
005C
Neutral
005B Drive
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 005D,005E,005Cor005B is shown on the trans-
mission position display on the multifunction
display (Y page 145).
Engaging park position P !
If the engine speed is too high or the vehicle
is coasting, do not shift the automatic trans-
mission directly from 005Bto005E, from 005Eto005B
or directly to 005D. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may be damaged.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever switch in the
direction of arrow 005D.
Engaging park position P automatically Park position
005Dis automatically engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the SmartKey
and remove the SmartKey
R you switch off the engine using the SmartKey
or using the Start/Stop button and open the
driver's door or front-passenger door
R you open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving at a very low speed
and the transmission is in position 005Bor005E
Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-
mission will shift automatically to transmission
position 005Dif the HOLD function or Active Dis-
tance Assist DISTRONIC is activated. Observe
the information on the HOLD function
(Y page 183) and on Active Distance Assist
DISTRONIC (Y page 174).
Engaging reverse gear R !
Only move the automatic transmission to
005E when the vehicle is stationary.
X If the transmission is in position 005Bor005C:
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position 005D: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first point of resistance. Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle, they could:
R open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users.
R get out and disrupt traffic.
R operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
R release the parking brake.
R shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position P
R Start 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.
X If the transmission is in position 005Bor005E:
push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position 005D: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position 005Eor005B, the automatic trans-
mission shifts to 005Cautomatically.
With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock, the auto-
matic transmission shifts to 005Dautomatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts automatically to 005D.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral 005C, e.g. when having the vehi-
cle cleaned in an automatic, tow-through car
wash: 144
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

With the SmartKey:
X Switch on the ignition.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral 005C.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
With the Start/Stop button: X Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock.
X Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
X Switch on the ignition.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift to neutral 005C.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
If the transmission is in position 005Eor005C:
push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first point of resistance.
X If the transmission is in position 005D: depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first point of resistance. Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
The current transmission position and drive pro-
gram appear in the multifunction display. 0043
Transmission position
0044 Gear
0087 Drive program The arrows in the transmission position display
show how and into which transmission positions
you can shift using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
If the transmission position display on the mul-
tifunction display is not working, you should pull away carefully to check whether the desired
transmission position is engaged. Ideally, you
should select transmission position 005B. Transmission positions
0045 Park position
Only shift the transmission into posi-
tion 005D(Ypage 156) when the vehi-
cle is stationary. The parking lock
should not be used as a brake when
parking. Always apply the electronic
parking brake in addition to the park-
ing lock in order to secure the vehi-
cle.
In the event of a malfunction of the
vehicle's electronics, the transmis-
sion may lock in position 005D. Have
the vehicle electronics checked
immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Park position 005Dis automatically
engaged if:
R you switch off the engine using the
SmartKey and remove the Smart-
Key
R you switch off the engine using the
SmartKey or using the Start/Stop
button and open the driver's door
or front-passenger door
R you open the driver's door when
the vehicle is stationary or when
driving at a very low speed and the
transmission is in position 005Bor
005E 0046 Reverse gear
Shift the transmission into position
005E only when the vehicle is station-
ary. Automatic transmission
145Driving and parking Z

Comfort drive program
The
Comfort drive program has the following
characteristics:
R comfort-oriented engine and transmission
settings.
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from the
automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
R the vehicle pulls away more gently in forward
and reverse gears, unless the accelerator
pedal is depressed fully.
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven
at lower engine speeds and the wheels being less likely to spin.
Sport drive program The
Sport drive program has the following char-
acteristics:
R sporty engine and transmission settings.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
The fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
R the suspension exhibits sporty damping (vehi-
cles with AIRMATIC).
Drive program Sport Plus (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) The
Sport Plus drive program has the following
characteristics:
R the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics.
R the vehicle pulls away in first gear.
R the automatic transmission shifts up later.
The fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
R the suspension exhibits particularly firm
springing and damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC).
R the ECO start/stop function is deactivated, it
can, however, be activated again using the
ECO button (Y page 140). Individual drive program In the
Individual drive program, the following
properties of the drive program can be selected:
R the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment)
R the transmission
R the suspension (vehicles with AIRMATIC)
R all vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles):
the steering
To select the gears in the Individualdrive pro-
gram permanently using the steering wheel pad- dle shifters, select the permanent manual gear-
shift program.
Information about configuring the Individual
drive program with the multimedia system can
be found in the 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 005Bto do 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:
R temporary setting
R permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the current
gear appears in the multifunction display
instead of transmission position 005B.
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears
will be selected automatically. Automatic transmission
147Driving and parking Z

X
To shift up: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter 0044.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): if the maximum engine speed in the
gear currently engaged is reached and you
continue to accelerate, the automatic trans-
mission automatically shifts up to prevent
engine damage.
X To shift down: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter 0043.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-
ing.
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.
Shift recommendation The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
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.
Upshifting (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
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. 0043
Gear indicator
0044 Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display. X When the UP UPmessage appears in the multi-
function display, pull on the right-hand steer- ing wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown Mercedes-AMG vehicles:
kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting.
X For maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
X Shift 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. Automatic transmission
149Driving and parking Z

G
WARNING
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:
R Wash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
R If fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
R If fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
R Immediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel. G
WARNING
Electrostatic charge can cause sparks and
thereby ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of
fire and explosion.
Before you open the fuel filler cap or take hold of the pump nozzle, touch the metallic vehicle
body. This discharges any electrostatic
charge that may have built up.
Do not get into the vehicle again during the
refueling process. Otherwise, electrostatic
charge could build up again. G
WARNING
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline with diesel fuel.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not switch on the ignition if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. The repair costs are high. Notify a
qualified specialist workshop and have the
fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.
! Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the ignition if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system. Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. 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 fromthe fuel can.
Do not get into the vehicle again during the refu-
eling process. Otherwise, electrostatic charge
could build up again.
If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray out
when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.
i Flexible Fuel vehicles can be recognized by
the Ethanol up to E85 sticker on the inside of
the fuel filler flap. Please note that the warn-
ings about the risk of fire, explosion or injury
also refer to Flexible Fuel vehicles.
For further information on fuel and fuel quality
(Y page 384). Refueling
General information Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Y
page 150).
If you unlock/lock the vehicle from the outside,
the fuel filler flap also unlocks/locks.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed in
the instrument cluster 00B6. The arrow next to
the filling pump indicates the side of the vehicle. Refueling
151Driving and parking Z

Preparing to refuel
X
Switch off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, on vehicles with KEYLESS‑GO:
X Open the driver's door.
The vehicle electronics now have status 005A.
This is the same as the SmartKey having been removed.
The driver’s door can be closed again.
Opening the fuel filler flap 0043
Opens the fuel filler flap
0044 Insert the fuel filler cap
0087 Instruction label for fuel type to be refueled
0085 Tire pressure table
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow 0043.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
X Turn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and
remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of the filler flap in the
direction of arrow 0044. X
Completely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and
refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
Do not add any more fuel after the pump stops
filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may
leak out.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: the filler neck is
designed for refueling at diesel filling pumps.
Closing the fuel filler flap X
Replace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
X Close the fuel filler flap.
Close the fuel filler flap before locking the vehi-
cle.
If you drive at speeds above 1 mph (2 km/h)
with the fuel filler flap open, the Fuel Filler Fuel Filler
Flap Open
Flap Open message is shown in the multifunc-
tion display.
If you are driving with the fuel filler cap open, the
00B6 reserve fuel warning lamp flashes. A mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 259).
In addition, the 00B9Check Engine warning
lamp may light up (Y page 283).
i For further information on warning and indi-
cator lamps in the instrument cluster, see
(Y page 283). 152
RefuelingDriving and parking

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank
Problem
Possible causes/consequences and
0050
0050Solutions Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G
WARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
Risk of explosion or fire. X Apply the electric parking brake.
X Switch off the engine.
X Remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function or KEYLESS ‑GO
X Open the driver's door.
The vehicle electronics are now in key position 0092. This is the same
as the SmartKey having been removed.
X Do not restart the engine under any circumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine does not
start. The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run completely
dry.
X Refuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel.
X Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds (Y page 135).
X Start the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
If the engine does not start:
X Turn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds
(Y page 135).
X Start the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until it
runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The fuel filler flap cannot
be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
X Unlock the vehicle (Y page 77). The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
X Unlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Y page 79). The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. DEF (BlueTEC vehicles only)
General notes To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas after-
treatment must be operated with the reducing
agent DEF. Adding DEF is one of the tasks per-
formed during maintenance. When the supply of DEF is almost used up, the
Check Additive See Operator's Manual
Check Additive See Operator's Manual
message is shown in the multifunction display.
If you drive the vehicle faster than 10 mph
(16 km/h), the Check Additive See Opera‐ Check Additive See Opera‐
tor's Manual
tor's Manual message goes out after approx-
imately one minute. Refueling
153Driving and parking Z

When the DEF supply drops to a minimum, the
Remaining Starts: 16
Remaining Starts: 16 message is shown in
the multifunction display.
If the Remaining Starts: 16
Remaining Starts: 16 message
appears in the multifunction display, you can
start the engine another 16 times. If DEF is not
refilled, you will subsequently be unable to
start the engine.
X Add at least 2 gal (7.5 l)of DEF.
X Switch on the ignition for at least 60 seconds.
X Start the engine.
i The DEF range shown depends strongly on
the driving style and operating conditions.
The actual range can therefore deviate from
the calculated range. The DEF consumption is
between 1% and 5% of the fuel consumption.
i Have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when adding
DEF between maintenance intervals. You can
obtain further information from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or, if necessary, contact
Roadside Assistance (Y page 29).
If the outside temperature is below 12 ‡
(00F811 †), it may be difficult to top up. If DEF is
frozen and there is an active warning indicator, it
may not be possible to add DEF. Park the vehicle in a warmer place, e.g. in a garage, until DEF has become fluid again. It will then be possible to
add DEF again. Alternatively, have the DEF tank
refilled at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Important safety notes DEF is a water-soluble fluid for the exhaust gas
aftertreatment of diesel engines. It is:
R Not poisonous
R Colorless and odorless
R Not flammable
When you open the DEF container, small
amounts of ammonia vapor may be released.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to the skin, to mucous
membranes and to the eyes. You may experi-
ence a burning sensation in your eyes, nose and throat. Coughing and watering of the eyes are
possible. Do not inhale ammonia vapors. Fill the DEF tank
only in well-ventilated areas.
DEF must not come into contact with your skin,
eyes or clothing and must not be swallowed.
Keep DEF away from children.
If you or other persons come into contact with
DEF, observe the following:
R Rinse DEF from your skin immediately with
soap and water.
R If DEF comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean
water. Seek medical assistance without
delay.
R If DEF has been swallowed, rinse your mouth
out immediately. Drink plenty of water. Seek
medical assistance without delay.
R Change out of clothing contaminated with
DEF immediately.
! Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with
DEF, and do not dilute DEF with water. This
may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas after-
treatment system.
! The vehicle must be parked on level ground
to fill the DEF tank. The DEF tank can only be filled as intended with the vehicle parked on a
level surface. This avoids false level readings.
Filling the tank is not permitted if the vehicle
is not parked on a level surface. There is a
danger of overfilling, which could result in
damage to components of the BlueTEC
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
! Immediately rinse off surfaces which come
into contact with DEF or remove DEF with a
damp cloth and cold water. If DEF has already crystallized, clean using a sponge and cold
water. DEF residue crystallizes after a short
period and contaminates the affected surfa-
ces. Furthermore, electrical components in
the vicinity may be damaged by DEF.
! DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to the
fuel tank, this can lead to engine damage.
For further information on DEF, see
(Y page 386). 154
RefuelingDriving and parking