2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS tow

Engaging park positionPinAMG
vehicles
XWhen thevehicle is stationary, pressP
button.
Engaging reversegear R
!Only shiftthe automatic transmission to
Rwhen the vehicle is stationary.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutralN
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Ropen the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
Rget out and disrupt traffic.
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of
parking position P.
Rstartingthe engine.
There isarisk 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.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush 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
toN.
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutralN,e.g. for washing the vehicle in car
washes withatowing device, please observe
the following instructions:
Using the SmartKey:
RMake sure that the ignition is switched on.
RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
RShift to neutralN.
RRelease the brake pedal.
RIf the parking brake is engaged, release it.
RSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
RMake sure that the ignition is switched on.
RWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
REngage park positionP.
RRelease the brake pedal.
RRemove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
RInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
RSwitch on the ignition.
RDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
RShift to neutralN.
RRelease the brake pedal.
RIf the parking brake is engaged, release it.
RSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Automatic transmission157
Driving and parking
Z

Engaging drive position D
XWhen thevehicle is stationary, depress the
brakepedal.
XPush theDIRECT SELECT leverdown past
the first point of resistance.
Transmission positions
\rPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
positionP(Ypage 167) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used asabrake
when parking. In addition to
engaging the parking lock, you
must always apply the parking
brake to secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the transmission
may be locked in positionP.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately ataqualified
specialist workshop.
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission toR
when the vehicle is stationary.
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission toN
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise 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
positionNif the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
!Rolling in neutralNcan damage
the drive train.
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 positionD.This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
Rashift range restriction, if selected
Rthe selected drive program (Ypage 159)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
Driving tips
AMG vehicles
When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive toasporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program
selected.
158Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

When leaving the vehicle, alwaystake the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
!Always secure the vehicle correctly
against rolling away.Otherwise, the vehicle
or its drivetraincould be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in positionPand
the SmartKey must be removed from the
ignition lock.
Ron uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to
neutral positionNwhen 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 positionP.Prevent the parked
vehicle from rolling away by applying the
parking brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the parking brake firmly.
XAll vehicles(except AMG vehicles):shift
the transmission to positionP.
Selector lever in AMG vehicles withPbutton
XAMG vehicles:pressPbutton.
Using the SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey to position0in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
iIf you turn off the engine with the
SmartKey and then remove it from the
ignition lock or openafront door, the
automatic transmission shifts toP
automatically.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XPress the Start/Stop button (Ypage 147).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrumentcluster go out.
iWhen the driver's door is closed, this
corresponds to key position1.When the
driver's door is open,this corresponds to
key position0:"key removed".
iIf youturnoff the engine with the Start/
Stop button, the automatic transmission
shifts toN.Ifyou then open one of the front
doors, the automatic transmission shifts to
P.
iThe engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for about three
seconds. This function operates
independently of the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
168Parking
Driving and parking

Servicing the brakes
!If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrumentcluster and you hear a
warningtonewhile the engine is running,
the brakefluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warningmessages in
the multifunction display.
The brakefluid level may be too low due to
brakepad wear or leakingbrakelines.
Have the brakesystem checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out ataqualified specialist workshop.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC:function or
performancetests may only be carried out
ona2-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
adynamometer, contactanauthorized
Mercedes-BenzCenter to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, you could
damage the drive train or the brakesystem.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC:as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position0or1in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position0or
1)while the parking brakeisbeing tested
onabrakedynamometer.
Brakingmaneuvers triggeredautomatically
by ESP®may seriouslydamagethebrake
system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC:as theESP®
system operatesautomatically, theengine
and theignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position0or1in the
ignition lockorStart/Stopbuttonin
position0or1)when:
Rtesting theparking brakeonabrake
dynamometer.
Ryou intendtohave thevehicletowed with
oneoftheaxlesraised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP®may seriouslydamagethebrake
system.
All checksand maintenance work on the
brakesystem must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. Consult a
qualified specialist workshoptoarrangethis.
Havebrakepads installed and brakefluid
replacedataqualified specialist workshop.
If thebrakesystem has only been subject to
moderateloads,you should test the
functionalityofyour brakes at regular
intervals. To do so, press firmly on thebrake
pedal when driving atahigh speed. This
improvesthegripofthebrakepads.
You can findadescription of Brake Assist
(BAS) on (Ypage 67)orofBASPLUSon
(Ypage 67).
The braking characteristics of thevehiclecan
be seriouslyimpaired if:
Rbrakepads other than those recommended
are installed
Rtherecommended brakefluid is notused
Safe braking can no longer be guaranteed.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes
The high-performance brake system is
installed only on the CLS 63 AMG.
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This will depend on:
RSpeed
RBraking force
REnvironmental conditions, such as
temperature and humidity
The wear of individualcomponentsofthe
brake system, such as the brake pads/linings
or brake discs, depends on the individual
driving style and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossibletostate a
mileage that will be valid under all
circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further
information aboutthis from your authorized
Mercedes-BenzCenter.
Driving tips173
Driving and parking
Z

Cruise control lever
To activateorincreasespeed
To activateorreducespeed
$To deactivate cruise control
!To activateatthecurrentspeed/last
stored speed
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display
for five seconds. In the multifunction display,
the segments between the stored speed and
the maximum speed light up.
Activation conditions
To activate cruise control, all of the following
activation conditionsmust be fulfilled:
Rthe parkingbrake must be released.
Ryou are drivingfaster than 20 mph
(30 km/h).
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
Rthe transmission must be in positionD.
Storing and maintaining the current
speed
You can accept the currentspeed if you are
driving faster than 20 mph (30 km/h).
XAcceleratethe vehicle to the desired
speed.
XBriefly press the cruise controllever
upor down.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise controlisactivated. The vehicle
automatically maintains the stored speed.
iCruise controlmay be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise controlmaintains the
storedspeedondownhill gradients by
automaticallyapplyingthebrakes.
Storing thecurrentspeedorcalling up
the last stored speed
XBrieflypullthe cruise control levertowards
you.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
The first time cruise control is activated, it
stores the current speed or regulates the
speed of the vehicle to the previously
stored speed.
176Driving systems
Driving and parking

Asaresult, DISTRONICPLUSmay neither give
warningsnor interveneinsuchsituations.
There isariskofanaccident.
Alwayspaycarefulattentiontothe traffic
situationand be ready to brake.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUScannotalwaysclearly
identify otherroad users and complex traffic
situations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither giveawarning nor intervene
Raccelerate unexpectedly
There isarisk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up
to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this
braking force is insufficient,DISTRONIC PLUS
warns you visually and audibly. There isarisk
of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front,for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintainaconstant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Brakingor
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front,e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving onadifferent line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
Rdirt on the sensors or anything else
coveringthe sensors
Rsnow or heavy rain
Rinterference by other radar sources
Rstrongradar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detectsa
vehicle in front,DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving inafilter lane
or an exit lane
Rbe so high in the right lane that you pass
vehicles driving on the left (left-handdrive
countries)
Rbe so high in the left lane that you pass
vehicles driving on the right (right-hand
drive countries)
If there isachange of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front.
Vehicles are detected with the aid of the radar
178Driving systems
Driving and parking

Activating DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions
In order to activateDISTRONICPLUS, the
followingconditionsmustbefulfilled:
Rthe enginemust be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
Rthe parkingbrake must be released.
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
RActive ParkingAssist must not be
activated.
Rthe transmission must be in positionD.
Rthe hood must be closed.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when you
shift fromPtoDor your seat belt must be
fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door and rear doors
must be closed.
Rthe vehicle must not skid.
Activating
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
youor press it upor down$.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
XPress the cruise control lever repeatedly
upor down$until the desired speed
is set.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.
When driving at speeds below 20 mph
(30 km/h),you can only activate DISTRONIC
PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected
and is shown in the multifunction display.If
the vehicleinfront is no longerdetected and
displayed, DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and
atonesounds.
iIf you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, theDISTRONIC PLUS Override
message appears in the multifunction
display. The set distancetoaslower-
movingvehicle in frontwill then not be
maintained. You will be driving at the speed
you determine by the position of the
accelerator pedal.
Activating when driving towardsa
stationary vehicle
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you!or press it upor down.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
XPress the cruise control lever repeatedly
upor downuntil the desired speed
is set.
If the vehicle in frontofyou is stationary, you
can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your
vehicle is stationary as well.
iDISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at
under 20 mph (30 km/h) ifavehicle in front
has been detected. Therefore, the
DISTRONIC PLUS distancedisplay in the
instrument cluster should be activated
(Ypage 227).
iYou can use the cruise control lever to set
the stored speed and the control on the
cruise control lever to set the specified
minimum distance(Ypage 183).
Activating at the current speed/last
stored speed
GWARNING
If you call up the stored speed and it differs
from the currentspeed, the vehicle
accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know
the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate
180Driving systems
Driving and parking

or brake unexpectedly. There isarisk of an
accident.
Pay attention to the road and traffic
conditions before calling up the stored speed.
If you do not know the stored speed, store the
desired speed again.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first
time it is activated, the current speed is
stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruise
speed to the previously stored value.
Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
Pulling away and driving
XIf you want to pull away with
DISTRONIC PLUS:remove your foot from
the brake pedal.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you
or
XAccelerate briefly.
Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its
speed to that of the vehicle in front.
iThe vehicle can also pull away when it is
facing an unidentified obstacle or is driving
onadifferent line from another vehicle. The
vehicle then brakes automatically. There is
arisk of an accident.Beready to brake at
all times.
If there is no vehicle in front,DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detectsthat the vehicle
in front has slowed down, it brakes your
vehicle. In this way, the distance you have
selected is maintained.
If DISTRONIC PLUS detectsafaster-moving
vehicle in front,itincreases the driving speed.
However, the vehicle is only accelerated up
to the speed you have stored.
Changing lanes
If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC
PLUS supports you when:
Ryou are driving faster than 40 mph
(60 km/h)
RDISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance toavehicle in front
Ryou switch on the appropriate turn signal
RDISTRONIC PLUS does not detectadanger
of collision
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle
is accelerated. Acceleration will be
interrupted if changing lanes takes too long
or if the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front becomes too small.
iWhen changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive
Driving systems181
Driving and parking
Z