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Selecting transmission positions
!If the engine speed is too high or the vehicle
is moving, do not shift the automatic trans-
mission directly from Dto R, from Rto Dor
directly to P. The automatic transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
!Only shift the automatic transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.
XIf park position Pis selected, depress the
brake pedal to change the transmission posi-
tion.
XDrive position D: push the DIRECT SELECT
lever down beyond the 1st point of resist-
ance.
XReverse gear R: push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up beyond the 1st point of resistance.
iThe ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. Further infor-
mation can be found under "ECO start/stop
function" (
Ypage 123).
XNeutral N: push the DIRECT SELECT lever up
or down as far as the 1st point of resistance.
iWhen you switch off the engine, the auto-
matic transmission shifts to Nautomatically.
XPark position P: press the button of the
DIRECT SELECT lever in the direction of arrow
P.
Park position Pis engaged automatically if you:
Rremove the key
Ropen the driver's door while the vehicle is sta-
tionary or traveling at very low speeds and the
transmission is in position Dor R
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral Nafter you switch off the
engine, you must leave the key in the ignition
lock. This is necessary, for example, when wash-
ing the vehicle in a car wash with a conveyor.
Transmission positions
BPark position
This prevents the vehicle from rolling
away when stopped. Do not shift the
transmission into position Punless
the vehicle is stationary.
The automatic transmission shifts to P automatically if you:
Rremove the key
Ropen the driver's door while the
vehicle is stationary or traveling at
very low speeds and the transmis-
sion is in position Dor R.
The parking lock should not be used
as a brake when parking. Always
apply the parking brake as well once
you have parked the vehicle.
CReverse gear
Only shift the transmission to Rwhen
the vehicle is stationary.
ANeutral
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels. Releasing
the brakes will allow you to move the
vehicle freely, e.g. by pushing or tow-
ing.
If ESP
®is deactivated or faulty: shift
the transmission to position Nif the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
When you switch off the engine, the
automatic transmission automati-
cally shifts into neutral N.
!If the engine is switched off, roll-
ing in neutral Ncan damage the
power transmission and result in
transmission damage.
7Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear itself. All forward gears are avail-
able.
You can influence gearshifts with
your choice of drive program. You
can also restrict the shift range.
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Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
:Drive program
;Current transmission position orcurrent gear in drive program M
=Shift range, if restricted
The transmission positions and current drive
program :are shown at the bottom of the
instrument cluster display. The current trans-
mission position is highlighted.
In drive program M, the transmission position
indicator shows the current gear in position D
(
Ypage 130).
If you restrict the shift range, the transmission
position indicator shows the current transmis-
sion position plus restricted shift range =, e.g.
D2 (
Ypage 128).
The arrows in the transmission position display
show how and into which transmission positions
you can change using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
Changing gear
The 7-speed automatic transmission adapts to
your individual driving style by continuously
adjusting its shift points. These shift point
adjustments take into account the current oper-
ating and driving conditions. If the operating or
driving conditions change, the automatic trans-
mission reacts by adjusting the gearshift pro-
gram.
The 7-speed automatic transmission shifts to
the individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This depends on:
Rthe drive program selected (Ypage 129)
Rany restriction in the shift range
(Ypage 128)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
You can also change gear manually if you select
drive program M(
Ypage 130).
Shift ranges
:To shift down and restrict the shift range
;To shift up and derestrict the shift range
In transmission position Dand drive programs E
and C, you can use the steering wheel paddle
shifters to change gear yourself and restrict or
derestrict the shift range of the automatic trans-
mission.
XTo shift down and restrict the shift range:
briefly pull left steering wheel paddle
shifter :.
The automatic transmission shifts to the next
gear down, depending on the gear currently
engaged. The shift range is also restricted.
The transmission position indicator also
shows the set shift range, e.g. D2. The auto-
matic transmission shifts only as far as the
relevant gear.
or
XPull and hold left steering wheel paddle
shifter :.
The automatic transmission will shift to a
range which allows easy acceleration and
deceleration. To do this, the automatic trans-
mission shifts down one or more gears and
restricts the shift range.
The transmission position indicator also
shows the set shift range, e.g. D2. The auto-
matic transmission shifts only as far as the
relevant gear.
The automatic transmission does not shift
down if you pull the left steering whee l p
addle
shifter whilst traveling at too high a speed. If
the maximum engine speed for the restricted
shift range is reached and you continue to
depress the accelerator pedal, the automatic transmission will shift up automatically. This
protects the engine from overrevving.
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XTo shift up and extend the shift range:
briefly pull right steering wheel paddle
shifter;.
The automatic transmission shifts to the next gear up, depending on the gear currently
engaged. This derestricts the shift range at
the same time.
If the display shows only transmission posi-
tion D, the shift range restriction is canceled.
XTo derestrict the shift range: pull and hold
right steering wheel paddle shifter ;.
The automatic transmission shifts up one or
more gears depending on the gear currently
engaged. At the same time, the shift range
restriction is canceled and the display shows
transmission position D.
Shift ranges and driving situations
=Use the engine's braking effect.
5Use the braking effect of the engine
on steep downhill gradients and for
driving:
Ron steep mountain roads
Rin mountainous terrain
Rin arduous conditions
4Use the braking effect of the engine
on extremely steep downhill gradi-
ents and long downhill stretches.
Drive programs
General notes
You can use the program selector button to
choose between different drive programs for the
automatic transmission. Engine management
and the gearshifting characteristics of the auto-
matic transmission change depending on which
drive program is selected. Thus, a more comfort-
oriented or a more economical driving style is
supported, depending on the wish of the driver.
Selecting drive program Mdeactivates auto-
matic gearshifting, requiring that you change
gear manually.
After the engine is started, the automatic trans-
mission automatically switches to drive pro-
gram C(Comfort) for a comfortable and eco-
nomical driving style.
Program selector button
XPress the Éprogram selector button
repeatedly until the desired drive program is
selected.
The display shows the letter of the selected
drive program at the top of the transmission
position indicator (
Ypage 128).
M ManualManual gearshifting
CComfortComfortable, economical
driving style
EEcoParticularly economical
driving style
Drive program (M)
The Manual drive program is characterized by
the following:
RThe automatic transmission must be shifted
manually at all times. the automatic trans-
mission does not shift up automatically even
when the maximum engine speed is reached
(
Ypage 130).
Rthe ECO start/stop function must be activa-
ted manually.
Drive program C
Drive program Comforthas the following char-
acteristics:
Rthe vehicle delivers comfortable, economical
handling characteristics.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
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Rincreased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for exam-
ple.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up sooner.
The vehicle thus maintains lower engine
speeds.
Drive program E
Drive programEcohas the following character-
istics:
Rthe vehicle exhibits particularly economical
handling characteristics.
Rthe maximum available engine torque is
reduced.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting down signifi-
cantly later and up significantly sooner, even
at full-load operation.
No shift point adjustment for adapting to indi-
vidual, dynamic driving styles.
In kickdown, the automatic transmission
automatically shifts to drive program C.
Rincreased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for exam-
ple.
Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
Rlittle throttle: early upshifts
Rlots of throttle: later upshifts
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration:
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to the next
gear down, depending on the engine speed.
XEase off on the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts up again.
Rocking the vehicle free
At speeds up to 5 mph (9 km/h) you can switch
back and forth between drive position Dand
reverse gear Rwithout applying the brakes. This
helps when rocking the vehicle out of snow or
slush.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever alternately up
and down beyond the first point of resistance.
Towing a trailer
XDepending on the downhill gradient, limit the
shift range (Ypage 128) or shift manually into
a lower gear (Ypage 130) in which the engine
will operate in the middle of the engine speed
range. This also applies if cruise control is
activated.
Manual gearshifting
General notes
If you select drive program M, automatic gear-
shifting is deactivated and manual gearshifting
is automatically activated. You must then per-
manently change gear yourself for as long as the
drive program is selected.
Permanent manual gearshifting is deactivated
automatically when you switch from drive pro-
gram Mto another drive program. The auto-
matic transmission then shifts gears automati-
cally. The display shows the selected drive pro-
gram and transmission position Dagain.
Shifting gears
:To shift down
;To shift up
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The drive program display showsMand the
transmission position indicator shows the selec-
ted gear.
XTo shift up: briefly pull right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter ;.
If the engine speed is sufficient, the automatic
transmission shifts up to the next gear.
If the maximum engine speed is reached in
the currently engaged gear and you continue
to accelerate, the automatic transmission will
not shift up automatically. Always make sure
that the engine speed does not reach the red
area of the tachometer. Observe the gearshift
recommendation in the display (
Ypage 131).
When the engine reaches its maximum speed, the fuel supply is cut to prevent the engine
from overrevving.
XTo shift down: pull briefly on left-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter :.
Provided that the engine will not exceed its
maximum speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission shifts down to the
next gear.
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter until the automatic transmission
selects the optimum gear for the current
speed.
iWhen coasting, the automatic transmission
shifts down automatically.
Gearshift recommendation
:Gearshift direction
;Recommended gear
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style.
XWhen the display shows the gearshift recom-
mendation, shift to recommended gear ;.
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Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission is
locked in positionP.The vehicle electronics are malfunctioning.
XHave the vehicle electronics checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop.
The acceleration charac-
teristics have deteriora-
ted noticeably.
The transmission does
not shift.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear or reverse gear R.
XStop the vehicle.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XMove the selector lever to positionP.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XDepress the brake pedal.
XMove the selector lever to positionDor R.
In position D, the transmission shifts into second gear; in position R,
the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Improper handling of
fuel creates a risk of fire and explosion.
Avoid fire, open flames, smoking and creating
sparks under all circumstances. 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.
GWARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged.
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Do not get into the vehicle again during the refu-
eling process. Otherwise, electrostatic charge
could build up again.
HEnvironmental note
If fuels are handled improperly, they pose a
danger to persons and the environment. Do
not allow fuels to run into the sewage system,
the surface waters, the ground water or into
the ground.
!Do not switch on the ignition if you acciden-
tally refuel with the wrong fuel. Otherwise, the
fuel will enter the fuel lines. Notify a qualified
specialist workshop and have the fuel tank
and fuel lines drained completely.
!Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
!Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
!Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel can.
The fuel lines and/or the fuel injection system
could otherwise be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
You will find further information about fuel and
fuel grades under "Service products and capaci-
ties" (
Ypage 305).
Refueling procedure
:Fuel filler flap
;Fuel filler cap
=Tire pressure table (Ypage 280)
?Fuel filler neck
Fuel filler flap :is on the left side of the vehicle
behind the front door. It is only possible to open fuel filler flap :when the front door is open.
XRemove the key from the ignition lock.
XOpen the front left-hand door first, and then
fuel filler flap :.
XClose all vehicle doors to prevent fuel vapors
from entering the vehicle interior.
XTurn fuel filler cap ;counter-clockwise,
remove it and let it hang from the strap.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into tank ?and refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off. Fuel may otherwise leak out.
XReplace tank filler cap ;on tank ?and turn
clockwise.
You will hear a click when the fuel filler cap is
closed fully.
XOpen the front left-hand door first, and then
close filler flap :.
Problems with the fuel and fuel tank
If your vehicle is losing fuel, the fuel lines or the
fuel tank are defective.
XTurn the SmartKey immediately to position 0
in the ignition lock and remove it.
XDo not restart the engine under any circum-
stances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
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.
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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.
!Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-
etrain could be damaged.
!When the vehicle is parked, always remove
the key to prevent the battery from becoming
discharged.
Always park your vehicle safely and secure it
against rolling away. When parking, observe the
legal requirements of the country in which you
are currently driving.
To ensure that the vehicle is properly secured
against rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe parking brake must be firmly applied
Rthe transmission must be in position Pand the
key must be removed from the ignition lock
Ron steep uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the curb
Parking brake
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.
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.
The brake lamps are not illuminated when you
brake the vehicle using the parking brake.
As a rule, you may only apply the parking brake
when the vehicle is stationary.
XTo apply the parking brake: depress park-
ing brake pedal ;firmly.
The red F(only USA) or J(only Can-
ada) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up if the engine is running.
XTo release the parking brake: depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
XPull release handle :.
The parking brake is released abruptly. The
red F (only USA) or J(only Canada)
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes
out.
Exceptionally, if the service brake fails, the park-
ing brake can be used to brake the vehicle in an
emergency.
XEmergency braking: pull release handle:
and gradually depress parking brake
pedal ;.
134Parking
Driving and parking