2016 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN display

After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking positionP. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Observe the important safety notes for PLUG-IN
HYBRID vehicles (
Ypage 44).
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
jPark position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to its
original position. The current transmission posi-
tion P,R, Nor Dappears in the transmission
position display in the multifunction display
(
Ypage 157).
Engaging park position P
!If the engine speed is too high or the vehicle
is moving, do not shift the automatic trans-
mission directly from Dto R, from Rto Dor
directly to P. The automatic transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction
of arrow P.
Engaging park position P automatically
Park position Pis automatically engaged if:
Ryou switch off the engine using the SmartKey
and remove the SmartKey
Ryou switch off the engine using the SmartKey
or using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door or front-passenger door
Rthe driver's door is opened when the vehicle is
stationary or driving at very low speed and the
transmission is in position Dor R
Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-
mission shifts automatically to transmission
position Pif the HOLD function or DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated. Observe the information on
the HOLD function (
Ypage 195) and on
DISTRONIC PLUS (Ypage 189).
Engaging reverse gear R
!Only shift the automatic transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
XIf the transmission is in position Dor N: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first
point of resistance.
XIf the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first point of resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. Further informa-
tion on the ECO start/stop function
(
Ypage 150).
Shifting to neutral N
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
Ropen the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
Rget out and disrupt traffic.
Roperate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
RStart the engine.
156Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children.
XIf the transmission is in positionDor R: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the
first point of resistance.
XIf the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position Ror D, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to Nautomatically.
With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to Pautomatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to Pautomat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N, e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
XVehicles with the Start-Stop button:
remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-
tion lock.
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
XAll vehicles: switch the ignition on.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XShift to neutral N.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D
XIf the transmission is in position Ror N: push
the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first
point of resistance.
XIf the transmission is in position P: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first point of resistance.
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
The current transmission position and drive pro-
gram appear in the multifunction display.
:Status symbol drive program
;Transmission position
=Gear
The arrows in the transmission position display
show how and into which transmission positions
you can shift using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
If the transmission position display in the mul-
tifunction display is not working, you should pull
away carefully to check whether the desired
transmission position is engaged. For this pur-
pose, we recommend selecting transmission
position Dand drive program E(drive program C
in Mercedes-AMG vehicles) or S.
Automatic transmission157
Driving and parking
Z

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.
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
XEase 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 positionsDand 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 resistance.
Gliding mode (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Gliding mode is characterized by the following:
Rthe combustion engine is disconnected from
the drive train.
Rthe engine speed corresponds to the idling
speed.
Rstatus icon Cgoes out and status icon :is
displayed in the multifunction display
(
Ypage 157).
In drive program C, you can deactivate and acti-
vate gliding mode using the ECO button
(
Ypage 151). Gliding mode can be activated under the follow-
ing conditions:
Rthe speed is within a suitable range.
Rthe course of the road is suitable, e.g. there
are no steep up or downhill gradients.
Ryou are no longer depressing the accelerator
pedal.
Gliding mode is deactivated under the following conditions:
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal.
Ryou depress the brake pedal.
Ryou use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch
the transmission position (Ypage 156).
Ryou switch to drive program RACE
(S‑MODEL), S+orS(Ypage 154).
Ryou activate manual gearshifting
(Ypage 161).
Ryou leave the suitable speed range.
iIf 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 Operator's Manual.
Drive programs
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program Ithe following properties of the
drive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop function
Rthe climate control:
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found in the
Digital Operator's Manual.
iTo permanently select the gears in drive
program Iusing the steering wheel paddle
shifters, select the M(manual) setting for the
drive.
Automatic transmission159
Driving and parking
Z

Rthe suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles withAIRMATIC).
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+is characterized by the fol-
lowing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulling away in first gear.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC).
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program Sis characterized by the follow-
ing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics.
Rthe vehicle pulling away in first gear.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits hard springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC).
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program Cis characterized by the follow-
ing:
Rthe vehicle delivers comfortable, economical
handling characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully.
Rthe vehicle having improved driving stability,
for example on slippery road surfaces.
Roptimal 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.
Rgliding mode is available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is available.
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program
Ithe following properties of the
drive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine management)
Rthe transmission management
RESP®(Ypage 73)
Rthe suspension
Ractivation of the exhaust flap
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found in the
Digital Operator's Manual.
iTo permanently select the gears in drive
program Iusing the steeri ng wheel paddles,
select 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:
Rtemporary setting
Rpermanent 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 transmission161
Driving an d parking
Z

If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage
by not shifting down.
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
XShift to recommended gear;according to
gearshift recommendation :when shown in
the multifunction display of the instrument
cluster.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
!The automatic transmission does not shift
up automatically even when the engine limit-
ing 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.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display.
XWhen message :appears in the multifunc-
tion display, pull on the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown
XFor maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point. The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel paddle shifters.
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 only
possible in the temporary setting.
Automatic transmission163
Driving and parking
Z

If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
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 refu-
eling process. Otherwise, electrostatic charge
could build up again.
!Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline 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 could
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.
!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 sys-
tem 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.
iFlexible Fuel vehicles can be recognized by
the Ethanol up to E85 sticker on the inside of
the fuel filler flap.
For further information on fuel and fuel quality
(
Ypage 388).
Refueling
General information
Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Ypage 164).
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: pressure in the fuel
tank must be released before refueling.
Except PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: if you
unlock/lock the vehicle from the outside, the
fuel filler flap also unlocks/locks.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
8 in the instrument cluster. The arrow next
to the filling pump indicates the side of the vehi-
cle.
Preparing to refuel
XSwitch off the engine.
XOpen the driver's door.
The on-board electronics now have status 0.
This is the same as the SmartKey having been
removed.
or, if the SmartKey is inserted in the ignition
lock:
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Opening the fuel filler flap (except
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
:To open the fuel filler flap
;To insert the fuel filler cap
Refueling165
Driving and parking
Z

=Tire pressure table
?Instruction label for fuel type to be refueled
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow:.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
XTurn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and
remove it.
XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and
refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
Do not add any more fuel after the pump stopsfilling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may
leak out.
Opening the fuel filler flap (PLUG-IN
HYBRID vehicles)
XPull switch :.
Indicator lamp ;flashes and the Please
Wait Depressurizing Tankmessage
appears in the multifunction display.
If the fuel filler cap is open, indicator lamp ;
lights up.
The Tank is Depressurized Ready for
Refuelingmessage appears in the multi-
function display.
Please be sure to observe the information on
refueling on the fuel filler flap.
There is a malfunction if:
Rindicator lamp ;first flashes and then goes
out
Rthe yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp
lights up
iFrom a speed of 2 km/h, the fuel filler cap
can no longer be opened.
iThe opening process for the fuel filler cap
may take up to 15 minutes.
:To open the fuel filler flap
;To insert the fuel filler cap
=Tire pressure table
?Instruction label for fuel type to be refueled
XTurn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and
remove it.
XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder on the
inside of the fuel filler flap.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and
refuel.
XOnly 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
XReplace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
XClose the fuel filler flap.
If you drive at speeds above 2 km/hw ith the fuel
filler flap open, the Fuel Filler Flap Open
message is shown in the multifunction display.
Close the fuel filler flap before locking the vehi-
cle.
iFor further information on warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, see
(
Ypage 293).
iIf you are driving with the fuel filler cap open,
the 8 reserve fuel warning lamp flashes. A
message appears in the multifunction display
(
Ypage 271).
166Refueling
Driving and parking

The high-voltage battery can be charged in a
nominal voltage range from 100 V to 240 V.
You can view the condition of charge of the high-
voltage battery in the multifunction display. Youcan find information in "PLUG-IN HYBRID oper-
ation", section "Menus and submenus" under
"Energy flow display" (
Ypage 227).
High and low outside temperatures
Low outside temperatures
At very low outside temperatures the maximum
power output of the high-voltage battery may be
reduced. The high-voltage battery is then no
longer able to provide the normal electrical
power output.
High outside temperatures
To prevent damage to the high-voltage battery
due to very high outside temperatures, the max-
imum power output of the high-voltage battery
is reduced by the vehicle.
Energy consumption and electrical
range
The maximum electrical range is generally
reduced by:
Rhigh and low outside temperatures
Roperating the climate control system
Rswitching on consumers
The battery's physical characteristics are such
that leaving the vehicle parked for long periods
at low outdoor temperatures without charging it
can lead to:
Ra reduction in battery performance
Rlonger charge times
Notes on battery care
Avoid storing or transporting the vehicle at
excessively high or low temperatures over a long
period.
If you park the vehicle and leave it stationary for
long periods:
Rcheck the condition of charge of the high-
voltage battery more often
Rconnect the vehicle to a power supply
This prevents self-discharge and damage to the high-voltage battery.
Terms of use
Please note the information on exceptions and
limitations in warranty documentation and in
the Maintenance Booklet.
Handling the charging cable and charg-
ing cable controls
Do not leave the charging cable controls
(Ypage 171) hanging loose from an electrical
outlet. Otherwise, this could result in a poor
contact with the electrical outlet and malfunc-
tions when charging the vehicle.
To ensure that the brackets within the charging
cable controls are not subjected to incorrect
loads, observe the following:
RNever lift or carry the controls by the charging
cable connector or the mains plug.
RTo transport the charging cable, the coiled
part can be:
-wrapped around the controls or
-secured to the housing of the controls
Heat generated by the charging cable
and charging cable connector
Pay attention to the "Important safety notes"
(Ypage 168).
During the charging process, the charging cable
and charging cable connector may heat up.
The charging cable and charging cable connec-
tor will only heat up within the permissible lim-
iting values, provided that:
Rthe power supply and the charging cable are
not damaged
Rthe instructions for handling the charging
cable and controls on the charging cable are
observed
If the charging cable or plug get too hot, have the
mains power supply checked.
Protection device against overvoltage
!Overvoltage in the mains supply may dam-
age the vehicle. For this reason, the vehicle is
equipped with a protection device against
overvoltage in the mains supply. This device
may be triggered during severe thunder-
storms, for example, and may lead to the buil-
ding's fuse being tripped and an interruption
in the power supply. These functions protect
the vehicle. After the building fuse is switched
170Charging the high-voltage battery (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
Driving and parking