
vre and turn solely using the electric motor.
ECO start/stop function General notes
The ECO start/stop function switches the
internal combustion engine off automatically
when the vehicle stops moving and at high
speeds (Y
page 283).
All vehicle systems remain active, e.g. the
automatic climate control.
The ECO start/stop function is only available
in drive programs C,Eand I. Electric-only
operation is only possible in drive programs C
and E. 282
Hybrid operationDriving and pa
rking

Automatic engine switch-off
The internal combustion engine is switched
off automatically if:
R the driver removes his foot from the accel-
erator pedal and a speed of 160 km/h is
not exceeded (Y page 283)
R the combustion engine and the transmis-
sion have reached operating temperature
R the driver's seat belt is fastened and the
driver's door is closed
R the driver only slightly depresses the accel-
erator pedal in order to, for example, main- tain the current speed for a limited distance
R the bonnet is closed and engaged properly
R the high-voltage battery is charged suffi-
ciently
R there are no faults in the hybrid system
The internal combustion engine will not be
switched off automatically, if:
R the self-diagnosis function of the engine
control unit is still active
R the climate control of the vehicle requires it
R the high-voltage battery is being charged
(Y page 277)
R automatic emissions tests are running
R the operating temperature of the engine,
transmission and catalytic converter has
not yet been reached
Automatic engine start
The internal combustion engine, which has
been automatically switched-off, starts auto-
matically in certain situations, when:
R the power demand from the driver via the
accelerator pedal is greater than the elec-
tric motor alone can provide
R the driver switches to drive program Sor S
+
R the driver has activated manual gearshift-
ing R
the charge level of the high-voltage battery
has reached the lower limit
R the settings of the automatic climate con-
trol require it, e.g. at external temperatures
above 30 †
Overrun mode
This operating mode is available in the speed
range below 160 km/h.
The combustion engine is switched off and is disconnected from the drive train.
The electric motor:
R simulates an overrun torque which is equiv-
alent to the overrun torque of the combus-
tion engine
R functions as a generator and produces the
necessary energy for the auxiliary consum- ers and charges the high-voltage battery
Extended overrun mode
Overrun mode allows you to increase the
vehicle range.
When the vehicle is in overrun operating
mode: X Pull the right-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle.
Energy recuperation is reduced to the min-
imal amount of energy required. The vehi-
cle rolls faster and further, e.g. on long and steep downhill gradients or while coasting
towards a set of traffic lights.
You can see the reduction in energy recuper-
ation in the electric motor CHARGE display
(Y page 275).
The "extended overrun" operating mode is
deactivated again if:
R the combustion engine starts
R you depress the brake pedal Hybrid operation
283Driving and parking Z

Parking
X Apply the electric parking brake.
The red !indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up.
X Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the
automatic transmission to P.
X Switch the ignition off.
The READY indicator in the instrument clus-
ter goes out.
Further information on parking and switching off the internal combustion engine
(Y page 212). 284
Hybrid operationDriving and parking

Problems with hybrid operation
Internal combustion engine Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions You cannot start the
internal combustion
engine. The multifunc-
tion display shows no
display messages. The
READY indicator in the
multifunction display is
off. For example, the self-diagnosis is not yet complete or the hybrid
system is malfunctioning.
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Try to start the internal combustion engine again.
If the internal combustion engine still does not start: X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. You wish to pull away,
but the ECO start/stop
function does not start
the internal combus-
tion engine. The READY
indicator in the multi-
function display is off. The ECO start/stop function has failed. The warning and indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster light up.
X Move the transmission selector lever to P.
X Switch off the ignition and turn it back on.
X Start the engine. The hybrid system is malfunctioning.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Hybrid system
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M MSolutions The hybrid system was
deactivated automati-
cally. You have been in an accident.
The hybrid system remains deactivated if:
R the internal combustion engine cannot be restarted after a few
seconds.
R the red SRS warning lamp 6in the instrument cluster is lit.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The hybrid system was
deactivated automati-
cally. The multifunction
display also shows a
display message. An electrical short circuit has occurred in the hybrid system or an
electrical connection has been disconnected.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display (Y page 316).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Hybrid operation
285Driving and parking Z

The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling char-
acteristics. Adapt your driving style accord-
ingly. Maintain a safe distance. Drive care-
fully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure on
the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a max-
imum load; see the tyre pressure table in the
fuel filler flap (Y page 436).
On vehicles without level control, the height
of the ball coupling will alter according to the load placed on the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads
under "Technical data" (Y page 478).
When towing a trailer, the ECO start/stop
function is deactivated. The èECO sym-
bol appears yellow in the multifunction dis-
play. For further information on the ECO
start/stop function; see (Y page 190).
Driving tips Observe the notes on ESP
®
trailer stabilisa-
tion (Y page 83).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/ trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the trailer's documents to see what the max-
imum permitted speed is. Observe the legally
prescribed maximum speed in the relevant
country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical
data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle (Y page 480). If you utilise any
of the added maximum rear axle load when
towing a trailer, the vehicle/trailer combina-
tion may not exceed a maximum speed of
100 km/h for reasons concerning the oper-
ating permit. This also applies in countries in
which the permissible maximum speed for
vehicle/trailer combinations is above
100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to when driving without a trailer and it will
consume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
This also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC
PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC are activated.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the
brake system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly. If you
need additional braking, depress the brake
pedal repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front than when driving without a trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea Towing a trailer
287Driving and parking Z

level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude. Folding out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always engage the ball coupling as described. G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle, you must fold out the ball coupling.
X Make sure that the vehicle is stationary. X
Open the tailgate.
X Pull release knob :until the ball coupling
unlocks.
The ball coupling folds out from under the
rear bumper. The indicator lamp on the release knob
flashes. The trailer socket folds away auto- matically. X
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
the arrow until it engages in a vertical posi-
tion.
The indicator lamp on the release knob
goes off.
The multifunction display shows the
Check trailer hitch lock Check trailer hitch lock message
until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.
Hybrid vehicles: observe the safety notes
for hybrid vehicles (Y page 273). Coupling up a trailer
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Position the trailer horizontally behind the
vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electric connection between
the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
X Push the combination switch upwards/
downwards and check whether the corre-
sponding turn signal on the trailer is flash-
ing. 288
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

Problems with trailer towing
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The released ball cou-
pling cannot be
engaged. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. The ball coupling does
not unlock, even
though:
R the vehicle is station-
ary
R no trailer cable is
connected
R the release knob to
unlock the ball cou-
pling has been pulled
for more than a sec-
ond. The on-board voltage is insufficient.
X Start the engine.
If the ball coupling still does not unlock: X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 292
Towing a trailerDriving and parking

The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R Variable SPEEDTRONIC activated
(Y page 223):
The segments light up from the start of the
scale to the selected limit speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated (Y page 226):
One or two segments in the set speed
range light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front
that is driving at a slower speed than the
stored speed:
The segments between the speed of the
vehicle in front and the stored speed light
up. Rev counter
! Do not drive in the overrevving range.
Doing so will damage the engine.
The red band in the rev counter indicates the engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road con- ditions when temperatures are around the
freezing point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature
display indicates the temperature measured
and does not record the road temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the mul-
tifunction display (Y page 297).
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay. Coolant temperature gauge
G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in
the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade.
The analogue coolant temperature gauge is in
the instrument cluster on the right-hand side (Y page 34).
In the on-board computer in the Service Service
menu there is a digital coolant temperature
gauge (Y page 309).
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant tem-
perature may rise to 120 †.
At high outside temperatures and when driv-
ing uphill, the coolant temperature may rise
to the end of the scale. Operating the on-board computer
:
Multifunction display
; Right control panel
= Left control panel
X To activate the on-board computer: turn
the key to position 1in the ignition lock.
Vehicles with manual transmission: if you
remove the key then quickly re-insert it and Displays and operation
295On-board computer and displays Z