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 the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
Roverheat and cause a fire
Rlose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
!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.
Hybrid vehicles: It is essential to read the infor-
mation in the supplementary manual. Other-
wise, you may not recognize dangers.
Key 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.
Vehicles with AIRPANEL: you can open the
shutters in the radiator trim by turning the
SmartKey to position 2in the ignition lock.
After approximately 120 seconds the shutters
open automatically. Further information on
opening and cleaning the shutters
(
Ypage 312).
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
136Driving
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 152).
Additional settings
:Position of the exhaust flap (Ypage 142)
;ECO start/stop function (Ypage 140)
=ESP®(Ypage 69)
?Suspension (Ypage 183)
APermanently activates manual gearshifting
(Ypage 152)
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
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to observe the notes
in the supplement. Otherwise, you may not rec-
ognize dangers.
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 138).
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 switch145
Driving and parking
Z
In addition, the current drive program settings
are displayed briefly in the multimedia systemdisplay.
iIn a few countries, the ECO start/stop func-
tion is deactivated at the factory due to the
available fuel grade. In this case, the ECO
start/stop function is not available in any
drive program, regardless of the display in the
multimedia system display.
Available drive programs:
I IndividualIndividual settings
S+ Sport PlusParticularly sporty driving
characteristics
SSportSporty driving characteris-
tics
C ComfortComfortable and economi-
cal driving characteristics
EEconomyParticularly economical
driving characteristics
Additional information for drive programs
(Ypage 150).
You can also change gear yourself using the
steering wheel paddle shifters. For further infor- mation on the manual drive program
(
Ypage 152).
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
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.
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to observe the notes
in the supplement. Otherwise, you may not rec-
ognize dangers.
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
jPark position with parking lock
kReverse gear
iNeutral
hDrive
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
The DIRECT SELECT lever always returns to its
original position. The current transmission posi-
tion j,k,iorh is shown on the trans-
mission position display on the multifunction
display (
Ypage 148).
Selects park position
!If the engine speed is too high or the vehicle
is coasting, do not shift the automatic trans-
mission directly from htok, from ktoh
or directly to j. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever switch in the
direction of arrow j.
146Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
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 148)
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 141).
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 transmission149
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 146).
Ryou switch to drive programRACE
(Mercedes-AMG C 63 S), S+orS
(
Ypage 144).
Ryou activate manual gearshifting
(Ypage 152).
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 140)
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 140).
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 140).
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 140).
150Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
Drive programE(Economy)
Drive progra mEis characterized by th efollow-
ing:
Rth evehicl eexhibits comfortable, economical
handlin gcharacteristics .
Rthevehicl epulls away mor egentl yin forwar d
and revers egears, unless th eaccelerato r
peda lis depressed fully.
Rth evehicl ehas improved drivin gstability, fo r
exampl eon slipper yroa dsurfaces.
Roptimal fue lconsumption resultin gfrom th e
automati ctransmissio nshiftin gup sooner.
The vehicl eis driven in th elow engin espeed
range and th ewheels are less likely to spin .
Rduring deceleration,th eengin eis disconnec-
te dfrom th edrive train .The vehicl euses
kineti cenerg yand consumes less fuel.
Rth ecoolin gand heatin goutput of th eclimat e
control system has been reduced.
Rglidin gmod eis available.
Rth eECO start/sto pfunction is switched on
(Ypage 140).
Mercedes-AMG C63/ C63 S
Drive program RACE (S ‑M ODEL)
The RACE drive progra mis characterized by th e
following :
Rthevehicl eexhibits drivin gcharacteristics
suitable fo rth eracetrack.
Rall vehicl esystems are set fo rmaximum
sportiness .
Rthegearshift recommendation gives you
information fo rslowly warmin gup th edrive
assemblies and fo radopting afuel-efficien t
drivin gstyle (
Ypage 152). You can follow th e
gearshift recommendation sat all times and
shift gear accordingly usin gth esteerin g
whee lpaddl eshifters .On th ebasi sof th e
gearshift recommendation ,usin gth esteerin g
whee lpaddl eshifters ,you can optimiz eth e
drive train and engin eoperatin gmod eat any
time.
Rif you hav eselected agear manually, this will
be maintaine duntil th evehicl espeed increa-
ses or decreases dramatically.
Rth evehicl epulls away in first gear .
Rtheautomati ctransmissio nshift sup later.
th efue lconsumption possibl ybein ghigher as
a result of th elater automati ctransmissio n
shift points .
Rthesuspensio nexhibits particularl yhar d
springin gand dampin gsettings.
Rglidin gmod eis no tavailable.
Rth eECO start/sto pfunction is switched of f
(Ypage 140).
Drive program S+ (Spor tPlus)
Drive progra mS+ is characterized by th efol-
lowing:
Rth evehicl eexhibits particularl ysport ydrivin g
characteristics .
Rthevehicl epulls away in first gear .
Rtheautomati ctransmissio nshift sup later.
th efue lconsumption possibl ybein ghigher as
a result of th elater automati ctransmissio n
shift points .
Rthesuspensio nexhibits particularl yhar d
springin gand dampin gsettings.
Rglidin gmod eis no tavailable.
Rth eECO start/sto pfunction is switched of f
(Ypage 140).
Drive program S(Sport)
Drive progra mSis characterized by th efollow-
ing:
Rth evehicl eexhibits sport ydrivin gcharacter-
istics .
Rthevehicl epulls away in first gear .
Rtheautomati ctransmissio nshift sup later.
th efue lconsumption possibl ybein ghigher as
a result of th elater automati ctransmissio n
shift points .
Rthesuspensio nexhibits stiff springin gand
dampin gsettings.
Rglidin gmod eis no tavailable.
Rth eECO start/sto pfunction is switched of f
(Ypage 140).
Drive program C(Comfort)
Drive progra mCis characterized by th efollow-
ing:
Rth evehicl edeliver scomfortable, economical
handlin gcharacteristics .
Rthevehicl epulls away mor egentl yin forwar d
and revers egears, unless th eaccelerato r
peda lis depressed fully.
Rth evehicl ehas improved drivin gstability, fo r
exampl eon slipper yroa dsurfaces.
Roptimal fue lconsumption resultin gfrom th e
automati ctransmissio nshiftin gup sooner.
Automatic transmission151
Driving and parking
Z
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 140).
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 69)
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
152Automatic transmission
Driving and parking
prevent the engine from overrevving. Always
make sure that the engine speed does not
reach the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
XTo activate/deactivate:shift the DIRECT
SELECT lever to position h.
XPress button:.
When the indicator lamp ;lights up, auto-
matic transmission manual mode is activated.
You then permanently shift the gears man-
ually using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
The manual mode activated with the :but-
ton remains activated when the drive program
is changed.
Mercedes-AMG C 63/C 63 S: only if theD
(Automatic) setting has been preselected for
the transmission is manual mode deactivated
when you change to drive program I.
Mercedes-AMG C 63/C 63 S: you can also
preset manual mode for drive program I. To do
so, select the M(Manual) setting when config-
uring the transmission. When driving in drive
program I, you permanently shift the gears man-
ually using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found under
"DYNAMIC SELECT" in the vehicle's Digital
Operator's Manual.
Shifting gears
XTo shift up: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter ;.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
If the maximum engine speed in the gear cur- rently engaged is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission auto-
matically shifts up in order to prevent engine
damage (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: if the temporary
setting has been activated and you continue
to accelerate when the maximum engine
speed has been reached, the automatic trans- mission automatically shifts up. If the perma-
nent setting is activated, the automatic trans-
mission does not shift up automatically even
when the engine limiting speed for the current
gear is reached. Observe the protection
against reaching the overrevving range on the
multifunction display. Always make sure that
the engine speed does not reach the red area
of the tachometer.
XTo shift down: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter :.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-
ing.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage by not shifting down.
Automatic transmission153
Driving and parking
Z