2016 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA wheel

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

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

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 to
a lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of the engine's braking
effect. For this, you need to have selected
manual drive program M . This helps you to
avoid overheating the brakes and wearing
them out excessively.
When you take advantage of the engine's
braking effect, a drive wheel may not turn
for some time, e.g. on a slippery road sur-
face. This could cause damage to the drive
train. This type of damage is not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on
downhill gradients while the manual drive
program M is temporarily activated: the auto-
matic transmission may switch to the last
active automatic drive program E or S . The
automatic transmission may shift to a higher
gear. This can reduce the engine's braking
effect.
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 air-
flow 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 vehi-
cle washed, brake firmly while paying atten-
tion to the traffic conditions. This will warm up
the brake discs, thereby drying them more
quickly and protecting them against corro-
sion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt
residue may form on the brake discs and
brake pads. This can result in a significantly
longer braking distance. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply
the brakes occasionally while paying atten-
tion 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. Driving tips 175
Driving an d parking Z

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 immedi-
ately. Consult a qualified specialist work-
shop to arrange this.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle dynamom-
eter. If you wish to operate the vehicle on
such a dynamometer, please consult a
qualified specialist workshop in advance.
You could otherwise damage the drive train
or the brake system.
! As the ESP ®
system operates automati-
cally, the engine and the ignition must be
switched off (the SmartKey must be in posi-
tion 0 or 1 in the ignition lock) if:R
the electric parking brake is tested on a
brake dynamometer (for a maximum of
ten seconds) R
the vehicle is towed with the front axle
raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a quali-
fied specialist 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 function-
ality of your brakes at regular intervals.
You can find a description of Brake Assist
(BAS) on ( Y
page 66).
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
have brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which correspond
to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
pads/linings which have not been approved
for Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which are not
of an equivalent quality could affect your vehi-
cle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only
use brake fluid that has been specially
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz,
or which corresponds 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.
Checking brake lining thickness You can measure the break pad/lining thick-
ness using a test gage. Color-coding (green or
red) on the test gage allows you to determine
whether the brake pad/lining thickness is still
sufficient. The test gage is in the vehicle docu-
ment wallet in the glove box.
Front wheel176
Driving tips
Driving and parking

Rear whee lX
Brin g th e vehicl e and wheels into a suitable
position so that you can attach test gage

becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a quali-
fied specialist workshop at the onset of win-
ter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed: X
Shift the transmission to position N .X
Try to bring the vehicle under control using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freez-
ing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see ( Y
page 331).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see ( Y
page 330).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y
page 330). Driving systems
Cruise Control
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select a low gear in
good time. You need to have previously selec-
ted manual gearshifting M ( Y
page 164). By
doing so, you will make use of the braking
effect of the engine. This relieves the load on
the brake system and prevents the brakes
from overheating and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
The speed indicated in the speedometer may
differ slightly from the speed stored.
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise
control can neither reduce the risk of an acci-
dent nor override the laws of physics. Cruise
control cannot take into account the road,
traffic and weather conditions. Cruise control
is only an aid. You are responsible for the dis-
tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed,
for braking in good time and for staying in
your lane.
Do not use cruise control: R
in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads R
on slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid R
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.178
Driving systems
Driving and parking