2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class steering wheel

R
the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator 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
Drive program Sis characterized by the
following:
R sporty engine settings
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points
Manual drive program M General notes
In this drive program, you can briefly change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel
paddle shifters. The transmission must be in
position D.
You can activate manual drive program Min
the E(C in AMG vehicles) and Sautomatic
drive programs.
i 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 185).
Activating
X Shift the transmission to position D.
X Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 183).
Manual drive program Mis temporarily
activated.
All vehicles except AMG vehicles: M and
the selected gear appear in the
multifunction display. Shifting gears
If you pull on the left or right steering wheel
paddle shifter, the automatic transmission
switches to manual drive program
Mfor a
limited amount of time. Depending on which
paddle shifter is pulled, the automatic
transmission immediately shifts into the next
gear down or up, if permitted.
X To shift up: pull the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (Y page 183).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
i If 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.
i 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
steering wheel paddle shifter
(Y page 183).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
i Automatic down shifting occurs when
coasting.
Shift recommendation 184
Automatic transmissionDriving an
d parking

The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The
recommended gear is shown in the
multifunction display.
X Shift to recommended gear 0044according
to gearshift recommendation 0043when
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.
If manual drive program Mhas been
deactivated, the automatic transmission
shifts into the automatic drive program that
was last selected.
You can also deactivate manual drive
program Myourself:
X Pull on the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter and hold it in place
(Y page 183).
or
X Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or
X Use the program selector button to change
the drive program (Y page 182).
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 information In this drive program, you can permanently
change gear yourself by using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must
be in position D. Manual drive program
Mis different from
drive program Swith regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
Switching on the manual drive program In manual drive program
M, you can change
gear using the steering wheel paddle shifters
if the transmission is in position D. You can
see the currently selected drive program and
which gear is engaged in the multifunction
display.
X Press the program selector button
(Y page 182) repeatedly until Mappears in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting !
In manual drive program M, 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
otherwise a risk of engine damage. 0043
Gear indicator
0044 Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the
multifunction display.
X If the color in the speedometer
multifunction display changes to red and Automatic transmission
185Driving and parking Z

the
UP
UPdisplay message is shown, shift up
a gear using the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear if this is permissible.
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 183).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear if this is permissible.
Maximum acceleration
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter until the transmission selects the
optimum gear according to the speed.
i If you slow down or stop without shifting
down, the automatic transmission
automatically shifts down.
Switching off the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y page 182) repeatedly until Cor S
appears in the multifunction display. 186
Automatic transmissionDriving an
d parking

Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
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
displayed after a short 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 areas or on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
freezing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (Y page 387).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (Y page 386).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section (Y page 386). Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for
innovative driver assistance and safety
systems which enhance comfort and support
the driver in critical situations. With these
intelligent 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 70). Cruise control
Important safety notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. Change into
a lower gear in good time on long and steep
downhill gradients. This is especially
important if the vehicle is laden. By doing so,
you will make use of the braking effect of the
engine. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from
overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged 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:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored. Driving systems
199Driving and parking Z

The system may be impaired or may not
function if:
R there is poor visibility, e.g. due to
insufficient illumination of the road, or due
to snow, rain, fog or spray
R there is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic,
the sun or reflections (e.g. when the road
surface is wet)
R the windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged
or covered, for instance by a sticker, in the
vicinity of the camera
R there are no, several or unclear lane
markings for a lane, e.g. in areas with road
construction work
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 strong shadows cast on the lane
Pay attention also to the important safety
notes for DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 202).
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 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
symbol 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, a warning tone also sounds to
remind you to take control of the vehicle.
DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is then
switched to passive. DISTRONIC PLUS
remains active. The system is switched to passive and no
longer assists you by performing steering
interventions if:
R
you actively change lane
R you use a turn signal
R take your hands off the steering wheel or
do not steer for a prolonged period of time
i After you have finished changing lanes,
DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is
automatically active once more.
DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist does not
provide assistance:
R on very sharp corners
R if no roadside markings or no clear roadside
markings have been detected
R if the vehicle in front is not detected at
speeds below 37 mph (60 km/h)
R in tire run-flat mode
Activating Steering Assist X
Press button 0044.
Indicator lamp 0043lights up. The DTR+: DTR+:
Steering Assist. On
Steering Assist. On message appears
in the multifunction display. Steering Assist
is activated.
Information in the multifunction display Driving systems
211Driving and parking Z

If DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is
activated but is not ready for a steering
intervention, steering wheel symbol 0043
appears in gray. If the system provides you
with support by means of steering
interventions, symbol 0043is shown in green.
Deactivating Steering Assist X
Press button 0044.
Indicator lamp 0043goes out. The DTR+: DTR+:
Steering
Steering Assist.
Assist.Off
Offmessage appears
in the multifunction display. Steering Assist
is deactivated.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated,
DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist is
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 maneuvering 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 canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away. Important safety notes G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away
despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
Further information on deactivating the HOLD
function ( Ypage 213).
! 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:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
Activation conditions You can activate the HOLD function if all of
the following conditions are fulfilled:
R the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running or if it has been
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the electric parking brake is released.
R the transmission is in position D,Ror N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated. 212
Driving systemsDriving and parking

with the curb as the vehicle is lowered. Your
vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
Crosswind driving assistance The crosswind stabilization operates by
changing wheel loads through adjusting the
ABC spring struts. It reduces impairments in
handling when driving in a straight line and
assists during countersteering.
Crosswind driving assistance is active at
vehicle speeds above 50 mph (80 km/h)
when driving straight ahead or cornering
gently.
Active Body Control (ABC) Vehicle level
All vehicles except AMG vehicles:
depending 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 0.6 in (15 mm) as
the speed increases. As the speed is reduced,
the vehicle is raised up to the set vehicle
height.
AMG vehicles: depending on the vehicle
level that has been selected, the vehicle
automatically adjusts its height dependent on
the current speed. The vehicle is lowered by
up to 0.4 in (10 mm) below the normal level
as the speed increases. As the speed is
reduced, the vehicle is raised up to the set
vehicle height.
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Setting the raised vehicle level
X
Start the engine.
X If indicator lamp 0044
0044 is not lit: press
button 0043.
All vehicles except AMG vehicles:
indicator lamp 0044lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
AMG vehicles: indicator lamp0044lights up.
The vehicle is raised by 1.5 in (40 mm)
compared to the normal level. Setting the normal vehicle level
X
Start the engine.
X If indicator lamp 0044
0044 is lit: press
button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
The electronically controlled ABC suspension
system works continuously. This improves
driving safety and comfort. The system
detects the vehicle level and the vehicle load
and adjusts the setting accordingly. You can 214
Driving systemsDriving and parking

also choose between a particularly sporty or
a comfortable tuning.
The ABC suspension system is tuned
individually to each wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection, i.e. sports or
comfort
R the vehicle load
R the force of the side wind
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
The steering response behavior is sporty.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style on flat roads, e.g. on highways.
Selecting the sports suspension tuning
X If indicator lamp 0044
0044 is not lit: press
button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044lights up. You have
selected the suspension for a sporty driving
style.
All vehicles except AMG vehicles: the
Active Body Control Sport Active Body Control Sport message
appears in the multifunction display.
AMG vehicles: theAMG Suspension
AMG Suspension
System SPORT
System SPORT message appears in the
multifunction display. In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are especially comfortable.
The steering response behavior is balanced.
Select this mode if you prefer a comfortable
driving style.
Selecting the standard comfort mode
suspension tuning
X If indicator lamp 0044
0044 is not lit: press
button 0043.
Indicator lamp 0044lights up. You have
selected the suspension for a comfortable
driving style.
All vehicles except AMG vehicles: the
Active
Active Body BodyControl
Control Comfort
Comfortmessage
appears in the multifunction display.
AMG vehicles: theAMG Suspension AMG Suspension
System COMFORT
System COMFORT message appears in the
multifunction display.
ROAD SURFACE SCAN The ROAD SURFACE SCAN function monitors
the road in front of the vehicle using
multifunction camera
0043at the top of the
windshield. This function is automatically Driving systems
215Driving and parking Z