automatic transmission MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2016 Owner's Manual

Engaging reverse gear R
! Only shift the automatic transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary. X
If the transmission is in position D or N : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the first
point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up past the first point of resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not available
when reverse gear is engaged. Further informa-
tion on the ECO start/stop function
( Y
page 166).
Shifting to neutral N
G WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could: R
open the doors, thus endangering other
people or road users. R
get out and disrupt traffic. R
operate the vehicle's equipment.
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they: R
release the parking brake. R
shifting the automatic transmission out of
park position PR
Start the engine.
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 or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. X
If the transmission is in position D or R : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the
first point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically. 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 P automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you t hen open
t
he driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-
ically.
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:
Using the SmartKey: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
With the Start/Stop button: X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N . X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
If the transmission is in position R or N : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first
point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever down past the first point of resistance.Automatic transmission 171
Driving and parking Z

Drivin g tips
Changin g gea rThe automatic transmissio n shift s to th e indi-
vidual gear s automatically when it is in trans -
missio n position D . Thi s automatic gear shiftin g
behavio r is determined by:R
th e selecte d drive program ( Y
page 173)R
th e position of th e accelerator peda l
( Y
page 173) R
th e road speed
Accelerator pedal position Your style of drivin g influences how th e auto-
matic transmissio n shift s gear :R
littl e throttle: early upshift sR
more throttle: lat e upshift s
Kickdown Use kickdown fo r maximum acceleration .X
Depress th e accelerator peda l beyond th e
pressure point.
The automatic transmissio n shift s to a lowe r
gear dependin g on th e engin e speed.X
Ease of f th e accelerator peda l once th e
desire d speed is reached.
The automatic transmissio n shift s bac k up.
Rockin g th e vehicle freeRocking th e vehicle free by shiftin g bac k and
fort h between transmissio n position s D and R
can hel p to free a vehicle that has becom e stuck
in mud or snow. The vehicle' s engin e manage-
men t restricts switchin g between transmissio n
position s D and R to speeds up to a maximum of
5 mph (9 km/h). To shift bac k and fort h between
transmissio n position s D and R , move th e
DIREC T SELECT lever up and down past th e
poin t of resistance.
Program selector butto n
Thi s section describes th e program selecto r but -
to n fo r all vehicles except PLUG-I N HYBRID vehi-
cles. Information on automatic drive programs
fo r PLUG-I N HYBRID vehicles ( Y
page 250). X
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles an d PLUG-IN HYBRID) : press program
selecto r butto n C to chang e th e drive pro -
gram.
The selecte d drive program appears in th e
multifunction display.
X
Mercedes-AMG vehicles : press program
selecto r butto n C repeatedly until th e lette r
fo r th e desire d drive program appears in th e
multifunction display.
The program selecto r butto n influences:R
th e drive program ( Y
page 174)R
th e engin e managemen t
On Mercedes-AMG vehicles , drive program E is
called drive program C .
The automatic transmissio n switches to auto-
matic drive program E (drive program C in
Mercedes-AMG vehicles).
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehicles
an d PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles )
E Econom y Comfortable , economical
drivin g
S Spor t Sporty drivin g styleAutomatic transmission 173
Driving and parking Z

You can also activate manual drive program M
using the steering wheel paddle shifters
( Y
page 174). In manual drive program M , you
can briefly change gear yourself by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
C Controlled
Efficiency Comfortable, economical
driving
S Sport Sporty driving style
M Manual Manual gear shifting
Permanent drive program M is only available for
Mercedes-AMG vehicles.
Further information about permanent drive pro-
gram M ( Y
page 175).
You can also activate manual drive program M
using the steering wheel paddle shifters
( Y
page 174). In manual drive program M , you
can briefly change gear yourself by using the
steering wheel paddle shifters.
For further information on the automatic drive
program, see ( Y
page 174).
Steering wheel paddle shifters
You can activate manual drive program M in the
E ( C in AMG vehicles) and S automatic drive
programs using steering wheel paddle shift-
ers C and D ( Y
page 174). In manual drive
program M , you can briefly change gear yourself
by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: you can also activate
manual drive program M with the program
selector button ( Y
page 175). In manual drive
program M , you can permanently change gear
yourself by using the steering wheel paddle
shifters. Automatic drive program
Automatic drive program E Drive program E (drive program C on Mercedes-
AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following: 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 accel-
erator pedal is depressed fully. R
the vehicle having improved driving stability,
for example on slippery road surfaces. 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.
Automatic drive program S Drive program S is characterized by the follow-
ing: R
sporty engine settings. R
the vehicle pulling away in first gear. R
the automatic transmission shifting up later.
the fuel consumption possibly being higher as
a result of the later automatic transmission
shift points.
Manual drive program M
General notes In this drive program, you can briefly change
gear yourself by using the steering wheel paddle
shifters. The transmission must be in position D .
You can activate manual drive program M in the
E ( C in Mercedes-AMG vehicles) and S auto-
matic drive programs.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: as well as temporary
drive program M , you can also activate perma-
nent drive program M . Further information
about permanent drive program M
( Y
page 175).
Activating X
Shift the transmission to position D .X
Pull the left or right steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 174).
Manual drive program M is temporarily acti-
vated.174
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles: )M and the selected gear appear in the
multifunction display.
Further information on activating manual drive
program M on PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles
( Y
page 250).
Shifting gears If you pull on the left or right steering wheel
paddle shifter, the automatic transmission
switches to manual drive program M for a limi-
ted amount of time. Depending on which paddle
shifter is pulled, the automatic transmission
immediately shifts into the next gear down or
up, if permitted. X
To shift up: pull the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter ( Y
page 174).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
If the maximum engine speed on the currently
engaged gear is reached and you continue to
accelerate, the automatic transmission auto-
matically shifts up in order to prevent engine
damage.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the automatic
transmission will not shift up to the next gear
when the engine speed is very low. X
To shift down: pull on the left-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter ( Y
page 174).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
If the engine exceeds the maximum engine
speed when shifting down, the automatic
transmission protects against engine damage
by not shifting down.
Automatic down shifting occurs when coast-
ing.
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 of the instrument
cluster.
Deactivating If you have activated manual drive program M , it
will remain 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 terrain.
If manual drive program M has been deactiva-
ted, the automatic transmission shifts into the
automatic drive program that was last selected.
You can also deactivate manual drive program
M yourself: X
Pull on the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in place ( Y
page 174).
or X
Use the DIRECT SELECT lever to switch the
transmission position.
or X
Use the program selector button to change
the drive program ( Y
page 173).
Manual drive program M is deactivated. The
automatic transmission switches to the pre-
viously activated drive program E (drive pro-
gram C on Mercedes-AMG vehicles) or S .
Manual drive program (Mercedes-
AMG vehicles)
General information In this drive program, you can permanently
change gear yourself by using the steering
wheel paddle shifters. The transmission must be
in position D .
Manual drive program M is different from drive
program S with regard to spontaneity, respon-
siveness and smoothness of gear changes.
As well as this permanent drive program M , you
can also activate temporary drive program
M ( Y
page 174).Automatic transmission 175
Driving and parking Z

Switching on the manual drive program In manual drive program M , you can change gear
using the steering wheel paddle shifters if the
transmission is in position D . You can see the
currently selected drive program and which gear
is engaged in the multifunction display. X
Press the program selector button
( Y
page 173) 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 lim-
iting 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.
C
Gear indicatorD
Upshift indicator
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator will be shown in the multi-
function display. X
When message D appears in the multifunc-
tion display, pull on the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter.
Downshifting X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y
page 174).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear if this is permissible. Maximum acceleration X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter until the transmission selects the opti-
mum gear according to the speed.
If you slow down or stop without shifting down,
the automatic transmission automatically shifts
down.
Switching off the manual drive program X
Press the program selector button
( Y
page 173) repeatedly until C or S appears
in the multifunction display.176
Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Problems with the transmission Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear. The transmission is losing oil. X
Have 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.
7G-TRONIC: it is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse
gear.
9G-TRONIC: it is only partly possible to engage the gears or the trans-
mission is in position N .X
Stop the vehicle. 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 D or R .
7G-TRONIC: If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second
gear, if R is selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear. X
Have the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Problems with PLUG-IN HYBRID operation ( Y
page 254).
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.
! Since ESP ®
engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be 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 dam-
aged. ! 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
G WARNING
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.
G WARNING
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 Refueling 177
Driving and parking Z

i Prevent unauthorized persons from
accessing this data.
Every person who has access to the informa-
tion stated can use the functions on the "My
Mercedes Electric - Vehicle Homepage".
i Information when selling a vehicle or
buying a used vehicle: R
If you sell your vehicle, you are obliged to
delete the vehicle from your personal area
on the "My Mercedes Electric - Vehicle
Homepage". R
If you have bought a used vehicle, it is pos-
sible that the previous owner still has
access to the "My Mercedes Electric - Vehi-
cle Homepage".
Calling up functions The "My Mercedes Electric - Vehicle Homepage"
allows you access to information about your
vehicle and its functions using remote query and
remote configuration.
The following functions can be accessed: R
request the current condition of charge of the
high-voltage battery R
program the departure time ( Y
page 272)R
set or activate the "Pre-entry climate control
at departure time" function (see the separate
COMAND operating instructions)
Information on additional functions and operat-
ing instructions can be found on the "My
Mercedes Electric - Vehicle Homepage".
Connecting the vehicle to the Internet
i This function is not available in all countries
and requires activated access to the mbrace
emergency call system.
The "My Mercedes Electric - Vehicle Homepage"
can be used if the vehicle has a connection to
the Internet via a mobile phone network. The
necessary data is transmitted by radio. The vehi-
cle automatically recognizes whether a connec-
tion to the Internet is possible or not. No presets
are necessary.
i Restrictions in reception are possible if the
vehicle is in an underground car park, for
example. Restrictions may also occur in areas
with poor mobile network coverage. Parking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. 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 leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P . R
start 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.
! Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-
etrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally: R
the electric parking brake must be applied. R
the transmission must be in position P and the
SmartKey must be removed from the ignition
lock. R
the front wheels must be turned towards the
curb on steep uphill or downhill gradients. R
the empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. R
a laden vehicle must also be secured at the
rear axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. Parking 189
Driving and parking Z

Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when 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.
Using the SmartKey X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the ignition
lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.
If you switch the engine off with the trans-
mission in position R or D , the automatic
transmission shifts to N automatically.
If you then open the driver's door or the front-
passenger door or remove the SmartKey from
the ignition, the automatic transmission shifts
to P automatically.
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: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Using the Start/Stop button X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
Press the Start/Stop button ( Y
page 162)
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 R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically.
If you then open the driver's or front-passenger
door, the automatic transmission shifts to P
automatically.
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: X
Switch on the ignition. X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Remove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
The engine can be switched off in an emergency
while the vehicle is in motion by pressing and
holding the Start/Stop button for three sec-
onds. This function operates independently of
the ECO start/stop automatic engine switch-off
function.
Electric parking brake
General notes
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.190
Parking
Driving and parking

When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
The function of the electric parking brake is
dependent on the on-board voltage. If the on-
board voltage is low or there is a malfunction in
the system, it may not be possible to apply the
released parking brake. X
If this is the case, only park the vehicle on
level ground and secure it to prevent it rolling
away. X
Shift the automatic transmission to position
P .
It may not be possible to release an applied
parking brake if the on-board voltage is low or
there is a malfunction in the system. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop.
The electric parking brake performs a function
test at regular intervals while the engine is
switched off. The sounds that can be heard while
this is occurring are normal.
Applying or releasing manually
X
To engage: push handle C .
When the electric parking brake is applied,
the red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp lights up in the instru-
ment cluster.
The electric parking brake can also be applied
when the SmartKey is removed. X
To release: pull handle C .
The red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
goes out.
The electric parking brake can only be released: R
when the SmartKey is in position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock ( Y
page 162) or R
if the ignition was switched on using the
Start/Stop button
Applying automatically The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the transmission is in position P
and: R
the engine is switched off or R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened
To prevent the electric parking brake from being
automatically applied, pull handle C .
The electric parking brake is also engaged auto-
matically if: R
DISTRONIC PLUS brings the vehicle to a
standstill or R
the HOLD function is keeping the vehicle sta-
tionary R
Active Parking Assist is keeping the vehicle
stationary
In addition, at least one of the following condi-
tions must be fulfilled: R
the engine is switched off R
the driver is not wearing a seat belt and the
driver's door is opened R
there is a system malfunction R
the power supply is insufficient R
the vehicle is stationary for a lengthy period
The red I (USA only) or $ (Canada only)
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights
up.
The electric parking brake is not automatically
engaged if the engine is switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
Releasing automatically
The electric parking brake is released automat-
ically when all of the following conditions are
fulfilled: R
the engine is running. R
the transmission is in position D or R .Parking 191
Driving and parking Z

R
the seat belt has been fastened R
you depress the accelerator pedal
If the automatic transmission is in position R ,
the trunk lid must be closed.
If your seat belt is not fastened, the following
conditions must be fulfilled to automatically
release the electric parking brake: R
the driver's door is closed. R
you have shifted out of transmission position
P or you have previously driven faster than
2 mph (3 km/h).
Ensure that you do not depress the accelerator
pedal unintentionally. Otherwise the parking
brake will be released and the vehicle will start
to move.
Emergency braking The vehicle can also be braked during an emer-
gency by using the electric parking brake. X
While driving, push handle C of the electric
parking brake ( Y
page 190).
The vehicle is braked as long as you keep
handle C of the electric parking brake
pressed. The longer electric parking brake
handle C is depressed, the greater the brak-
ing force.
During braking: R
a warning tone sounds R
the Please Release Parking Brake mes-
sage appears R
the red I (USA only) or $ (Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use. X
Visit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: observe the impor-
tant safety notes for the high-voltage battery
( Y
page 374). Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
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. 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 country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit 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 sec-
ond.
Drive sensibly – save fuel Observe the following tips to save fuel: X
The tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended tire pressure. X
Remove unnecessary loads. X
Remove roof racks when they are not needed. X
Warm up the engine at low engine speeds. X
Avoid frequent acceleration or braking. X
Have all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the Main-192
Driving tips
Driving and parking