shift MERCEDES-BENZ S-Class 2011 W221 User Guide

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.
XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.
The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡(120 †).
The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Y page 450). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWarning
It is dangerous to shift AUTOTRONIC out of
parking position P or neutral position N if the
engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your
foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle
and hit someone or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling normally and
when your right foot is firmly on the brake
pedal.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift AUTOTRONIC into neutral
position N automatically.
Always shift AUTOTRONIC into park position
P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
GWarning!
HYBRID vehicles: It is imperative that you read
the HYBRID Supplemental Operating
Instructions included in your vehicle literature
portfolio. You may otherwise not receive all
necessary safety information and warning for
the operation of your vehicle.
DIRECT SELECT lever
Overview of transmission positions
The DIRECT SELECT lever is on the right of the
steering column.
PPark position with parking lockRReverse306Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

NNeutralDDrive
iThe DIRECT SELECT lever always returns
to its original position. The current
transmission position P, R , N or D appears
in the transmission position display
( Y page 308) in the multifunction display.
Engaging park position P
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever in the
direction of the arrow P.
i
The automatic transmission shifts
automatically into park position P if you
open the driver's door when the vehicle is
stationary or at very low speed and the
transmission is in position D or R.
! If the engine speed is too high or the
vehicle is moving, do not shift the
automatic transmission directly from D to
R , from R to D or directly to P. The
automatic transmission could otherwise be
damaged.
Engaging reverse gear R
! Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
i The ECO start/stop function is not
available when reverse gear is engaged.
For further information on the ECO start/
stop function ( Y page 302).
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Neutral N with ECO start/stop function
activated
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle is
stationary if the vehicle is braked to a
standstill with neutral N engaged and the
brake depressed.
For further information on the ECO start/stop
function ( Y page 302).
Shifting to neutral NXWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
When the engine is switched off, the
automatic transmission shifts to N
automatically.
Remaining in neutral N
If you wish to keep the automatic
transmission in neutral N, e.g. to wash the
vehicle in a car wash with a towing device,
observe the following:
GWarning!
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle. It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Using the SmartKey:
R make sure the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the electric parking
brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R make sure the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to park position P.
R release the brake pedal.
Automatic transmission307Driving and parkingZ

Rremove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
Rinsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
Rswitch on the ignition.
Rdepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
Rshift to neutral N.
Rrelease the brake pedal.
Rif applied, release the electric parking
brake.
Rswitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Transmission position D with ECO
start/stop function activated
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle is
stationary if the vehicle is braked to a
standstill with transmission position N
engaged and the brake depressed.
For further information on the ECO start/stop
function (Y page 302).
Shifting to transmission position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance.
Transmission position display
The current transmission position is shown in
the multifunction display.
:Transmission position
iThe arrows in the transmission position
display show how and into which
transmission positions you can change
using the DIRECT SELECT lever.
! If the transmission position display in the
multifunction display is not working, you
should pull away carefully to check whether
the desired transmission position is
engaged. Ideally, you should select
transmission position D and drive program
E (drive program C on AMG vehicles) or S.
Do not restrict the shift range.
308Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Transmission positionsBPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P unless the vehicle is
stationary. The parking lock should
not be used as a brake when
parking. In addition to engaging the
parking lock, you must always
apply the electric parking brake to
secure the vehicle.
In the event of a fault in the vehicle
electronics, the transmission can
be locked in position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.CReverse
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
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
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Driving in neutral N can
damage the drive train.7Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.Gearshifting
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program
E/S or, on AMG vehicles,
C/S/M (Y page 310)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Driving tips
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XVehicles for USA except AMG vehicles:
fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada except AMG
vehicles: depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Rocking the vehicle free
Rocking the vehicle free by repeatedly
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
engine management system of the vehicle
limits shifting back and forth between
transmission positions D and R to a maximum
speed of 5 mph (9 km/h). To shift back and
forth between transmission positions D and
R , move the selector lever up and down
beyond the pressure point.
Automatic transmission309Driving and parkingZ

Working on the vehicleGWarning!
When working on the vehicle, engage the
electronic parking brake and shift the
automatic transmission into park position P.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Program selector button
The program selector button influences:
Rthe drive program
Rthe AIRMATIC (Y page 336) or ABC
(Y page 338) suspension settings
Rthe engine management
Program selector button
Program selector button on AMG vehicles
E Economy
C Comfort
Comfortable, economical
driving
S SportSporty driving styleM ManualManual gearshifting
iFor further information on "Automatic
drive program" (Y page 311).
AMG vehicles: only change from automatic
drive program C or S to manual drive program
M when the vehicle is stationary.
XPress program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
iThe automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program E each time the
engine is started (on AMG vehicles: drive
program C).
Steering wheel paddle shifters
:Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter;Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
You can restrict or derestrict the shift range
by using the steering wheel paddle shifter.
You can change gear yourself by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters in the manual
drive program.
310Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Automatic drive program
Drive program E (drive program C on AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
R the vehicle pulling away more gently in
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
R increased sensitivity, which improves
driving stability on slippery road surfaces,
for example
R the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner, which results in the vehicle being
driven at lower engine speeds and the
wheels being less likely to spin
In drive program S, the automatic
transmission shifts up later.
Shift ranges
Introduction
When the automatic transmission is in
position D, it is possible to restrict or
derestrict the shift range ( Y page 311).
The shift range selected is shown in the
multifunction display. The automatic
transmission shifts only as far as the selected
gear.
Driving situations=You can use the engine's braking
effect.5To 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 conditions4To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretchesRestricting the shift rangeXPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is restricted.
i In order to prevent the engine from
overrevving, the automatic transmission
does not shift down when the engine speed
is too high.
i If the maximum engine speed for the shift
range is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up in order to prevent the engine
from overrevving, even if the shift range is
restricted.
Derestricting the shift range
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction
XPull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until D is shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows ideal acceleration and
deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program
The manual drive program is only available for
AMG vehicles.
Automatic transmission311Driving and parkingZ

Manual drive program M is different from
drive program S with regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
Manual drive program M can be selected
using the program selector button. You can
change gear using the steering wheel paddle
shifters in manual drive program M if the
transmission is in position D. The gear
currently selected and engaged is shown in
the multifunction display.
XPress program selector button
(Y page 310) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting
! In manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically 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.
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 310).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
you will see an upshift indicator in the
multifunction display.
:Gear indicator;Upshift indicatorDownshiftingXPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter (Y page 310).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
iIf you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down to a gear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
iFor maximum acceleration, pull the left-
hand steering wheel paddle shifter until the
transmission selects the optimum gear for
the current speed.
Kickdown
iKickdown is not possible in manual drive
program M.
Switching off the manual drive program
XPress the program selector button
(Y page 310) repeatedly until C or S
appears in the multifunction display.
312Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Problems with the transmissionProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into 2nd gear and reverse gear.XStop the vehicle.XShift the transmission to position P.XSwitch off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.XShift the transmission to position D or R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into 2nd gear; if R is
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
transmitted 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 an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for a performance
test. Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for this purpose.
! To prevent ESP ®
from intervening, the
ignition must be switched off (SmartKey or
the Start/Stop button 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
damaged.Refueling
Important safety notes
GWarning
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
GWarning
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
Refueling313Driving and parkingZ

Problems with the fuel and fuel tankProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
XTurn the key to position 0(Y page 299) in the ignition lock
immediately and remove it.XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The key batteries are discharged.XUnlock the vehicle ( Y page 76).
or
XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 79).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Parking
Important safety notes
GWarning!
Do not park in areas where the hot exhaust
system could come into contact with
combustible materials. Combustible
materials such as grass, hay or leaves could
be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Unintended vehicle movement could cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the electronic parking brake.
R Shift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the starter switch, or press the KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button.
R Take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWarning
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
316ParkingDriving and parking

GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift AUTOTRONIC into neutral
position N automatically.
Always shift AUTOTRONIC into park position
P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iIf you cannot turn off the engine as
described here, see "Emergency engine
shutdown" (Y page 477).
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XApply the electric parking brake.XShift the transmission to position P.
Using the SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The parking lock is activated.
iIf you turn off the engine with the
SmartKey and then remove it from the
ignition lock or open a front door, the
automatic transmission switches to P
automatically.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XPress the Start/Stop button (Y page 299).
When the driver's door is closed, the Start/
Stop button is in position 1. When the
driver's door is opened, the Start/Stop
button moves to position 0. This
corresponds to removing the SmartKey.
iIf you turn off the engine with the Start/
Stop button, the automatic transmission
shifts to N. If you then open the driver's or
front-passenger door, the automatic
transmission shifts to P automatically.
iIn an emergency, you can turn off the
engine while the vehicle is in motion by
pressing and holding the Start/Stop button
for three seconds. This function operates
independently of the ECO start/stop
automatic engine switch-off function.
If you have started the engine with the Start/
Stop button and it cannot be switched off as
described:
Xremove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
Xinsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The engine stops. The ignition lock is in
position 0.
Electric parking brake
GWarning!
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with
you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could
release the parking brake and/or shift the
automatic transmission out of park position
P, either of which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Releasing the electric parking brake
manually
XSwitch on the ignition.XPull handle :.
The red F indicator lamp (USA only) or
the red ! indicator lamp (Canada only)
in the instrument cluster goes out.
The electric parking brake can only be
released when the SmartKey in the ignition
Parking317Driving and parkingZ