Steering wheel paddle shifters
In the manual drive program, you can change
gears manually using steering wheel paddle
shifters:and ;.
Further information about permanent drive pro-
gram M(
Ypage 133).
Further information about temporary drive pro-
gram M(
Ypage 132).
iYou can only change gear with the steering
wheel paddle shifters when the transmission
is in position D.
Automatic drive program
Automatic drive program E
Drive program Eis characterized by the follow-
ing:
Rcomfort-oriented engine settings.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
Rthe vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully.
Rincreased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for exam-
ple.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven
at lower engine speeds and the wheels being
less likely to spin.
Automatic drive program S
Drive program Sis characterized by the follow-
ing:
Rsporty engine settings.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
Manual drive program M
General notes
In this drive program, you can briefly change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel paddle
shifters. The transmission must be in position D.
You can activate manual drive program Min the
E and Sautomatic drive programs.
iAs well as temporary drive program M, you
can also activate permanent drive program M
(
Ypage 131).
Further information about permanent drive
program M(
Ypage 133).
Activating
XShift the transmission to position D.
XPull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter (Ypage 132).
Manual drive program Mis temporarily acti-
vated. The selected gear and Mappear in the
multifunction display.
Shifting gears
If you pull on the left or right steering wheel
paddle shifter, the automatic transmission
switches to manual drive program Mfor a limi-
ted amount of time. Depending on which paddle
shifter is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear down or
up, if permitted.
XTo shift up: pull the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (Ypage 132).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
iIf the maximum engine speed on the cur-
rently engaged gear is reached and you con-
tinue to accelerate, the automatic transmis-
132Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
sion automatically shifts up in order to pre-
vent engine damage.
XTo shift down:pull on the left-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (Ypage 132).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
iIf the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage
by not shifting down.
iAutomatic down shifting occurs when
coasting.
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.
Deactivating
If you have activated manual drive program M, it
will remain 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 terrain.
If manual drive program Mhas been deactiva-
ted, the automatic transmission shifts into the
automatic drive program that was last selected.
You can also deactivate manual drive program
M yourself:
XPull on the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in place (Ypage 132).
or
XUse the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position (Ypage 128). or
XUse the program selector button to change
the drive program (Ypage 131).
Manual drive program Mis deactivated. The
automatic transmission switches into the
automatic drive program that was last selec-
ted.
Manual drive program
General information
In this drive program, you can permanently
change gear yourself by using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must be
in position D.
iAs well as this permanent drive program M,
you can also activate temporary drive pro-
gram M(
Ypage 132).
Switching on the manual drive program
XPress the program selector button
(Ypage 131) repeatedly until Mappears in
the multifunction display.
The manual drive program is only available on
vehicles with the dynamic handling package or
AMG sports package.
Manual drive program Mis different from drive
program Swith regard to spontaneity, respon-
siveness and smoothness of gear changes.
Manual drive program Mcan be selected using
the program selector button. In manual drive
program M, you can change gear using the
steering wheel paddle shifters if the transmis-
sion is in position D. The gear selected is shown
in the multifunction display.
Upshifting
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Automatic transmission133
Driving and parking
Z
Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
XIf corresponding gearshift recommenda-
tion:appears in the multifunction display
on the instrument cluster, pull on the right-
hand steering wheel paddle shifter
(
Ypage 132).
The automatic transmission shifts to recom-
mended gear ;.
Downshifting
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
iIf you brake the vehicle or stop without shift-
ing down, the automatic transmission will
shift down to a gear that will allow the vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
iTo avoid overrevving the engine when down-
shifting, the automatic transmission does not
shift to a lower gear if this would result in the
maximum engine speed being exceeded.
Kickdown
You can also use kickdown for maximum accel- eration in manual drive program M.
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
Switching off the manual drive program
XPress the program selector button
(Ypage 131).
134Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
If you brake the vehicle with the parking brake,
the brake lamps will not light up.
XTo apply:depress parking brake ;firmly.
When the engine is running, the $(USA
only) or J(Canada only) indicator lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
XTo release: depress the brake pedal and keep
it depressed.
XPull release handle :.
When the ignition is switched on or the engine
is running, the $(USA only) or J(Can-
ada only) indicator lamp goes out in the instru-
ment cluster.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Driving tips
General notes
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
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.
GWARNING
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:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure.
XRemove unnecessary loads.
XRemove roof racks when they are not needed.
XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.
XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.
XHave 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.
140Driving tips
Driving and parking
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Ravoid sudden steering movements.
Rbrake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving through
it. Drive slowly through standing water. Oth-
erwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or
the engine compartment. This can damage
the electronic components in the engine or
the automatic transmission. Water can also
be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles
and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
GWARNING
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.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
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 qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter. Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur-
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise con-
trol or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position
N.
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 freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always
adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to
sui t the p
revailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (
Ypage 283).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (
Ypage 283).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (
Ypage 283).
Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for inno-
vative driver assistance and safety systems
which enhance comfort and support the driver in
critical situations. With these intelligent co-ordi-
nated systems Mercedes-Benz has set a mile-
stone on the path towards autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safety in one well
thought out system – for the safety of the vehi-
cle occupants and that of other road users.
Further information on driving safety systems
(
Ypage 62).
144Driving systems
Driving and parking
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles
or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the detec-
ted vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obsta-cle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will
not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect vehi-
cles that are crossing your lane. Activating
DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing
traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to
pull away unintentionally.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist
and Stop&Go Pilot
General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot aids you in keeping the vehicle in
the center of the driving lane by means of mod-
erate steering interventions in the speed range
from 0 - 125 mph (0 - 200 km/ h).
It monitors the area in front of your vehicle by
means of multifunction camera :, at the top of
the windshield.
At speeds of 0 - 37 mph (0 - 60 km/h), Stop&Go Pilot focuses on the vehicle in front, taking into
account lane markings, e.g. when following vehi-
cles in a traffic jam.
At speeds of more than 37 mph (60 km/h)
Steering Assist focuses on detected lane mark-
ings (left and right), and only on the vehicle in
front if lane markings are missing.
If these conditions are not present, Steering
Assist and Stop&Go Pilot cannot provide assis-
tance.
DISTRONIC PLUS must be active in order for the
function to be available.
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC
PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot
can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. It cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot is only an aid. You are responsible
for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehi-
cle speed, for braking in good time and for stay-
ing in your lane.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot does not detect road and traffic
conditions. If you are following a vehicle which is
driving towards the edge of the road, your vehi-
154Driving systems
Driving and parking
cle could come into contact with the curb or
other road boundaries. Be particularly aware of
other road users, e.g. cyclists, that are directly
next to your vehicle.
Obstacles such as building site huts on the lane
or projecting out into the lane are not detected.
An inappropriate steering intervention, e.g. afterintentionally driving over a lane marking, can be
corrected at any time if you steer slightly in the
opposite direction.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot cannot continuously keep your
vehicle in lane. In some cases, the steering
intervention is not sufficient to bring the vehicle
back to the lane. In such cases, you must steerthe vehicle yourself to ensure that it does not
leave the lane.
The support provided by the system can be
impaired if:
Rthere is poor visibility, e.g. due to insufficient
illumination of the road, or due to snow, rain,
fog or spray
Rthere is glare, e.g. from oncoming traffic, the
sun or reflection from other vehicles (e.g. if
the road surface is wet)
Rthe windshield is dirty, fogged up, damaged or
covered, for instance by a sticker, in the vicin-
ity of the camera
Rno, or several, unclear lane markings are pres-
ent for one lane, e.g. in a construction area
Rthe lane markings are worn away, dark or cov-
ered up, e.g. by dirt or snow
Rthe distance to the vehicle in front is too small
and the lane markings thus cannot be detec-
ted
Rthe lane markings change quickly, e.g. lanes
branch off, cross one another or merge
Rthe road is narrow and winding
Rthere are strong shadows cast on the road
The system is switched to passive and no longer
assists you by performing steering interventions if:
Ryou actively change lanes
Ryou switch on the turn signal
Rtake your hands off the steering wheel or do
not steer for a prolonged period of time
iAfter you have finished changing lanes,
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are auto-
matically active again. DISTRONIC PLUS Steering Assist does not pro-
vide assistance:
Ron very sharp corners
Rwhen a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire
has been detected and displayed
Pay attention also to the important safety notes for DISTRONIC PLUS (
Ypage 147).
The steering interventions are carried out with a
limited steering moment. The system requires
the driver to keep his hands on the steering
wheel and to steer himself.
If you do not steer yourself or if you take your
hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged
period of time, the system will first alert you with
a visual warning. A steering wheel symbol
appears in the multifunction display. If you have
still not started to steer and have not taken hold
of the steering wheel after five seconds at the
l
atest, a warning tone also sounds to remind you
to take control of the vehicle. Steering Assist
and Stop&Go Pilot are switched to passive.
DISTRONIC PLUS remains active.
Activating Steering Assist and Stop&Go
Pilot
XActivate the DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering
Assist and Stop&Go Pilot function using the
on-board computer (
Ypage 192).
The DTR+: Steering Assistant Onmes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are active.
Information in the multifunction display
If Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are activa-
ted but not ready for a steering intervention,
steering wheel symbol :appears in gray. If the
system provides you with support by means of
steering interventions, symbol :is shown in
green.
Driving systems155
Driving and parking
Z
Deactivating Steering Assistand Stop&Go
Pilot
XDeactivat eth eDISTRONIC PLU Swit hSteer -
in g Assis tand Stop&Go Pilo tfunction usin g
th eon-boar dcomputer (
Ypage 192).
The DTR+: Steering Assistant Offmes-
sage appears in th emultifunction display.
Steerin gAssis tand Stop&Go Pilo tare deac -
tivated.
Whe nDISTRONIC PLU Sis deactivated or no t
available, Steerin gAssis tand Stop&Go Pilo tare
deactivated automatically.
HOL Dfunction
General notes
The HOLD function can assist th edriver in th e
following situations:
Rwhen pullin gaway, especially on steep slopes
Rwhen maneuverin gon steep slopes
Rwhen waitin gin traffic
The vehicl eis kept stationary without th edriver
havin gto depress th ebrak epedal.
The brakin geffec tis canceled and th eHOLD
function deactivated when you depress th e
accelerato rpeda lto pull away.
Important safet ynotes
GWARNIN G
Whe nleavin gth evehicle, it can still rol laway
despit ebein gbraked by th eHOLD function if:
Rthere is amalfunction in th esystem or in
th evoltag esupply.
Rth eHOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing th eaccelerato rpeda lor th ebrak e
pedal, e.g. by avehicl eoccupant .
Rtheelectrica lsystem in th eengin ecom-
partment, th ebattery or th efuses hav e
been tampered with.
Rth ebattery is disconnected
There is aris kof an accident.
If you wish to exit th evehicle, always tur nof f
th eHOLD function and secure th evehicl e
against rollin gaway.
!If DISTRONIC PLU Sor th eHOLD function is
activated, th evehicl ebrakes automatically in
certain situations.
To preven tdamage to th evehicle, deactivat e
DISTRONIC PLU Sand th eHOLD function in
th efollowing or other similar situations:
Rwhen towin gth evehicl e
Rin thecar wash
Activation conditions
You can activat eth eHOLD function if:
Rth evehicl eis stationary
Rth eengin eis running or if it has been auto-
matically switched of fby th eECO start/sto p
function
Rth edriver's doo ris closed or your seat belt is
fastene d
Rtheparkin gbrak eis release d
Rthetransmissio nis in position D,Ror N
RDISTRONIC PLU Sis deactivated
Activating th eHOL Dfunction
XMak esur ethat th eactivation condition sare
met .
XDepress th ebrak epedal.
XQuickl ydepress th ebrak epeda lfurther until
ë :appears in th emultifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release th ebrak epedal.
iIf depressin gth ebrak epeda lth efirst time
doe sno tactivat eth eHOLD function ,wait
briefl yand then tr yagain .
Deactivating th eHOL Dfunction
The HOLD function is deactivated automatically
if:
Ryou accelerate and th etransmissio nis in
position Dor R.
Ryou shift th etransmissio nto position P.
156Driving systems
Driving and parking