Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
Important safety notes
The sensor system of some driving and driving
safety systems adjusts automatically while a
certain distance is being driven after the vehiclehas been delivered or after repairs. Full system
effectiveness is not reached until the end of this
teach-in procedure.
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effect after several hundred kilometers of driving. Compensate for
this by applying greater force to the brake pedal.
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its per-
formance in the future.
RYou should therefore drive at varying vehicle
and engine speeds for the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).
RAvoid heavy loads, e.g. driving at full throttle,during this period.
RChange gear in good time, before the tach-
ometer needle is Ôof the way to the red area
of the tachometer.
RDo not manually shift to a lower gear to brake
the vehicle.
RTry to avoid depressing the accelerator pedal
beyond the point of resistance (kickdown).
Additional breaking-in notes for Mercedes-AMG
vehicles:
RDo not drive faster than 85 mph (140 km/h)
for the first 1,000 miles (1,500 km).
ROnly allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4,500 rpm briefly.
RChange gear in good time.
RIdeally, for the first 1,000 miles (1,500 km),
drive in the Comfortdrive program.
After 1000 miles (1500 km),you can increase
th eengin espeed gradually and accelerate th e
vehicl eto full speed.
You should also observ ethese note son break-
in g in if th eengin eor part sof th edri ve tra
in on
your vehicl ehav ebeen replaced.
Always observ eth emaximum permissibl e
speed.
Driving
Impor tant safety notes
GWARNIN G
Objects in th edriver's footwell can restrict th e
pedal travel or obstruct adepressed pedal .
The operating and roa dsafet yof th evehicl eis
jeopardized. There is aris kof an accident.
Mak esur ethat all objects in th evehicl eare
stowed correctly, and that they canno tente r
th edriver's footwell. Install th efloormats
securel yand as specified in order to ensur e
sufficien tclearance for th epedals. Do no tuse
loos efloormats and do no tplac efloormats on
to pof on eanother.
GWARNIN G
Unsuitable footwear can hinder correc tusage
of th epedals, e.g. :
Rshoes withthick sole s
Rshoes withhigh heels
Rslipper s
There is aris kof an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensur ecorrec t
usage of th epedals.
GWARNIN G
If you switch off th eignition while driving,
safety-relevant function sare only available
wit hlimitations, or no tat all. This could affect,
for example, th epowe rsteerin gand th ebrak e
boostin geffect. You will require considerably
mor eeffort to steer and brake. There is aris k
of an accident.
Do no tswitch off th eignition while driving.
GWARNIN G
If th eparkin gbrak ehas no tbeen full y
release dwhen driving, th eparkin gbrak ecan :
Roverheat and caus e afire
Rlose it shold function .
There is aris kof fir eand an accident. Releas e
th eparkin gbrak efull ybefore drivin goff .
124Driving
Driving and parking
!Do not warm up the engine with the vehicle
stationary. Drive off immediately. Avoid high
engine speeds and driving at full throttle until
the engine has reached its operating temper- ature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to the
desired drive position when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery roads.
You could otherwise damage the drive train.
!Mercedes-AMG vehicles: at low engine oil
temperatures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the max-
imum engine speed is restricted in order to
protect the engine. To protect the engine and
maintain smooth engine operation, avoid driv-
ing at full throttle when the engine is cold.
SmartKey positions
SmartKey
gTo remove the SmartKey
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.
Start/Stop button
General notes
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 Smart-
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 72).
Do not keep the SmartKey:
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 the Smart-
Key.
Do not keep the SmartKey in the temperature-
controlled cup holder (
Ypage 278). Otherwise
the SmartKey will not be detected.
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 77), 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 function
operates independently of the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
Driving125
Driving and parking
Z
Key positions withthe Start/S topbutton
:Start/Sto pbutto n
;Ignition loc k
As soo nas th eignition is switched on ,all th e
indicator lamps in th einstrumen tcluste rligh t
up. Further information on situation swher ean
indicator lamp either fails to go out after starting
th eengin eor lights up while driving
(
Ypage 252).
If Start/Sto pbutto n: has no tyet been
pressed, this correspond sto th eSmartKey
bein gremove dfrom th eignition .
XTo switch on th epower supply :press
Start/Sto pbutto n: once.
The power suppl yis switched on .You can no w
activat eth ewindshield wipers, for example .
The power suppl yis switched off again if:
Rth edriver' sdoor is opened and
Ryou press Start/Sto pbutto n: twice when in
this position
XTo switch on th eignition: press Start/Sto p
butto n: twice.
The ignition is switched on .
If you press Start/Sto pbutto n: once when
in this position ,th eignition is switched off
again .
Removing the Start/S topbutton
You can remove th eStart/Sto pbutto nfrom th e
ignition loc kand start th evehicl eas normal
usin gth eSmartKey.
It is only possible to switch between Start/Sto p
butto nmod eand SmartKey operation when th e
transmission is in position P.
XRemove Start/Stopbutto n: from ignition
loc k;. You do no
thave to remove th eStart/Sto pbut -
to nfrom th eignition loc kwhen you leav eth e
vehicle. You should, however ,always tak eth e
SmartKey wit hyou when leaving th evehicle. As
lon gas th eSmartKey is in th evehicle:
Rth evehicl ecan be started usin gth eStart /
Stop butto n
Relectrically powered equipmen tcan be oper -
ate d
Starting the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNIN G
If children are lef tunsupervised in th evehicle,
they could:
Ropen th edoors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
Rget out and disrupt traffic.
Roperate th evehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set th evehicl ein
motion if, for example ,they:
Rrelease th eparking brake.
Rshiftin gth eautomatic transmission out of
park positio nP
RStart th eengine.
Ther eis aris kof an acciden tand injury.
When leaving th evehicle, always tak eth e
SmartKey wit hyou and loc kth evehicle. Never
leav echildren or animals unattended in th e
vehicle. Always keep th eSmartKey out of
reac hof children .
GWARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gase ssuc has carbon monoxide. Inhalin g
these exhaust gase sleads to poisoning .Ther e
is aris kof fatal injury. Therefore never leav e
th eengin erunnin gin enclosed spaces with-
out sufficien tventilation .
GWARNING
Flammable materials introduce dthroug h
environmental influence or by animals can
126Driving
Driving and parking
leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start
assist.
Hill start assist is not active if:
Ryou are pulling away on a level road or on a
downhill gradient.
Rthe transmission is in position N.
Rthe electric parking brake is applied.
RESP®is malfunctioning.
ECO start/stop function
Introduction
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically if the vehicle is stopped
under certain conditions.
The engine starts automatically when the driver
wants to pull away again. The ECO start/stop
function thereby helps you to reduce the fuel
consumption and emissions of your vehicle.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically and
you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted
automatically. The vehicle may begin moving.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the ignition and secure the vehicle against
rolling away.
General notes
:ECO start/stop display
The ECO start/stop function is activated when-
ever you start the engine using the SmartKey or the Start/Stop button.
If the engine has been switched off automati-
cally by the ECO start/stop function, the èECO symbol is shown in the multifunction dis-
play.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the ECO start/stop
function is only available in drive programs
Comfort andSlippery.
Automatic engine switch-off
If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in Dor N,
the ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically.
The ECO start/stop function is operational
when:
Rthe indicator lamp in the ECO button is lit
green.
Rthe Sport drive program is not selected
RtheSport Plus drive program is not selected
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles or Mercedes-AMG
GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe)
Rthe outside temperature is within the range
that is suitable for the system
Rthe engine is at normal operating temperature
Rthe set temperature for the vehicle interior
has been reached
Rthe battery is sufficiently charged
Rthe system detects that the windshield is not
fogged up when the air-conditioning system is switched on
Rthe hood is closed
Rthe driver's door is closed and the driver's
seat belt is fastened
All of the vehicle's systems remain active when
the engine is stopped automatically.
The HOLD function can also be activated if the
engine has been switched off automatically. It is
then not necessary to continue applying the
brakes during the automatic stop phase. When
you depress the accelerator pedal, the engine
starts automatically and the braking effect of
the HOLD function is deactivated.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): automatic engine switch-off can take
place a maximum of four times in a row (initial
stop, then three subsequent stops).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of con-
secutive automatic engine switch-offs is unlimi-
ted.
Driving129
Driving and parking
Z
Automa tic engine start
The engin estart sautomatically if:
Ryou switch off th eECO start/sto pfunction by
pressing th eECO butto n
Rin transmission position Dor Nthebrak e
pedal is release dand th eHOLD function is no t
active
Ryou depress th eaccelerato rpedal
Ryou engage revers egear R
Ryou mov eth etransmission out of position P
Ryou switch to theSport drive program
Ryou switch to th eSport Plu sdrive program
(Mercedes-AM Gvehicles or Mercedes-AM G
GLE 43 4MATIC Coupe )
Ryou activatemanual gearshifting (Mercedes-
AM Gvehicles)
Ryou unfasten your seat belt or open th edriv-
er' sdoor
Rth evehicl estart sto rol l
Rthebrak esystem require sthis
Rth etemperature in th evehicl einterior devi-
ate sfrom th eset range
Rth esystem detects moisture on th ewind-
shield when th eair-conditioning system is
switched on
Rth ebattery's condition of charge is to olow
Shifting th etransmission to position Pdoes no t
start th eengine.
Deactivating oractivating the ECO
start/stop function
All vehicles (excep tMercedes-AM G vehi-
cles)
XTo deactivate: press ECO butto n:.
Indicato rlamp ;goes out .
XTo activate: press ECO butto n:.
Indicato rlamp ;lights up.
If indicator lamp ;is off ,th eECO start/sto p
function has been deactivated manually or as
th eresult of amalfunction .
Mercedes-AM G vehicles
XTo deactivate: in theComfor tdrive pro -
gram ,press ECO butto n:.
or
XActivat emanual gearshifting (Ypage 136).
or
XSwitc hto th eSport Plu sor Sport drive pro -
gram (Ypage 132).
Indicato rlamp ;goe sout .
XTo activate: press ECO butto n:.
Indicato rlamp ;lights up. When th e
Sport Plu sor Sport drive program is activa-
ted, th eautomatic transmission switches to
th eComfor tdrive program .
If indicator lamp ;is off ,th eECO start/sto p
function has been deactivated manually or as
th eresult of amalfunction .
130Driving
Driving and parking
Problems with the engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard.RThere is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
RThere is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
Before attempting to start the engine again:
XTurn the SmartKey back to position 0in the ignition lock.
or
XPress the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
XTry to start the engine again (Ypage 126). Avoid excessively long
and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain the
battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor.The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or
discharged.
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 313).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high.
XAllow the starter motor to cool down for approximately two minutes.
XTry to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Vehicles with a gasoline
engine:
The engine is not running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and damage it.
XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
The coolant temperature
gage shows a value
above 248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no
longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 297). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
Driving131
Driving and parking
Z
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
Use theDYNAMI CSELECT controller to chang e
th edrive program. Dependin gon th edrive pro -
gram selecte dth efollowin gvehicle character-
istic swill change:
Rth edrive (engin eand transmissio nmanage-
ment)
Rth etransmissio n
Rthesuspensio n
Rthesteerin g
Rtheavailabilit yof th eEC Ostart/sto pfunction
Each time you start th eengin ewit hth eSmart -
Key or th eStart/Sto pbutton, th eComfor tdrive
program is activated. Fo rfurther information
about startin gth eengine, see (
Ypage 126).
XTurnDYNAMI CSELECT controller :as man y
times as necessary until th edesire ddrive
program is selected.
The selecte ddrive program appears in th e
multifunction display. Afte rfiv eseconds th e
display goe sout .
In addition ,th ecurren tdrive program setting s
are displaye din th emultimedia syste mdis -
play.
Available drive programs:
Slipper yOptimal drivin gcharacteris -
tics on slipper yor snow-
covered roads
Comfor tComfortable and economi-
cal drivin gcharacteristics
Spor tSporty drivin gcharacteris -
tics
Spor tPlu sParticularly sport ydrivin g
characteristics
Individua lIndividual setting s
Additional information fo rdrive programs
(Ypage 135).
Automatic transmission
Important safet ynotes
GWARNING
The automatic transmissio nswitches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch of fth eengine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is aris kof an
accident.
Afte rswitchin gof fth eengine, always switch
to parking position P.Prevent th eparke dvehi-
cl e from rollin gaway by applyin gth eparking
brake .
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
jPar kposition wit hparking loc k
kReversegear
iNeutral
hDrive
The DIREC TSELECT lever is on th eright of th e
steerin gcolumn .
The DIREC TSELECT lever always return sto it s
original position .The curren ttransmissio nposi-
tion P,R,N or Dappears in th etransmissio n
position display in th emultifunction display
(
Ypage 134).
Engaging park position P
!If theengin espeed is to ohig hor th evehicle
is moving, do no tshift th eautomatic trans -
132Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission toN
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 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
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
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
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
XEase off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free
Shifting the transmission repeatedly between
gears Dand Rmay 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 Dand R, move
the DIRECT SELECT lever up and down past the
point of resistance.
Towing a trailer
XDrive in the middle of the engine speed range
on uphill gradients.
XDepending on the uphill or downhill gradient,
use the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (
Ypage 136) to select a lower gear,
even if cruise control or Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC are activated.
Drive programs
Slippery drive program
The Slippery drive program has the following
characteristics:
Rreduced engine and transmission settings for
optimum propulsion on slippery or snow-cov-
ered roads.
Roptimized ESP®stability control on slippery or
snow-covered roads.
Rthe vehicle has improved driving stability on
slippery or snow-covered roads, for example.
Automatic transmission135
Driving an d parking
Z