BSwitches cooling with air dehumidification on/off (Ypage 117)
CSwitches the rear window defroster on/off (Ypage 120)
Notes on using the air-conditioning
system
Air-conditioning system
Below, you can find a number of notes and rec-
ommendations to help you use the air-condi-
tioning system optimally.
RSwitch on the air-conditioning system by turn- ing control knob Aclockwise to the desired
position (except position 0).
RSet the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
RRecommendation for avoiding misted
windows at low exterior temperatures or
in rain: switch on the ¿cooling with dehu-
midification function (
Ypage 117).
Set air distribution to ¯and if possible
switch off PandO (
Ypage 118).
Deactivate air-recirculation mode e
(
Ypage 121).
Set airflow control Ato a setting between 3
and 6(
Ypage 119).
RRecommendation for rapid cooling or
heating of the vehicle interior: briefly set
airflow control Ato a setting between 3and
6 (
Ypage 119).
RRecommendation for a constant vehicle
interior temperature: set airflow controlA
to a setting between 1and 3(
Ypage 119).
RRecommendation for air distribution in
winter: select the Oand¯ settings
(
Ypage 118).
Recommendation for air distribution in
summer: select the PorP and¯
settings (
Ypage 118).
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 tu
nnel. The windows could otherwise fog up,
since no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle in
air-recirculation mode.
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 on the multimedia
system display; see Digital Operator's Man-
ual. You will see the current settings of the
various climate control functions.
DYNAMIC SELECT button (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
You can choose between various drive programs
with the DYNAMIC SELECT button
(
Ypage 130).
If you have selected drive program E:
Rwhen heating, the electrical heater booster is
deactivated and in the warming-up phase
heat output is reduced
Rthe rear window defroster running time is
reduced
Depending on the configuration, climate set-
tings may also be influenced in the drive pro-
gram I.
If you have selected drive program Cor S, cli-
mate settings are not influenced.
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 129).
114Overview of climate control systems
Climate control
ual. Youwillsee the current settings of the
various climate control functions.
DYNAMIC SELECT button (except
Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
You can choose between various drive programs
wit h the DYNAM IC SELECT button
(
Ypage 130).
If you have selected drive program E:
Rwhen heating, the electrical heater booster is
deactivated and inthe warming-up phase
heat output isreduced
Rthe rear window defroster running time is
reduced
Dependin g on the configuration, climate set-
tings may also beinfluenced inthe drive pro-
gram I.
If you have selected drive program Cor S,cli-
mate settings are not influenced.
ECO start/stop function
During automat icengine switch-off, the climate
control system only operates at a reduced capa-
city. Ifyou require the full climate control output,
you can switch off the ECO start /stop function
by pressing the ECO button (
Ypage 129).
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 wind ows could fog up. Therefore, switch off
clim ate control only brie fly
Air-conditioning system
XTurn theSmartKey to position 2inthe igni-
tion lock (Ypage 124).
XTo switch on: turn controlAclock wiseto
the desired position (except position 0)
(
Ypage 113).
XTo switch off: turn controlAcounter-clock-
wise to position 0(Ypage 113).
Dual-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2inthe igni-
tion lock (Ypage 124).
XTo activate: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp inthe à button lights
up. Airflow and air distribution are set to auto-
mat icmode.
or
XPress the ^button.
The indicator lamp inthe ^ button goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored.
XTo deactivate: press the^button.
The indicator lamp inthe ^ button lights
up.
iDual-zone automatic climate control: switch
on clim ate control primarily using the Ã
button.
Switching cooling with air dehumidi-
fication on/off
General notes
If you deactivate the "Cooling with air-dehumid-
ification" function, the air inside the vehicle will
not becooled. The air inside the vehicle willalso
not be dehumidif ied. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Therefore, only deactivate the
"Cooling with air-dehumidif ication" function
briefly.
The "Cooling with air dehumidif ication" function
is only availab lewhen the engine isrunning. The
air inside the vehicle iscooled and dehumidif ied
according to the temperature selected.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a malfunc-
tion.
Activating/deactivating
XPress the ¿button.
The indicator lamp inthe ¿ button lights
up or goes out.
The indicator lamp inthe button indicates that
the respective function isactivated. The
"Cooling with air dehumidif ication" function
has a delayed switch-off feature.
Operating the climate control systems117
Climate control
If the battery voltage is too low, the rear window
defroster may switch off.Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 124).
XPress the ¤button.
The indicator lamp in the ¤button lights
up or goes out.
Problems with the rear window defroster
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
The rear window
defroster has deactiva-
ted prematurely or can-
not be activated.The battery has not been sufficiently charged.
XSwitch off any consumers that are not required, e.g. reading lamps,
interior lighting or the seat heating.
When the battery is sufficiently charged, the rear window defroster
can be activated again.
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off
General notes
You can deactivate the flow of fresh air if
unpleasant odors are entering the vehicle from
outside. The air already inside the vehicle will
then be recirculated.
If you switch on air-recirculation mode, the win-
dows can fog up more quickly, in particular at
low temperatures. Only use air-recirculation
mode briefly to prevent the windows from fog-
ging up.
The operation of air-recirculation mode is the
same for all control panels.
Activating/deactivating
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 124).
XTo activate: press theebutton.
The indicator lamp in the ebutton lights
up.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: air-
recirculation mode is activated automatically:
Rat high outside temperatures
Rat high levels of pollution
When air-recirculation mode is activated auto-
matically, the indicator lamp in the ebutton
is not lit. Outside air is added after about
30 minutes.
XTo deactivate: press theebutton.
The indicator lamp in the ebutton goes
out.
iAir-recirculation mode deactivates auto-
matically:
Rafter approximately five minutes at outside
temperatures below approximately 45 ‡
(7 †)
Rafter approximately five minutes if the
"Cooling with air dehumidification" func-
tion is deactivated
Rafter approximately 30 minutes at outside
temperatures above approximately 45 ‡
(7 †) if the "Cooling with dehumidification"
function is activated
Switching the residual heat on or off
General notes
The residual heat function is only available in
vehicles for Canada with dual-zone automatic
climate control.
It is possible to make use of the residual heat of
the engine to continue heating the vehicle for
approximately 30 minutes after the engine has
been switched off. The heating time depends on
the set interior temperature.
iThe blower will run at a low speed regardless
of the airflow setting.
Operating the climate control systems121
Climate control
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display.
XShift to recommended gear:when mes-
sage ;is shown in the multifunction display.
Kickdown
XFor maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed is
reached. During kickdown, you cannot shift gears using
the steering wheel paddle shifters.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
it is only possible to
use kickdown in temporary manual drive pro-
gram M. When manual drive program Mis per-
manently activated, kickdown is not possible.
Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and MSolutions
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 shifts into all of the
gears.
Reverse gear can no lon-
ger be engaged.The transmission is in emergency mode.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to positionj.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionh.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
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.
140Refueling
Driving and parking
In addition to driving style, the actual consump-
tion is affected by other factors, such as:
RLoad
RTire pressure
RCold start
RChoice of route
RActive electrical consumers
These factors are not included in the ECO dis-
play.
An economical driving style specially requires
driving at moderate engine speeds.
Achieving a higher value in the categories
"Acceleration" and "Constant":
Robserve the gearshift recommendations.
Rdrive the vehicle in drive program Cor E
(vehicles with a DYNAMIC SELECT button).
On long journeys at a constant speed, e.g. on the
highway, only the outer area for "constant" will
change.
The ECO display summarizes the driving style
from the start of the journey to its completion.
Therefore, there are more marked changes in
the outer areas at the start of a journey. On lon- ger journeys, there are fewer changes. For more
marked changes, perform a manual rest
(
Ypage 190).
For more information on the ECO display, see
(
Ypage 189).
Braking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface.
Downhill gradients
!On long and steep gradients, you must
reduce the load on the brakes by shifting to a
lower gear in good time. This allows you to
take advantage of engine braking. For this you
must first activate manual gearshifting. This helps you to avoid overheating the brakes and
wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, it
is possible that a drive wheel will not rotate for
some time, e.g. on a slippery road surface.
This could cause damage to the drive train.
This type of damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz warranty.
Briefly depressing the accelerator pedal on
downhill gradients while the manual drive pro-
gram Mis temporarily activated: the automatic
transmission may switch to the last active auto-
matic drive program Eor S. The automatic trans-
mission may shift to a higher gear. This can
reduce the engine's braking effect.
Heavy and light loads
GWARNING
If you rest your foot on the brake pedal while
driving, the braking system can overheat. This increases the stopping distance and can even
cause the braking system to fail. There is a
risk of an accident.
Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately. Drive
on for a short while. This allows the airflow to
cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If you have driven for a long time in heavy rain
without braking, there may be a delayed reac-
tion from the brakes when braking for the first
time. This may also occur after the vehicle has
been washed or driven through deep water.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle
washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
148Driving tips
Driving and parking
Rear wheel
XBring thevehicl eand wheels int o asuitable
position so that you can attach test gage A.
XSecureth evehicl eagainst rollin gaway
(Ypage 143).
XEngage park position P.
XSwitchoff th eengine.
XPlac etest gage Abetween th ewheel's
spoke son brak epad/lining =.
XHold test gage Averticall yon brak edisc :
and slid emeasurin gpin ;onto brak e
disc :.
XChec kwhic hcolor field ?thearrow on
measurin gpin ;is pointing to .
Green: thebrak epad/lining thickness is suf -
ficient.
Red :th ebrak epad/lining thickness is no t
sufficient. Hav eth ebrak epads/lining
checke dat aqualified specialist workshop.
To avoi dan inaccurat emeasurement:
Rmak esur eyou position th ewheels suitably
Rdo no tput th emeasurin gpin on arecess in
th ebrak edisc
Driving on wet roads
Aquaplaning
If th eroad surfac eis wet ,aquaplaning may
occur depending on water level, spee dand tire
tread depth. Fo
rthis reason ,in th eevent of heav yrain or in
condition sin whic hhydroplaning may occur ,
you mus tdriv ein th efollowin gmanner:
Rlower your spee d
Ravoidrut s
Ravoi dsudde nsteering movement s
Rbrakecarefully
Driving on flooded roads
!Bear in min dthat vehicles traveling in fron t
or in th eopposit edirection creat ewaves. This
may caus eth emaximum permissibl ewater
dept hto be exceeded .
Failure to observ ethese note smay result in
damag eto th eengine, electrical systems and
transmission .
If you hav eto driv eon stretches of road on whic h
water has collected, pleas ebear in min dthat:
Rin th ecas eof standing water, th ewater level
may be no higher than th elower edge of th e
vehicl ebody
Ryou should driv eno faste rthan at awalking
pac e
Winter driving
GWARNIN G
If you shif tdown on aslipper yroad surfac ein
an attemp tto increas eth eengine's braking
effect, th edriv ewheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skiddin gand
accidents .
Do no tshif tdown for additional engin ebrak -
ing on aslipper yroad surface.
GDANGER
If th eexhaust pipe is blocke dor adequat e
ventilation is no tpossible, poisonous gase s
suc has carbon monoxide (CO) may ente rth e
vehicle. This is th ecase, e.g. if th evehicl e
become strapped in snow. There is aris kof
fatal injury.
If you leav eth eengin eor th eauxiliary heating
running, mak esur eth eexhaust pipe and area
aroun dth evehicl eare clear of snow. To
ensur ean adequat esuppl yof fresh air, open a
150Driving tips
Driving and parking
RAccelerate gently and make sure that the
wheels are gripping.
RAvoid high engine speeds, except when driv-
ing on sandy and muddy routes with high driv-
ing resistance.
RUse the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter to shift to a lower gear appropriate to
the gradient.
RUse the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter to shift into a lower gear in good time
on long and steep downhill gradients.
Hill start assist will aid you when pulling away on a hill. For further information about hill start
assist, see (
Ypage 127).
Do not shift into transmission position iwhen
driving off-road. You could lose control of the
vehicle if you attempt to brake the vehicle using
the service brake. If the gradient is too steep for
your vehicle, drive back down in reverse gear.
Always observe the approach/departure angle
values (
Ypage 334).
Maximum gradient-climbing capability
Always observe the maximum gradient climbing
ability values (Ypage 334).
Hilltops
When driving up an uphill gradient, slightly
reduce pressure on the accelerator immediately
before reaching the brow of the hill. Make use of
the vehicle's own impetus to travel over the
brow.
This style of driving prevents:
Rthe vehicle from lifting off the ground on the
brow of a hill
Rthe vehicle from traveling too quickly down
the other side
Driving downhill
RDrive slowly.
RDo not drive at an angle down steep inclines.
Steer into the line of fall and drive with the
front wheels aligned straight. Otherwise, the
vehicle could slip sideways, tip and rollover.
RShift to a lower gear using the left-hand steer-
ing wheel paddle shifter before tackling steep
downhill gradients.
RActivate DSR. If this is not sufficient, brake
gently. When doing so, make sure that the vehicle is facing in the direction of the line of
fall.
RCheck that the brakes are working normally
after a long downhill stretch.
Off-road ABS is activated when the off-road pro-
gram is selected.
At speeds below 18 mph (30 km/h), the front
wheels lock cyclically during braking. The dig-
ging-in effect achieved in the process reduces
the stopping distance on off-road terrain. The
steerability of the vehicle is considerably
reduced if the wheels lock.
Driving systems
Cruise control
General notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road speed
for you. It brakes automatically in order to avoid
exceeding the set speed. On long and steep
downhill gradients, especially if the vehicle is
laden, you must select a low gear in good time.
You need to shift manually using the steering
wheel paddle shifters beforehand. By doing so,
you will make use of the braking effect of the
engine. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
When the engine is running, you can use the
cruise control lever to limit the speed to any
speed between 20 mph (30 km/h) and the tech-
nically permitted maximum speed of the vehicle.
Use cruise control if road and traffic conditions
make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed
for a prolonged period.
The speed indicated in the speedometer may
differ slightly from the speed stored.
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, cruise con-
trol can neither reduce the risk of an accident
nor override the laws of physics. Cruise control
cannot take into account the road, traffic and
weather conditions. Cruise control is only an
aid. You are responsible for the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in
good time and for staying in your lane.
154Driving systems
Driving an d parking
iCruise controlisnot deactivated ifyou
depr ess the accelerator pedal.For example, if
you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise con-
trol adjusts the veh icle's speed to the last
speed stored after you have finished overtak-
ing.
Deactivating cruise control
There are several ways to deactivate cruise con-
trol:
XBriefly press the cruise control lever forwards
=.
or
XBrake.
Cruise control isautomatically deactivated if:
Rthe veh icle issecured with the electr icpark-
ing brake
Ryou are driving at less than 20 mph (30 km/h)
RESP®intervenes or you deactivate ESP®
Ryou shift the transmission to position i
while driving
If cruise control is deactivated, you will hear a
warning tone. You will see the Cruise Con‐
trol Offmessage in the multifunction display
for approximately five seconds.
iWhen you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared.
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC
General notes
Distance Pilot DISTRONIC regulates the speed
and automatically helps you maintain the dis-
tance to the vehicle detected in front. Vehicles
are detected with the aid of the radar sensor
system. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC brakes auto-
matically to avoid exceeding the set speed or to
maintain the designated distance from the vehi-
cle in front.
If Distance Pilot DISTRONIC detects that there is a risk of a collision, you will be warned visually
and acoustically. Without your intervention, Dis-
tance Pilot DISTRONIC cannot prevent a colli-
sion. An intermittent warning tone will then
sound and the distance warning lamp will light
up in the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in order to increase the distance to the vehicle in
front or take evasive action provided it is safe to
do so. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC operates in the range
between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph
(200 km/h).
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is especially
important if the vehicle is laden. By doing so, you
will make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and wear-
ing too qu ickly
.
Do not use Distance Pilot DISTRONIC on roads
with steep gradients.
For Distance Pilot DISTRONIC to assist you
when driving, the radar sensor system must be
operational.
Since Distance Pilot DISTRONIC transmits radar
waves, it can resemble the radar detectors of
the responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
iUSA only: This device has been approved by
the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended for use in an auto-
motive radar system only. Removal, tamper-
ing, or altering of the device will void any war-
ranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do
not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
iCanada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or al tering o
f the device
will void any warranties, and is not permitted.
Do not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
156Driving system s
Driving an d parking