start stop button MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2016 Owner's Manual

then not necessary to continue applying the
brakes during the automatic stop phase. When
you depress the accelerator pedal, the engine
starts automatically and the braking effect of
the HOLD function is deactivated.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles): automatic engine switch-off can take
place a maximum of four times in a row (initial
stop, then three subsequent stops).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: the number of con-
secutive automatic engine switch-offs is unlimi-
ted.
Automatic engine start The engine starts automatically if: R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function by
pressing the ECO button R
you switch to drive program S or MR
in transmission position D or N the brake
pedal is released and the HOLD function is not
active R
you depress the accelerator pedal R
you engage reverse gear RR
you move the transmission out of position PR
you unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-
er's door R
the vehicle starts to roll R
the brake system requires this R
the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range R
the system detects moisture on the wind-
shield when the air-conditioning system is
switched on R
the battery's condition of charge is too low
Shifting the transmission to position P does not
start the engine. Deactivating or activating the ECO
start/stop function All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles) X
To deactivate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D goes out.X
To activate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.
If indicator lamp D is off, the ECO start/stop
function has been deactivated manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine will then
not be switched off automatically when the vehi-
cle stops.
If drive program S or M has been selected, the
ECO start/stop function is always deactivated.
If you switch on the ECO start/stop function
while drive program S is selected, the drive pro-
gram automatically switches to E .
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
X
To deactivate: in drive program C , press ECO
button C .
or X
Switch to drive program S or M ( Y
page 173).
Indicator lamp D goes out.Driving 167
Dr ivi ng an d parking Z

X
To activate: press ECO button C .
Indicator lamp D lights up.
If drive program S or M is active, the auto-
matic transmission switches to drive program
C .
If indicator lamp D is off, the ECO start/stop
function has been deactivated manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine will then
not be switched off automatically when the vehi-
cle stops.
If drive program S or M has been selected, the
ECO start/stop function is always deactivated.
If you switch on the ECO start/stop function
while drive program S is selected, the drive pro-
gram automatically switches to C .168
Driving
Driving an d parking

Problems with the engine Problem
Possible causes/consequences and P Solutions
The engine does not
start. The starter motor
can be heard. R
There is a malfunction in the engine electronics. R
There is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
Before attempting to start the engine again: X
Turn the SmartKey back to position 0 in the ignition lock.
or X
Press the Start/Stop button repeatedly until all indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out. X
Try to start the engine again ( Y
page 164). Avoid excessively long
and frequent attempts to start the engine as these will drain the
battery.
If the engine does not start after several attempts: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start. You cannot hear
the starter motor. The on-board voltage is too low because the battery is too weak or
discharged. X
Jump-start the vehicle ( Y
page 376).
If the engine does not start despite attempts to jump-start it: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The starter motor was exposed to a thermal load that was too high. X
Try to start the engine again.
If the engine still does not start: X
Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine is not running
smoothly and is misfir-
ing. There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or in a mechanical
component of the engine management system. X
Only depress the accelerator pedal slightly.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic converter
and damage it. X
Have the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
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. X
Stop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down. X
Check the coolant level ( Y
page 356). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and add coolant if necessary. Driving 169
Driving and parking Z

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

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

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

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. R
In order to prevent any salt build-up, apply the
brakes occasionally while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. R
Carefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey. R
Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
! The brake fluid level may be too low, if: R
if the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and R
you 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: the ESP ®
system
operates automatically. The engine and the
ignition must therefore be switched off (the
SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if the electric parking brake
is tested on a brake dynamometer.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system. ! Vehicles without 4MATIC: the ESP ®
sys-
tem operates automatically. The engine and
the ignition must therefore be switched off
(the SmartKey must be in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or the Start/Stop button must be
in position 0 or 1 ) if: R
the electric parking brake is tested using a
brake dynamometer. R
the vehicle is towed with one axle raised.
Braking triggered automatically by ESP ®
may
cause severe damage to the brake system.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist 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.
Information on BAS (Brake Assist) ( Y
page 69)
and BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) ( Y
page 69).
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends only installing the following brake disks
and brake pads/linings: R
brake disks that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz R
brake pads/linings that have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz or that are of an equivalent
standard of quality
Other brake disks or brake pads/linings can
compromise the safety of your vehicle.
Always replace all brake disks and brake pads/
linings on an axle at the same time. Always
install new brake pads/linings when replacing
brake disks.
The vehicle is equipped with lightweight brake
disks to which the wheel assembly with rim and
threaded connection is matched.
The use of brake disks other than those
approved by Mercedes-Benz can change the
track width and is subject to approval, if appli-
cable.
Shock-type loads when handling the brake
discs, such as when changing wheels, can lead
to a reduction in comfort when driving with light-
weight brake discs. Avoid shock-type loads on
the lightweight brake disks, particularly on the
brake plate.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre- Driving tips 195
Driving and parking Z

i Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are acti-
vated again automatically after a lane change
is completed.
Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot do not pro-
vide any support: R
on very sharp corners R
when a loss of tire pressure or a defective tire
has been detected and displayed
Pay attention also to the important safety notes
for DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y
page 200).
The steering interventions are carried out with a
limited steering moment. The system requires
the driver to keep his hands on the steering
wheel and to steer himself.
If you do not steer yourself or if you take your
hands off the steering wheel for a prolonged
period of time, the system will first alert you with
a visual warning. A steering wheel symbol
appears in the multifunction display. If you have
still not started to steer and have not taken hold
of the steering wheel after five seconds at the
latest, a warning tone also sounds to remind you
to take control of the vehicle. Steering Assist
and Stop&Go Pilot are switched to passive.
DISTRONIC PLUS remains active.
Activating Steering Assist and Stop&Go
Pilot
X
Press button D .
Indicator lamp C lights up. The DTR+:
Steering Assist. On message appears in
the multifunction display. Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot are activated. Information in the multifunction display
If Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are activa-
ted but not ready for a steering intervention,
steering wheel symbol C appears in gray. If the
system provides you with support by means of
steering interventions, symbol C is shown in
green.
Deactivating Steering Assist and Stop&Go
Pilot X
Press button D .
Indicator lamp C goes out. The DTR+:
Steering Assist. Off message appears in
the multifunction display. Steering Assist and
Stop&Go Pilot are deactivated.
When DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated or not
available, Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot are
deactivated automatically.
HOLD function
General notes The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations: R
when pulling away, especially on steep slopes R
when maneuvering on steep slopes R
when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver
having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.208
Driving systems
Driving and parking

R
that are parallel to the direction of travel and
at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) longer than your vehi-
cle R
that are at right angles to the direction of
travel and at least 39.5 in (1.0 m) wider than
your vehicle
i Note that Active Parking Assist cannot
measure the size of a parking space if it is at
right angles to the direction of travel. You will
need to judge whether your vehicle will fit into
the parking space.
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
(30 km/h), you will see the parking symbol as a
status indicator in the instrument cluster. When
a parking space has been detected, an arrow
towards the right or the left also appears. By
default, Active Parking Assist only displays park-
ing spaces on the front-passenger side. Parking
spaces on the driver's side are displayed as
soon as the turn signal on the driver's side is
activated. When parking on the driver's side,
this must remain switched on until you acknowl-
edge the use of Active Parking Assist by press-
ing the v button on the multifunction steer-
ing wheel. The system automatically determines
whether the parking space is parallel or at right
angles to the direction of travel.
A parking space is displayed while you are driv-
ing past it, and until you are approximately 50 ft
(15 m) away from it.
Parking
G WARNING
If you leave the vehicle when it is only being
braked by Active Parking Assist it could roll
away if: R
there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply. R
the electrical system in the engine com-
partment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with. R
the battery is disconnected. R
the accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
There is a risk of an accident.
Before leaving the vehicle, always secure it
against rolling away. i When PARKTRONIC detects obstacles,
Active Parking Assist brakes automatically
during the parking process. You are respon-
sible for braking in good time. X
Stop the vehicle when the parking space sym-
bol shows the desired parking space in the
instrument cluster. X
Shift the transmission to position R .
The Start Park Assist? Yes: OK No: 8
message appears in the multifunction display. X
To cancel the procedure: press the 8
button on the multifunction steering wheel or
pull away.
or X
To park using Active Parking Assist: press
the v button on the multifunction steering
wheel.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display. X
Let go of the multifunction steering wheel. X
Back up the vehicle, being ready to brake at all
times. When backing up, drive at a speed
below approximately 6 mph (10 km/h). Oth-
erwise Active Parking Assist will be canceled.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill when the vehicle approaches the
rear border of the parking space.
Maneuvering may be required in tight parking
spaces.
The Park Assist Active Select D Observe
Surroundings message appears in the multi-
function display. X
Shift the transmission to position D while the
vehicle is stationary.
Active Parking Assist immediately steers in
the other direction.
The Park Assist Active Accelerate
and Brake Observe Surroundings mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
i You will achieve the best results by waiting
for the steering procedure to complete before
pulling away. X
Drive forwards and be ready to brake at all
times.
Active Parking Assist brakes the vehicle to a
standstill.
The Park Assist Active Select R Observe
Surroundings message appears in the multi-
function display.218
Driving systems
Driving and parking