Shifting MERCEDES-BENZ E55AMG 2005 W211 User Guide

184 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionDownshifting
Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the left in theD-direction
(page 176).
or

Press button1 on the left side of the
steering wheel (
page 181).
The transmission shifts to the next
lower gear.Upshifting

Briefly press the gear selector lever to
the right in theD+direction
(page 176).
or

Press button2 on the right side of the
steering wheel (
page 181).
The transmission shifts to the next
higher gear.
If, instead of the manual program mode
symbol
M, thep symbol appears in
the multifunction display (
page 174),
shift to the next higher gear. The fuel
supply will otherwise be interrupted to
prevent the engine from overrevving.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not
prevent this type of loss of control.iWhen you brake or stop, the transmis-
sion shifts down to a gear from which
you can easily accelerate or take off.
!In the manual program modeM, the
transmission will not upshift, even if
the engine has reached its overrevving
range. Shift up to the next gear before
the engine has reached its overrevving
range. Make absolutely certain that the
engine speed does not reach the red
marking on the tachometer
(page 24). Otherwise the engine
could be damaged which is not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

286 OperationIn the “Operation” section you will find de-
tailed information on operating, maintain-
ing and caring for your vehicle.The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle
during the break-in period, the more satis-
fied you will be with its performance later
on.

Drive your vehicle during the first
1000 miles (1500 km) at varying but
moderate vehicle and engine speeds.


During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive en-
gine speeds (no more than
2/3 of max-
imum rpm in each gear).


Avoid accelerating by kick-down.


Do not attempt to slow the vehicle
down by shifting to a lower gear using
the selector lever.


Select positions3, 2 or1 only when
driving at moderate speeds (for hill
driving).


Select C as the preferred shift program
(page 179) for the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).After 1000 miles (1500 km) you may grad-
ually increase vehicle and engine speeds
to the permissible maximum.
All of the above, as may apply to your vehi-
cle type, also apply when driving the first
1000 miles (1500 km) after the engine or
the rear differential has been replaced.
!Additional instructions for AMG vehi-
cles:

During the first 1000 miles
(1500 km), do not exceed a speed
of 85 mph (140 km/h).


During this period, avoid engine
speeds above 4500 rpm in each
gear.
iAlways obey applicable speed limits.

289 Operation
Driving instructions
To help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads. If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, there is a malfunction in the
SBC brake system (
page 90) or the
brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected by quali-
fied technicians immediately. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
parking, so that the air stream will cool
down the brakes faster.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 87).
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
Be certain to read and observe the warning
notices on brake pad replacement
(page 380).!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear.

308 OperationEngine compartmentTransmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the driver’s side of the engine compart-
ment. 1Coolant expansion tank

Using a rag, turn the cap slowly approx-
imately one half turn to the left to re-
lease any excess pressure.

Continue turning the cap to the left and
remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level:

for cold coolant: reaches the black
top part of the reservoir


for warm coolant: is approximately
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher

Add coolant as required.
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.


Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.


Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately
1/2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.


Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.

473 Technical terms
FSS PLUS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem PLUS)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates en-
gine temperature, oil level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last
service, calculates other maintenance
service work required, and calls for the
next maintenance service accordingly.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs DVD digital maps for
navigation.
Heater booster system
Provides for additional heat in the
vehicle interior in vehicle models with
diesel engines.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer
and fuel gauge.
KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a SmartKey.Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Vehicle Main-
tenance System in your vehicle tracks
distance driven and the time elapsed
since your last maintenance service,
calculates other maintenance service
work required, and calls for the next
maintenance service accordingly.

479 Index
Automatic climate control (4-zone*) 204
Adjusting air distribution 210
Adjusting air volume 211
Air conditioning 214
Air recirculation mode 212
Deactivating 209
Defrosting 211
Maximum cooling MAX COOL 212
Rear air conditioning 216
Residual heat and ventilation 215
Setting the temperature 210
Automatic climate control (Dual-zone)
Adjusting air distribution 198
Adjusting air volume 198
Air conditioning 201
Air recirculation mode 199
Defrosting 199
Heater booster system 203
Residual ventilation 202
Setting the temperature 197
Automatic climate control*
Rear window defroster 191
Automatic headlamp mode 134Automatic lighting control
Activating 139
Automatic locking when driving 118
Automatic transmission 174
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 185
Gear ranges 177
Gear selector lever position 178
Gear shifting malfunctions 185
Manual shift program mode
(E 55 AMG) 183
Manual shifting 176
One-touch gearshifting 176
Program mode selector switch 179
Selector lever position 174
Starting the engine 46
Winter program mode 179
Automatic transmission*
Accelerator position 180
Kickdown 180
Kickdown, manual shift program (E 55
AMG only) 185B
Backrest
Folding forward 257
Folding rearward 258
Bar 337
BAS 87, 471
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 415, 416
Check lamp 100, 106
Checking 101, 107
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 415, 416
Checking 101, 107
Batteries, vehicle
Charging 435
Disconnecting 434
Messages in display 370, 378, 379
Reconnecting 435
Removing 435
Service 433

484 IndexDoor handle 30
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 278
Doors
Message in display 386
Opening from inside vehicle 109
Opening from outside 105
DOT 337
Downhill driving
Cruise control 232
Downshifting 176
Drive-dynamic seat* with multicontour
features 126
Driving
General instructions 43
Hydroplaning 291
In winter 294
Problems 53
Safety systems 85
With Distronic* 244Driving hints
SBC brake system 92
Driving instructions 287
Driving off 290
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 93
ABS 85
BAS 87
ESP 87, 472
SBC brake system 90
Driving systems 231
Airmatic DC* 247
Cruise control 231
Distronic* 235
Driving safety systems 85
Vehicle level control 248
DTR see Distronic* 472
Dual control*
Airmatic DC* 247E
E55AMG
MANUAL shift program mode 183
Easy-entry/exit
Message in display 381
Easy-entry/exit feature* 121
Activating 167
Interrupting movement 121, 167
Electric air pump 429
Electrical fuses 443
Electrical system 458
Electronic Stability Program see ESP 87,
472
Emergency call system* 271
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 274
With Tele Aid* 273
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 185

486 IndexFront airbags 65
Front fog lamp
Replacing bulb 418
Front lamps 418
Messages in display 394
Replacing bulbs 420
Switching on 133
Front seat head restraints
Power seat 123
Removing and installing 123
Front seats
Heater* 127
FSS (Canada vehicles) 343
FSS (Flexible Service System) 473
Fuel 300
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp 362
Premium unleaded gasoline 300
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 170
Since last reset 170Fuel filler flap 299
Locking 299
Unlocking 299
Fuel requirements 466
Fuel reserve tank
Message in display 389
Fuel tank
Filler flap 299
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 461
Functions (control system) 149
Resetting 155
Fuse chart 443
Fuses 443
Fuse chart 443
Fuse extractor 443
Spare fuses 443G
Garage door opener 29, 279
Erasing the integrated remote
control 284
Integrated remote control 281
Rolling code programming 282
Gasoline see Fuel 300
GAWR 337
Gear range 473
Automatic transmission 177
Limiting 177
Shifting into optimal 176
Gear range limit
Canceling 176
Gear selector lever
Position 178
Global
Locking 100
Locking with KEYLESS-GO* 105
Unlocking 99
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO* 105
Global Positioning System (GPS) 473
Glove box 262
Closing 262
Opening 262

491 Index
Multifunction display messages
ABS 369
Batteries 370, 378, 379
Brake fluid 382
Brake pads 380
Check engine 359, 360
Coolant 384, 385
Coolant level 383
Distronic* 370
Doors 386
Easy-entry/exit feature 381
Fuel reserve tank 389
Hood 389
Lamps 394
Parking brake 381
SBC brake system 380, 381
SmartKey 390
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 391
Tele Aid 403, 404
Telephone* 405
Tires 399
Trunk 405
Washer fluid 405
Multifunction steering wheel 26, 146,
474
Buttons 146N
Navigation system
See separate COMAND operating
instructions 152
Night security illumination 136
Normal occupant weight 338
O
Occupant Classification System 74
Self-test 79
Occupant distribution 338
Occupant safety 60
Airbags 61
Children and airbags 62
Children in the vehicle 71
Fastening the seat belt 43
Infant and child restraint systems 71
LATCH child seat anchors 81
Seat belts 43, 64
Oil
Adding 306
Checking level 305
Consumption 304
Filler neck 306
Viscosity 472Oil level
Checking 305
One-touch gearshifting 176
Canceling gear range limit 176
Downshifting 176
Upshifting 176
Opening 414
Ashtray 268
Doors from the inside 109
Fuel filler flap 299
Fuel filler flap manually 412
Glove box 262
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof 227
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* in an
emergency 414
Roller sunblinds 226
Side windows 219
Sliding/pop-up roof* 223
Sliding/pop-up roof* in an
emergency 414
Trunk 110
Trunk from the inside 110
Trunk lid with SmartKey 101
Windows 218
Opening the trunk from the outside 110

496 IndexSettings
Calling up Distronic* 152, 238
Convenience functions 167
Factory, KEYLESS-GO* 105
Factory, SmartKey 99
Individual 168
Lighting (control system) 162
Menus and submenus 147
Resetting all (control system) 154
Resetting in the submenu 155
Selective 100, 106
Settings menu
Functions in 154
Individual vehicle settings 154
Submenus 155
Shift lock 475
Shifting
Gear selector lever positions 178
Into optimal gear range (automatic
transmission) 176
Side impact airbags 66
Side marker lamps 418, 422Side windows
Automatic opening 219
Cleaning 352
Closing 218, 219
Opening 218
Opening fully (Express-open) 219
Stopping 220
Synchronizing power windows 220
Sidewall 338
Simultaneous wiping and washing
Windshield wipers 52
Single wipe 52
Ski sack* 254
Removing 257
Unfolding and loading 254
Unloading and folding 256
Sliding/pop-up roof* 223
Closing 223
Opening 223
Stopping 225, 229
Synchronizing 225
Sliding/pop-up roof* or panorama slid-
ing/pop-up roof*
Emergency operations 414SmartKey 98
Battery check lamp 100, 106
Checking the batteries 101, 107
Factory setting 99
Global locking 100
Global locking and unlocking 99
Global unlocking 99
Locking and unlocking 98
Loss of 102
positions in starter switch 33
Remote controls 98, 102
Restoring to factory setting 100, 106
Selective setting 100, 106
Starting the engine 46, 47
Unlocking with 32
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 102
Global locking and unlocking 105
Loss of 108
Messages in display 391
Remote controls 102
Turning off the engine 57
Unlocking with 33
SmartKey-dependent memory
Settings 168