2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS COUPE steering wheel

Steering wheel gearshift paddles
You can activate manual drive program
Min
the E(C in AMG vehicles) and Sautomatic
drive programs using steering wheel gearshift paddles :and ;(Ypage 172). In manual
drive program M, you can briefly change gear
yourself by using the steering wheel gearshift
paddles.
AMG vehicles: you can also activate manual
drive program Mwith the program selector
button (Y page 173). In manual drive pro-
gram M, you can permanently change gear
yourself by using the steering wheel gearshift
paddles. Automatic drive program
Automatic drive program E Drive program
E(drive program Con AMG
vehicles) is characterised by the following:
R comfort-oriented engine settings.
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner.
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully.
R increased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example.
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin.
Automatic drive program S Drive program
Sis characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R sporty engine settings
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R as a result of the later automatic transmis-
sion shift points, the fuel consumption pos- sibly being higher
Manual drive program M General notes
In this drive program, you can briefly change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel
gearshift paddles. The transmission must be
in position
D.
You can activate manual drive program Min
the E(C in AMG vehicles) and Sautomatic
drive programs.
AMG vehicles: as well as temporary drive
program M, you can also activate permanent
drive program M. Further information about
permanent drive program M(Y page 173).
Activating X Shift the transmission to position D.
X Pull the left or right steering wheel gearshift
paddle (Y page 172).
Manual drive program Mis temporarily acti-
vated.
All vehicles except AMG vehicles:M and
the selected gear appear in the multifunc-
tion display.
Shifting gears
If you pull on the left or right steering wheel
gearshift paddle, the automatic transmission
switches to manual drive program Mfor a
limited amount of time. Depending on which
gearshift paddle is pulled, the automatic 172
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

transmission immediately shifts into the next
gear up or down, if permitted.
X To shift up: pull the right-hand steering
wheel gearshift paddle (Y page 172).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the next gear.
If the maximum engine speed on the cur-
rently engaged gear is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic
transmission automatically shifts up in
order to prevent engine damage.
AMG vehicles: the automatic transmission
will not shift up to the next gear when the
engine speed is very low.
X To shift down: pull on the left-hand steer-
ing wheel gearshift paddle (Y page 172).
The automatic transmission shifts down to the next gear.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine dam- age by not shifting down.
Automatic downshifting occurs when
coasting.
Gearshift recommendation The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec- ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
X Shift to recommended gear ;according
to gearshift recommendation :when
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster. Deactivating
If you have activated manual drive program
M
, it will remain active for a certain 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.
When manual drive program Mis deactivated,
the automatic transmission shifts into the
automatic drive program that was last selec-
ted.
You can also deactivate manual drive pro-
gram Myourself:
X Pull on the right-hand steering wheel gear-
shift paddle and hold it in place
(Y page 172).
or
X Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the
transmission position.
or X Use the program selector button to change
the drive program (Y page 171).
Manual drive program Mis deactivated.
The automatic transmission switches to
the previously activated drive program E
(drive program Con AMG vehicles) or S. Manual drive program (AMG vehicles)
General notes In this drive program, you can permanently
change gear yourself by using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. The transmission
must be in position D.
Manual drive program Mdiffers from drive
program Swith regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and the smoothness of the
gear changes.
In addition to permanent drive program M,
you can also activate temporary drive pro-
gram M(Y page 172). Automatic transmission
173Driving and parking Z

Activating the manual drive program
In manual drive program
M, you can change
gear yourself using the steering wheel gear-
shift paddles if the transmission is in position
D. The current drive program and the engaged
gear are shown in the multifunction display.
X Press the program selector button
(Y page 171) until Mappears in the multi-
function display.
Upshifting !
In manual gearshift program
M, the auto-
matic transmission does not shift up auto-
matically 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. You must make sure that the engine speed does not reach the red
area of the rev counter. Otherwise, there is
a risk of engine damage. :
Gear indicator
; Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area, an upshift indicator will be shown in the mul-
tifunction display.
X If the colour in the speedometer multifunc-
tion display changes to red and the UP
UP dis-
play message is shown, shift up a gear
using the right-hand steering wheel gear-
shift paddle.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the next gear if this is permissible. Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle (Y page 172).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear if this is permissible.
Maximum acceleration X Pull the left-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle until the transmission selects the
optimum gear for the current speed.
If you slow down or stop without shifting
down, the automatic transmission automati-
cally shifts down.
Deactivating the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y page 171) repeatedly until Cor S
appears in the multifunction display. 174
Automatic trans
missionDriving and parking

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only fitting the following brake discs
and brake pads/linings:
R brake discs that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz
R brake pads/linings that have been
approved by Mercedes-Benz or that are of
an equivalent standard of quality
Other brake discs or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake discs and brake
pads/linings on an axle at the same time.
Always fit new brake pads/linings when
replacing brake discs.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight
brake discs to which the wheel assembly with
rim and threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake discs other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz may alter track
width and is subject to approval, if applicable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
discs, such as when changing wheels, can
lead to a reduction in comfort when driving
with lightweight brake discs. Avoid shock-
type loads on the lightweight brake discs,
particularly on the brake plate.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes The high-performance brake system is only
available on AMG vehicles.
The AMG brake systems are designed for
heavy loads. This may lead to noise when
braking. This is dependent on:
R speed
R braking force
R environmental conditions, such as temper-
ature and humidity
The wear of individual brake system compo-
nents such as the brake pads/linings or brake discs depends on individual driving style and
operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a
mileage (service life) that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style
will lead to high wear. You can obtain further information about this from your Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre.
Brake pads/linings and discs that are either
new or have been replaced only achieve opti- mum braking effect after several hundred kil-
ometres of driving. Compensate for the
reduced braking effect by applying greater
force to the brake pedal. Always be aware of
this and adapt your driving and braking
accordingly during the running-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in corre-
spondingly high brake wear. Observe the
brake wear warning lamp in the instrument
cluster and note any brake status messages
in the multifunction display. If you regularly
drive at high speeds, it is particularly impor-
tant to have the brake system checked and
maintained regularly. Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
R you are driving at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, drive in the following manner in the event of heavy rain or in conditions in
which aquaplaning can occur:
R lower your speed
R avoid tyre ruts
R avoid sudden steering movements
R brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads !
Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create
waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
These notes must be observed under all
circumstances. You could otherwise dam- 184
Driving tipsDriving and parking

age the engine, the electronics or the trans-
mission.
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permissible still water depth
when the vehicle is raised is 25 cm
R you should drive no faster than walking
pace Winter driving
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
This increases the risk of skidding and having
an accident.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. G
DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion, steering and braking manoeuvres. Do
not use cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS. If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Move the transmission to position N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around the
freezing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (Y page 379).
For more information on driving with summer tyres, see (Y page 378).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 378). Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for
innovative driver assistance and safety sys-
tems which enhance comfort and support the
driver in critical situations. With these intelli-
gent co-ordinated systems Mercedes-Benz
has set a milestone on the path towards
autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all elements of active and passive safety in one
well thought out system – for the safety of the
vehicle occupants and that of other road
users.
Further information on driving safety systems (Y page 69). Driving systems
185Driving and parking Z

account lane markings, e.g. when following
vehicles in a traffic jam.
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot do not pro- vide any support if these conditions do not
exist.
DISTRONIC PLUS must be active in order for
the function to be available.
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot can neither reduce the risk of
an accident nor override the laws of physics.
It cannot take account of road, weather and
traffic conditions. DISTRONIC PLUS with
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot 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 lane.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot does not detect road and traf-
fic conditions. If you are following a vehicle
which is driving towards the edge of the car-
riageway, your vehicle could come into con-
tact with the kerb or other road boundaries. In the case of deviations in road markings,
beware of other road users, e.g. cyclists, that are directly next to your vehicle.
Obstacles such as traffic pylons on the lane or
projecting out into the lane are not detected.
An inappropriate steering intervention, e.g.
after intentionally driving over a lane marking, can be corrected at any time if you steer
slightly in the opposite direction.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot cannot continuously keep your
vehicle in lane. In some cases, the steering
intervention is not sufficient to bring the vehi-
cle back to the lane. In such cases, you must steer the vehicle yourself to ensure that it
does not leave the lane. The system may be impaired or may not func-
tion if:
R there is poor visibility, e.g. due to insuffi-
cient illumination of the road, or due to
snow, rain, fog or spray
R there is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic,
the sun or reflection from other vehicles
(e.g. if the road surface is wet)
R the windscreen is dirty, misted up, dam-
aged or covered, for instance by a sticker,
in the vicinity of the camera
R no, or several, unclear lane markings are
present for one lane, e.g. in a construction
area
R the lane markings are worn away, dark or
covered up, e.g. by dirt or snow
R the distance to the vehicle in front is too
small and the lane markings thus cannot be
detected
R the lane markings change quickly, e.g.
lanes branch off, cross one another or
merge
R the road is narrow and winding
R there are highly variable shade conditions
on the road
The system is switched to passive and no lon- ger assists you by performing steering inter-
ventions if:
R you actively change lane
R you switch on the turn signal
R you take your hands off the steering wheel
or do not steer for a prolonged period of
time
i Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are
activated again automatically after a lane
change is completed.
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot do not pro- vide any support:
R on very sharp corners
R a loss of tyre pressure or a defective tyre
has been detected and displayed
Pay attention also to the important safety
notes for DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 192). Driving systems
201Driving and parking Z

The steering interventions are carried out
with a limited steering moment. The system
requires the driver to keep his hands on the
steering wheel and to steer himself.
If you do not steer yourself or if you take your
hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged
period of time, the system will first alert you
with a visual warning. A steering wheel sym-
bol appears in the multifunction display. If you have still not started to steer and have not
taken hold of the steering wheel after five
seconds at the latest, a warning tone also
sounds to remind you to take control of the
vehicle. Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are switched to passive. DISTRONIC PLUS
remains active.
Activating Steering Assist and Stop&Go
Pilot X
Press button ;.
Indicator lamp :lights up. The DTR+: DTR+:
steering assist. on
steering assist. onmessage appears
in the multifunction display. Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are activated.
Information in the multifunction display If Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are acti-
vated but not ready for a steering interven-
tion, steering wheel symbol :appears in grey. If the system provides you with support
by means of steering interventions, sym-
bol :is shown in green.
Deactivating Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot X
Press button ;.
Indicator lamp :goes out. The DTR+: DTR+:
steering assist. off
steering assist. off message appears
in the multifunction display. Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are deactivated.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, Steer- ing Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are deactivated
automatically. HOLD function
General notes The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when manoeuvring on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is cancelled and the HOLD function is deactivated when you depress theaccelerator pedal to pull away. 202
Driving systemsDriving and parking

The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the HOLD function is activa-
ted and:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened
R the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/
stop function
R a system fault occurs
R the power supply is insufficient
On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also
be automatically shifted into position P.MAGIC BODY CONTROL
General notes Magic Body Control consists of Active Body
Control (ABC), ROAD SURFACE SCAN, the
CURVE cornering function as well as auto-
matic vehicle stabilisation in the event of a
crosswind.
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height to reduce fuel consumption. The sus-
pension mode is adjusted according to your
selection (SPORT, COMFORT or CURVE), the
road surface conditions and the vehicle load. A multifunction camera detects bumps in the
road surface before the vehicle drives over
them. This reduces chassis movements.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
People's limbs may become trapped if they
are located underneath the vehicle or
between the vehicle body and the tyres when the vehicle is lowering. There is a danger of
injury.
When lowering the vehicle, make sure no one
is underneath the vehicle or in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches. Crosswind Assist The crosswind stabilisation operates by
changing wheel loads through distortion of
the ABC spring struts. It reduces impairments in handling when driving in a straight line and
assists during countersteering.
Crosswind Assist is active in the speed range
between 80 km/h and 210 km/h when driv-
ing straight ahead or cornering gently.
Active Body Control ABC Vehicle level
All vehicles except AMG vehicles:
depend-
ing on the vehicle level that has been set, the vehicle automatically adjusts its height
dependent on the current speed. The vehicle
is lowered by up to 15 mm as the speed
increases. As the speed is reduced, the vehi-
cle is raised to the set vehicle height.
In the event of poor road surface conditions,
the vehicle automatically raises by up to
10 mm and harder damping is selected.
AMG vehicles: depending on the vehicle
level that has been selected, the vehicle auto- matically adjusts its height dependent on the
current speed. The vehicle is lowered by up to 10 mm below the normal level as the speed
increases. As the speed is reduced, the vehi-
cle is raised to the set vehicle height.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
conditions and "Raised" for driving with snow chains or on particularly poor road condi-
tions.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the key from the ignition lock.
The "Raised level" setting is cancelled if you:
R are driving faster than approximately
120 km/h.
R drive for approximately three minutes at a
speed over 80 km/h. 204
Driving systemsDriving and parking