MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CABRIOLET 2012 Owners Manual

Selector lever
Overview of transmission positions Selector lever
j
Park position with selector lever lock
k Reverse gear
i Neutral
h Drive
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display :
Transmission position display
; Drive program display
The current transmission position and drive
program appear in the multifunction display. Transmission positions
B
Park position
This prevents the vehicle from roll-
ing away when stopped. Do not
shift the transmission into position
P(Y
page 177) unless the vehicle
is stationary.
The key can only be removed if the
transmission is in position P. If the
key is removed from the ignition
lock, the selector lever is locked. C
Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to
R
when the vehicle is stationary. A
Neutral
Do not shift the transmission to
N
while driving. Otherwise, the auto-
matic transmission could be dam-
aged.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to posi-
tion Nif the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral Ncan lead to
damage to the transmission. 7
Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the indi-
vidual gears automatically when it is in trans-
mission position D.Gearshifting is deter-
mined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program
E/S, E/S/M orM(Y page 169) 168
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

R
the positio nofthe accelerator pedal
R the road speed Driving tips
Accelerator pedal position Your style of driving influences how the auto-
matic transmission shifts gear:
R little throttle: early upshifts
R more throttle: late upshifts
Double-clutch function E 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and E 500 BlueEF-
FICIENCY only:
when shifting down, the dou-
ble-clutch function is active regardless of the
currently selected drive program. The double-
clutch function reduces load change reac-
tions 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 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.
Towing atrailer X
Drive in the middle of the engine speed
range on uphill gradients.
X Shift down to shift range 3or
2(Y page 170) depending on the uphill or
downhill gradient, eve nifcruise control,
DISTRONIC PLUS or SPEEDTRONIC is acti-
vated. Program selector button
General notes Progra
mselector button Program selecto
rbutton on vehicles without the
"dynamic handling package with sports mode" Program selecto
rbutton on vehicles with the
"dynamic handling package with sports mode"
X Press program selecto rbutton :repeat-
edly until the lette rfor the desired gearshift
program appears in the multifunction dis-
play. Automatic transmission
169Driving and parking Z

The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving character-
istics. E
Economy Comfortable, economical
driving
S
Sport Sporty driving style
M
Manual Manual gearshifting
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see (Y page 170).
i The automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program Eeach time the
engine is started. Steering wheel gearshift paddles
:
Left-hand steering wheel gearshift paddle
; Right-hand steering wheel gearshift pad-
dle
In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict or derestrict the shift range by using
the steering wheel gearshift paddles or the
selector lever (Y page 170).
In the manual drive program, you can change
gear using the steering wheel gearshift pad-
dles or the selector lever (Y page 171).
i You can only change gear with the steer-
ing wheel gearshift paddles when the trans-
mission is in position D. Automatic drive program
Drive program Eis characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R comfort-oriented engine settings
R optimal fuel consumption resulting from
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased sensitivity. This improves driving
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
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
Drive program Sis characterised by the fol-
lowing:
R sporty engine settings
R the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R the automatic transmission shifting up
later
R as a result of the later automatic transmis-
sion shift points, the fuel consumption pos-
sibly being higher Shift ranges
Introduction When the automatic transmission is in posi-
tion
D, it is possible to restrict or derestrict
the shift range (Y page 170).
The shift range selected is shown in the mul-
tifunction display .The automatic transmis-
sion shifts only as far as the selected gear. 170
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Shift range:
=
To use the engine's braking effect
5
To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
R
on steep mountain roads
R in mountainous terrain
R in arduous conditions 4
To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Restricting the shift range
X
Press the selector lever to the left towards
D–.
or
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle.
The automatic transmission shifts down
one gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
i If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the auto-
matic transmission protects against engine
damage by not shifting down.
i If the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to accel-
erate, the automatic transmission shifts up,
even if the shift range is restricted. This
prevents the engine from overrevving.
Extending the shift range X
Briefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
X Pull the right-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle.
The shift range is derestricted. Clearing the shift range restriction X
Press and hold the selector lever towards
D+ until Dis shown once more in the mul-
tifunction display.
or
X Pull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
gearshift paddle until Dis shown again in
the multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range X
Press the selector lever to the left towards
D– and hold it in position.
or
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows optimum acceleration
and deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears. Manual drive program
Activating the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
(Y page 169) repeatedly until Mappears in
the multifunction display.
Manual drive program Mcan be selected
using the program selector button. If the
transmission is in position D, you can change
gear using the steering wheel gearshift pad-
dles or the selector lever in manual drive pro-
gram M.The gear selected is shown in the
multifunction display. Automatic transmission
171Driving and parking Z

Upshifting
X
Briefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
X Pull the right-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle.
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Downshifting X
Briefly press the selector lever to the left
towards D–.
or
X Pull the left-hand steering wheel gearshift
paddle.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you desire maximum acceleration, push
the selector lever to the left or pull and hold
the left-hand steering wheel gearshift pad-
dle until the transmission shifts to the opti-
mal gear for the current speed.
Kickdown You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive program M.
X Depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Switching off the manual drive program X
Vehicles without the dynamic handling
package with sports mode: press the
program selector button (Y page 169)
repeatedly until Eor Sappears in the mul-
tifunction display.
X Vehicles with the dynamic handling
package with sports mode: press the
program selector button (Y page 169).M
is no longer shown in the multifunction dis-
play. 172
Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Problems with the transmission
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil.
X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear. The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into secondgear and reverse gear.
X Stop.
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 Dor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
X Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist work-
shop immediately. Releasing the parking lock manually
! Do not use any sharp-edged objects to
remove the selector lever gaiter from the
centre console. This could damage the
selector lever gaiter. X
Apply the parking brake.
X Prise out selector lever gaiter :with a flat,
blunt object (e.g. a screwdriver wrapped in cloth) from the right-hand edge. Pull selec-
tor lever gaiter
:up and out.
X Press release button ;down and simul-
taneously move the selector lever out of
position P.
The selector lever can now be moved freely
until it is returned to position P.
In the event of an electrical fault, it is possible
to release the selector lever lock manually to
move it out of position P. This occurs if the
vehicle is towed away, for example. Refuelling
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. Fire, naked flames
and smoking are therefore prohibited when
handling fuels.
Switch off the engine and the auxiliary heating
before refuelling. Refuelling
173Driving and parking Z

G
WARNING
Avoid contact with fuels.
It is hazardous to yourh ealth if your skin
comes into direct contact with fuels or you
breathe in fuel vapours. G
WARNING
Do not use petrol to refuel a diesel tank .Never
mix diesel with petrol. Doing so could damage
the fuel system and the engine. The vehicle
could also catch fire.
! Do not use petrol to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a petrol engine. Even small
amounts of the wrong fuel result in damage
to the fuel system and the engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you acci-
dentally refuel with the wrong fuel. Other-
wise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines. Notify
a qualified specialist workshop and have
the fuel tank and fuel lines drained com-
pletely.
! 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 diesel injec-
tion system could otherwise be blocked by
particles from the fuel can.
Further information on fuel and on fuel grades
can be found in the "Fuel" section
(Y page 372). Refuelling
Opening/closing the fuel filler flap :
To open the fuel filler flap
; To insert the fuel filler cap
= Tyre pressure table
? Fuel type to be refuelled
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked auto-
matically when you open or close the vehicle
with the key or using KEYLESS-GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
8 in the instrument cluster. The arrow
nextt o the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Opening X
Switch off the engine.
X Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X KEYLESS-GO: open the driver's door.
This corresponds to key position 0: "key
removed".
The driver's door can be closed again.
X Press the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.
X Open the fuel filler flap fully.
X Turn the fuel filler flap anti-clockwise and
remove it.
X Insert the fuel filler cap into the holder
bracket on the inside of filler flap ;.174
RefuellingDriving and parking

X
Completely insert the fille rneck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank and refuel.
X Only fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
i Do not add any more fuel after the pump
stops filling for the first time. Otherwise,
fuel may leak out.
Closing X
Replace the cap on the filler necka nd turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
X Close the fuel fille rflap.
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. Otherwise, the locking pin of the
central locking prevents the fuel filler flap
fro mc losing. Refuelling
175Driving and parking Z

Problems with the fuel and fuel tank
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.
G
Risk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition lock immediately and
remove it (Y page 159).
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 com-
pletely dry.
X
Refuel the vehicle with at least 5litres of diesel.
X Turn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds
(Y page 159).
X Start the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
or
X Start the engine using the touch-star tfunction .To do this, turn
the key to position 3in the ignition lock and then release it
immediately (Y page 159).
If the engine does not start:
X Turn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds
(Y page 159).
X Start the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until
it runs smoothly.
or
X Start the engine again via the touch-start function.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 176
RefuellingDriving and parking

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
The fuel filler flap can-
not be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The key battery is discharged.
X
Unlock the vehicle (Y page 77).
or
X Unlock the vehicle using the emergency key element
(Y page 78). The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jam-
med.
X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If flammable materials such as leaves, grass
or twigs are exposed to prolonged contact to
parts of the exhaust system that heat up, they
could ignite. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields. G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect.Y ou 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 leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle, they could set the vehicle in motion by,
for example:
R releasing the parking brake
R shifting an automatic transmission out of
parking position P
R shifting a manual transmission into neutral
R starting the engine
They could also operate vehicle equipment.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the key
with you and lock the vehicle. Never leave
children unattended in the vehicle.
! Am oving vehicle can lead to damage to
the vehicle or damage to the drive train.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
R the parking brake must be applied.
R on vehicles with manual transmission,
engage first gear or reverse gear.
R on vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission must be in position Pand
the key must be removed from the ignition
lock.
R on uphill or downhill gradients, the front
wheels must be turned towards the kerb. Parking
177Driving and parking Z