Shifting gears
If you pull on the left-hand or right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter, the automatic transmis-
sion switches to temporary manual drive pro-
gram for a limited amount of time. Depending on
which steering wheel paddle shifter is pulled,
the automatic transmission immediately shifts
into the next gear down or up, if permitted.
X To shift up: pull the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter (Y page 121).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
If the maximum engine speed in the currently
engaged gear is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission auto-
matically shifts up in order to prevent engine
damage.
The automatic transmission will not shift up to the next gear when the engine speed is very
low.
X To shift down: pull on the left-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter (Y page 121).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
If the engine were to exceed the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the auto-
matic transmission protects against engine
damage by not shifting down.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-
ing.
When using kickdown, the automatic trans-
mission automatically shifts to a lower gear.
Deactivating If you have activated temporary manual drive
program, it will remain active for a certain
amount of time. Under certain conditions, the
minimum amount of time is extended, e.g. in the
case of lateral acceleration, during overrun
mode or when driving on steep terrain.
When temporary manual drive program is deac-
tivated, the automatic transmission shifts into
the automatic drive program that was last selec-
ted. You can also deactivate temporary manual drive
program yourself:
X Pull on the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in place (Y page 121).
or
X Use the DYNAMIC SELECT controller to
change the drive program (Y page 116).
Temporary manual drive program is deactiva-
ted. The automatic transmission switches
into the automatic drive program that was last
selected. Manual mode
General notes In manual mode
M, you can permanently change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must be in position
005B to do this.
The switching times correspond to the previ-
ously active automatic drive program.
The transmission only shifts down automatically at low engine speeds depending on the respec-
tive gear.
In addition to manual mode M, you can also
activate temporary manual drive program
(Y page 122).
Activating In manual mode
M, you can change gear your-
self using the steering wheel paddle shifters if
the transmission is in position 005B. You can see
the currently selected drive program and which gear is engaged in the multifunction display.
X Press the M button (Y page 121).
M is shown in the multifunction display and
the indicator lamp on the M button lights up.
Shift recommendation The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission
123Driving and parking Z
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
X When the corresponding gearshift recom-
mendation 0043appears in the multifunction
display of the instrument cluster, shift to rec-
ommended gear 0044.
Display for shift override If the engine speed becomes too high or too low
as a result of shifting gear, you cannot shift gear
using the steering wheel paddle shifters. If you
then pull the left-hand or right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter, segments 0043light up red
briefly.
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 121).
In cases where it is permissible, the automatic transmission shifts down to the next gear.
X Maximum acceleration: pull the left-hand
steering wheel paddle shifter until the trans-
mission selects the optimum gear for the cur- rent speed.
If you slow down or stop without shifting down,
the automatic transmission automatically shifts down.
Deactivating X
Press the M button (Y page 121).
The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
RACE drive program (AMG GT C Road-
ster) The RACE drive program is designed for maxi-
mum performance in terms of shift points and engine speeds. The engine and transmission
should be at normal operating temperature for
the RACE drive program (Y page 170). Use the
RACE drive program on a closed-off race circuit.
The RACE drive program is characterized by the
following:
R the vehicle exhibits driving characteristics
suitable for the racetrack.
R all vehicle systems are set for maximum
sportiness.
R for optimum performance, the transmission
shifts up later and shifts down sooner.
R the multifunction display shows the manual
gearshift program without upshift indicator
(Y page 122).
R the gearshift recommendation gives you
information for slowly warming up the drive
assemblies and for adopting a fuel-efficient
driving style (Y page 123). You can follow the
gearshift recommendations at all times and
shift gear accordingly using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. On the basis of the
gearshift recommendation, using the steering wheel paddle shifters, you can optimize the
drive train and engine operating mode at any
time.
R if you have selected a gear manually, this will
be maintained until the vehicle speed increa-
ses or decreases dramatically.
R if you do not follow the gearshift recommen-
dations, the automatic shift points may result
in high fuel consumption.
R the suspension exhibits particularly hard
springing and damping settings.
R the transmission shift and response times are
significantly shorter with more aggressive
gear changes. This is particularly the case
when shifting up. The shift strategy is thus
designed to interact dynamically with the
high-revving engine.
R gliding mode is not available.
R the ECO start/stop function is not available. 124
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmissionDriving and parking
Electric parking brake
General notes G
WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi- cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
R release the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
R start 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.
The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or there is a malfunction in
the system, it may not be possible to apply the
released parking brake.
X If this is the case, only park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it to prevent it rolling
away.
X Shift the automatic transmission to position
005D.
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brake performs a function
test at regular intervals while the engine is
switched off. The sounds that can be heard while
this is occurring are normal. Applying or releasing manually X
To apply: push handle 0043.
When the electric parking brake is applied,
the red 0049(USA only) or 0024(Canada
only) indicator lamp lights up in the instru-
ment cluster.
The electric parking brake can also be applied when the SmartKey is in position 0092.
X To release: pull handle0043.
The red 0049(USA only) or 0024(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
The electric parking brake can only be released:
R if the ignition is switched on using the Start/
Stop button or
R the SmartKey is in SmartKey position 0047or
0048 in the ignition lock (Y page 111)
Applying automatically The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the transmission is in position 005D
and:
R the engine is switched off or
R the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened
To prevent the electric parking brake from being
automatically applied, pull handle 0043.
The electric parking brake is also applied auto-
matically in the following cases if:
R Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC brings the
vehicle to a standstill or
R the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta-
tionary Parking
129Driving and parking Z
In addition, at least one of the following condi-
tions must be fulfilled:
R there is a system malfunction
R the power supply is insufficient
R the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
The red 0049(USA only) or 0024(Canada only)
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up.
The electric parking brake is not automatically
applied if the engine is switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Releasing automatically The electric parking brake is released when the
following conditions are fulfilled:
R The engine is running
R The seat belt tongue is engaged in the belt
buckle
R the transmission is in position 005Bor005E and
you depress the accelerator pedal or shift
from position 005Dto005B or005E
R if the transmission is in position 005E, the trunk
lid must be closed
If the seat belt tongue is not engaged in the seat belt buckle, the following conditions must be
fulfilled:
R the driver's door and front-passenger door
are closed
R you move the transmission out of position 005D
or you have previously driven at a speed
above 2 mph (3 km/h)
R if the transmission is in position 005E, the trunk
lid must be closed
When the electric parking brake is released, the red 0049 (USA only) or 0024(Canada only) indi-
cator lamp goes out in the instrument cluster.
Emergency braking The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the electric parking brake.
X While driving, push handle 0043of the electric
parking brake (Y page 129).
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
handle 0043of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer electric parking brake
handle 0043is depressed, the greater the brak-
ing force. During braking:
R a warning tone sounds
R the Please Release Parking Brake
Please Release Parking Brake mes-
sage appears
R the red 0049(USA only) or 0024(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is applied. Parking the vehicle for a long period
General notes If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
Trickle charging the on-board electrical
system battery The battery may drain if the vehicle is left sta-
tionary for long periods. In this case, Mercedes-
Benz recommends attaching the trickle charger to 12 V socket 0043in the trunk.
i A trickle charger and further information
can be obtained from a qualified specialist
workshop.
X Switch the ignition off.
X Open the trunk lid. 130
ParkingDriving and parking
running an enclosed space without adequate
ventilation.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency if
they are serviced exactly in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Always have
work on the engine carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you use an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for this purpose. In particular, work
relevant to safety or on safety-related systems
must be carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop.
The engine settings must not be changed under
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the Mercedes- Benz service requirements.
You can obtain current information concerning
the servicing of your vehicle at any time from a
qualified specialist workshop. This could be an
overview of the maintenance work or any addi-
tional maintenance work, for example. Braking
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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 the engine's braking effect.
This helps you to avoid overheating the
brakes and wearing them out excessively.
When you take advantage of engine braking, a drive wheel may not turn 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 war-
ranty.
Heavy and light loads G
WARNING
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.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.132
Driving tipsDriving and parking
Observe the following rules when driving on salt-
treated roads:
R In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
R Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes !
The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
R if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and
R you hear a warning tone while the engine is
running
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked immediately. Consult a qualified specialist workshop to
arrange this.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If the brake system has only been subject to
moderate loads, you should test the functional-
ity of your brakes at regular intervals.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) (Y page 59).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings:
R brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz
R brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pads/linings when replacing
brake disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and threaded connection is matched. The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
discs, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake discs. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
AMG high-performance and ceramic
brakes The AMG brake systems are designed for heavy
loads. This may lead to noise when braking. This
will depend on:
R Speed
R Braking force
R Environmental conditions, such as tempera-
ture and humidity
The wear of individual components of the brake system, such as the brake pads/linings or brake
discs, depends on the individual driving style
and operating conditions.
For this reason, it is impossible to state a mile-
age that will be valid under all circumstances. An aggressive driving style will lead to high wear.
You can obtain more information on this from a qualified specialist workshop.
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.
Keep this in mind, and adapt your driving and
braking accordingly during this break-in period.
Excessive heavy braking results in correspond-
ingly high brake wear. Observe the brake wear
warning lamp in the instrument cluster and note
any brake status messages in the multifunction
display. Especially for high performance driving,
it is important to maintain and have the brake
system checked regularly. Driving tips
133Driving and parking Z
brakes from overheating and wearing too
quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic con-
ditions make it appropriate to maintain a steady speed for a prolonged period. You can store any
road speed above 20 mph (30 km/h).
Cruise control lever 0043
Activates or increases speed
0044 Activates at the current speed or last stored
speed
0087 Activates or reduces speed
0085 Deactivates cruise control
When you activate cruise control, the stored
speed is shown in the multifunction display for
five seconds. In addition, the 00ECsymbol
appears in the multifunction display.
Speedometer with segments: when cruise
control is activated, the segments from the
stored speed to the end of the scale light up.
Storing and maintaining the current
speed You can store the current speed if you are driv-
ing faster than 20 mph (30 km/
h).X
Accelerate the vehicle to the desired speed.
X Briefly press the cruise control lever up 0043or
down 0044.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle auto-
matically maintains the stored speed.
i Cruise control may be unable to maintain
the stored speed on uphill gradients. The
stored speed is resumed when the gradient
evens out. Cruise control maintains the
stored speed on downhill gradients by auto-
matically applying the brakes.
Storing, maintaining and calling up a
speed G
WARNING
If you call up the stored speed and it is lower
than the current speed, the vehicle deceler-
ates. If you do not know the stored speed, the vehicle could decelerate unexpectedly. There
is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to the road and traffic condi-
tions before calling up the stored speed. If you do not know the stored speed, store the
desired speed again. X
Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you 0043.
X Remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
The first time cruise control is activated, it
stores the current speed or regulates the
speed of the vehicle to the previously stored
speed. Driving systems
135Driving and parking Z
Setting a speed
Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to
the speed set.
X Press the cruise control lever up 0043for a
higher speed or down 0044for a lower speed.
X To adjust the set speed in 1 mph incre-
ments (1 km/h increments):
briefly press
the cruise control lever up 0043or down 0044to
the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is pressed
up 0043 or down 0044the last speed stored is
increased or reduced.
X To adjust the set speed in 5 mph incre-
ments
(10 km/h increments): briefly press
the cruise control lever up 0043or down 0044
beyond the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is pressed
up 0043 or down 0044the last speed stored is
increased or reduced.
i Cruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you acceler-
ate to overtake, cruise control adjusts the
vehicle's speed to the last speed stored after
you have finished overtaking.
Deactivating cruise control There are several ways to deactivate cruise con-
trol:
X Briefly press the cruise control lever for-
wards 0043.
or
X Brake.
Cruise control is automatically deactivated
under the following conditions:
R the electric parking brake is applied.
R you are driving slower than 20 mph
(30 km/h).
R if ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R you shift the transmission to position 005C
while driving.
If cruise control is deactivated, a warning tone
sounds. You will see the Cruise Control Off Cruise Control Off
message in the multifunction display for approx-
imately five seconds.
i When you switch off the engine, the last
speed stored is cleared. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
General notes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC regulates the
speed and automatically helps you maintain the
distance from the vehicle detected in front.
Vehicles are detected with the aid of the radar
sensor system. Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC brakes automatically so that the set
speed is not exceeded.
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 quickly.
If Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC detects
that there is a risk of a collision with the vehicle
in front, you will be warned visually and audibly.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cannot pre-
vent a collision without your intervention. 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. 136
Driving systemsDriving and parking