2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET ECO mode

reactions and is conducive to a sporty driving
style. The sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program.
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.
Gliding mode Gliding mode is characterised by the following:
R the combustion engine is disconnected from
the drive train
R the engine speed is equal to the engine idling
speed
R the multifunction display hides the gear indi-
cator and shows transmission position Din
green (Y page 146)
R Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the multifunction
display shows :as the status icon for the
drive program
In drive program Eand drive program C
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) you can activate and
deactivate gliding mode using the ECO button
(Y page 139).
Gliding mode can be activated under the follow-
ing conditions:
R the speed is within a suitable range
R the type of road is suitable, e.g. no steep uphill
or downhill gradients
R you are no longer depressing the accelerator
pedal
Gliding mode is deactivated under the following
conditions:
R you depress the accelerator pedal
R you depress the brake pedal R
you change the transmission position
(Y page 145)
R you switch to drive program RACE
(Mercedes-AMG C 63 S), S+orS
(Y page 141)
R you activate manual gearshifting
(Y page 150)
R you leave the suitable speed range
i If you have selected the "Comfort" setting
for the drive (engine management) in drive
program I, you can also activate gliding mode.
You can find information about this in the Dig- ital Owner's Manual.
Towing a trailer Towing a trailer is not possible with all models.
Further information (Y
page 214).
X Drive in the middle of the engine speed range
on uphill gradients.
X Manual gearshifting: depending on the
uphill or downhill gradient, shift to a gear
(Y page 150) 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. Drive programs
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
C 63 /C63S) Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program I, the following properties of
the drive program can be selected:
R the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R the suspension
R the steering
R the availability of the ECO start/stop function
R the climate control
Information on configuring drive program Iwith
the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital Own- er's Manual.
i To permanently shift the gears manually in
drive program Iusing the steering wheel gear-
shift paddles, select the M(Manual) setting
for the drive. 148
Automatic transmissionDriving and pa
rking

Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+is characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIRMATIC).
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program Sis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R the suspension exhibits firm springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC).
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program C (Comfort) Drive program Cis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical
driving characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
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 gliding mode is not available (except
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC). Drive program E (Economy)
Drive program Eis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly economical
driving characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
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 disconnec-
ted from the drive train. The vehicle uses
kinetic energy and consumes less fuel (over-
run mode).
R the cooling and heating output of the climate
control system has been reduced.
Mercedes-AMG C 63 /C63 S Drive program RACE (S‑MODEL)
Drive program RACEis characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits driving characteristics
suitable for the racetrack.
R all vehicle systems are set for maximum
sportiness.
R the gearshift recommendation gives you
information for slowly warming up the drive
assemblies and for adopting a fuel-efficient
driving style (Y page 150). You can follow the
gearshift recommendations at all times and
shift gear accordingly using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. On the basis of the
gearshift recommendation, using the steering wheel gearshift paddles, you can optimise the
drive train and engine operating mode at any time.
R if you have selected a gear manually, this will
be maintained until the vehicle speed signifi-
cantly increases or decreases.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIRMATIC). Automatic transmission
149Driving and parking Z

R
gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+is characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIRMATIC).
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program Sis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
fuel consumption may be higher as a result of
the later automatic transmission shift points.
R the suspension exhibits firm springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC).
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program C (Comfort) Drive program Cis characterised by the follow-
ing:
R the vehicle exhibits comfortable, economical
driving characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R the vehicle has improved driving stability, e.g.
on slippery road surfaces.
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 gliding mode is available.
R the ECO start/stop function is available. Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program I, the following properties of
the drive program can be selected:
R the drive (engine management)
R the transmission management
R ESP ®
(Y page 72)
R the suspension
R activation of the exhaust flap
Information on configuring drive program Iwith
the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital Own- er's Manual.
i To permanently shift the gears manually in
drive program Iusing the steering wheel gear-
shift paddles, select the M(Manual) setting
for the transmission. Manual gearshifting
General notes You can shift gears yourself using the steering
wheel gearshift paddles. The transmission must
be in position Dto do this.
Depending on which steering wheel gearshift
paddle is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear up or
down, if permitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual gear-
shifting, you have two options:
R temporary setting
R permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D.
If you deactivate manual gearshifting, the gears will be shifted automatically again. 150
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

indicator on the multifunction display. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the rev counter.
X To shift down: pull steering wheel gearshift
paddle :.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic downshifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage by not shifting down.
Gearshift recommendation The gearshift recommendation assists you in
adopting a fuel-efficient driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown on the multifunction
display.
X When the gearshift recommendation :is
shown on the multifunction display of the
instrument cluster, shift to recommended
gear ;.
Protection against reaching the over-
revving range (Mercedes-AMG vehicles) !
In manual mode, the automatic transmis-
sion 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 rev counter. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage. Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown on the multi-
function display.
X When message :appears on the multifunc-
tion display, pull the right-hand steering
wheel gearshift paddle.
Kickdown X
For maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
X Shift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel gearshift paddles.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is possible
only in the temporary setting. 152
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

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. The acceleration charac-
teristics are deteriorat-
ing.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is possible to shift only 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. Transfer case
This section only applies to vehicles with all-
wheel drive (4MATIC). The front and rear axles
are constantly driven.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a two-axle roller dynamometer. Otherwise,
the braking system or the transfer case could be damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information on perform-
ance tests.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the key or Start/
Stop button must be in position 0or 1) if:
R the electric parking brake is being tested
using 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 the front or rear axle raised; otherwise,
the transmission may be damaged. 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. Refuelling
153Driving and parking
Z

The ECO display consists of three sections, with
an inner and outer area. The sections corre-
spond to the following three categories: :
Acceleration
(evaluation of all accel-
eration processes):
R The outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: moderate
acceleration, especially at higher
speeds.
R The outer area empties and the
inner area is grey: sporty acceler-
ation. ;
Coasting
(evaluation of all decelera-
tion processes):
R The outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: anticipatory
driving, keeping your distance and early release of the accelerator.
The vehicle can coast without use
of the brakes.
R The outer area empties and the
inner area is grey: frequent heavy
braking. =
Constant
(continuous evaluation
over the entire journey):
R The outer area fills up and the inner
area lights up green: constant
speed and avoidance of unneces-
sary acceleration and decelera-
tion.
R The outer area empties and the
inner area is grey: fluctuations in
speed. The three inner areas display the current driving
style and light up green as a result of a particu-
larly economical driving style. Depending on the driving situation, up to two areas may light up
simultaneously.
At the beginning of the journey, the three outer
areas are empty and fill up as a result of eco-
nomical driving. A higher level indicates a more
economical driving style. If the three outer areas
are completely filled at the same time, the driver
has adopted the most economical driving style
for the selected settings and prevailing condi-
tions. The ECO display border lights up.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual fuel consumption. The additionally achieved range displayed under
Bonus fr. start
Bonus fr. start does not
indicate a fixed consumption reduction.
In addition to driving style, the actual consump- tion is affected by other factors, such as:
R load
R tyre pressure
R cold start
R choice of route
R the use of electrical consumers
These factors are not included on the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style involves driving at a
moderate engine speed.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant":
R observe the gearshift recommendation.
R drive the vehicle in drive program E(vehicles
with DYNAMIC SELECT switch)
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the motorway, only the outer area for "Constant"
will change.
The ECO display summarises the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. During a prolonged driving time, these changes are
smaller. For more marked changes, perform a
manual reset (Y page 226).
Further information on the ECO display
(Y page 225). Braking
Important safety notes 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.
Downhill gradients Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. Take particular164
Driving tipsDriving and parking

note of this when driving a laden vehicle and
when towing a trailer.
This also applies if cruise control, DISTRONIC
PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC is activated.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
less braking will be required to maintain vehicle
speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
The braking system can overheat if you leave your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
This increases the braking distance and could
even cause the braking system to fail. There is
a risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Do
not simultaneously depress both the brake
pedal and the accelerator pedal while driving.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If heavy demands are made on the brakes, do
not park the vehicle immediately. Drive on for a
short while. This allows the airflow to cool the
brakes more quickly.
If the brakes have been used only moderately,
you should occasionally test their effectiveness.
To do this, brake more firmly from a higher
speed while paying attention to the traffic con-
ditions. This improves the grip of the brakes.
Wet road surfaces If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after a car wash or
after driving through deep water.
You will have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion. Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salt-treated roads, a layer of salt
may form on the brake discs and pads. This can
increase the braking distance considerably.
R In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal at the end
of the journey and when starting the next
journey.
R Maintain a much greater distance to the vehi-
cle in front.
New brake discs and brake pads/
linings Brake pads/linings and discs that are either new
or have been replaced achieve optimum braking
effect only after several hundred kilometres of
driving. Compensate for the reduced braking
effect by applying greater force to the brake
pedal.
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 light-
weight brake discs. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake discs, particularly on the
brake plate. Driving tips
165Driving and parking Z

Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot cannot pro-
vide assistance in the following situations:
R on very sharp corners
R when a loss of tyre pressure or a defective
tyre has been detected and displayed
Also observe the important safety notes for
DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 171).
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 symbol
appears on 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 switch to passive mode.
DISTRONIC PLUS remains activated.
Activating Steering Assist and Stop&Go
Pilot X
Press button ;.
Indicator lamp :lights up. The DTR+:
DTR+:
steering steering assist.
assist.on
onmessage appears on
the multifunction display. Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are activated. Information on the multifunction display If Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are activa-
ted but not ready for a steering intervention,
steering wheel symbol :appears in grey. If the
system provides you with support by means of
steering interventions, symbol :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
on the multifunction display. Steering Assist
and Stop&Go Pilot are deactivated.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated or not
available, Steering 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 deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away. Driving systems
179Driving and parking Z