Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Automatic transmission

Always shift the automatic transmission into park position P before turning off the engine.

The SmartKey can only be removed if the transmission is in position P.

If the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock, the selector lever is locked.

If the vehicle electronics are malfunctioning, the transmission may be locked in position P.

Have the vehicle electronics checked at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, immediately.

Reverse gear
Only shift the transmission to R when the vehicle is stationary.

Neutral
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.

Rolling in neutral N can damage the drive train.

Drive
The automatic transmission changes gear automatically. All forward gears are available.

Changing gea

The automatic transmission shifts to the individual gears automatically when it is in transmission position D. This automatic gearshifting behavior is determined by:

 - a shift range restriction, if selected
 - the selected drive program

E/S or M (AMG vehicles)

 - the position of the accelerator pedal
 - the road speed

Driving tips

AMG vehicles

When shifting down, the double-clutch function is active regardless of the currently selected drive program. The double-clutch function reduces load change reactions and is conducive to a sporty driving style. The sound generated by the double-clutch function depends on the drive program selected.

Kickdown

Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.

•► Vehicles for USA except AMG vehicles:

fully depress the accelerator pedal.

The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed.

•► Vehicles 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 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.

Working on the vehicle

WARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the 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

General information

The program selector button allows you to choose between different driving characteristics.

Program selector button on all models except AMG vehicles

For further information on the automatic drive program

•► Press program selector button :

repeatedly until the letter for the desired gearshift program appears in the multifunction display.

The automatic transmission shifts to automatic drive program E each time the engine is started.

AMG vehicles

Drive program selector with manual drive program

For further information on the automatic drive program

Only change from automatic drive program C, S or S+ to manual drive program M when the vehicle is stationary.

•► Turn drive program selector 1 until the desired drive program appears in the multifunction display in the speedometer.

The drive program indicator on drive program selector 1 lights up in red.

The automatic transmission shifts to automatic drive program C each time the engine is started.

RS cannot be selected during normal driving. For further information on RACE START

Steering wheel paddle shifters

1. Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
2. Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter

You can restrict or derestrict the shift range by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.

You can change gear yourself by using the steering wheel paddle shifters in the manual drive program.

In the automatic drive program, you can restrict or derestrict the shift range by using the steering wheel paddle shifters.

You can only change gear with the steering wheel paddle shifters when the transmission is in position D.

Automatic drive program

Drive program E (drive program C on AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following:

 - the vehicle pulling away more gently in forward and reverse gears, unless the accelerator pedal is depressed fully
 - increased sensitivity. This improves driving stability on slippery road surfaces, for example
 - 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
Drive program S (drive programs S and S+ on AMG vehicles) is characterized by the following:

 - sporty engine and automatic transmission settings
 - the vehicle pulling away in first gear
 - the automatic transmission shifting up later
 - the fuel consumption possibly being higher as a result of the later automatic transmission shift points

Shift ranges

Introduction

When the automatic transmission is in position D, it is possible to restrict or derestrict the shift range.

The shift range selected is shown in the multifunction display. The automatic transmission shifts only as far as the selected gear.

Restricting the shift range

•► Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.

The automatic transmission shifts down one gear and restricts the shift range to the relevant gear.

If the engine exceeds the maximum engine speed when shifting down, the automatic transmission protects against engine damage by not shifting down.

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

•► Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter.

The shift range is derestricted.

Clearing the shift range restriction

•► Pull 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

•► Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter and hold it in position.

The automatic transmission shifts to the gear which allows optimum 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.

Manual drive program M is different from drive programs S and S+ with regard to spontaneity, responsiveness and smoothness of gear changes.

Manual drive program M can be selected using the drive program selector. In manual drive program M, you can change gear yourself using the steering wheel paddle shifters if the transmission is in position D.

The gear currently selected and engaged is shown in the multifunction display.

•► Turn the drive program selector until M appears in the multifunction display.

The indicator M on the drive program selector lights up in red.

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.

•► Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter

The automatic transmission shifts up to the next gear.

Before the engine speed reaches the red area, an upshift indicator appears in the multifunction display.

1. Gear indicator
2. Upshift indicator

Downshifting

•► Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter

The automatic transmission shifts down to the next gear.

If 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.

Kickdown

Kickdown is not possible in manual drive program M.

Switching off the manual drive program

•► Turn the drive program selector until C, S or S+ appears in the multifunction display.

Problems with the transmission

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 a qualified specialist workshop 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:

 - the parking brake is being tested on a brake dynamometer.
 - the vehicle is being towed with only one axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with 4MATIC).

The brake system could otherwise be damaged.

DrivingRefueling