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X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the
ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
If the transmission is in position Ror N: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first
point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first point of resistance. Transmission positions
B Park position
This prevents the vehicle from rolling away when stopped. Only shift the
transmission into position Pwhen
the vehicle is stationary
(Y page 152).
Park position Pis automatically
engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the
key and remove the key
R you switch off the engine using the
key or using the Start/Stop button
and open the driver's door or front- passenger door
R you open the driver's door when
the vehicle is stationary or driving
at very low speed and the trans-
mission is in position Dor R C Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission into posi- tion Rwhen the vehicle is stationary. A 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 only to position Nif
the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position Ror D, the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
! Rolling in neutral
Ncan lead to
damage to the transmission. 7 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. Gearshifting is determined
by:
R the selected drive program (Y page 143)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
(Y page 142)
R the driving 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 142
Automatic transmissionDriving an
d parking
Page 146 of 345

Double-clutch function
E 500 only:
when shifting down, the double-
clutch function is active regardless of the cur-
rently selected drive program. The double-
clutch function reduces load change reactions
and is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated 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 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.
Towing a trailer Towing a trailer is not possible with all models.
For further information, see (Y page 202).
X Drive in the middle of the engine speed range
on uphill gradients.
X Manual drive program: depending on the
uphill or downhill gradient, shift into a gear
(Y page 144) in which the engine will run in
the middle of the engine speed range. This
also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC
PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC are activated. Program selector button
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving characteris-
tics. All vehicles (except vehicles with dynamic han-
dling package or the AMG sports package):
X Press program selector button :.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display. Vehicles with dynamic handling package or the
AMG sports package:
X Press program selector button :.
The selected drive program appears in the
multifunction display.
i The permanent drive program Mis available
on the following vehicles:
R vehicles with the dynamic handling pack-
age
R vehicles with the AMG Sport package
Further information about permanent drive
program M(Y page 145).
As well as this permanent drive program M,
you can also activate temporary drive pro-
gram M(Y page 144). E
Economy Comfortable, economical
driving
S
Sport Sporty driving style
M
Manual Manual gearshifting
i
Further information on the automatic drive
program (Y page 144).
i The automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program Eeach time the
engine is started. Automatic transmission
143Driving and parking Z
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Steering wheel gearshift paddles
In the manual drive program, you can change
gears manually using steering wheel gearshift
paddles :and ;.
Further information about permanent drive pro-
gram M(Y page 145).
Further information about temporary drive pro-
gram M(Y page 144).
i You can only change gear with the steering
wheel gearshift paddles when the transmis-
sion is in position D. Automatic drive program
Automatic drive program E Drive program
Eis characterised by the follow-
ing:
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 exam-
ple.
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 follow-
ing:
R sporty engine settings.
R the automatic transmission shifting up later,
as a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points, the fuel consumption possibly
being higher.
Manual drive program M General notes
In this drive program, you can briefly change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel gear-
shift paddles. The transmission must be in posi-
tion D.
You can activate manual drive program Min
automatic drive programs Eand S.
i As well as temporary drive program
M, you
can also activate permanent drive program M
(Y page 143).
Further information about permanent drive
program M(Y page 145).
Activating X Shift the transmission to position D.
X Pull the left or right steering wheel gearshift
paddle (Y page 144).
Manual drive program Mis temporarily acti-
vated. The selected gear and Mappear in the
multifunction display.
Shifting gears
If you pull on the left or right-hand steering
wheel gearshift paddle, the automatic transmis- sion switches to manual drive program Mfor a
limited amount of time. Depending on which
gearshift paddle is pulled, the automatic trans-
mission 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 144).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
i If the maximum engine speed on the cur-
rently engaged gear is reached and you con-
tinue to accelerate, the automatic transmis- 144
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
Page 148 of 345

sion automatically shifts up in order to pre-
vent engine damage.
X To shift down: pull on the left-hand steering
wheel gearshift paddle (Y page 144).
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 downshifting occurs when coast-
ing.
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 auto- matic drive program that was last selected.
You can also deactivate manual drive program
M yourself:
X Pull on the right-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle and hold it in place (Y page 144).
or X Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to shift the
transmission position (Y page 140).or
X Use the program selector button to change
the drive program (Y page 143).
Manual drive program Mis deactivated. The
automatic transmission switches into the
automatic drive program that was last selec-
ted. Manual drive program
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.
i As well as this permanent drive program
M,
you can also activate temporary drive pro-
gram M(Y page 144).
Activating the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y page 143) repeatedly until Mappears in
the multifunction display.
The manual drive program is only available on
vehicles with the dynamic handling package or
AMG Sports package.
Manual drive program Mdiffers from drive pro-
gram Swith regard to spontaneity, responsive-
ness and the smoothness of the gear changes.
Manual drive program Mcan be selected using
the program selector button. In manual drive
program M, you can change gear yourself using
the steering wheel gearshift paddles if the trans- mission is in position D. The gear selected is
shown in the multifunction display.
Upshifting X
Pull the right-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear. Automatic transmission
145Driving and parking Z
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Gearshift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
X If relevant gearshift recommendation :
appears in the multifunction display on the
instrument cluster, pull on the right-hand
steering wheel gearshift paddle (Y page 144).
The automatic transmission shifts to recom-
mended gear ;.
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i For maximum acceleration, pull the left-
hand steering wheel gearshift paddle until the
transmission selects the optimum gear for
the current speed.
Kickdown You can also use kickdown for maximum accel-
eration in manual drive program M.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Deactivating the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y page 143). 146
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
Page 150 of 345

Problems with the transmission
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. 7G-TRONIC:
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into
secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop.
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 workshop
immediately. 9G-TRONIC:
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only partly possible to engage the gears or the transmission is in
position N.
X Stop.
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.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately. Refuelling
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, naked flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refuelling. G
WARNING
Fuels are poisonous and hazardous to health. There is a danger of injury. Do not swallow fuel or let it come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not inhale fuel
vapours. Keep fuels out of the reach of chil-
dren.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
R Wash the fuel off any affected areas of skin
with water and soap immediately.
R If you get fuel in your eyes, rinse them thor-
oughly with clean water immediately. Seek
immediate medical attention.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek immediate medi-
cal attention. Do not induce vomiting.
R Change any clothing that has come into
contact with fuel immediately. Refuelling
147Driving and parking Z
Page 151 of 345

G
WARNING
Electrostatic charge can cause sparks and
thereby ignite fuel vapours. 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. This discharges any electrostatic
charge that may have built up. G
WARNING
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
If you mix diesel fuel with petrol, the flash
point of this fuel mixture is lower than that of pure diesel fuel. When the engine is running,
components in the exhaust system may over-
heat unnoticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with petrol. Never add petrol to
diesel fuel.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
petrol engine. Do not switch on the ignition if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel can
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. Notify a qualified specialist workshop
and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
! Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not switch on the ignition if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, fuel can enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. The repair costs are high. Notify a
qualified 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 adding fuel from a fuel can.
The fuel lines and/or the fuel injection system could otherwise be blocked by particles fromthe fuel can. Do not get into the vehicle again during the refu-
elling process. Otherwise, electrostatic charge
could build up again.
If you overfill the fuel tank, some fuel may spray out when you remove the fuel pump nozzle.
Further information on fuel and fuel quality
(Y page 330). Refuelling
General notes Observe the important safety notes
(Y
page 147).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-
matically when you unlock or lock the vehicle
with the key or using KEYLESS-GO.
The position of the 8fuel filler cap is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. The arrow next to the filling pump indicates the side of the vehi-
cle.
Opening the fuel filler flap :
To open the fuel filler flap
; To insert the fuel filler cap
= Tyre pressure table
? Instruction label on the fuel type to be refu-
elled
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS‑ GO:
X Open the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the key having been
removed.
X Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock (Y page 132).148
RefuellingDriving and parking
Page 152 of 345
X
Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.
X Open the fuel filler flap fully.
X Turn the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and
remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder on the
inside of fuel filler flap ;.
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.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: the filler neck is
designed for refuelling at diesel filling pumps.
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 vehi-
cle. Otherwise, the locking pin of the central
locking prevents the fuel filler flap from closing. Refuelling
149Driving and parking Z