2016 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA automatic transmission

D 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 the engine off with the
transmission in position R or D , the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.
: 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 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 Holding the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients
G WARNING
If the clutch overheats, the electronic man-
agement system is automatically deactivated.
This interrupts the power transmission. The
vehicle may, for example, roll backwards on
gradients. There is a risk of an accident.
Never hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator.
The clutch may overheat if you hold the vehi-
cle stationary on uphill gradients by depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. If the clutch over-
heats, a warning tone sounds.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): the Stop Vehicle Shift to P
Leave Engine Running display message
appears in the multifunction display. You will
only be able to continue your journey once the
clutch has cooled down and the display mes-
sage in the multifunction display has disap-
peared.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the Trans. Oil
Overheated Drive on with Care display
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
Do not hold the vehicle stationary on uphill
gradients by depressing the accelerator
pedal. Instead, only ever hold the vehicle sta-
tionary on uphill gradients by: R
depressing the brake pedal R
activating the HOLD function R
engaging the electric parking brake
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.Automatic transmission 161
Driving an d parking Z

Mercedes-AMG vehicles: it is only possible
to use kickdown in the automatic drive pro-
gram and the temporary manual drive pro-
gram M . When manual drive program M is
permanently activated, kickdown is not pos-
sible.
For further information on kickdown in man-
ual drive program M ( Y
page 166).
Rocking the vehicle free Shifting the transmission repeatedly between
gears D and R may help to free the vehicle if it
has become stuck in slush or snow. The vehi-
cle's engine management system limits the
speed to a maximum of 5 mph (9 km/h) when
shifting back and forth. To shift back and forth
between transmission positions D and R ,
move the DIRECT SELECT lever up and down
past the point of resistance.
Drive programs
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program C is 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
the vehicle having improved driving stabil-
ity, 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. Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program S is characterized by the fol-
lowing: R
sporty engine settings. R
the automatic transmission shifting up
later. the fuel consumption possibly being
higher as a result of the later automatic
transmission shift points.
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program I the following properties of
the drive program can be selected: R
the drive (engine and transmission man-
agement) R
the suspension (vehicles with damping sys-
tem or AMG RIDE CONTROL) R
the steering R
the availability of the ECO start/stop func-
tion R
the climate control:
Information about the configuration of drive
program I with COMAND or Audio 20 can be
found in the Digital Operator's Manual.
i To permanently select the gears in drive
program I using the steering wheel paddle
shifters, select the M (manual) setting for
the drive.
Drive program E (Economy)
Drive program E is characterized by the fol-
lowing: 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
accelerator pedal is depressed fully. R
the vehicle having improved driving stabil-
ity, for example on slippery road surfaces. R
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being162
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin. R
gliding mode is activated automatically
when engine-internal conditions are fulfil-
led and the accelerator is not depressed. At
the same time the transmission’s clutch
opens and the vehicle rolls freely using its
kinetic energy. As a result great distances
can be completed without the engine brake
and fuel consumption reduced.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles 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
the suspension (vehicles with AMG RIDE
CONTROL) R
ESP ®
Information about the configuration of drive
program I with COMAND or Audio 20 can be
found in the Digital Operator's Manual.
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program C is 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
the vehicle having improved driving stabil-
ity, 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 S (Sport)
Drive program S is characterized by the fol-
lowing: R
the vehicle exhibits sporty driving charac-
teristics. 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 stiff springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIR RIDE
CONTROL). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is not availa-
ble.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+ is characterized by the fol-
lowing: R
the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driv-
ing characteristics. 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 particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles
with AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is not availa-
ble.
Drive program RACE (vehicles with AMG
RIDE CONTROL)
The RACE drive program is characteriz ed by
the following: R
the vehicle exhibits driving characteristics
suitable for the racetrack. R
all vehicle systems are set for maximum
sportiness. R
the automatic transmission shifting up
later.Automatic transmission 163
Driving and parking Z

R
the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic transmis-
sion shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles
with AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is not availa-
ble.
Manual gear shifting
General notes You can change gear yourself using the steer-
ing 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 per-
mitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual
shifting, you have two options: R
temporary setting R
permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the mul-
tifunction display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D .
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the
gears will be selected automatically.
Temporary setting X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever
to position D . X
Pull steering wheel paddle shifter C or D .
Temporary setting will be 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 ter-
rain. X
To deactivate: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter D and hold it in place.
or X
Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to
change the drive program.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: use the DYNAMIC
SELECT controller to change the drive pro-
gram.
Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
X
To activate: shift the selector lever to posi-
tion P . X
Press button C . X
To deactivate: press button C .
or X
If position D (automatic transmission) is
selected for the transmission in drive pro-
gram I : shift to drive program I with the
DYNAMIC SELECT controller.164
Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking

Shifting gears
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the automatic
transmission does not shift up automati-
cally 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 tachometer. There is otherwise a risk of
engine damage.
X
To shift up: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter D .
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles): if the maximum engine speed on
the currently 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 steering wheel paddle
shifter C .
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when
coasting.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine dam-
age 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. X
Shift to recommended gear D according
to gearshift recommendation C when
shown in the multifunction display.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
! The automatic transmission does not shift
up automatically even when the engine lim-
iting 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 mul-
tifunction display. X
Shift to recommended gear C when mes-
sage D is shown in the multifunction dis-
play.Automatic transmission 165
Driving and parking Z

Kickdown X
Fo r maximum acceleration , depress th e
accelerato r pedal beyon d th e pressur e
point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on th e engin e speed.X
Shift bac k up once th e desired spee d is
reached.
During kickdown , you canno t shif t gear s
usin g th e steering whee l paddle shifters .
If you apply full throttle, th e automatic trans -
mission shifts up to th e ne xt gear when th e
maximum engin e spee d is reached. This pre -
vents th e engin e from overrevving .
Mercedes-AM G veh icles: it is only possibl e
to use kickdown in temporar y manual drive
program M . When manual drive program M is
permanentl y activated, kickdown is no t pos -
sible.166
Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle. The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
G WARNING
Risk of explosion or fire. X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 immediately and remove it
( Y
page 147). 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. X
Unlock the vehicle ( Y
page 76).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged. X
Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y
page 78).
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 leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine. In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. 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 unsupervised in the vehicle.
! Always secure the vehicle correctly
against rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle
or its drivetrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally: R
the electric parking brake must be applied. R
the transmission must be in position P and
the transmission position display must
show P . R
the SmartKey must be removed from the
ignition lock. R
on uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb. Parking 169
Driving and parking Z

Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P . Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles): shift the transmission to posi-
tion P .
X
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: press but-
ton C .X
With the SmartKey: turn the SmartKey to
position 0 in the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated. X
With the Start/Stop button: press the
Start/Stop button ( Y
page 147).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.
When the driver's door is closed, this cor-
responds to SmartKey position 1 . When the
driver's door is open, this corresponds to
SmartKey position 0 : "SmartKey removed". If you switch the engine off with the trans-
mission in position R or D , the automatic
transmission shifts to N automatically.
With the SmartKey: if you then open the
driver's door or the front-passenger door or
remove the SmartKey from the ignition, the
automatic transmission shifts to P automati-
cally.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then
open the driver's door or the front-passenger
door, the automatic transmission shifts to P
automatically.
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:
Using the SmartKey: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the Smart-
Key in the ignition lock.
With the Start/Stop button: X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the Smart-
Key in the ignition lock.
If you attempt to turn off the engine when the
selector lever is not in position P :R
a message appears in the multifunction dis-
play R
a warning signal sounds170
Parking
Driving and parking