Automatic Drive Program - Mercedes-Benz 2012 C-Class Operator's Manual

Automatic transmission
146

Automatic drive program

Drive program E (drive program C on AMG
vehicles) is characterized by the following:
comfort-oriented engine and automatic
R
transmission settings
optimal fuel consumption resulting from
R
the automatic transmission shifting up
sooner
the vehicle pulling away more gently in
R
forward and reverse gears, unless the
accelerator pedal is depressed fully
increased sensitivity. This improves driving
R
stability on slippery road surfaces, for
example
the automatic transmission shifting up
R
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
R
settings
the vehicle pulling away in first gear
R
the automatic transmission shifting up
R
later
the fuel consumption possibly being higher
R
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.
Y page 146).
I n f o r ma t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
Shift range
= You can use the engine's braking
effect.
5 To use the braking effect of the
engine on downhill gradients and
for driving:
on steep mountain roads
R
in mountainous terrain
R
in arduous conditions
R
4 To use the braking effect of the
engine on extremely steep downhill
gradients and on long downhill
stretches
Restricting the shift range
X
Press the selector lever to the left towards
D–.
or
X
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down
one gear and restricts the shift range to the
relevant gear.
i
If the engine exceeds the maximum
engine speed when shifting down, the
automatic transmission protects against
engine damage by not shifting down.
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
X
Briefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
X
Pull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.