tow MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class CABRIOLET 2017 A207 Owner's Guide

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave 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 intosecondgear and reverse gear.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionDor R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into secondgear; ifRis
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
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.
!If the parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer, the ignition must be
switched off (SmartKey or Start/Stop button
in position 0or 1), as ESP
®will otherwise
automatically intervene. The brake system
could otherwise be damaged.
!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
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
Refueling141
Driving and parking
Z

To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
Rthe parking brake must be applied.
Rthe transmission must be in positionPand the
Smartkey must be removed from the ignition lock.
Rthe front wheels must be turned towards the
curb on steep uphill or downhill gradients.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the parking brake firmly.
XShift the transmission to position P.
XWith the Smartkey:turn the Smartkey to
position 0in the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
XWith KEYLESS-GO: press the KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button (Ypage 128).
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
When the driver's door is closed, this corre-
sponds to Smartkey position 1. When the
driver's door is open, this corresponds to
Smartkey position 0: "Smartkey removed".
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position Ror D, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to Nautomatically.
With the Smartkey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove the Smartkey from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to Pautomatically.
With KEYLESS-GO: if you then open the driver's
or front-passenger door, the automatic trans-
mission shifts to P. If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral
N, e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system:
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock.
XInsert the Smartkey into the ignition lock.
XAll vehicles: switch the ignition on.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
XShift to neutral N.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the Smartkey
in the ignition lock.
Parking brake
GWARNING
If you must brake the vehicle with the parking brake, the braking distance is considerably
longer and the wheels could lock. There is an
increased danger of skidding and accidents.
Only use the parking brake to brake the vehi-
cle when the service brake is faulty. Do not
apply the parking brake too firmly. If the
wheels lock, release the parking brake until
the wheels begin turning again.
GWARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example:
Rrelease the parking brake.
Rshift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P.
Rstart 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.
Parking145
Driving and parking
Z

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.
RIn order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!The brake fluid level may be too low, if:
Rif the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and
Ryou 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.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or per-
formance tests may only be carried out on a 2-
axle dynamometer. If you wish to operate the
vehicle on such a dynamometer, please con-
sult a qualified specialist workshop in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®sys-
tem operates automatically, the engine and
the ignition must be switched off (SmartKey in
position 0or 1in the ignition lock or Start/
Stop button in position 0or 1) while the park- ing brake is being tested on a brake dyna-
mometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP
®may seriously damage the brake sys-
tem.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®sys-
tem operates automatically, the engine and
the ignition system must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0or 1in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0or 1)
when:
Rtesting the parking brake on a brake dyna-
mometer.
Ryou intend to have the vehicle towed with
the front axle raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP
®may seriously damage the brake sys-
tem.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
c

ialist 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. To do so,
press firmly on the brake pedal when driving at a
high speed. This improves the grip of the brake
pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS) on (
Ypage 62) or of BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist on (Ypage 62).
The braking characteristics of the vehicle can be
seriously impaired if:
Rbrake pads other than those recommended
are installed
Rthe recommended brake fluid is not used
Safe braking can no longer be guaranteed.
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth on
the road surface, there is a danger of hydro-
planing occurring, even if:
Ryou drive at low speeds.
Rthe tires have adequate tread depth.
Driving tips149
Driving and parking
Z

For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or in
conditions in which hydroplaning may occur,
you must drive in the following manner:
Rlower your speed.
Ravoid ruts.
Ravoid sudden steering movements.
Rbrake carefully.
Driving on flooded roads
!Do not drive through flooded areas. Check
the depth of any water before driving through
it. Drive slowly through standing water. Oth-
erwise, water may enter the vehicle interior or
the engine compartment. This can damage
the electronic components in the engine or
the automatic transmission. Water can also
be drawn in by the engine's air suction nozzles
and this can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
GWARNING
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.
GDANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or adequate
ventilation is not possible, poisonous gases
such as carbon monoxide (CO) may enter the vehicle. This is the case, e.g. if the vehicle
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 qualified
specialist workshop at the onset of winter. Drive particularly carefully on slippery road sur-
faces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering and
braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise con-
trol or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position
N.
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 freezing
point do not guarantee that the road surface is
free of ice. The road may still be icy, especially in
wooded areas or on bridges. The vehicle could
skid if you fail to adapt your driving style. Always
adapt your driving style and drive at a speed to
sui t the p
revailing weather conditions.
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
For more information on driving with snow
chains, see (
Ypage 287).
For more information on driving with summer
tires, see (
Ypage 287).
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation" sec-
tion (
Ypage 287).
Driving systems
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive stands for inno-
vative driver assistance and safety systems
which enhance comfort and support the driver in
critical situations. With these intelligent co-ordi-
nated systems Mercedes-Benz has set a mile-
stone on the path towards autonomous driving.
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive embraces all
elements of active and passive safety in one well
thought out system – for the safety of the vehi-
cle occupants and that of other road users.
Further information on driving safety systems
(
Ypage 61).
150Driving systems
Driving and parking

XAccelerate the vehicle to the desired speed.
XBriefly press the cruise control lever up:or
down ;.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Cruise control is activated. The vehicle auto-
matically maintains the stored speed.
iCruise 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 the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed
GWARNING
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.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you :.
XRemove 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.
Setting a speed
XPress the cruise control lever up :for a
higher speed or down ;for a lower speed.
XTo adjust the set speed in 1 mph incre-
ments (1 km/h increments): briefly press
the cruise control lever up :or down ;to
the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is pressed
up : or down ;the last speed stored is
increased or reduced.
XTo adjust the set speed in 5 mph incre-
ments (10 km/h increments): briefly press
the cruise control lever up :or down ;to
the pressure point.
Every time the cruise control lever is pressed up : or down ;the last speed stored is
increased or reduced.
iCruise control is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. For example, if
you accelerate briefly to overtake, cruise con-
trol adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last
speed stored after you have finished overtak-
ing.
Deactivating cruise control
152Driving systems
Driving and parking

GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly iden-
tify other road users and complex traffic sit-
uations.
In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
Rgive an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
Rneither give a warning nor intervene
Raccelerate or brake unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up to 50% of the maximum possible deceleration.
If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC
PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There isa risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
!If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is
activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in
certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC
PLUS can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot take into account the road, traffic and
weather conditions. DISTRONIC PLUS is only an
aid. You are responsible for the distance to the
vehicle in front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time and for staying in your lane. Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
Rin road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed, e.g. in
heavy traffic or on winding roads
Ron slippery road surfaces. Braking or accel-
erating could cause the drive wheels to lose
traction and the vehicle could then skid
Rwhen there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow vehi-
cles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or vehi-
cles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can be
impaired if:
Rthere is dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
Rthere is snow or heavy rain
Rthere is interference by other radar sources
Rthere are strong radar reflections, for exam-
ple, in parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a vehicle
in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may unexpected ly
a

ccelerate the vehicle to the stored speed.
This speed may:
Rbe too high if you are driving in a filter lane or an exit lane
Rbe so high in the right lane that you pass vehi-cles driving on the left (left-hand drive coun-
tries)
Rbe so high in the left lane that you pass vehi-
cles driving on the right (right-hand drive
countries)
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
Cruise control lever
:To store the current speed or a higher speed
;To store the current speed or a lower speed
154Driving systems
Driving and parking

=To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
?To store the current speed or call up the last
stored speed
ATo set the specified minimum distance
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS
Activation conditions
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the fol-
lowing conditions must be fulfilled:
Rthe engine must be started. It may take up totwo minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
Rthe parking brake must be released.
RESP®must be active, but not intervening.
RActive Parking Assist must not be activated.
Rthe transmission must be in position D.
Rthe driver's door must be closed when you
shift fromPto Dor your seat belt must be
fastened.
Rthe front-passenger door must be closed.
Rthe vehicle must not skid.
Activating
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ;, or press it up :or down =.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
XPress the cruise control lever repeatedly
up : or down =until the desired speed is
set.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.
If the vehicle in front of you is stationary, you can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your vehi-
cle is stationary as well.
iIf you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Overridemes-
sage appears in the multifunction display. The
set distance to a slower-moving vehicle in
front will then not be maintained. You will be
driving at the speed you determine by the
position of the accelerator pedal.
You can also activate DISTRONIC PLUS when
stationary. The lowest speed that can be set is
18 mph (30 km/h) .
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you;up: or down =.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.
To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
GWARNING
If you call up the stored speed and it differs
from the current speed, the vehicle acceler-
ates or decelerates. If you do not know the
stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate or brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an acci-
dent.
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.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you :.
XRemove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first time it
is activated, the current speed is stored. Oth-
erwise, it sets the vehicle cruise speed to the
previously stored value.
Driving systems155
Driving and parking
Z

Drivingwit hDISTRONI CPLUS
Pullin gawa yan ddrivin g
XIf you wan tto pull awa ywit hDISTRONI C
PLUS :remov eyour foot from th ebrake pedal.
XBriefly pull th ecruise contro llever toward s
you :.
or
XAccelerat ebriefly.
Your vehicle pulls away and adapt sits speed
to that of th evehicle in front.
If no vehicle is detecte din front, your vehicle
accelerates to th eset speed.
The vehicle can also pull away when it is facin g
an unidentifie dobstacl eor is drivin gon adiffer-
en tlin efrom another vehicle. The vehicle then
brake sautomatically.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLU S
operates in th esam eway as cruise control.
If DISTRONIC PLU Sdetects that th evehicle in
fron thas slowed down ,it brake syour vehicle. In
this way, th edistanc eyou hav eselecte dis main -
tained.
If DISTRONIC PLU Sdetects afaster-movin g
vehicle in front, it increase sth edrivin gspeed.
However, th evehicle is only accelerated up to
th espeed you hav estored.
Selecting th edrive program
DISTRONIC Plus supports asport ydrivin gstyle
when you hav eselecte dth eS or Mdrivin gpro -
gram (
Ypage 137). Acceleration behin dth e
vehicle in fron tor to th eset speed is then notice -
ably more dynamic .If you hav eselecte dth eE
drivin gprogram, th evehicle accelerates more
gently. Thi ssetting is recommended in stop-
and-start traffic .
Changinglanes
If you chang eto th epassin glane, DISTRONIC
PLU Ssupports you when :
Ryou are drivingfaste rthan 45 mph (70 km/h)
RDISTRONIC PLU Sis maintainin gth edistanc e
to avehicle in fron t
Ryou switch on th eappropriat eturn signal
RDISTRONIC PLU Sdoe sno tdetec t adanger of
collision
If these condition sare fulfilled, your vehicle is
accelerated. Acceleration will be interrupted if
changin glanes take sto olon gor if th edistanc e
between your vehicle and th evehicle in fron t
becomes to osmall.
iWhe nyou chang elanes, DISTRONIC PLU S
monitors th elef tlan eon left-hand-drive vehi-
cles or th eright lan eon right-hand-driv evehi-
cles.
Stopping
GWARNING
Whe nleavin gth evehicle, eve nif it is brake d
only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if:
Rthere is amalfunction in th esyste mor in
th evoltage supply.
RDISTRONIC PLU Shas bee ndeactivated
wit hth ecruise contro llever, e.g. by avehi-
cl e occupant or from outsid eth evehicle.
Rth eelectrical system in th eengin ecom-
partment, th ebattery or th efuses hav e
bee ntampered with.
Rth ebattery is disconnected.
Rth eaccelerator peda lhas bee ndepressed,
e.g. by avehicle occupant .
There is aris kof an accident.
If you wish to exit th evehicle, always turn of f
DISTRONIC PLU Sand secure th evehicle
against rollin gaway.
Fo rfurther information on deactivatin g
DISTRONIC PLU S (
Ypage 158).
If DISTRONIC PLU Sdetects that th evehicle in
fron tis stopping, it brake syour vehicle until it is
stationary.
Once your vehicle is stationary, it remain ssta-
tionary and you do no tneed to depress th e
brake .
156Driving systems
Driving an d parking

iDISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal.
DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically deactivated
if:
Ryou engage the parking brake
RESP®intervenes or you deactivate ESP®
Rthe transmission is in the P,R or Nposition
Ryou pull the cruise control lever towards you
in order to pull away and the front-passenger
door is open
Rthe vehicle is skidding
Ryou activate Active Parking Assist
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will hear a warning tone. You will see the DISTRONIC
PLUS Offmessage in the multifunction display
for approximately five seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
General notes
Pay particular attention in the following traffic
situations:
RCornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
RVehicles traveling on a different line
ROther vehicles changing lanes
RNarrow vehicles
RObstructions and stationary vehicles
RCrossing vehicles
In such situations, brake if necessary.
DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect vehi-
cles when cornering is limited. Your vehicle may
brake unexpectedly or late.
Vehicles traveling on a different line
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles trav-
eling on a different line. The distance to the
vehicle in front will be too short.
Other vehicles changing lanes
DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the vehicle
cutting in yet. The distance to this vehicle will be
too short.
Narrow vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the vehi-
cle in front on the edge of the road, because of
its narrow width. The distance to the vehicle in
front will be too short.
Driving system s159
Driving an d parking
Z

Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for obstacles
or stationary vehicles. If, for example, the detec-
ted vehicle turns a corner and reveals an obsta-cle or stationary vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS will
not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect vehi-
cles that are crossing your lane. Activating
DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights with crossing
traffic, for example, could cause your vehicle to
pull away unintentionally.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist
and Stop&Go Pilot
General notes
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot aids you in keeping the vehicle in
the center of the driving lane by means of mod-
erate steering interventions in the speed range
from 0 - 125 mph (0 - 200 km/ h).
It monitors the area in front of your vehicle by
means of multifunction camera :, at the top of
the windshield.
At speeds of 0 - 37 mph (0 - 60 km/h), Stop&Go Pilot focuses on the vehicle in front, taking into
account lane markings, e.g. when following vehi-
cles in a traffic jam.
At speeds of more than 37 mph (60 km/h)
Steering Assist focuses on detected lane mark-
ings (left and right), and only on the vehicle in
front if lane markings are missing.
If these conditions are not present, Steering
Assist and Stop&Go Pilot cannot provide assis-
tance.
DISTRONIC PLUS must be active in order for the
function to be available.
Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, DISTRONIC
PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot
can neither reduce the risk of an accident nor
override the laws of physics. It cannot take
account of road, weather and traffic conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot is only an aid. You are responsible
for the distance to the vehicle in front, for vehi-
cle speed, for braking in good time and for stay-
ing in your lane.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot does not detect road and traffic
conditions. If you are following a vehicle which is
driving towards the edge of the road, your vehi-
160Driving systems
Driving and parking