2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN Owner's Manual

0044 Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
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:
shift the transmission to position N
if the vehicle is in danger of skid-
ding, e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch off the engine using
the SmartKey or the Start/Stop
button, the automatic transmission shifts to neutral Nautomatically.
! Rolling in neutral
Ncan damage
the drive train. 003A Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D. This automatic gear shift-
ing behavior is determined by:
R the selected drive program (Y page 167)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
R little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts Double-clutch function When shifting down, the double-clutch func-
tion is active regardless of the currently selec-
ted drive program. The double-clutch functionreduces load change reactions and is condu-cive to a sporty driving style. The sound gen-
erated by the double-clutch function depends
on the drive program selected.
Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions Dand R
can help to free a vehicle that has become
stuck in mud or snow.
The vehicle's engine management restricts
switching between transmission positions D
and Rto speeds up to a maximum of 5 mph
(9 km/h).
To shift back and forth between transmission
positions Dand R, move the DIRECT SELECT
lever up and down past the point of resist-
ance. AGILITY SELECT switch
Use the AGILITY SELECT switch to change the
drive program. Depending on the drive pro-
gram selected the following vehicle charac-
teristics will change:
R the drive (engine and transmission man-
agement)
R the suspension
R the steering Automatic transmission
167Driving and parking Z

R
the availability of the ECO start/stop func-
tion (Y page 161)
R the climate control settings
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
(Y page 140)
- vehicles for Canada: three-zone auto-
matic climate control (Y page 142)
R the rear window defroster operation period
(Y page 148)
R the performance of the seat heating
(Y page 112)
Each time you start the engine using the
SmartKey or the Start/Stop button, drive pro-
gram Cis activated. For further information
about starting the engine, see (Y page 159).X
Push AGILITY SELECT switch 0043up or
down, until the desired drive program is
selected.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display. After five seconds
the display goes out and the status icon of the selected drive program appears.
In addition, the current drive program set-
tings are displayed in the Audio 20/
COMAND display.
Available drive programs: I
Individual Individual settings
S+
Sport Plus Extremely sporty driving
characteristics
S
Sport Sporty driving character-
istics C
Comfort Comfortable and econom-
ical driving characteristics E
Eco Particularly economical
driving characteristics
Additional information for drive programs
(Y page 168).
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you can temporarily change gears yourself. For
further information on the manual drive pro-
gram (Y page 169). Drive programs
Drive program I (Individual) In drive program
Ithe following properties of
the drive program can be selected:
R the drive (engine and transmission man-
agement)
R the suspension
R the steering
To permanently select the gears in the drive
program Iusing the steering wheel paddle
shifters, select the permanent manual gear-
shift program.
Information about the selection of drive pro-
gram Iwith COMAND or Audio 20 can be
found in the Digital Operator's Manual.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus) Drive program
S+is characterized by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle delivers extremely sporty han-
dling characteristics
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 transmis- sion shift points 168
Automatic transmissionDriving an
d parking

R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles
with AIRMATIC)
R the ECO start/stop function is not available
Drive program S (Sport) Drive program
Sis characterized by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits sporty driving charac-
teristics
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 transmis- sion shift points
R the suspension exhibits hard springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC)
Drive program C (Comfort) Drive program
Cis characterized by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle delivers comfortable, economi-
cal handling characteristics.
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 optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. The vehicle is driven in the low
engine speed range and the wheels are less
likely to spin. Drive program E (Eco) Drive program
Eis characterized by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economi-
cal handling characteristics
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 optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. The vehicle is driven in the low
engine speed range and the wheels are less
likely to spin.
R during deceleration, the engine is discon-
nected from the drive train. The vehicle
uses kinetic energy and consumes less fuel (overrun mode).
R the performance of air-conditioning system
and heating are reduced Manual gear shifting
General notes 0043
Left steering wheel paddle shifter: shifts
down
0044 Right steering wheel paddle shifter: shifts
up
Using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you can temporarily change gears yourself. The
transmission must be in position D. Automatic transmission
169Driving and parking Z

Activating
X
Shift the transmission to position D.
X Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 169).
Manual gear shifting is activated tempora-
rily. The selected gear appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
Shifting gears Pulling on the left or right steering wheel pad-
dle shifter, allows you to shift gears yourself
for a limited 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 169).
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.
X To shift down: pull on the left-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter (Y page 169).
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 down shifting occurs when
coasting.
Shift 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 0044according
to gearshift recommendation 0043when
shown in the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster.
Deactivating If you have activated manual gear shifting, 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 gear shifting is deactivated, the
gears will be selected automatically.
You can also deactivate manual gear selec-
tion:
X Pull on the right-hand steering wheel pad-
dle shifter and hold it in place (Y page 169).
or
X Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or
X Use the AGILITY SELECT switch to change
the drive program (Y page 167).
Manual gear selection is deactivated. 170
Automatic trans
missionDriving and parking

Problems with the transmission
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop the vehicle.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. Transfer case
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans- mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
! To prevent ESP ®
from intervening, the
ignition must be switched off (SmartKey or
the Start/Stop button in position 0or 1) if:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles
with 4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission. Refueling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refueling. G
WARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children. Refueling
171Driving and parking
Z

If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
R If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with- out delay.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel. G
WARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged.
Do not get into the vehicle again during the
refueling process. Otherwise, electrostatic
charge could build up again.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the igni-
tion if you accidentally refuel with the
wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter
the fuel system. Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could result in damage to the
fuel system and the engine. Notify a quali-
fied specialist workshop and have the fuel
tank and fuel lines drained completely.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
! Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can. If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray
out when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.
For further information on fuel and fuel quality
(Y page 397). Refueling
General information Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Y
page 171).
If you unlock/lock the vehicle from the out-
side, the fuel filler flap also unlocks/locks.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
00B6 in the instrument cluster. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening the fuel filler flap 0043
To open the fuel filler flap
0044 To insert the fuel filler cap
0087 Tire pressure table
0085 Fuel type to be used
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
or, in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-func-
tion or KEYLESS‑ GO
X Open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status
0. This is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed. 172
RefuelingDriving and parking

X
Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow 0043.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
X Turn the fuel filler flap counter-clockwise
and remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder on
the inside of fuel filler flap 0044.
X Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place
and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel
may leak out.
Closing the fuel filler flap X
Replace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
X Close the fuel filler flap.
Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle.
If you are driving with the fuel filler cap open, the 00B6 reserve fuel warning lamp flashes. A
message appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 270). Refueling
173Driving and parking Z

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle. G
WARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
Risk of explosion or fire.
X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function or KEYLESS ‑GO
X Open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0. This is the same as
the SmartKey having been removed.
X Do not restart the engine under any circumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The fuel filler flap can-
not be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.
X Unlock the vehicle (Y page 81).
or X Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Y page 83).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jam-
med.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi- cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while 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 is a risk of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. 174
ParkingDriving and parking