automatic transmission MERCEDES-BENZ SL CLASS 2019 User Guide

Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of
park position]
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended
in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. This
also applies for the Digital Vehicle Key if the
"Digital Vehicle Key" function is activated via
Mercedes me connect.
GDANGER
Combustion engines emit poisonous
exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide.
Inhaling these exhaust gases is hazardous to
health and can result in poisoning. There is a
risk of fatal injury. Therefore, never leave the
engine running an enclosed space without
adequate ventilation.
GWARNING
Flammable materials introduced through
environmental influence or by animals can
ignite if in contact with the exhaust system
or parts of the engine that heat up. There is
a risk of fire.
Carry out regular checks to make sure that
there are no flammable foreign materials in
the engine compartment or in the exhaust
system.
The catalytic converter is preheated for up to30 seconds after a cold start. The sound of theengine may change during this time.
Automatic transmission
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XShift the transmission to position].Transmission position display]is shownin the multifunction display.
iYou can start the engine in transmissionposition]and\\.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
To start the engine using the SmartKey insteadof KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/Stop button outof the ignition lock.
XTurn the SmartKey to positionI(Ypage 126) in the ignition lock and releaseit as soon as the engine is running.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engine
The Start/Stop button can be used to start thevehicle manually without inserting the Smart-Key into the ignition lock. The Start/Stop but-ton must be inserted in the ignition lock andthe SmartKey must be in the vehicle. Thismode for starting the engine operates inde-pendently of the ECO start/stop automaticengine start function.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep itdepressed.
XPress the Start/Stop button once(Ypage 126).The engine starts.
Pulling away
General notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position:
orF, the vehicle could pull away sud-
denly. There is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position:
orF, always firmly depress the brake
pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
Depress the accelerator carefully when pullingaway.
The vehicle locks centrally once you havepulled away. The locking knobs in the doorsdrop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at anytime.
You can also deactivate the automatic lockingfeature (Ypage 201).
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It is only possible to shift the transmissionfrom position]to the desired position if youdepress the brake pedal. Only then is the shiftlock released.
iUpshifts take place at higher enginespeeds after a cold start. This helps the cat-alytic converter to reach its operating tem-perature more quickly.
Information on the automatic release of theelectric parking brake (Ypage 148).
Hill start assist
Hill start assist helps you when pulling awayforward or in reverse on an uphill gradient. Itholds the vehicle for a short time after youhave removed your foot from the brake pedal.This gives you enough time to move your footfrom the brake pedal to the accelerator pedaland to depress it before the vehicle begins toroll.
GWARNING
After a short time, hill start assist will no lon-
ger brake your vehicle and it could roll away.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never
leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start
assist.
Hill start assist is not active if:
Ryou are pulling away on a level road or on adownhill gradient
Rthe transmission is in position\\
Rthe electric parking brake is applied
RESP®is malfunctioning
ECO start/stop function
Introduction
The ECO start/stop function switches theengine off automatically if the vehicle is stop-ped under certain conditions.
The engine starts automatically when thedriver wants to pull away again. The ECOstart/stop function thereby helps you toreduce the fuel consumption and emissions ofyour vehicle.
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically
and you exit the vehicle, the engine is
restarted automatically. The vehicle may
begin moving. There is a risk of accident and
injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn
off the ignition and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
General notes
CECO start/stop display
The ECO start/stop function is activatedwhenever you switch on the engine using theSmartKey or the Start/Stop button.
If the engine has been switched off automati-cally by the ECO start/stop function, the

Rthe system detects that the windshield isnot fogged up when the air-conditioning sys-tem is switched on
Rthe hood is closed
Rthe driver's door is closed and the driver'sseat belt is fastened
All of the vehicle's systems remain activewhen the engine is stopped automatically.
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-cles):automatic engine switch-off can takeplace a maximum of four times in a row (initialstop, then three subsequent stops).
Mercedes-AMG vehicles:the number of con-secutive automatic engine switch-offs isunlimited.
The HOLD function can be activated if theengine has been switched off automatically. Itis then not necessary to continue applying thebrakes during the automatic stop phase. Whenyou depress the accelerator pedal, the enginestarts automatically and the braking effect ofthe HOLD function is deactivated.
Automatic engine start
The engine starts automatically if:
Ryou switch off the ECO start/stop functionby pressing the ECO button
Rin transmission position[or\\, the brakepedal is released and the HOLD function isnot active
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal
Ryou engage reverse gear^
Ryou move the transmission out of position]
Ryou switch to drive programS+
Ryou switch to drive programSorM(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
Ryou unfasten your seat belt or open the driv-er's door
Rthe vehicle starts to roll
Rthe brake system requires this
Rthe temperature in the vehicle interior devi-ates from the set range
Rthe system detects moisture on the wind-shield when the air-conditioning system isswitched on
Rthe battery's condition of charge is too low
Shifting the transmission to position]doesnot start the engine.
Deactivating or activating the ECO
start/stop function
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
XTo deactivate:press ECO buttonC.Indicator lampDgoes out.
XTo activate:press ECO buttonC.Indicator lampDlights up.
If indicator lampDis off, the ECO start/stopfunction has been deactivated manually or asthe result of a malfunction. The engine willthen not be switched off automatically whenthe vehicle stops.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
XTo deactivate:in drive programC, pressECO buttonC.
or
XSwitch to drive programS,S+orM(Ypage 133).Indicator lampDgoes out.
XTo activate:press ECO buttonC.Indicator lampDlights up.
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If drive programS,S+orMis active, theautomatic transmission switches to driveprogramC.
If indicator lampDis off, the ECO start/stopfunction has been deactivated manually or as
the result of a malfunction. The engine willthen not be switched off automatically whenthe vehicle stops.
Problems with the engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andPPSolutions
The engine does notstart.The HOLD function or Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC is activa-ted.
XDeactivate the HOLD function (Ypage 165) or Active DistanceAssist DISTRONIC (Ypage 161).
XTry to start the engine again.
The engine does notstart. The starter motorcan be heard.
RThere is a malfunction in the engine electronics.
RThere is a malfunction in the fuel supply.
Before attempting to start the engine again:
XTurn the SmartKey back to position

XPress DYNAMIC SELECT buttonCas manytimes as necessary until the desired driveprogram is selected.The selected drive program appears in themultifunction display. After a short period oftime, the display goes out and the symbolfor the selected drive program appears.
In addition, the current drive program set-tings are displayed briefly in the multimediasystem display.
iIn a few countries, the ECO start/stopfunction is deactivated at the factory due tothe available fuel grade. In this case, theECO start/stop function is not available inany drive program, regardless of the displayin the multimedia system display.
Available drive programs:
CComfortComfortable and economi-cal driving characteristics
SSportSporty driving characteris-tics
S+Sport PlusParticularly sporty drivingcharacteristics
IIndividualIndividual settings
EEconomy
(vehicles withadjustabledamping)
Particularly economicaldriving characteristics
CVCURVE
(vehicles withActive BodyControl)
Particularly economicaldriving characteristics withcornering function
Additional information for drive programs(Ypage 138).
DYNAMIC SELECT controller
(Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
General information
Select the drive program using the DYNAMICSELECT controller.
Available drive programs:
IIndividualIndividual settings
CComfortComfort-oriented, opti-mum-economy engine andtransmission settings
SSportSporty engine and trans-mission settings
S+Sport PlusParticularly sporty trans-mission settings
RaceMaximum sportiness andengine and transmissionsettings suitable for theracetrack
Depending on the drive program selected thefollowing vehicle characteristics will change:
Rthe drive (engine management)
Rthe transmission management
RESP®
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe availability of the ECO start/stop func-tion
Rthe driver assistance systems
Rthe availability of gliding mode
Further information for automatic drive pro-gram characteristics (Ypage 138).
Additionally, in drive programIyou can config-ure the respective vehicle characteristicsusing the multimedia system. You can findinformation about this in the Digital Operator'sManual.
Each time you start the engine with the Smart-Key or the Start/Stop button, drive programCis activated. For further information aboutstarting the engine, see (Ypage 127).
DYNAMIC SELECT controller (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)133
Driving and parking
Z

]Park position
^Reverse gear
\\Neutral
[Drive
The selector lever always returns to its originalposition. The current transmission position],^,\\or[is shown in the transmissionposition display in the multifunction display.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
!If the engine speed is too high or the vehi-cle is in motion, do not shift the automatictransmission directly from[to^, from^to[or directly to].
Do not open the driver's door while the vehi-cle is in motion. At low speeds in transmis-sion position[or^, otherwise park posi-tion]is engaged automatically.
The transmission could be damaged.
]Park position
^Reverse gear
\\Neutral
[Drive
The selector lever always returns to its originalposition. The current transmission position],^,\\or[is shown in the transmissionposition display in the multifunction display.
Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
CTransmission position
DGear

Engaging park position P
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG vehi-
cles)
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress thebrake pedal.
XPress buttonC.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress thebrake pedal.
XPress buttonC.
Engaging park position P automati-
cally
Park position]is automatically engaged if:
Ryou switch off the engine using the Smart-Key and remove the SmartKey
Ryou switch off the engine using the Smart-Key or using the Start/Stop button andopen the driver's door or front-passengerdoor
Ryou open the driver's door when the vehicleis stationary or when driving at a very lowspeed and the transmission is in position[or^
Under certain conditions, the automatic trans-mission shifts automatically to transmissionposition]if the HOLD function or Active Dis-tance Assist DISTRONIC is activated. Observethe information on the HOLD function(Ypage 165) and on Active Distance AssistDISTRONIC (Ypage 159).
Engaging reverse gear R
!Only move the automatic transmission to^when the vehicle is stationary.
XDepress the brake and keep it pressed.
XPush the selector lever forwards past thefirst point of resistance.
The ECO start/stop function is not availablewhen reverse gear is engaged. Further infor-mation on the ECO start/stop function(Ypage 129).
Shifting to neutral N
GWARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could:
Roperate the vehicle's equipment
Additionally, children could set the vehicle in
motion if, for example, they:
Rrelease the parking brake
Rshift the automatic transmission out of
park position]
Rstart the engine
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Never leave children or animals unattended
in the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. This
also applies for the Digital Vehicle Key if the
"Digital Vehicle Key" function is activated via
Mercedes me connect.
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress thebrake pedal.
XPush the selector lever forwards or back tothe first point of resistance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-sion in position^or[, the automatic trans-mission shifts to\\automatically.
136Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

With the SmartKey:if you then open the driv-er's door or the front-passenger door orremove the SmartKey from the ignition, theautomatic transmission shifts to]automati-cally.
With KEYLESS-GO:if you then open the driv-er's or front-passenger door, the automatictransmission shifts to]automatically.
If you want the automatic transmission toremain in neutral\\, e.g. when having thevehicle cleaned in an automatic car wash witha towing system:
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO:remove theStart/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 itdepressed.
XShift to neutral\\.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the Smart-Key in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D
XWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress thebrake pedal.
XPush the selector lever back past the firstpoint of resistance.
Transmission positions
EPark position
This prevents the vehicle from roll-ing away when stopped.
Only shift the transmission intopositionE(Ypage 134) whenthe vehicle is stationary. The park-ing lock should not be used as abrake when parking. Always applythe electronic parking brake in addi-tion to the parking lock in order tosecure the vehicle.
If the SmartKey is removed from theignition lock, the transmission islocked.
The automatic transmission shiftstoEautomatically:
Rwhen the SmartKey is removedfrom the ignition lock
Rwhen the engine is switched offwith the transmission in positionFor:and one of thedoors is opened
In the event of a malfunction of thevehicle's electronics, the transmis-sion may lock in positionE.Have the vehicle electronicschecked immediately at a qualifiedspecialist workshop.
FReverse gear
Only shift the transmission intopositionFwhen the vehicle isstationary.
Automatic transmission137
Driving and parking
Z

DNeutral
Do not shift the transmission toDwhile driving. The automatictransmission could otherwise bedamaged.
No power is transmitted from theengine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brake pedal will allowyou to move the vehicle freely, e.g.to push it or tow it.
If ESP®is deactivated or faulty: shiftthe transmission to positionDifthe vehicle is in danger of skidding,e.g. on icy roads.
!Coasting in neutral\\maycause damage to the drive train.
:Drive
The automatic transmissionchanges gear automatically. Allforward gears are available.
Driving tips
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts through theindividual gears automatically when it is intransmission position[. This automatic gearshifting behavior is determined by:
Rthe selected drive program
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe road speed
Accelerator pedal position
Your style of driving influences how the auto-matic transmission shifts gear:
Rlittle throttle: early upshifts
Rmore throttle: late upshifts
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XDepress the accelerator pedal beyond thepressure point.The automatic transmission shifts to a lowergear depending on the engine speed.
XEase off the accelerator pedal once thedesired speed is reached.The automatic transmission shifts back up.
Drive programs
All vehicles (except Mercedes-AMG
vehicles)
Drive program C (Comfort)
Drive programCis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently inforward and reverse gears, unless the accel-erator pedal is depressed fully.
Rlow fuel consumption resulting from theautomatic transmission shifting up sooner.The vehicle is driven in the low engine speedrange and the wheels are less likely to spin.
Rthe suspension exhibits comfortable damp-ing settings.
Rthe steering exhibits comfortable steeringcharacteristics.
RESP®provides the optimum compromisebetween traction and stability. Further infor-
mation about ESP®(Ypage 66).
iSelect this drive program for difficult roadconditions, e. g. snow and ice or wet roadsurfaces.
Drive program S (Sport)
Drive programSis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits sporty driving character-istics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away in first gear.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.The fuel consumption possibly being higheras a result of the later automatic transmis-sion shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits firm damping set-tings.
138Automatic transmission
Driving an d parking

Rthe steering exhibits sporty steering charac-teristics.
RESP®provides the optimum compromisebetween traction and stability. Further infor-
mation about ESP®(Ypage 66).
Drive program S+ (Sport Plus)
Drive programS+is characterized by the fol-lowing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits particularly sporty driv-ing characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away in first gear.
Rthe automatic transmission shifts up later.The fuel consumption possibly being higheras a result of the later automatic transmis-sion shift points.
Rthe suspension exhibits particularly firmdamping settings (vehicles with adaptivedamping system).
Rthe suspension exhibits firm damping set-tings (vehicles with Active Body Control).
Rthe steering exhibits sporty steering charac-teristics.
RESP®emphasizes the vehicle's own over-steering and understeering characteristics.This enables a more active driving style. Thisdrive program requires increased driver
interaction. Further information about ESP®
(Ypage 66).
iOnly select this drive program if the roadconditions are good, e.g. the road is dry andthe route ahead is clearly visible.
Drive program I (Individual)
In drive programIthe following properties ofthe drive program can be selected:
Rthe drive (engine and transmission manage-ment)
Rthe suspension
Rthe steering
Rthe control thresholds of ESP®
Information about configuring drive programIwith the multimedia system can be found inthe Digital Operator's Manual.
Vehicles with adaptive damping system:
drive program E (Economy)
Drive programEis characterized by the follow-ing:
Rthe vehicle exhibits comfortable, economicalhandling characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently inforward and reverse gears, unless the accel-erator pedal is depressed fully.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from theautomatic transmission shifting up sooner.The vehicle is driven in the low engine speedrange and the wheels are less likely to spin.
Rthe suspension exhibits comfortable damp-ing settings.
Rthe steering exhibits comfortable steeringcharacteristics.
Rduring deceleration, the engine is discon-nected from the drive train. The vehicle useskinetic energy and consumes less fuel(coasting mode).
RESP®provides the optimum compromisebetween traction and stability. Further infor-
mation about ESP®(Ypage 66).
Vehicles with Active Body Control:
CURVE drive program
TheCURVEdrive program is characterized bythe following:
Rincreased driving comfort on bends.
Rthe vehicle tilts actively into the bend. Fur-ther information on the curve tilting function(Ypage 169).
Rthe vehicle exhibits comfortable, economicalhandling characteristics.
Rthe vehicle pulls away more gently inforward and reverse gears, unless the accel-erator pedal is depressed fully.
Rcomfortable suspension setting.
Rthe steering exhibits comfortable steeringcharacteristics.
Roptimal fuel consumption resulting from theautomatic transmission shifting up sooner.
Rthe automatic transmission shifting upsooner. This results in the vehicle beingdriven at lower engine speeds and thewheels being less likely to spin.
Rduring deceleration, the engine is discon-nected from the drive train. The vehicle uses
Automatic transmission139
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Z