Optimum use of automatic climate
control
Climate control system
Below, you can find a number of notes and rec-
ommendations to help you use climate control
optimally.
The 3-zone automatic climate control is only
available on vehicles for Canada.
RActivate climate control using the Ãand
¿ buttons. The indicator lamps above the
à and¿ buttons light up.
RVehicles with 3-zone automatic climate con-
trol: in automatic mode, you can also set the
climate mode (FOCUS, MEDIUM or DIFFUSE).
The MEDIUM level is recommended.
RSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
ROnly use the "Windshield defrosting" function
briefly until the windshield is clear again.
ROnly use air-recirculation mode briefly, e.g. if
there are unpleasant outside odors or when in
a tunnel. The windows could otherwise fog up, since no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle in
air-recirculation mode.
RUse the ZONE function to adopt the temper-
ature settings on the driver's side for the
front-passenger side and the rear compart-
ment as well. The indicator lamp above the
á button goes out.
RVehicles with 3-zone automatic climate con-
trol: use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior when
the ignition is switched off. The residual heat
function can only be activated or deactivated with the ignition switched off.
RIf you change the settings of the climate con-
trol system, the climate status display
appears for approximately three seconds at
the bottom of the screen in the multimedia
system display. You will see the current set-
tings of the various climate control functions.
ECO start/stop function
During automatic engine switch-off, the climate
control system only operates at a reduced capa-
city. If you require the full climate control output,
you can switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button (
Ypage 126).
Operating the climate control sys-
tems
Activating/deactivating climate con-
trol
General notes
When the climate control is switched off, the air
supply and air circulation are also switched off.
The windows could fog up. Therefore, switch off
climate control only briefly
iActivate climate control primarily using the
à button (Ypage 115).
Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 122).
XTo activate: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp above the Ãbutton
lights up. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
XTo deactivate: press the^button.
The indicator lamp above the ^button
lights up.
114Operating the climate control systems
Climate control
3-zone automatic climate control: press air
distribution adjustment switchI
(
Ypage 113).
The indicator lamp above the Ãbutton
goes out.
or
XDual-zone automatic climate control: press
airflow adjustment switch G(Ypage 112).
3-zone automatic climate control: press air-
flow adjustment switch H(
Ypage 113).
The indicator lamp above the Ãbutton
goes out.
Adjusting the climate mode settings
The "Set climate mode" function is only available
with 3-zone automatic climate control.
You can select the following climate mode set-
tings in automatic mode:
FOCUS high airflow, slightly cooler setting
MEDIUM medium airflow, standard setting
DIFFUSE low airflow, slightly warmer and draft- free setting
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 122).
XPress the Ãbutton.
XPress climate mode selection button Gup or
down and select the desired level
(
Ypage 113).
Setting the temperature
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Different temperatures can be set for the driv-
er's and front-passenger sides.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 122).
XTo increase or reduce the temperature in
the front compartment: press temperature
adjustment switch EorH up or down
(
Ypage 112).
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
3-zone automatic climate control
You can select different temperature settings
for the driver's and front-passenger sides as well
as for the rear compartment.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 122).
XTo increase or reduce the temperature in
the front compartment: press temperature
adjustment switch ForJ up or down
(
Ypage 113).
Only change the temperature setting in small increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
XTo increase or reduce the temperature in
the rear compartment using the front con-
trol panel: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp above the ábutton
goes out.
XPress temperature adjustment switch For
J up or down (Ypage 113).
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
XTo increase or reduce the temperature in
the rear compartment using the rear con-
trol panel: press therors button on
the rear control panel.
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
Setting the air distribution
Air distribution settings
P Directs air through the center and side air
vents
O Directs air through the footwell air vents
S Directs the airflow through the center
and side air vents as well as the footwell
air vents (Cabriolet only)
¯ Directs air through the defroster vents
a Directs air through the defroster and
footwell vents
iRegardless of the air distribution setting,
airflow is always directed through the side air
vents. The side air vents can only be closed
when the controls on the side air vents are
turned downwards.
116Operating the climate control systems
Climate control
Setting the air distribution
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 122).
XDual-zone automatic climate control: press
air distribution adjustment switch Fup or
down, until the desired symbol appears in the
display (
Ypage 112).
X3-zone automatic climate control: press air
distribution adjustment switch Iup or
down, until the desired symbol appears in the
display (
Ypage 113).
Setting the airflow
Dual-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 122).
XTo increase or reduce: press airflow adjust-
ment switch Gup or down (Ypage 112).
3-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 122).
XTo increase or reduce: press airflow adjust-
ment switch Hup or down (Ypage 113).
If the battery is not sufficiently charged, blower output may be reduced. As soon as the battery
is sufficiently charged, full blower output will be
available.
Switching the ZONE function on/off
XTo activate: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp above the ábutton
lights up.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is not
adopted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is not
adopted for the front-passenger side and the
rear compartment.
XTo deactivate: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp above the ábutton
goes out.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is adop-
ted for the front-passenger side. 3-zone automatic climate control: the tem-
perature setting for the driver's side is adop-
ted for the front-passenger side and the rear
compartment.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the wind-
shield or to clear a fogged up windshield or side
windows on the inside.
Switch off the "Windshield defrosting" function
as soon as the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 122).
XTo activate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp above the ¬button
lights up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
Rhigh airflow
Rhigh temperature
Rair distribution to the windshield and front
side windows
Rair-recirculation mode off
If the battery is not sufficiently charged, blower output may be reduced. Once the battery is suf-
ficiently charged again, full blower output will be
available again.
XTo deactivate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp above the ¬button
goes out. The previously selected settings are
restored. Air-recirculation mode remains
deactivated.
MAX COOL maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in vehi-
cles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the engine
is running.
XTo activate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ùbutton lights
up.
XTo deactivate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ùbutton goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored.
Operating the climate control systems117
Climate control
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery roads.
You could otherwise damage the drive train.
SmartKey positions
SmartKey
gTo remove the SmartKey
(shift the transmission to position P)
1Power supply for some consumers, such as
the windshield wipers
2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3To start the engine
iThe SmartKey can be turned in the ignition
lock even if it is not the correct SmartKey for
the vehicle. The ignition is not switched on.
The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
General notes
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
Smartkeys featuring the integrated KEYLESS-
GO function and a detachable Start/Stop but-
ton.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the Smartkey must be in the
vehicle.
When you insert the Start/Stop button into the
ignition lock, the system needs approximately
two seconds recognition time. You can then use
the Start/Stop button.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times in
succession corresponds to the different key
positions in the ignition lock. This is only the
case if you are not depressing the brake pedal. If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
A check which periodically establishes a radio
connection between the vehicle and the Smart-
key determines whether a valid Smartkey is in
the vehicle. This occurs, for example, when
starting the engine.
To start the vehicle without actively using the
Smartkey:
Rthe Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock.
Rthe Smartkey must be in the vehicle.
Rthe vehicle must not be locked with the
Smartkey or KEYLESS-GO (Ypage 73).
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key:
Rwith electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another Smartkey.
Rwith metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal foil.
Rinside metallic objects, e.g. a metal case.
This can affect the functionality of KEYLESS-GO.
If you lock the vehicle with the Smartkey's
remote control or with KEYLESS-GO, after a
short time:
Ryou will not be able to switch on the ignition
with the Start/Stop button.
Ryou will not be able to start the engine with the
Start/Stop button until the vehicle is
unlocked again.
If you lock the vehicle centrally using the button
on the front door (
Ypage 79), you can continue
to start the engine with the Start/Stop button.
The engine can be switched off while the vehicle
is in motion by pressing and holding the Start/
Stop button for three seconds. This fun
ction
operates independently of the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
122Driving
Driving and parking
Engaging park position P automatically
Park positionPis automatically engaged if:
Ryou switch off the engine using the Smartkey
and remove the Smartkey
Ryou switch off the engine using the Smartkeyor 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 156) and on
DISTRONIC PLUS (Ypage 150).
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 125).
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.
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 position Dor 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 KEYLESS-GO: if you then open the driver's
or front-passenger door, the automatic trans-
mission shifts to P.
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 KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition 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 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.
Automatic transmission129
Driving and parking
Z
Transmission positions
BPark position
Only shift the transmission into posi-
tionPwhen the vehicle is stationary
(
Ypage 138). The parking lock
should not be used as a brake when
parking. Always apply the parking
brake in addition to the parking lock
in order to secure the vehicle.
If the vehicle electronics are malfunc-
tioning, the transmission may be
locked in position P. Have the vehicle
electronics checked immediately at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Park position Pis automatically
engaged if:
Ryou switch off the engine using the
Smartkey and remove the Smart-
key
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 trans-
mission is in position Dor R
CReverse gear
Only shift the transmission into posi-
tion Rwhen the vehicle is stationary.
ANeutral
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 only to position Nif
the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
e.g. on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position Ror D, the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
!Rolling in neutral Ncan damage
the drive train.
7Drive
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 shifting
behavior is determined by:
Rthe selected drive program (Ypage 131)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
(Ypage 130)
Rthe road speed
Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
Rlittle throttle: early upshifts
Rmore throttle: late upshifts
130Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking
Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift intosecondgear and reverse gear.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionDor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
!Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged. Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
!If the parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer, the ignition must be
switched off (SmartKey or Start/Stop button
in position 0or 1), as ESP
®will otherwise
automatically intervene. The brake system
could otherwise be damaged.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refueling.
GWARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
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.
Refueling135
Driving and parking
Z
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in positionPand the
Smartkey must be removed from the ignition lock.
Rthe front wheels must be turned towards the
curb on steep uphill or downhill gradients.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen 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
XApply the parking brake firmly.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XWith the Smartkey:turn the Smartkey to
position 0in the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
XWith KEYLESS-GO: press the KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button (Ypage 122).
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
When the driver's door is closed, this corre-
sponds 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 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 KEYLESS-GO: if you then open the driver's
or front-passenger door, the automatic trans-
mission shifts to P. 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 KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition 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 parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the Smartkey
in the ignition lock.
Parking brake
GWARNING
If you must brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the braking distance is considerably
longer and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the vehi-
cle when the service brake is faulty. Do not
apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turning again.
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
Rstart 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.
Parking139
Driving and parking
Z