
Driving tips
Automati c transmissio n ................ .1 61
Brakes .......................................... .1 75
Break-in period .............................. 146
Checking brake lining thickness .... 176
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 186
Downhill gradient ........................... 175
Drinking and driving ....................... 173
Driving in winter ............................ .1 77
Driving on flooded roads ................ 177
Driving on wet roads ..................... .1 77
Exhaust check ............................... 173
Fuel ................................................ 173
General .......................................... 172
Hydroplaning ................................. 177
Icy road surfaces ........................... 177
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 175
Snow chains .................................. 331
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ..... 146
Wet road surface ........................... 175
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 217
DYNAMIC SELECT button
Climate control (3-zone automatic
climate control) ............................ .1 35
Climate control (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 132
DYNAMIC SELECT button (all vehi-
cles except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) .................................................... 155
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ................. 156
E
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 230
Function/notes ................................ 72
ECO display
Function/notes ............................ .1 74
On-board computer ....................... 214
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 152
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 152
Deactivating/activating ................. 153
General information ....................... 152 Important safety notes .................. 151
Introduction ................................... 151
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 58
Emergency release
Driver's door ................................... .8 5
Trunk ............................................... 87
Vehicle ............................................. 85
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Activation ......................................... 56
Emissions control
Service and warranty information ... .2 2
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp .......... .2 67
Display message ............................ 243
ECO start/stop function ................ 151
Engine number ............................... 365
Irregular running ............................ 154
Jump-starting ................................. 319
Starting (important safety notes) ... 149
Starting problems .......................... 154
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 149
Starting with the Start/Stop but-
ton ................................................. 150
Switching off .................................. 170
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 325
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ................... 154
Engine jump starting
see Jump starting (engine)
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 298
Additives ........................................ 369
Checking the oil level ..................... 297
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 298
Display message ............................ 245
Filli ng capacity ............................... 368
No tes about oil grades ................... 368
Notes on oil level/consumption .... 297
Temperature (on-board computer,
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............... 223
Viscosity ........................................ 369 Index 9

ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram)
AMG menu (on-board computer) .. .2 24
Characteristics ................................. 69
Deactivating/activating (button
in Mercedes-AMG vehicles) ............. 70
Deactivating/activating (except
Mercedes ‑ AMG vehicles) ................. 70
Deactivating/activating (on-
board computer, except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles) .............. .2 19
Display message ............................ 228
Function/notes ................................ 69
General notes .................................. 69
Important safety information ........... 69
Trailer stabilization ........................... 72
Warning lamp ................................. 263
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction Sys-
tem) ...................................................... 69
Exhaust
see Exhaust pipe
Exhaust check ................................... 173
Exhaust pipe
Cleaning ......................................... 306
Exterior lighting
Cleaning ......................................... 305
see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 107
Dipping (automatic) ....................... 108
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 223
Folding in/out (automatically) ....... 108
Folding in/out (electrically) ........... 107
Out of position (troubleshooting) ... 108
Setting ........................................... 108
Storing settings (memory func-
tion) ............................................... 110
Storing the parking position .......... 109
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 273
F
Filler cap
see Refueling
Flat tire
MOExtended tires .......................... 311
Preparing the vehicle ..................... 310 TIREFIT kit ...................................... 312
Floormats ........................................... 294
Fog lamps
Switching on/off ........................... 115
Frequencies
Mobile phone ................................. 362
Two-way radio ................................ 362
Front fog lamps
Display message ............................ 241
Switching on/off ........................... 115
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 367
Consumption information .............. 367
Consumption statistics .................. 214
Displaying the current consump-
tion ................................................ 214
Displaying the range ...................... 214
Driving tips .................................... 173
E10 ................................................ 366
Flexible fuel vehicles ...................... 367
Fuel gauge ....................................... 31
Grade (gasoline) ............................ 366
Important safety notes .................. 365
Problem (malfunction) ................... 169
Refueling ........................................ 167
Tank content/reserve fuel ............. 366
Fuel filler flap
Opening ......................................... 168
Fuel level
Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 214
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 366
Problem (malfunction) ................... 169
Fuses
Allocation chart ............................. 326
Before changing ............................. 325
Fuse box in the engine compart-
ment .............................................. 325
Fuse box in the front-passenger
footwell .......................................... 326
Important safety notes .................. 325
G
Garage door opener
Clearing the memory ..................... 292
General notes ................................ 28910
Index

Protection of the environment
General notes
H Environmental note
Daimler's declared policy is one of compre-
hensive environmental protection.
The objectives are for the natural resources
that form the basis of our existence on this
planet to be used sparingly and in a manner
that takes the requirements of both nature
and humanity into account.
You too can help to protect the environment
by operating your vehicle in an environmen-
tally responsible manner.
Fuel consumption and the rate of engine,
transmission, brake and tire wear are affected
by these factors: R
operating conditions of your vehicle R
your personal driving style
You can influence both factors. You should
bear the following in mind:
Operating conditions: R
avoid short trips as these increase fuel con-
sumption. R
always make sure that the tire pressures
are correct. R
do not carry any unnecessary weight. R
remove roof racks once you no longer need
them. R
a regularly serviced vehicle will contribute
to environmental protection. You should
therefore adhere to the service intervals. R
always have service work carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Personal driving style: R
do not depress the accelerator pedal when
starting the engine. R
do not warm up the engine when the vehicle
is stationary. R
drive carefully and maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front. R
avoid frequent, sudden acceleration and
braking. R
change gear in good time and use each gear
only up to

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

with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
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 coun-
try in which you are driving. Some jurisdic-
tions prohibit 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
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel: R
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure. R
Remove unnecessary loads. R
Remove roof racks when they are not nee-
ded. R
Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. R
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. R
Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in
hilly terrain. 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 recommends 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. Driving tips 173
Driving and parking Z

ECO display
The ECO display provides feedback on how
economical your driving characteristics are.
The ECO display assists you in achieving the
most economical driving style for the selec-
ted settings and prevailing conditions. Your
driving style can significantly influence the
vehicle's consumption.
The ECO display consists of three bars: R
Acceleration R
Constant R
Coasting
The percent value is the average value of the
three bars. The three bars and the mean value
begin at the value of 50%. A higher percent-
age indicates a more economical driving
style.
The ECO display does not indicate the actual
fuel consumption. A fixed percentage count
in the ECO display does not indicate a fixed
consumption.
Apart from driving style, consumption is
dependent on many factors such as, e.g.: 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.
The evaluation of your driving style is carried
out using the following three categories: R
Acceleration (evaluation of all accelera-
tion processes): -
The bar fills up: moderate acceleration,
especially at higher speeds -
The bar empties: sporty acceleration R
Constant (assessment of driving behavior
at all times) -
The bar fills up: constant speed and
avoidance of unnecessary acceleration
and deceleration -
The bar empties: fluctuations in speed R
Coasting (assessment of all deceleration
processes) -
The bar fills up: anticipatory driving,
keeping your distance and early release
of the accelerator. The vehicle can coast
without use of the brakes. -
The bar empties: frequent braking
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
To achieve a higher value in the categories
Acceleration
and Constant :R
observe the gearshift recommendations. R
drive the vehicle in drive program C or E
(vehicles with a DYNAMIC SELECT button).
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on
the highway, only the bar for Constant
will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving char-
acteristics from the start of the journey to its
completion. For this reason, the bars change
dynamically at the beginning of the journey.
On longer journeys, there are fewer changes.
For more dynamic changes, carry out a man-
ual reset.
For further information on the ECO display,
see ( Y
page 214).174
Driving tips
Driving and parking