2014 MERCEDES-BENZ M-Class automatic transmission

AUTO program
Select the AUTO program for a more
comfortable ride under all normal driving
conditions.
Your selection remains store
deven if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
AUTO indicator 0023appears in the
multifunction display.
R Highway level is set.
R ADS (Adaptive Damping System) adapts
comfortable damping characteristics to
the current operating and driving
conditions.
R The automatic transmission selects the
automatic drive program for a
comfortable driving style that provides
for optimu mfuel consumption. SPORT program
Selec
tthe SPORT program for sporty,
dynamic handling.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
X Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
SPORT indicator 0023appears in the
multifunction display.
R The high-speed level of –15 mm when
compared with highway level is set.
R ADS (Adaptive Damping System) adapts
sporty damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving conditions.
R The automatic transmission selects the
automatic drive program for a sporty
driving style.
R The sporty accelerator pedal curve is
selected, e.g. the accelerator pedal no 244
Driving systemsDriving and parking

longer has to be pressed as far to
accelerate.
R The sporty steering curve is selected,
e.g. greater force is required when
steering.
i You cannot selec tthe SPORT program if
LOW RANGE has been selected. The
Drive Program SPORT Not in LOW RANGE message then appears in the
multifunction display.
Snow program Select the snow program for driving in snow
with or without snow chains.
X Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
Snow indicator 0023appears in the
multifunction display. R
Highway level is set.
R ADS (Adaptive Damping System) adapts
comfortable damping characteristics to
the current operating and driving
conditions.
R 4ETS and the differential lock are
adapted for driving on snow-covered
roads.
R The automatic transmission selects the
automatic drive program for a
comfortable driving style that provides
for optimum fuel consumption.
R The soft accelerator pedal curve is
selected, e.g. the accelerator pedal must
be pressed significantly further to
accelerate.
R The optimum gear for pulling away is
engaged.
Trailer program Select the trailer program when towing a
trailer. Driving systems
245Driving and parking Z

X
Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
Trailer indicator 0023appears in the
multifunction display.
R Highway level is set.
R ADS (Adaptive Damping System) adapts
comfortable damping characteristics to
the current operating and driving
conditions.
R The automatic transmission selects the
automatic drive program for a
comfortable driving style that provides
for optimum fuel consumption, changing
gear at optimum points.
R While pulling away, the differential locks
are engaged. Off-road driving systems
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive) If you fail to adapt your driving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC 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.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on atwo-axle
dynamometer. Before you operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please
consult a qualified workshop .You could otherwise damage the drive train or the
brake system.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
and
4ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficien tgrip.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 187).
DSR (Downhill Spee dRegulation) Important safety notes
DSR assists you when driving downhill. It
keeps the speed of travel at the speed set on
the on-board computer. The steeper the
downhill gradient, the greater the DSR
braking effect on the vehicle .When driving on
flat stretches of road or on an uphill gradient,
the DSR braking effect is minimal or
nonexistent.
DSR controls the set speed when it is active
and the automatic transmission is in the D,
R or Nposition. By accelerating or braking,
you can always drive at a higher or a lower
speed than that set on the on-board
computer.
Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y page 187).
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DSR can
neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. DSR cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. DSR 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.
You are always responsible for keeping
control of the vehicle and for assessing
whether the downhill gradient can be
managed. DSR may not always be able to
keep to the set speed, depending on road 246
Driving systemsDriving and parking

X
To increase or decrease in 1 mph
increments (Canada: 1 km/h
increments): briefly press the cruise
control lever up 0002for a highe rset speed
or down 0003for a lower set speed.
The set speed appears in the multifunction
display with the 0001DSR symbol. It is also
displayed in status indicator 0023.
When DSR is activated, you can change the
set speed to a value between 1mph and
11 mph (Canada: between 2 km/h and
18 km/h).
i The DSR set speed is always changed in
1 mph increments (Canada: 1 km/h
increments). This is regardless of whether
you press the cruise control lever to or
beyond the pressure point.
Off-road programs (vehicles with the
ON&OFFROAD package) General notes
The off-road programs assist you in driving
off-road. The engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting
characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose. ABS, ESP
®
and
4ET Sprograms especially adapted to off-road
driving are activated. An accelerator pedal
curve suitable for the terrain is selected, i.e.
the accelerator pedal must be depressed
further to accelerate.
Do not use the off-road programs on roads
that are snow-covered or icy or if you have
mounted snow chains on yourv ehicle.
For information on driving off-road, see
(Y page 187).
The following program messages are shown
in the multifunction display until the
applicable vehicle level is set. Up to off-road
level 2, you can hide the program messages
using the 0007or the 000Bbutton on the
multifunction steering wheel. Off-road program 1
X
Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
Off-road indicator 0023appears in the
multifunction display.
Off-road level 1 is set to +1.2 in (+30 mm)
above the highway level.
If you drive at a speed above 70 mph
(110 km/h), off-road program 1 switches to
AUTO program.
Select off-road program 1 for gentle off-road
terrain, e.g. for gravel or sand surfaces or
tracks. The engine's torque is restricted to a
limited degree and the drive wheels can spin.
The spinning wheels produce acutting effect
for better traction.
You can only activate off-road program 1
when driving at speeds below 60 mph
(100 km/h). The Drive Program OFFROAD 1 Max Speed 60 mph (100 km/h ) message
appears in the multifunction display. 248
Driving systemsDriving and pa
rking

Off-road program 2
X
Selector wheel 0002 engaged:
briefly press
selector wheel 0002.
Selector wheel 0002extends.
X To select: turn selector wheel 0002until
indicator lamp 0003comes on.
Off-road indicator 0023appears in the
multifunction display.
R Off-road level 1 is set to +2.4 in
(+60 mm) above the highway level.
R DSR is switched on.
R The differential lock is closed.
Off-road program 2automatically switches to
off-road program 1 if you drive faster than
30 mph (45 km/h).
Select off-road program 2 for rough terrain,
e.g. for steep and/o rrough terrain or driving
on rocky terrain.
i Your vehicle has an automatically
activated differential lock for the transfer
case. It controls the balance between the
front and rear axles. The differential lock improves the vehicle’s
traction. 4ETS (Y
page 71) controls the
balance between both wheels on an axle.
You can only activate off-road program 2
when driving at speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h).
LOW RANGE off-road gear (vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package) Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you select the LOW RANGE off-road gear on
a slippery road surface, the wheels could lose
traction:
R if you remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal when driving
R if off road ABS intervenes when braking
If the wheels lose traction. the vehicle can no
longer be steered. There is an increased
danger of skidding and accidents.
Never select the LOW RANGE off-road gear
when driving on slippery road surfaces. G
WARNING
If you do not wait for the transfer case gear
change process to complete, the transfer
case could remain in the neutral position. The
power transmission to the driven wheels is
then interrupted. There is a danger of the
vehicle rolling away unintentionally. There is
a risk of an accident.
Wait until the transfer case shift process is
completed.
Do not turn off the engine while changing gear
and do not shift the automatic transmission
to another position. Driving systems
249Driving and parking Z

General notes
0002
LOW RANGE off-road gear button
0003 LOW RANGE off-road gear indicator lamp HIGH RANGE
Positio
nfor all normal on-
road driving conditions LOW RANGE
Off-road position for
driving off-road and
fording
The transmission ratio
between the engine and
wheels is only
approximately one third of
that in the HIGH RANGE
road position. Drive torque
is thus proportionately
higher.
Do not use LOW RANGE:
R
on slippery road
surfaces, e.g. in the case
of slush
R on snow or ice-covered
roads
R if you have mounted
snow chains to your
vehicle The LOW RANGE off-road gear assists you in
driving off-road and when fording. When LOW
RANGE is engaged, the engine’s performance
characteristics and the gearshifting
characteristics of the automatic transmission
are adapted for this purpose. Further information about "Driving off-road"
(Y
page 187). You will find information about
driving safety systems in conjunction with
LOW RANGE in the "Safety" section
(Y page 66).
From HIGH RANGE to LOW RANGE
! Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position N
R you are driving at a speed below
40 km/h
X Press LOW RANGE button 0002.
Indicator lamp 0003flashes.
When the gear change is complete,
indicator lamp 0003lights up. LOW RANGE
indicator appears in the multifunction
display and in the status indicator.
While indicator lamp 0003is flashing, you can
cancel the gear change by pressing LOW
RANGE button 0002again.
i You cannot activate LOW RANGE if the
SPORT on-road program is activated. The
LOW RANGE Not in Drive Program SPORT message then appears in the
multifunction display.
From LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE
! Only change from LOW RANGE to HIGH
RANGE if:
R the engine is running.
R the transmission is in position N
R you are driving at a speed below
70 km/h
X Press LOW RANGE button 0002.
Indicator lamp 0003flashes.
When the gear change is complete,
indicator lamp 0003goes out. In the
multifunction display, the LOW RANGE Off message appears and status indicator
0023
goes out. 250
Driving systemsDriving and parking

of the towing vehicle, as the latter is
equipped with an anti-lock brake system.
Doing so will result in a loss of function of
the brake systems of both the vehicle and
the trailer.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
select highway level.
X Vehicles with ADS: set ADS toAUTOor
COMF.
X Switch off the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish all electrical connections.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working.
i Vehicles with the AIRMATIC package:
with a trailer attached, the vehicle will
always remain at highway level. When
coupling up a trailer, please observe the
following:
R Unless highway level has been set
manually, the vehicle is automatically
lowered to highway level. This is the case
if a speed of 5mph(8km/h) is reached.
R High-speed level is not available.
These restrictions apply to all accessories
powered through a connectio nto the trailer
power socket of your vehicle, e.g. a bicycle
carrier.
Observe the maximum permissible trailer
dimensions (width and length).
Most U.S. states and all Canadia nprovinces
require by law:
R Safety chains between the towing vehicle
and the trailer. The chains should be cross-
wound under the trailer drawbar. They must
be fastened to the vehicle's trailer
coupling, not to the bumper or the axle. Leave enough play in the chains to make
tight cornering possible.
R As eparate brake system for certain types
of trailer.
R As afety switch for braked trailers. Check
the specific legal requirements applicable
to your state.
If the trailer detaches from the towing
vehicle, the safety switch applies the
trailer's brakes. Towing
atrailer
There are numerous legal requirements
concerning the towing of a trailer, e.g .speed
restrictions. Make sure that your vehicle/
trailer combination complies with the local
requirements not only in your area of
residence but also at any location to which
you are traveling. The police and local
authorities can provide reliable information.
Please observe the following when towing a
trailer:
R In order to accumulate driving experience
and accustom yourself to the new handling
characteristics, practice the following at a
location where there is no traffic:
-Cornering
- Stopping
- Backing up
R Before driving, check:
-the trailer tow hitch
- the safety switch for braked trailers
- the safety chains
- electrical connections
- the lights
- the wheels
R Adjust the exterior mirrors to provide an
unobstructed view of the rear section of the
trailer.
R If the trailer has electronically controlled
brakes, pull away carefully. Brake manually
using the brake controller and check
whether the brakes function correctly. Towing
atrailer
257Driving an d parking Z

R
Secure any objects on the traile rto prevent
the cargo from slipping when the vehicle is
in motion.
R If you couple up a trailer, regularly check
that the cargo is securely fastened and
make sure that the trailer lamps and (if
applicable) the trailer brakes are
functioning correctly.
R Bear in mind that the handling will be less
stable when towing a trailer than when
driving without one. Avoid sudden steering
movements.
R The vehicle/trailer combination is heavier,
accelerates more slowly, has a decreased
gradient climbing capability and a longer
braking distance.
It is more susceptible to side winds and
requires more careful steering.
R If possible, avoid abrupt braking. Depress
the brake pedal moderately at first, so that
the trailer can activate its own brakes. Then
increase the pressure on the brake pedal.
R If the automatic transmission repeatedly
shifts between gears on uphill or downhill
gradients, shift to a lower gear using the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.
Al ower gear and lower speed reduce the
risk of engine failure.
R When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear
to utilize the engine's braking effect.
Avoid continuous brake application as this
may overheat the vehicle brakes and, if
installed, the trailer brakes.
R If the coolant temperature increases
dramatically while the air-conditioning
system is switched on, switch off the air-
conditioning system.
Coolant heat can additionally be dissipated
by opening the windows and by setting the
blower fan and the interior temperature to
maximum.
R When overtaking, pay particular attention
to the extended length of your vehicle/
trailer combination. Due to the length of your vehicle/trailer
combination, you will have to travel an
additional distance beyond the vehicle you
are overtaking before returning to the
previous lane. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with the overrun
brake engaged, you could trap your hand
between the vehicle and the trailer drawbar.
There is a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer if the overru nbrake
is engaged. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you
disconnect the trailer cable. This could result
in yourl imbs or those of other people that are
betwee nthe vehicle body and tires or
underneath the vehicle being trapped. There
is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel housings or under the
vehicle when you disconnectt he trailer cable.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the
rebounding of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the automatic transmission
is set to position P.
X Apply the vehicle's electric parking brake.
X Start the engine.
X Close all doors and the tailgate.
X Apply the trailer's parking brake.
X Detach the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer.
X Switch off the engine. 258
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking