Starting the engine
Important safety notes
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.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system or
parts of the engine that heat up. There is a risk
of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
General notes
The catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 seconds after a cold start. The sound of the
engine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission
XShift the transmission to position j
(Ypage 136).
The transmission position indicator on the
multifunction display shows j
(
Ypage 138).
iYou can start the engine in transmission
position jand i.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
To start the engine using the SmartKey instead
of the Start/Stop button, pull the Start/Stop
button out of the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 3in the igni-
tion lock and release it as soon as the engine
is running.
If the engine will not start:
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XReinsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock
after a short waiting period.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 126).
The indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
light up (
Ypage 244).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 3
(Ypage 126) in the ignition lock and release it
as soon as the engine is running.
Starting procedure with the Start/Stop
button
The Start/Stop button is only available on vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-GO start
function.
The Start/Stop button can be used to start the
vehicle manually without inserting the SmartKey
into the ignition lock. The Start/Stop button
must be inserted in the ignition lock and the
SmartKey must be in the vehicle. This mode for
starting the engine operates independently of
the ECO start/stop automatic engine start func- tion.
You can start the engine if a valid SmartKey is in
the vehicle. Switch off the engine and always
128Driving
Driving and parking
Rthe battery is sufficiently charged
Rthe system detects that the windshield is not
fogged up when the air-conditioning system isswitched 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.
Mercedes-AMG C 63 and Mercedes-
AMG C 63 S: the number of consecutive auto-
matic engine switch-offs is unlimited.
All other models: automatic engine switch-off
can take place a maximum of four times in a row
(initial switch-off, then three subsequent switch-
offs).
Automatic engine start
The engine starts automatically if:
Ryou switch off the ECO start/stop function by pressing the ECO button
RMercedes-AMG C 63 and Mercedes-AMG
C 63 S: you switch to drive program RACE
(S‑ MODEL), S+orS
Rall other models: you switch to drive pro-
gram S+
RMercedes-AMG vehicles: you permanently
activate manual gearshifting (Ypage 142)
Rin transmission position hori, the brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is not
active
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal
Ryou engage reverse gear k
Ryou move the transmission out of position j
Ryou unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-
er's door
Rthe vehicle starts to roll
Rthe brake system requires this
Rthe temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range
Rthe system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on
Rthe condition of charge of the battery is too
low
Shifting the transmission to position jdoes
not start the engine.
Deactivating or activating the ECO
start/stop function
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
XTo deactivate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;goes out.
XTo activate: press ECO button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up.
If indicator lamp ;is off, the ECO start/stop
function has been deactivated manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine will then
not be switched off automatically when the vehi- cle stops.
The ECO start/stop function is deactivated, if:
RMercedes-AMG C 63 and Mercedes-AMG
C 63 S: you switch to drive program RACE
(S‑ MODEL), S+orS(
Ypage 134)
RMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC: you switch to
drive program S+(Ypage 134)
Ryou permanently activate manual gearshifting
(Ypage 142)
If you have permanently activated manual gear-
shifting and then press ECO button :, the ECO
start/stop function is activated.
Driving131
Dr iving an d parking
Z
All othermodels
XTo deacti vate: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 deactivate dmanually or as
th eresult of amalfunction. The engin ewill then
no tbe switched off automatically when th evehi-
cle stops.
Selectin gdriv eprogram S+deactivate sth eECO
start/sto pfunction .If you press ECO butto n:,
th eECO start/sto pfunction is activated.
AMG Performance adjustable exhaust
system (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
The volume of th eAM GPerformance adjustable
exhaust system changes depending on th eposi -
tio nof th eswitchable exhaust flap .The exhaust
flap is adjusted automatically according to th e
selected driv eprogram (
Ypage 134). You can also adjust th
epositio nof th eexhaust
flap and therefor eth evolume of th eexhaust
system manually.
The automatic adjustmen tof th eexhaust flap is
always active when you chang edriv eprogram ,
regardless of th emanual setting.
Eac htim eyou start th eengin ewit hth eSmart -
Key or th eStart/Sto pbutton, th equietest set -
tin gis activated.
Setting th evolume:
XPress butto n:.
If you select th eloudest setting, indicator
lamp light sup ;.
Mercedes-AM G C63/C 63 S: you can preset
th evolume of th eexhaust system for driv epro -
gram I(Individual). Information on DYNAMIC
SELECT and on configuring driv eprogram Iwit h
th emultimedia system (see th eDigita lOpera-
tor's Manual).
132Driving
Driving and parking
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
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
display is pointing to the
red mark.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 289). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
DYNAMIC SELECT switch
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
General information
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to select the
drive program.
Available drive programs for Mercedes-
AMG C 43 4MATIC:
S+ Sport PlusParticularly sporty driving
characteristics
SSportSporty driving characteris-
tics
C ComfortComfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
EEconomyParticularly economical
driving characteristics
IIndividualIndividual settings
Available drive programs for Mercedes-
AMG C 63/C 63 S:
RACE
(S‑MODEL)Driving characteristics suit-
able for a race circuit
S+ Sport PlusParticularly sporty driving
characteristics
SSportSporty driving characteris-
tics
C ComfortComfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
IIndividualIndividual settings
Depending on the drive program selected the
following vehicle characteristics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe driver assistance systems
RESP®(Mercedes-AMG C 63/C 63 S)
Rthe position of the exhaust flap (Mercedes-
AMG C 63/C 63 S)
Rthe setting of the ECO start/stop function
Rthe availability of gliding mode
Rthe climate control:
Further information for automatic drive program
characteristics (
Ypage 140).
Additionally, in drive program Iyou can config-
ure the respective vehicle characteristics using
the multimedia system. You can find informa-
tion about this under "DYNAMIC SELECT" in the
vehicle's Digital Operator's Manual.
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, drive program Cis
activated. For further information about starting
the engine, see (
Ypage 128).
134DYNAMIC SELECT switch
Driving and parking
Selecting the drive program
XPush DYNAMIC SELECT switch:forwards
or back until the desired drive program is
selected.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown in the multifunction display.
In addition, the current drive program settings
are displayed briefly in the multimedia system display.
You can also change gear yourself using the
steering wheel paddle shifters. For further infor-
mation on the manual drive program
(
Ypage 142).
Additional settings
:Position of the exhaust flap (Ypage 132)
;ECO start/stop function (Ypage 130)
=ESP®(Ypage 67)
?Suspension (Ypage 168)
APermanently activates manual gearshifting
(Ypage 142)
When you press buttons :-A the corre-
sponding setting is selected. The DYNAMIC
SELECT switch setting is overwritten.
If you switch to drive program I, all stored char-
acteristics will be accepted. This is also the case if you have previously pressed one of buttons
:
- A.
iMercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC In a few
countries, the ECO start/stop function is
deactivated at the factory due to the fuel
grade available. In this case, the ECO start/
stop function is not available in any drive pro-
gram, regardless of the display in the multi-
media system display.
All other models
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to change the drive program.
Depending on the drive program selected the
following vehicle characteristics will change:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe ECO start/stop function
Rthe climate control:
-the climate control settings
-the rear window defroster operation period
-the performance of the seat heating
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, drive program Cis
activated. For further information about starting
the engine, see (
Ypage 128).
XPush DYNAMIC SELECT switch :forward or
back until the desired drive program is selec-
ted.
The status icon of the selected drive program
is shown in the multifunction display.
DYNAMIC SELECT switch135
Driving and parking
Z
ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission toi
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brake pedal 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 iif the
vehicle is in danger of skidding, e.g.
on icy roads.
If you switch the engine off with the
transmission in position korh,
the automatic transmission shifts to
i automatically.
!Coasting in neutral imay
cause damage to the drive train.
7Drive
The automatic transmission changes
gear automatically. All forward gears
are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts through the
individual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position h. This automatic gear shift-
ing 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
Double-clutch function
When shifting down, the double-clutch function
is active regardless of the currently selected
drive program. The double-clutch function reduces load change reactions and is conducive
to a sporty driving style. The sound generated by
the double-clutch function depends on the drive
program selected.
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.
Gliding mode
Gliding mode is available depending on equip-
ment.
Gliding mode is characterized by the following:
RThe combustion engine is disconnected from
the drive train.
RThe engine speed corresponds to the idling
speed.
RThe multifunction display hides the gear indi-
cator and displays transmission position h
in green (
Ypage 138)
RMercedes-AMG vehicles: the multifunction
display shows status icon :for the drive
program's status icon.
In drive program Eor in drive program C
(Mercedes-AMG C 63/C 63 S), you can activate
and deactivate glide mode using the ECO button
(
Ypage 131).
Gliding mode can be activated under the follow-
ing conditions:
RThe speed is within a suitable range.
RThe course of the road is suitable, e.g. there
are no steep up or downhill gradients.
RYou are no longer depressing the accelerator
pedal.
Automatic transmission139
Driving an d parking
Z
Gliding mode is deactivated under the following
conditions:
RYou depress the accelerator pedal.
RYou depress the brake pedal.
RYou change the transmission position
(Ypage 136).
Ryou switch to drive programRACE
(Mercedes-AMG C 63 S), S+orS
(
Ypage 134).
Ryou activate manual gearshifting
(Ypage 142).
Ryou leave the suitable speed range.
iIf you have selected the "Eco" or "Comfort"
setting (Mercedes-AMG C 63/C 63 S) for the
drive (engine and transmission management) in drive program I, you can also activate glide
mode. Information on DYNAMIC SELECT and
on configuring drive program Ivia the multi-
media system (see the Digital Operator's
Manual).
Drive programs
All vehicles except Mercedes-AMG
C 63/C 63 S
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive program Ithe following properties of the
drive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
and therefore indirectly the availability of glid- ing mode and the properties of the driver
assistance systems
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe setting of the ECO start/stop function
(Ypage 130)
Rthe climate control:
To permanently shift the gears manually in drive
program Iusing the steering wheel paddle shift-
ers, select the M(Manual) setting for the drive
(except Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC).
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital
Operator's Manual.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive program S+is characterized by the fol-
lowing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away in first gear.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIRMATIC).
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is switched off
(Ypage 130).
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive program Sis characterized by the follow-
ing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away in first gear.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits hard springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC).
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is switched on
(Ypage 130).
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program Cis characterized by the follow-
ing:
Rthe vehicle delivers comfortable, economical
handling characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears, unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
Rthe vehicle has improved driving stability, for
example on slippery road surfaces.
Roptimal 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.
Rgliding mode is not available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is switched on
(Ypage 130).
140Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
The vehicle is driven in the low engine speed
range and the wheels are less likely to spin.
Rgliding mode is available.
Rthe ECO start/stop function is switched on
(Ypage 130).
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive programIthe following properties of the
drive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine management)
and therefore indirectly the availability of glid-
ing mode and the ECO start/stop function as
well as the properties of the driver assistance
systems
Rthe transmission management
RESP®(Ypage 67)
Rthe suspension
and therefore indirectly the steering
Ractivation of the exhaust flap
To permanently shift the gears manually in drive
program Iusing the steering wheel paddle shift-
ers, select the M(Manual) setting for the trans-
mission management.
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital
Operator's Manual.
Manual gear shifting
General notes
You can change gear yourself using the steering wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must be
in position hfor this.
Depending on which steering wheel paddle
shifter is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear down or
up, if permitted.
To use manual shifting, you have two options:
Rtemporary setting
Rpermanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear and
p instead of transmission position h.
If you deactivate manual gearshifting, the gears
will be shifted automatically again.
Temporary setting
XTo activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever to
position h.
XPull steering wheel paddle shifter :or;.
Temporary setting will be active for a certain
amount of time. In certain conditions, the mini-
mum amount of time is extended, e.g. in the
case of lateral acceleration, overrun mode or
driving on steep terrain.
XTo deactivate: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter ;and hold it in place.
or
XUse the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or
XUse the DYNAMIC SELECT switch to change
the drive program.
Permanent setting (except Mercedes-
AMG vehicles)
When configuring drive program I, select theM
(Manual) setting for the drive. When driving in
drive program I, you permanently shift the gears
manually using the steering wheel paddle shift-
ers.
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital
Operator's Manual.
Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
!In manual mode, the automatic transmis-
sion does not shift up automatically even
when the engine limiting speed for the current
gear is reached. When the engine limiting
speed is reached, the fuel supply is cut to
142Automatic transmission
Driving and parking