steering MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 2016 Owner's Guide

R
the fuel consumption possibly being higher
as a result of the later automatic transmis-
sion shift points. R
the suspension exhibits particularly stiff
springing and damping settings (vehicles
with AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem). R
gliding mode is not available. R
the ECO start/stop function is not availa-
ble.
Manual gear shifting
General notes You can change gear yourself using the steer-
ing 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 per-
mitted.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: to use manual
shifting, you have two options: R
temporary setting R
permanent setting
If you activate manual gearshifting, the mul-
tifunction display will show the current gear
instead of transmission position D .
If manual gearshifting is deactivated, the
gears will be selected automatically.
Temporary setting X
To activate: shift the DIRECT SELECT lever
to position D . X
Pull steering wheel paddle shifter C or D .
Temporary setting will be 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 an
overrun phase or when driving on steep ter-
rain. X
To deactivate: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter D and hold it in place.
or X
Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to
change the drive program.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: use the DYNAMIC
SELECT controller to change the drive pro-
gram.
Permanent setting (Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
X
To activate: shift the selector lever to posi-
tion P . X
Press button C . X
To deactivate: press button C .
or X
If position D (automatic transmission) is
selected for the transmission in drive pro-
gram I : shift to drive program I with the
DYNAMIC SELECT controller.164
Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking

Shifting gears
! Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the automatic
transmission does not shift up automati-
cally 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.
X
To shift up: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter D .
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles): if the maximum engine speed on
the currently engaged gear is reached and
you continue to accelerate, the automatic
transmission automatically shifts up in
order to prevent engine damage. X
To shift down: pull steering wheel paddle
shifter C .
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
Automatic down shifting occurs when
coasting.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine dam-
age 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
Shift to recommended gear D according
to gearshift recommendation C when
shown in the multifunction display.
Upshifting (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
! The automatic transmission does not shift
up automatically even when the engine lim-
iting 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.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the mul-
tifunction display. X
Shift to recommended gear C when mes-
sage D is shown in the multifunction dis-
play.Automatic transmission 165
Driving and parking Z

Kickdown X
Fo r maximum acceleration , depress th e
accelerato r pedal beyon d th e pressur e
point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on th e engin e speed.X
Shift bac k up once th e desired spee d is
reached.
During kickdown , you canno t shif t gear s
usin g th e steering whee l paddle shifters .
If you apply full throttle, th e automatic trans -
mission shifts up to th e ne xt gear when th e
maximum engin e spee d is reached. This pre -
vents th e engin e from overrevving .
Mercedes-AM G veh icles: it is only possibl e
to use kickdown in temporar y manual drive
program M . When manual drive program M is
permanentl y activated, kickdown is no t pos -
sible.166
Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking

with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
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 coun-
try in which you are driving. Some jurisdic-
tions prohibit 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
second.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel: R
The tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure. R
Remove unnecessary loads. R
Remove roof racks when they are not nee-
ded. R
Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. R
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. R
Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Maintenance Booklet or by the service
interval display.
Fuel consumption also increases when driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in
hilly terrain. 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 recommends 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. Driving tips 173
Driving and parking Z

becomes trapped in snow. There is a risk of
fatal injury.
If you leave the engine or the auxiliary heating
running, make sure the exhaust pipe and area
around the vehicle are clear of snow. To
ensure an adequate supply of fresh air, open a
window on the side of the vehicle that is not
facing into the wind.
Have your vehicle winter-proofed at a quali-
fied specialist workshop at the onset of win-
ter.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed: X
Shift the transmission to position N .X
Try to bring the vehicle under control using
corrective steering.
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Changes in the outside temperature are dis-
played after a short delay.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
You should pay special attention to road con-
ditions when temperatures are around freez-
ing point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see ( Y
page 331).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see ( Y
page 330).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y
page 330). 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 have previously selec-
ted manual gearshifting M ( Y
page 164). 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 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).
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
control can neither reduce the risk of an acci-
dent 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 dis-
tance to the vehicle in front, for vehicle speed,
for braking in good time and for staying in
your lane.
Do not use cruise control: R
in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads R
on slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid R
when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.178
Driving systems
Driving and parking

When the HOLD function is activated, the
transmission is shifted automatically to posi-
tion P if: R
the driver's seat belt is not fastened and the
driver's door is open. R
the engine is switched off, unless it is auto-
matically switched off by the ECO start/
stop function.
The electric parking brake secures the vehicle
automatically if the HOLD function is activa-
ted when the vehicle is stationary and: R
a system malfunction occurs. R
the power supply is not sufficient.
Start-off assist (except Mercedes-
AMG vehicles)
Important safety notes
G WARNING
If you use start-off assist, individual wheels
may start to spin and the vehicle may skid. If
ESP ®
is deactivated, there is a greater danger
of skidding and having an accident. Make sure
that no persons or obstacles are in the vicinity
of the vehicle.
Start-off assist enables optimum acceleration
from a standstill. For this, a suitably high-grip
road surface is required, along with the tires
and vehicle being in proper operating condi-
tion.
Do not activate start-off assist on public
roads.
Observe the safety notes on driving safety
systems ( Y
page 65).
Be sure to read the safety notes and informa-
tion on ESP ®
( Y
page 69).
Activating start-off assist X
Deactivate ESP ®
( Y
page 219).X
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position. X
Depress the brake pedal firmly with your
left foot and keep the brake pedal
depressed. X
Shift the transmission to position D .X
Use the DYNAMIC SELECT button to select
the S drive program ( Y
page 155).X
Quickly depress the accelerator pedal fully. X
Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum accel-
eration.
i Activate ESP ®
as soon as the acceleration
process has ended. ESP ®
will otherwise not
be able to stabilize the vehicle if the vehicle
starts to skid or a wheel starts to spin.
Canceling start-off assist X
Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal. X
Reactivate ESP.
RACE START (AMG vehicles)
Important safety notes
i RACE START must not be used on normal
roads. RACE START must only be activated
and used on dedicated road circuits, out-
side of public road use.
i RACE START is only available in
Mercedes ‑ AMG vehicles.
G WARNING
If you use RACE START, individual tires may
start to spin and the vehicle could skid.
Depending on the selected ESP ®
mode, there
is an increased risk of skidding and having an
accident. Make sure that no persons, animals
or obstacles are within range of the vehicle.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. For this, a suitably high-
grip road surface is required, along with the
tires and vehicle being in proper operating
condition. Driving systems 189
Driving and parking Z

i Observe the safety notes on driving safety
systems ( Y
page 65).
Be sure to read the safety notes and infor-
mation on ESP ®
( Y
page 69).
Conditions for activation You can activate RACE START if: R
the doors, hood and the trunk lid are
closed. R
the engine is running and the transmission,
all-wheel drive clutch and the engine are at
operating temperature. R
the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position. R
the vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot). R
the transmission is in position D .R
drive program S , S+ or RACE is selected
( Y
page 156).
Activating RACE START X
Depress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed. X
Pull and hold both steering wheel paddle
shifters. X
The RACE START Confirm: Paddle UP
Cancel: Paddle DOWN message appears
in the multifunction display. X
Release both steering wheel paddle shift-
ers.
i If the activation conditions are no longer
fulfilled, RACE START is canceled. The
RACE START Not Possible See Opera‐
tor's Manual message appears in the
multifunction display. X
To cancel: pull the left steering wheel pad-
dle shifter ( Y
page 164).
or X
To confirm: pull the right steering wheel
paddle shifter ( Y
page 164).
The RACE START Available Depress
gas pedal message appears in the multi-
function display. i If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within a few seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
the RACE START Canceled message.X
Fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The engine speed is increased.
The RACE START Release brake to
start message appears in the multifunc-
tion display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within a short time, RACE START will be
canceled. The multifunction display shows
the RACE START Canceled
message.X
Take your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum accel-
eration.
The RACE START Active message appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START is deactivated when the vehicle
reaches a speed of approximately 50 km/h.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation condi-
tions are no longer fulfilled. The RACE
START
Not Possible or RACE START Canceled
message appears in the multifunction dis-
play.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly within a
short period of time, it is only available
again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance.
AMG adaptive sport suspension sys-
tem
General notes
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.190
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONIC Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated and the
indicator lamp on the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up. PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off. X
If problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is then
deactivated. The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference. X
Clean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y
page 305).X
Switch the ignition back on.
The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves. X
See if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.
Active Parking Assist
General notes
Active Parking Assist is an electronic parking
aid with ultrasound. It measures the road on
both sides of the vehicle. A parking symbol
indicates a suitable parking space. Active
steering intervention and brake application
can assist you during parking and when exit-
ing a parking space. You may also use
PARKTRONIC ( Y
page 192).
Important safety notes
Active Parking Assist is merely an aid. It is not
a replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. Make sure that
no persons, animals or objects are in the
maneuvering range.
When PARKTRONIC is switched off, Active
Parking Assist is also unavailable. G WARNING
While parking or pulling out of a parking
space, the vehicle swings out and can drive
onto areas of the oncoming lane. This could
result in a collision with another road user.
There is a risk of an accident.
Pay attention to other road users. Stop the
vehicle if necessary or cancel the Active Park-
ing Assist parking procedure.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at a
sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Active Parking Assist may possibly indicate
parking spaces which are not suitable for
parking, for example: R
Where parking or stopping is prohibited R
In front of driveways or entrances and exits R
On unsuitable surfaces Driving systems 195
Driving and parking Z

Parking tips: R
On narrow roads, drive as close to the park-
ing space as possible. R
Parking spaces that are littered or over-
grown might be identified or measured
incorrectly. R
Parking spaces that are partially occupied
by trailer drawbars might not be identified
as such or be measured incorrectly. R
Snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately. R
Pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
( Y
page 193) warning messages during the
parking procedure. R
You can intervene in the steering procedure
to correct it at any time. Active Parking
Assist will then be canceled. R
When transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you should not use
Active Parking Assist. R
Never use Active Parking Assist when snow
chains are installed. R
Make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct influence
on the parking characteristics of the vehi-
cle.
Use Active Parking Assist for parking spaces: R
that are parallel or at right-angles to the
direction of travel R
that are on straight roads, not bends R
that are on the same level as the road, e.g.
not on the pavement
Detecting parking spaces
Objects located above the height range of
Active Parking Assist will not be detected
when the parking space is measured. These
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. G WARNING
If there are objects above the detection range: R
Active Park Assist may steer too early R
the vehicle may not stop in front of these
objects
You may cause a collision as a result. There is
a risk of an accident.
If objects are located above the detection
range, stop and deactivate Active Parking
Assist.
For further information on the detection
range ( Y
page 192).
Active Parking Assist does not assist you
parking in spaces at right angles to the direc-
tion of travel if: R
two parking spaces are located directly
next to one another R
the parking space is directly next to a low
obstacle such as a low curb R
you park forwards
Active Parking Assist does not assist you
parking in spaces that are parallel or at right
angles to the direction of travel if: R
the parking space is on a curb R
the system reads the parking space as
being blocked, for example by foliage or
grass paving blocks R
the area is too small for the vehicle to
maneuver into R
the parking space is bordered by an obsta-
cle, e.g. a tree, a post or a trailer
Example: parking symbol
C
Detected parking space on the left
D
Parking symbol

Active Parking Assist is switched on automat-
ically when driving forwards. The system is
operational at speeds of up to approximately
22 mph (35 km/h). While in operation, the
system independently locates and measures
parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle.
Active Parking Assist will only detect parking
spaces: R
that are parallel or at right-angles to the
direction of travel R
that are parallel to the direction of travel
and at least 59 in (1.5 m) wideR
that are parallel to the direction of travel
and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) lo nger than your
vehicle R
that are at right angles to the direction of
travel and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) wide r
than your vehicle
i Note that Active Parking Assist cannot
measure the length of a parking space if it
is at right angles to the direction of travel.
You will need to judge whether your vehicle
will fit into the parking space.
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you will see parking symbol D as
a status indicator in the instrument cluster.
When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right or the left also
appears. By default, Active Parking Assist
onl y d isplays parking spaces on the front-
p assenger side. Parking spaces on the driv-
er's side are displayed as soon as the turn
signal on the driver's side is activated. When
parking on the driver's side, this must remain
activated until you confirm the use of Active
Parking Assist by pressing the v button on
the multifunction steering wheel. The system
automatically determines whether the park-
ing space is parallel or at right-angles to the
direction of travel.
A parking space is displayed while you are
driving past it, and until you are approx-
imately 50 ft (15 m) away from it. Parking
G WARNING
If you leave the vehicle when it is only being
braked by Active Parking Assist it could roll
away if: R
there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply. R
the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with. R
the battery is disconnected. R
the accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it
against rolling away.
i When PARKTRONIC detects obstacles,
Active Parking Assist brakes automatically
during the parking process. You are respon-
sible for braking in good time. X
Stop the vehicle when the parking space
symbol shows the desired parking space in
the instrument cluster. X
Shift the transmission to position R .
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No:
8 message appears in the multifunction
display. X
To cancel the procedure: press the 8
button on the multifunction steering wheel
or pull away.
or X
To park using Active Parking Assist:
press the v button on the multifunction
steering wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display. X
Let go of the multifunction steering wheel. X
Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake at
all times. When backing up, drive at a speed
below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Driving system s 197
Dr ivi ng an d parking Z