ECO mode MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS 2016 User Guide

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.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): automatic engine switch-off can take
place a maximum of four times in a row (initial
stop, then three subsequent stops).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of con-
secutive automatic engine switch-offs is unlimi-
ted.
Automatic engine start The engine starts automatically if: R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function by
pressing the ECO button R
you switch to drive program S+ (all vehicles
except Mercedes-AMG vehicles) R
you switch to drive program RACE
(S ‑ MODEL), S+ or S (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)R
you permanently activate manual gearshifting
( Y
page 161) (Mercedes-AMG vehicles) R
in transmission position D or N the brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is not
active R
you depress the accelerator pedal R
you engage reverse gear RR
you move the transmission out of position PR
you unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-
er's door R
the vehicle starts to roll R
the brake system requires this R
the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range R
the system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on R
the battery's condition of charge is too low
Shifting the transmission to position P does not
start the engine. Deactivating or activating the ECO
start/stop function All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) X
To deactivate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D goes out.X
To activate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.
If indicator lamp D 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.
Selecting drive program S+ deactivates the ECO
start/stop function. If you press ECO button C ,
the ECO start/stop function is activated.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
X
To deactivate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D goes out.X
To activate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.
If indicator lamp D is off, the ECO start/stop
function has been deactivated manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine will then Driving 151
Driving and parking Z

not be switched off automatically when the vehi-
cle stops.
The ECO start/stop function is deactivated, if: R
you switch to drive program RACE
(S ‑ MODEL), S+ or S ( Y
page 154)R
you permanently activate manual gearshifting
( Y
page 161)
If you have permanently activated manual gear-
shifting and then press ECO button C , the ECO
start/stop function is activated.
AMG sports exhaust system
(Mercedes AMG vehicles) You can choose between different AMG sports
exhaust system volumes using the position of
the exhaust flap.
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, the quietest set-
ting is activated.
Setting the volume: X
Press button C .
If you select the loudest setting, indicator
lamp lights up D .
You can also adjust the position of the exhaust
flap using the: R
DYNAMIC SELECT switch ( Y
page 154)R
multimedia system152
Driving
Driving an d parking

DYNAMIC SELECT switch
All vehicles (excep t Mercedes-AMG
vehicles an d PLUG-IN HYBRID vehi-
cles) Use th e DYNAMI C SELECT switch to chang e th e
drive program. Dependin g on th e drive program
selecte d th e followin g vehicle characteristics
will change: R
th e drive (engin e and transmissio n manage-
ment) R
th e suspensio nR
th e steerin gR
th e availabilit y of th e EC O start/sto p functionR
th e climat e control:-
th e climat e contro l setting s-
th e rea r window defroster operation period-
th e performanc e of th e seat heatin g
Each time you start th e engin e wit h th e Smart -
Key or th e Start/Sto p button, drive program C is
activated. Fo r further information about startin g
th e engine, see ( Y
page 148).
X
Push DYNAMI C SELECT switch C forwar d or
bac k until th e desire d drive program is selec -
ted.
The status icon of th e selecte d drive program
is shown in th e multifunction display.
In addition , th e curren t drive program setting s
are displaye d briefly in th e multimedia syste m
display.
i In a fe w countries, th e EC O start/sto p func-
tion is deactivated at th e factory due to th e
available fue l grade. In this case, th e EC O
start/sto p function is no t available in any
drive program, regardles s of th e display in th e
multimedia syste m display. Available drive programs:
I Individual Individual setting s
S+ Spor t Plus Particularly sport y drivin g
characteristics
S Spor t Sporty drivin g characteris -
tics
C Comfort Comfortable and economi-
cal drivin g characteristics
E Econom y Particularly economical
drivin g characteristics
Additional information fo r drive programs
( Y
page 159).
You can also chang e gear yoursel f usin g th e
steerin g whee l paddle shifters . Fo r further infor-
mation on th e manual drive program
( Y
page 161).
PLUG ‑ IN HYBRIDInformation on th e DYNAMI C SELECT switch on
PLU G ‑ IN HYBRID vehicles ( Y
page 229).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
General information Selec t th e drive program usin g th e DYNAMI C
SELECT switch .
Available drive programs:
RAC E
(S ‑ MODEL ) Driving characteristics suit -
able fo r th e racetrac k
S+ Spor t Plus Particularly sport y drivin g
characteristics
S Spor t Sporty drivin g characteris -
tics
C Comfort Comfortable and economi-
cal drivin g characteristics
I Individual Individual setting s
Dependin g on th e drive program selecte d th e
followin g vehicle characteristics will change: R
th e drive (engin e management)R
th e transmissio n managemen t154
DYNAMIC SELECT switch
Driving and parking

R
ESP ®
R
the suspension R
the position of the exhaust flap R
the steering R
the availability of the ECO start/stop function R
the driver assistance systems R
the availability of gliding mode
Further information for automatic drive program
characteristics ( Y
page 159).
Additionally, in drive program I you can config-
ure the respective vehicle characteristics using
the multimedia system. You can find informa-
tion about this in the Digital Operator's Manual.
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-
Key or the Start/Stop button, drive program C is
activated. For further information about starting
the engine, see ( Y
page 148).
Selecting the drive program
X
Push DYNAMIC SELECT switch C 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.
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
( Y
page 161). Additional settings
C
Position of the exhaust flap ( Y
page 152)D
ECO start/stop function ( Y
page 150)

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. X
Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed. X
Ease off the accelerator pedal once the
desired speed is reached.
The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Rocking the vehicle free Rocking the vehicle free by shifting back and
forth between transmission positions D and R
can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck
in mud or snow.
The vehicle's engine management restricts
switching between transmission positions D
and R to speeds up to a maximum of 5 mph
(9 km/h).
To shift back and forth between transmission
positions D and R , move the DIRECT SELECT
lever up and down past the point of resistance.
Gliding mode (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Gliding mode is characterized by the following: R
the combustion engine is disconnected from
the drive train. R
the engine speed corresponds to the idling
speed. R
status icon C goes out and status icon C is
displayed in the multifunction display
( Y
page 157).
In drive program C , you can deactivate and acti-
vate gliding mode using the ECO button
( Y
page 151). Gliding mode can be activated under the follow-
ing conditions: R
the speed is within a suitable range. R
the course of the road is suitable, e.g. there
are no steep up or downhill gradients. R
you are no longer depressing the accelerator
pedal.
Gliding mode is deactivated under the following
conditions: R
you depress the accelerator pedal. R
you depress the brake pedal. R
you use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch
the transmission position ( Y
page 156).R
you switch to drive program RACE
(S ‑ MODEL), S+ or S ( Y
page 154).R
you activate manual gearshifting
( Y
page 161). R
you leave the suitable speed range.
i If you have selected the "Comfort" setting
for the drive (engine management) in drive
program I , you can also activate gliding mode.
You can find information about this in the Dig-
ital Operator's Manual.
Drive programs
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
Drive program I (Individual) In drive program I the following properties of the
drive program can be selected: R
the drive (engine and transmission manage-
ment) R
the suspension R
the steering R
the availability of the ECO start/stop function R
the climate control:
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found in the
Digital Operator's Manual.
i To permanently select the gears in drive
program I using the steering wheel paddle
shifters, select the M (manual) setting for the
drive.Automatic transmission 159
Driving and parking Z

Drive program S+ (Spor t Plus)Drive progra m S+ is characterized by th e fol-
lowing: R
th e vehicl e exhibits particularl y sport y drivin g
characteristics .R
th e vehicl e pullin g away in first gear .R
th e automati c transmissio n shiftin g up later.
th e fue l consumption possibl y bein g higher as
a result of th e later automati c transmissio n
shift points .R
th e suspensio n exhibits particularl y stiff
springin g and dampin g setting s (vehicles wit h
AIRMATIC) .R
th e ECO start/sto p function is no t available.
Drive program S (Sport)Drive progra m S is characterized by th e follow-
ing: R
th e vehicl e exhibits sport y drivin g character-
istics .R
th e vehicl e pullin g away in first gear .R
th e automati c transmissio n shiftin g up later.
th e fue l consumption possibl y bein g higher as
a result of th e later automati c transmissio n
shift points .R
th e suspensio n exhibits har d springin g and
dampin g setting s (vehicles wit h AIRMATIC) .
Drive program C (Comfort)Drive progra m C is characterized by th e follow-
ing: R
th e vehicl e deliver s comfortable, economical
handlin g characteristics .R
th e vehicl e pullin g away mor e gentl y i n
forwar d and revers e gears, unless th e accel-
erato r peda l is depressed fully.R
th e vehicl e havin g improved drivin g stability,
fo r exampl e on slipper y roa d surfaces.R
optimal fue l consumption resultin g from th e
automati c transmissio n shiftin g up sooner.
The vehicl e is driven in th e low engin e speed
range and th e wheels are less likely to spin . Drive program E (Economy)Drive progra m E is characterized by th e follow-
ing: R
th e vehicl e exhibits comfortable, economical
handlin g characteristics .R
th e vehicl e pullin g away mor e gentl y in
forwar d and revers e gears, unless th e accel-
erato r peda l is depressed fully. R
th e vehicl e havin g improved drivin g stability,
fo r exampl e on slipper y roa d surfaces.R
optimal fue l consumption resultin g from th e
automati c transmissio n shiftin g up sooner.
The vehicl e is driven in th e low engin e speed
range and th e wheels are less likely to spin .R
during deceleration , th e engin e is disconnec-
te d from th e drive train . The vehicl e uses
kineti c energ y and consumes less fue l (over-
run mode). R
th e performanc e of air-conditionin g system
and heatin g are reduced.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
Drive program RACE (S ‑ MODEL)The RACE drive progra m is characterized by th e
following : R
th e vehicl e exhibits drivin g characteristics
suitable fo r th e racetrack. R
all vehicl e systems are set fo r maximum
sportiness . R
th e gearshift recommendation gives you
information fo r slowly warmin g up th e drive
assemblies and fo r adopting a fuel-efficien t
drivin g style ( Y
page 161). You can follow th e
gearshift recommendation s at all times and
shift gear accordingly usin g th e steerin g
whee l paddl e shifters . On th e basi s of th e
gearshift recommendation , usin g th e steerin g
whee l paddl e shifters , you can optimiz e th e
drive train and engin e operatin g mod e at any
time. R
if you hav e selected a gear manually, this will
be maintaine d until th e vehicl e speed increa-
ses or decreases dramatically. R
th e vehicl e pullin g away in first gear .R
th e automati c transmissio n shiftin g up later.
th e fue l consumption possibl y bein g higher as
a result of th e later automati c transmissio n
shift points .160
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIRMATIC). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus) Drive program S+ is characterized by the fol-
lowing: R
the vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driving
characteristics. R
the vehicle pulling away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles with
AIRMATIC). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program S (Sport) Drive program S is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-
istics. R
the vehicle pulling away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points. R
the suspension exhibits hard springing and
damping settings (vehicles with AIRMATIC). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is not available.
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive program C is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
the vehicle delivers comfortable, economical
handling characteristics. R
the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully. R
the vehicle having improved driving stability,
for example on slippery road surfaces. R
optimal 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. R
gliding mode is available. R
the ECO start/stop function is available.
Drive program I (Individual) In drive program I the following properties of the
drive program can be selected: R
the drive (engine management) R
the transmission management R
ESP ®
( Y
page 73) R
the suspension R
activation of the exhaust flap
Information about configuring drive program I
with the multimedia system can be found in the
Digital Operator's Manual.
i To permanently select the gears in drive
program I using the steering w heel paddles,
s elect the M (manual) setting for the trans-
mission.
Manual gear shifting
General notes You can change gear yourself using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must be
in position D .
Depending on which paddle shifter is pulled, the
automatic transmission immediately shifts into
the next gear down or up, if permitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual shift-
ing, you have two options: R
temporary setting R
permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the multi-
function display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D .
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the gears
will be selected automatically.Automatic transmission 161
Driving an d parking Z

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.X
Stop the vehicle. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Switch off the engine. X
Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine. X
Shift the transmission to position D or R .
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation ( Y
page 233).
Transfer case This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged.
Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position 0 or 1 )
if: R
the electric parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer R
the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC).
The brake system could otherwise be dam-
aged.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission. Refueling
Important safety notes
G WARNING
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.
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.164
Refueling
Driving and parking

Online access to the vehicle
General information
G WARNING
If you operate information systems and com-
munication equipment integrated in the vehi-
cle while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate the equipment when the traffic
situation permits. If you are not sure that this
is possible, park the vehicle paying attention
to traffic conditions and operate the equip-
ment when the vehicle is stationary.
i Operation of integrated information sys-
tems and communications equipment in
the vehicle: you must observe the legal
requirements for the country in which you are
currently driving.
You can call up remote query and remote con-
figuration functions for your vehicle using online
access to the vehicle. This is possible from an
Internet-enabled computer, as well as many
modern smartphones.
Please call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assis-
tance Center (USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) to
obtain the relevant Internet address.
Online access to the vehicle is restricted to the
contractual periods of mbrace. Activated
access to the mbrace emergency call system is
required for use.
In order to be able to use online access to the
vehicle, you must agree to the local terms of
use.
Further information on supported devices, avail-
able languages and contractual periods can be
obtained from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
In order to be able to call up online access to the
vehicle, the vehicle must be connected to the
Internet ( Y
page 176).
Notes on data protection
Remember that online access to the vehicle
offers access to your data.
i Prevent unauthorized persons from
accessing this data. Every person who has access to the informa-
tion stated can use the functions of the online
access to the vehicle.
i Information when selling a vehicle or
buying a used vehicle: R
If you sell your vehicle, you are obliged to
delete the vehicle from your personal area
on the online access to the vehicle. R
If you have bought a used vehicle, it is pos-
sible that the previous owner still has
access to the online access to the vehicle.
Calling up functions The online access to the vehicle allows you
access to your vehicle's information and func-
tions using remote query and remote configu-
ration.
The following functions can be accessed: R
request the current condition of charge of the
high-voltage battery R
program the departure time ( Y
page 249)R
set or activate the "Pre-entry climate control
at departure time" function (see the Digital
Operator's Manual)
Information on additional functions and operat-
ing instructions can be found within the online
access to the vehicle.
Connecting the vehicle to the Internet
i This function is not available in all countries
and requires activated access to the mbrace
emergency call system.
You can use the online access to the vehicle if
the vehicle has a connection to the Internet via a
mobile phone network. The necessary data is
transmitted by radio. The vehicle automatically
recognizes whether a connection to the Internet
is possible or not. No presets are necessary.
i Restrictions in reception are possible if the
vehicle is in an underground car park, for
example. Restrictions may also occur in areas
with poor mobile network coverage.176
Charging the high-voltage battery (PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles)
Driving and parking

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.
G WARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment while driving, you will be distracted from
traffic conditions. You could also lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while
driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m) per sec-
ond.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X
The tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure. X
Remove unnecessary loads. X
Remove roof racks when they are not needed. X
Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X
Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in
cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-
rain. Drinking and driving
G WARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judg-
ment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal acci-
dent is greatly increased when you drink or
take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or tak-
ing drugs.
Emission control
G WARNING
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.
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. Details can be found
in the Maintenance Booklet.
ECO display
The ECO display shows you how economical
your driving style is. The ECO display assists you
in achieving the most economical driving style180
Driving tips
Driving and parking