2014 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS steering wheel

Manual drive program M
General notes
You can activate manualdrive programMin
theEandSautomatic drive programs.
In manualdrive programM,you can briefly
change gearyourself by using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must
be in positionD.
Activating
XShift the transmission to positionD.
XPull the left or right steeringwheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 160).
Manual drive programMis temporarily
activated. The selected gear andMappear
in the multifunction display.
Shifting gears
If you pull on the left or right steeringwheel
paddle shifter, the automatic transmission
switches to manual drive programMfor a
limited amount of time. Dependingonwhich
paddle shifter is pulled, the automatic
transmission immediately shifts into the next
gear down or up, if permitted.
XTo shift up:pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (Ypage 160).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
iIf the maximum engine speed on the
currently engaged gear is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic
transmission automatically shifts up in
order to prevent engine damage.
XTo shift down:pull on the left-hand
steeringwheel paddle shifter
(Ypage 160).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
iIf the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shiftingdown, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shiftingdown.
iAutomatic down shiftingoccurs when
coasting.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The
recommended gear is shown in the
multifunction display.
XShift to recommended gearaccording
to gearshift recommendationwhen
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster.
Disarming
If you have activated manual drive program
M,itwill remain active foracertain amount
of time. Under certain conditions the
minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in
the case of lateral acceleration, during an
overrun phase or when driving on steep
terrain.
If manual drive programMhas been
deactivated, the automatic transmission
shifts into the automatic drive program that
was last selected, i.e.EorS.
You can also deactivate manual drive
programMyourself:
XPull on the right-hand steeringwheel
paddle shifter and hold it in place
(Ypage 160).
or
XUse the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or
XUse the program selector button to change
the drive program (Ypage 159).
Manual drive programMis deactivated.
The automatic transmission switches into
the automatic drive program that was last
selected, i.e.EorS.
Automatic transmission161
Driving and parking
Z

Shift ranges
Introduction
iYou can restrictorderestrict the shift
range by using the steering wheel paddle
shifters.
When the automatic transmission is in
positionD,itispossible to restrictorexpand
the shift range (Ypage 162).
The shift range selectedisshown in the
multifunctiondisplay. The automatic
transmission shiftsonly as far as the selected
gear.
Shiftrange:
You can use the engine'sbraking
effect
\nYou can use the braking effect of
the engine on downhill gradients
and for driving:
Ron steep mountain roads
Rin mountainous terrain
Rin arduous conditions
To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Restricting theshiftrange
XPull the left-handsteeringwheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down
one gear and restrictsthe shift range to the
relevant gear.
iIf the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protectsagainst
engine damage by not shifting down.
iIf the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up, even if the shift range is
restricted. This prevents the engine from
overrevving.
Extending the shift range
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction
XPull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter untilDis shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly toD.
Selecting the ideal shift range
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allowsoptimum acceleration
and deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
Manual drive program(AMG vehicles
and vehicleswith AMG Sports
package)
Switching on the manualdrive program
XTurn the drive program selector
(Ypage 159) untilMappears in the
multifunction display.
The indicatorMon the drive program
selector lights up in red.
The manual drive program is only available for
AMG vehicles.
Manual drive programMis different from
drive programsSandS+with regard to
spontaneity, responsiveness and
smoothness of gear changes.
Manual drive programMcan be selected
using the drive program selector. In manual
drive programM,you can change gear using
162Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

the steering wheelpaddleshiftersifthe
transmission is in positionD.The gear
currently selected and engaged is shown in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting
!In manual drive programM,the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwisearisk of engine damage.
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Upshift indicator
Gear indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the
multifunction display.
Downshifting
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
iIf you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down toagear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
iFor maximum acceleration, pull the left-
hand steering wheel paddle shifter until the
transmission selects the optimum gear for
the current speed.
Kickdown
iKickdown is not possible in manual drive
programM.
Switching off the manualdriveprogram
XPress the programselectorbutton
(Ypage 159) repeatedly untilEorS
appearsinthemultifunction display.
XAMG vehicles:turnthedriveprogram
selector (Ypage 159) untilC,SorS+
appearsinthemultifunction display.
Automatictransmission163
Driving and pa rking
Z

Parking brake
GWARNING
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 turningagain.
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the
vehicle, they could set it in motion by, for
example:
Rreleasing the parking brake
Rshifting the automatic transmission out of
the parking positionP
Rstartingthe engine.
They could also operate the vehicle's
equipment. There isarisk 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.
If you brake the vehicle with the parking
brake, the brake lamps will not light up.
XTo apply:depress parking brakefirmly.
When the engine is running, the(USA
only) or
(Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrumentcluster.
XTo release:depressthe brakepedal and
keep it depressed.
XPull release handle.
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the(USA only) or

(Canada only) indicator lamp goes out
in the instrumentcluster.
Parking thevehicle foralong period
If you leave thevehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, thebattery may be damagedby
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave thevehicle parked for longer than
six weeks, thevehicle may suffer damage as
aresult of lack of use.
XVisitaqualifiedspecialist workshop and
seek advice.
iYou can obtain informationabout trickle
chargers fromaqualifiedspecialist
workshop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off theignitionwhile 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 isarisk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication
equipment while driving, you will be
Driving tips169
Driving and parking
Z

If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to positionN.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
iFor more information on driving with
snow chains, see (Ypage337).
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitablefor that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are
displayed afterashort delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areasoronbridges. The
vehiclecouldskid if you fail to adapt your
driving style.Always adapt your drivingstyle
and drive ataspeed to suit the prevailing
weatherconditions.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezingpoint.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintainsaconstant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1,2or3in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
preventsthe brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed foraprolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an
accident nor override the laws of physics.
Cruise control cannot take into account the
road, traffic and weather conditions. Cruise
control 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 cruise control:
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
If there isachange of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
General notes
Cruise control maintainsaconstant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1,2or3in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and preventsthe brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed foraprolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
Driving systems175
Driving and parking
Z

RACESTART
Important safety notes
iObserve the safety notes for the SPORT
handling mode(Ypage 70).
RACESTART is intended solely for activation
on dedicated race circuits.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
fromastandingstart.The precondition for
this isasuitable high-grip road surface.
iRACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
Conditions for activation
You can activateRACE START if:
Rthe doors are closed.
Rthe engine is runningand it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
176‡(80 †). This is the case when the
engine oil temperature in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
RSPORT handling mode is activated.
(Ypage 70)
Rthe steeringwheel is in the straight-ahead
position
Rthe vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
Rthe transmission is in positionD.
Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.
XTurn the drive program selector clockwise
(Ypage 159) until theRSlamp lights up.
TheRACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWNmessage appears
in the multifunction display.
iIf the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
START Canceledmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
XTo cancel: pull the left steeringwheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 160).
or
XTo confirm: pull the right steeringwheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 160).
TheRACE START Available Depress
gas pedalmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START is canceled. TheRACE START Not
Possible See Operator's Manual
message appears in the multifunction
display.
XFully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed rises to approximately
3,500 rpm.
TheRACE START Release brake to
startmessage appears in the
multifunction display.
iIf you do not release the brake pedal
within five seconds, RACE START is
canceled. TheRACE START Canceled
message appears in the multifunction
display.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
TheRACESTARTActivemessage appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reachesaspeed of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h).Drive programS+is
activated. SPORT handling mode remains
activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. TheRACE
START Not Possible See Operator's
Manualmessage appears in the multifunction
display.
iIf RACE START is used repeatedly within
ashort period of time, it is only available
188Driving systems
Driving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONIC
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andSolutions
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displaysare lit.
You also hearawarning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated and the
indicator lamp on the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up.
PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.
XIf problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked ataqualified
specialist workshop.
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displaysare lit.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated.
The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.
XCleanthe PARKTRONIC sensors (Ypage 315).
XSwitch the ignition back on.
The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.
XSee if PARKTRONIC functions inadifferent location.
Active Parking Assist
General notes
Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. It measures the road on
both sides of the vehicle.Aparking symbol
indicatesasuitable parking space. Active
steering interventioncan assistyou during
parking. You may also use PARKTRONIC
(Ypage 193).
Important safety notes
Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is not
areplacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exitingaparking space. Make sure that
no persons, animals or objectsare in the
maneuvering range.
When PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active
Parking Assist is also unavailable.
GWARNING
The vehicle swings out when parking and in
doing so could cross into the opposite lane.
This could result inacollision with another
road user. There isarisk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users when
parking. Stop the vehicle if necessary or
cancel the Active Parking Assist parking
procedure.
!If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at
asharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist may possibly indicate
parking spaces which are not suitable for
parking, for example:
Rwhere parking or stopping is prohibited
Rin front of driveways or entrances and exits
Ron unsuitable surfaces
196Driving systems
Driving and parking

status indicator in the instrument cluster.
Whenaparking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right or the left also
appears. By default, Active Parking Assist
only displays parking spaces on the front-
passenger side. Parking spaces on the
driver's side are displayed as soon as the turn
signal on the driver's side is activated. When
parking on the driver's side, this must remain
switched on until you acknowledge the use of
Active Parking Assist by pressing the
button on the multifunction steering wheel.
iTake note that Active Parking Assist
cannot measure the size of parking spaces
that are at right angles to the direction of
travel. You must decide for yourself
whether the vehicle will fit in the parking
space.
Aparking spaceisdisplayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are
approximately 50 ft (15 m) away from it.
Parking
GWARNING
ActiveParking Assist merely aids you by
intervening activelyinthesteering.Ifyou do
notbrakethere isariskofanaccident.
Always apply thebrakes yourself when
maneuveringand parking.
XStop thevehicle when theparking space
symbol shows thedesired parking spacein
theinstrumentcluster.
XShift thetransmission to positionR.
TheStart ParkAssist?Yes:OKNo:
message appearsinthemultifunction
display.
XTo cancel theprocedure:pressthe
buttononthemultifunction steering
wheel or pull away.
or
XTo park usingActiveParking Assist:
pressthebuttononthe multifunction
steering wheel.
ThePark Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
XLet go of the multifunction steering wheel.
XBack up the vehicle, being ready to brake
at all times. When backing up, drive at a
speed below approximately6mph
(10 km/h). Otherwise Active ParkingAssist
will be canceled.
iIn tight parkingspaces, you will achieve
the best parkingresults by backingupas
far as possible. When doing so, also
observe the PARKTRONICmessages.
XStop as soon as PARKTRONICsounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
Maneuveringmay be required in tight
parkingspaces.
ThePark Assist Active Select D
ObserveSurroundingsmessage appears in
the multifunction display.
XShift the transmission to positionDwhile
the vehicle is stationary.
Active ParkingAssist immediately steersin
the other direction.
ThePark Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake ObserveSurroundings
message appears in the multifunction
display.
iYou will achieve the best results by
waiting for the steering procedure to
completebefore pulling away.
XDriveforwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
XStop as soon as PARKTRONICsounds the
continuous warning tone, if not before.
198Driving systems
Driving and parking