2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS ECO mode

R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
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 Plus) Drive program S+ is characterized by the fol-
lowing: R
the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics. R
the vehicle pulling away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
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 S is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics. R
the vehicle pulling away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits hard 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 C is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle delivers comfortable, economical
handling characteristics. R
the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully. R
the vehicle having improved driving stability,
for example 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 73) R
the suspension R
activation of the exhaust flap
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found in the
Digital Operator's Manual.
i To permanently select the gears in drive
program I using the steering w heel paddles,
s elect the M (manual) setting for the trans-
mission.
Manual gear shifting
General notes You can change gear yourself using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must be
in position D .
Depending on which paddle shifter is pulled, the
automatic transmission immediately shifts into
the next gear down or up, if permitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual shift-
ing, 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 manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears
will be selected automatically.Automatic transmission 161
Driving an d parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
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 second gear 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 D or R .
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation ( Y
page 233).
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.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position 0 or 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.164
Refueling
Driving and parking

Online access to the vehicle
General information
G WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
i Operation of integrated information sys-
tems and communications equipment in
the vehicle: you must observe the legal
requirements for the country in which you are
currently driving.
You can call up remote query and remote con-
figuration functions for your vehicle using online
access to the vehicle. This is possible from an
Internet-enabled computer, as well as many
modern smartphones.
Please call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assis-
tance Center (USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) to
obtain the relevant Internet address.
Online access to the vehicle is restricted to the
contractual periods of mbrace. Activated
access to the mbrace emergency call system is
required for use.
In order to be able to use online access to the
vehicle, you must agree to the local terms of
use.
Further information on supported devices, avail-
able languages and contractual periods can be
obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
In order to be able to call up online access to the
vehicle, the vehicle must be connected to the
Internet ( Y
page 176).
Notes on data protection
Remember that online access to the vehicle
offers access to your data.
i Prevent unauthorized persons from
accessing this data. Every person who has access to the informa-
tion stated can use the functions of the online
access to the vehicle.
i Information when selling a vehicle or
buying a used vehicle: R
If you sell your vehicle, you are obliged to
delete the vehicle from your personal area
on the online access to the vehicle. R
If you have bought a used vehicle, it is pos-
sible that the previous owner still has
access to the online access to the vehicle.
Calling up functions The online access to the vehicle allows you
access to your vehicle's information and func-
tions using remote query and remote configu-
ration.
The following functions can be accessed: R
request the current condition of charge of the
high-voltage battery R
program the departure time ( Y
page 249)R
set or activate the "Pre-entry climate control
at departure time" function (see the Digital
Operator's Manual)
Information on additional functions and operat-
ing instructions can be found within the online
access to the vehicle.
Connecting the vehicle to the Internet
i This function is not available in all countries
and requires activated access to the mbrace
emergency call system.
You can use the online access to the vehicle if
the vehicle has a connection to the Internet via a
mobile phone network. The necessary data is
transmitted by radio. The vehicle automatically
recognizes whether a connection to the Internet
is possible or not. No presets are necessary.
i Restrictions in reception are possible if the
vehicle is in an underground car park, for
example. Restrictions may also occur in areas
with poor mobile network coverage.176
Charging the high-voltage battery (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
Driving and parking

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.
G WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while
driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per sec-
ond.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X
The tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure. X
Remove unnecessary loads. X
Remove roof racks when they are not needed. X
Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X
Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in
cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-
rain. Drinking and driving
G WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control
G WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Always have
work on the engine carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you use an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, work
relevant to safety or on safety-related systems
must be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
The engine settings must not be changed under
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes-
Benz service requirements. Details can be found
in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display
The ECO display shows you how economical
your driving style is. The ECO display assists you
in achieving the most economical driving style180
Driving tips
Driving and parking

In addition to driving style, the actual consump-
tion is affected by other factors, such as: R
load R
tire pressure R
cold start R
choice of route R
electrical consumers switched on
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant": R
observe the gearshift recommendations. R
drive in drive program E .
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the outer area for "constant" will
change.
The ECO display summarizes 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. On lon-
ger journeys, there are fewer changes. For more
marked changes, perform a manual rest
( Y
page 241).
For further information on the ECO display, see
( Y
page 240).
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.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
! On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting early
to a lower gear. This allows you to take
advantage of the engine braking effect and
helps avoid overheating and excessive wear
of the brakes. When you take advantage of the engine brak-
ing effect, a drive wheel may not turn for some
time, e.g. on a slippery road surface. This
could cause damage to the drive train. This
type of damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Heavy and light loads
G WARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This
increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
! Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads 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 the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from 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 salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.182
Driving tips
Driving and parking

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 and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately.
Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
! A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you wish to operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified spe-
cialist workshop in advance. You could oth-
erwise damage the drive train or the brake
system.
! The ESP ®
system operates automatically.
The engine and the ignition must therefore be
switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-
tion 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or the Start/
Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 ) if the
electric parking brake is tested on a brake
dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 68)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 69). For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks 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 disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pa ds/linings when replacing
bra
ke disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and
threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
disks, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake disks. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
High-performance and ceramic brakes
(Mercedes AMG vehicles) The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on: R
Speed R
Braking force R
Environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake
system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An Driving tips 183
Driving and parking Z

Activating the HOLD function X
Mak e sur e that th e activation condition s are
met .X
Depress th e brak e pedal .X
Quickl y depress th e brak e pedal further
until C appear s in th e multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release th e brak e pedal .
i If depressing th e brak e pedal th e first time
does no t activat e th e HOLD function , wait
briefl y and then tr y again .
Deactivating the HOLD function The HOLD function is deactivated automatically
if: R
you accelerate and th e transmission is in
position D or R .R
th e transmission is in position P .R
you depress th e brak e pedal again wit h a cer-
tai n amount of pressur e until C disappear s
from th e multifunction display.R
you secure th e vehicl e usin g th e electric park -
ing brake. R
you activat e DISTRONI C PLUS.
i Afte r a time, th e electric parking brak e
secures th e vehicl e and relieves th e servic e
brake.
When th e HOLD function is activated, th e trans -
mission is shifte d automatically to position P if:R
th e driver's seat belt is no t fastene d and th e
driver's door is open .R
th e engin e is switched off , unless it is auto -
matically switched off by th e ECO start/sto p
function . The electric parking brak e secures th e vehicl e
automatically if th e HOLD function is activated
when th e vehicl e is stationary and :R
a system malfunction occurs. R
th e powe r supply is no t sufficient.
If a malfunction occurs, then th e transmission
may be shifte d int o position P automatically.
RACE START
Import ant safety notes
i RACE START mus t no t be used on normal
roads. RACE START mus t only be activated
and used on dedicate d road circuits, outside
of public road use.
i RACE START is only available in
Mercedes ‑ A MG vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration from
a standing start . Fo r this, a suitably high-grip
road surfac e is required, alon g wit h th e tires and
vehicl e bein g in proper operating condition .
G WARNIN G
If you use RACE START , individual tires may
start to spin and th e vehicl e could skid.
Dependin g on th e selected ES P ®
mode, there
is an increased ris k of skiddin g and having an
accident. Mak e sur e that no persons, animals
or obstacles are within range of th e vehicle.
i Observ e th e safet y note s on drivin g safet y
systems ( Y
page 68).
Be sur e to read th e safet y note s and informa-
tion on ES P ®
( Y
page 73).
Conditions for activati onYou can activat e RACE START if: R
th e door s are closed. R
th e engin e is runnin g and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
16 0 ‡ (71 †). This is th e cas e when th e oil
temperature gauge in th e multifunction dis-
play is shown in white. R
th e drive program S , S+ or Race is selected.
( Y
page 154) R
th e steering whee l is in th e straight-ahead
position .Driving systems 195
Driving and parking Z

R
the vehicle is stationary and the brake pedal is
depressed (left foot). R
the transmission is in position D .
Activating RACE START
i When manual mode ( Y
page 161) is active,
the transmission automatically shifts up to
RACE START in the drive program. This func-
tion supports maximum acceleration with
RACE START. After going through an acceler-
ating process once from a stationary position,
this function is automatically deactivated. X
Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed. X
Pull and hold both steering wheel paddle shift-
ers ( Y
page 161).
The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears in
the multifunction display. X
Release both steering wheel paddle shifters
( Y
page 161).
i If the activation conditions are no longer ful-
filled, RACE START is canceled. The RACE
START Canceled message appears in the
multifunction display. X
To cancel: pull the left steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 161).
or X
To confirm: pull the right steering wheel pad-
dle shifter ( Y
page 161).
The RACE START Available Depress gas
pedal. message appears in the multifunction
display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator pedal
fully within two seconds, RACE START is can-
celed. The RACE START Not Possible See
Operator's Manual message appears in the
multifunction display. X
Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed rises to approximately
3,500 rpm.
The RACE START Release brake to start
message appears in the multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal within
five seconds, RACE START is canceled. The RACE START Canceled message appears in
the multifunction display. X
Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum acceler-
ation.
The RACE START Active message appears in
the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 30 mph (Can-
ada: 50 km/h).
RACE START is deactivated immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal during RACE
START or if any of the activation conditions are
no longer fulfilled. The RACE START Not Pos‐
sible See Operator's Manual or RACE
START Canceled message appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within a
short period of time, it is only available again
after the vehicle has been driven a certain
distance.
AIRMATIC
General notes AIRMATIC is an air suspension with variable
damping for improved driving comfort. All-round
level control ensures the best possible suspen-
sion and constant ground clearance, even with a
laden vehicle. When you drive fast, the vehicle is
lowered automatically to improve driving safety
and to reduce fuel consumption. There is also
the option to manually adjust the vehicle level.
AIRMATIC consists of level setting, level control
and the Adaptive Damping System ADS.
Important safety notes
G WARNING
When the vehicle is being lowered, people
could become trapped if their limbs are
between the vehicle body and the wheels or
underneath the vehicle. There is a risk of
injury.
Make sure no one is underneath the vehicle or
in the immediate vicinity of the wheel arches
when the vehicle is being lowered.196
Driving system s
Dr ivi ng an d parking