Mercedes-Benz 2010 S 400 Hybrid Owner's manual

S 400 HYBRID
Supplemental Operating Instructions
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 1

Symbols
The following symbols are found in this
Supplemental Operating Instructions
Booklet:
GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
iHelpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.
XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.
Y page This symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.
YY This continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.
Display Text in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 2

Our company and staff congratulate you on
the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a
demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of
many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To
help assure your driving pleasure, and also
the safety of you and your passengers, we ask
you to make a small investment of time:
RPlease read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
RPlease follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
RPlease pay attention to the warnings and
cautions contained in this manual. They are
designed to help improve the safety of the
vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of
safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler Company
2215844887 É2215844887kËÍ
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 1

221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 2

Index ....................................................... 4
Introduction ........................................... 7
Safety and security ............................... 9
Controls in detail ................................. 12
Practical hints ..................................... 20
Technical data ..................................... 32
Contents 3
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 3

A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 10
Warning lamp ................................... 24
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................... 36
Antilock Brake System
see ABS
Automatic transmission
Messages in the multifunction
display ............................................. 21
Axle oils ................................................ 35
B
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 11
Battery
Charging .......................................... 28
Charging condition high-voltage
battery (COMAND) ........................... 15
Charging condition high-voltage
battery (instrument cluster) ............. 15
Jump starting ................................... 29
Messages in the multifunction
display ............................................. 22
Safety notes ..................................... 26
see High-voltage battery
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brakes
Messages in the multifunction
display ............................................. 23
Warning lamp ................................... 24
Brake system
see RBS
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................... 34
Charging condition high-voltage
battery (COMAND) ............................... 15
Climate control system ...................... 19
COMAND
Charging condition high-voltage
battery ............................................. 15
Fuel consumption ............................ 16
Generated electric power ................ 16
Overview .......................................... 14
Combustion engine
Malfunction ...................................... 25
Starting ............................................ 16
Consumption statistics (COMAND) ... 16
Control system
Overview .......................................... 14
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ................. 36
Capacities ........................................ 35
Cruise control ...................................... 11
D
Displays
Charging condition high-voltage
battery (COMAND) ........................... 15
Charging condition high-voltage
battery (instrument cluster) ............. 15
Messages in the multifunction
display ............................................. 20
Multifunction and COMAND
display ............................................. 15
DISTRONIC PLUS ................................. 11
Driving and parking
Safety notes ..................................... 16
Driving off ............................................ 17
Driving safety systems
ABS .................................................. 10
BAS .................................................. 11
RBS .................................................. 10
Driving systems
Cruise control .................................. 11
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................. 11
Driving tips .......................................... 18
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................. 18
E
ECO Start/Stop function .................... 17
Electric drive
Engine number ................................. 32
Engine
see Combustion engine
Engine number
Electric drive .................................... 32
Enviromental protection ....................... 7
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
Warning lamp ................................... 24
4Index
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 4

F
Flat tire
Spare wheel ..................................... 34
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid ........... 35
Brake fluid ....................................... 35
Capacities ........................................ 34
Engine coolant ................................. 35
Engine oil ......................................... 35
Power steering fluid ......................... 35
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ............................................. 35
Fuel
Capacity, fuel tank ........................... 35
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .......... 34
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................... 35
H
High voltage
see Safety notes
High-voltage battery ........................... 10
Charging .......................................... 29
Charging condition (COMAND) ........ 15
Exhaustive discharge ....................... 27
Messages in the multifunction
display ............................................. 22
Removing/installing cover ............... 27
Hood
Messages in the multifunction
display ............................................. 22
HYBRID system
Automatic switch-off .................. 10, 26
Overview .......................................... 13
READY indicator lamp ...................... 16
I
Indicator lamp
see Lamps, indicator and warning
Instrument cluster .............................. 14
Lamps .............................................. 24
Introduction ......................................... 12
J
Jump starting ....................................... 29
Jump start terminal
Removing/installing cover ............... 28
L
Lamp
see Lamps, indicator and warning
Lamps, indicator and warning ............ 24
ABS .................................................. 24
Brakes (red) ..................................... 24
ESC .................................................. 24
Instrument cluster ........................... 24
RBS .................................................. 24
SRS .................................................. 26
M
Message
see Lamps, indicator and warning
Minispare wheel
see Spare wheel
Multifunction display
Symbol messages ............................ 22
Text messages ................................. 21
Vehicle status messages ................. 20
Multifunction display messages
Automatic transmission ................... 21
Battery ............................................. 22
Brakes ............................................. 23
Display malfunction ......................... 20
Hood ................................................ 22
O
Operating safety .................................... 7
P
Parking ................................................. 18
R
RBS (Recuperative Brake
System) .......................................... 10, 12
Malfunction ................................ 24, 26
Warning lamp ................................... 24
READY indicator lamp ......................... 16
Index 5
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 5

Rear axle oil ......................................... 35
Recuperation statistics (COMAND) ... 16
Rims ...................................................... 33
Risk of fire
see Safety notes
S
Safety
see Operating safety
Safety notes ........................................... 9
Spare wheel ......................................... 34
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp .................................. 26
Start/Stop function
see ECO Start/Stop function
Starting
see Combustion engine
Stop-and-go traffic .............................. 17
Submenu
Multifunction and COMAND
display ............................................. 14
Resetting values (COMAND) ............ 16
T
Technical data
Capacities fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc. .................................. 34
Coolant ............................................ 36
Engine oils ....................................... 36
Rims and tires .................................. 33
Spare wheel ..................................... 34
Vehicle specification
S 400 HYBRID .................................. 32
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ............................................. 35
Tires ...................................................... 33
Towing
Vehicle ............................................. 31
Trailer hitch ............................................ 7
Turning off
see ECO Start/Stop function
V
Vehicle
Disuse .............................................. 27
Towing ............................................. 31
Vehicle fire
see Safety notes
Vehicle modifications ........................... 7
Vehicle specification
S 400 HYBRID .................................. 32
W
Warning labels ....................................... 9
Wheels, sizes ....................................... 33
Winter tires .......................................... 33
6Index
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 6

Enviromental protection
Have the high-voltage battery disposed of in
an environment-friendly manner by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning!
The HYBRID system is energized by high
voltage. The components of the HYBRID
system are indicated by yellow warning
labels. High-voltage cables are orange-
colored.
You could be seriously or even fatally injured
when you
Rtamper with components or high-voltage
cables of the HYBRID system
Rtouch components or high-voltage cables
of the HYBRID system after the vehicle has
been involved in an accident
Rtouch damaged components of the HYBRID
system
Do not remove the high-voltage battery of the
HYBRID system. Have the high-voltage
battery disposed of in an environment-
friendly manner by an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
iFor more information on the high-voltage
battery, see (Y page 26).
Operating safety
GWarning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured.
GWarning!
Have all work on the vehicle, especially safety-
related work, work on safety-relevant
systems, work on the HYBRID system as well
as maintenance work, carried out by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iFor more information on operating safety,
refer to the Operator’s Manual.
Vehicle modifications
GWarning!
Improper work on the HYBRID system or
modifications of the vehicle can cause vehicle
systems to cease functioning properly. You
could lose control over the vehicle and cause
an accident.
Therefore, have work on the HYBRID system
and modifications of the vehicle such as
installation or modification of vehicle
equipment carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center
iFor more information on operating safety,
refer to the Operator’s Manual.
Trailer hitch
! Retrofitting the vehicle with a trailer hitch
is not permissible. Damage caused by
retrofitting the vehicle with a trailer hitch is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Introduction 7
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 7
Z

Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are
familiar with the following information and
rules:
Rthe safety precautions in this manual
Rthe “Technical data” section in this manual
Rthe Operator's Manual
Rtraffic rules and regulations
Rmotor vehicle laws and safety standards
8Introduction
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 8

Safety notes
Warning labels
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself. Removing
warning labels may cause you and others to
be unaware of certain risks which may result
in an accident and/or personal injury.
Danger of electric shock
The components of the HYBRID system are
indicated by yellow warning labels to make
you aware of high voltage. High-voltage
cables are orange-colored.
GWarning!
The HYBRID system is energized by high
voltage.
You could be seriously or even fatally injured
when you
Rtamper with components or high-voltage
cables of the HYBRID system
Rtouch components or high-voltage cables
of the HYBRID system after the vehicle has
been involved in an accident
Rtouch damaged components of the HYBRID
system
Do not remove covers of components of the
HYBRID system that carry the yellow warning
label. Do not tamper with any components or
with the orange high-voltage cables of the
HYBRID system.
Engine compartment
Before opening the hood do the following:
XEngage the electronic parking brake.
XShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
XSwitch off the ignition.
The green or yellow READY indicator lamp
(Y page 16) in the instrument cluster
goes out.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch or remove the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO from the vehicle.
XObserve the safety notes on the danger of
electric shock in this manual.
XObserve the safety notes regarding the
hood in the Operator’s Manual.
Safety and security 9
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 9
Z

Automatic HYBRID system switch-off
The HYBRID system switches off
automatically if
Rthe Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
activates the restraint systems in an
accident
Ra short circuit in the HYBRID system is
detected
Ra plug connection of the HYBRID system is
disconnected
These measures help to prevent you from
coming into contact with high voltage.
High-voltage battery
GWarning!
The high-voltage battery of the HYBRID
system is located in the engine compartment
on the passenger side of the front wall. When
the pressure inside the high-voltage battery
exceeds a certain value, for example in case
of a vehicle fire, inflammable gas will escape
via a duct. The inflammable gas escapes to an
area close to the passenger-side front wheel.
This prevents the high-voltage battery from
exploding.
Stay away from this area of the vehicle.
Driving safety systems
ABS (Antilock Brake System)
Braking
When the ABS engages during braking, the
ABS/ESC warning lamp ÷ in the
instrument cluster (Y page 14) flashes. The
brake pedal will pulsate only in certain
situations, for example on a slippery road.
iFor more information on the ABS, refer to
the Operator's Manual.
RBS (Recuperative Brake System)
The RBS supports you while braking by
electronic controlled brake boost and allows
for regeneration of braking energy. RBS must
be activated when the vehicle is parked each
time before driving off.
XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
XSwitch on the ignition.
XApply the brake pedal fully and release it.
The RBS is activated.
While you activate the RBS, less brake pedal
pressure than usual is required and the brake
pedal travel is longer. When you release the
brake pedal, the brake pedal travel is as usual
again.
For more information on the RBS, see
(Y page 12).
GWarning!
If the RBS malfunctions, the yellow RBS
warning lamp é and/or the red brake
warning lamp $ (USA only) or J
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes
on. Read and observe the messages in the
multifunction display that may appear. Find
the subentry “Malfunction” of the entry “RBS
(Recuperative Brake System)” in the index of
this manual and follow the steps described in
that section.
GWarning!
If the RBS malfunctions, less brake pedal
pressure than usual may be required and the
brake pedal travel may be longer. The brake
system still functions with full effectiveness.
If required, you have to depress the brake
pedal further. Adapt your speed and driving
accordingly.
GWarning!
Have work on the RBS, e.g. brake pad
replacement, carried out by qualified
technicians only.
10 Safety and security
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 10

When working on the RBS, certain
precautions must be taken, e.g. when putting
the brake system back into service.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Service conducted by qualified
technicians is required particularly for safety-
relevant work and work on safety-relevant
systems such as the RBS.
iFor more information on the braking
system and for driving instructions, refer to
the Operator’s Manual.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
If you apply the brakes very quickly, the RBS
provides full brake boost as fast as possible.
In doing so, less brake pedal pressure than
usual is required and the brake pedal travel is
longer.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
iFor more information on the BAS, refer to
the Operator’s Manual.
Driving systems
Cruise control/DISTRONIC PLUS*
When the cruise control or the DISTRONIC
PLUS brake the vehicle, the brake pedal is not
depressed.
For information on driving with the
DISTRONIC PLUS, see (Y page 18).
iFor more information on the cruise
control and the DISTRONIC PLUS, refer to
the Operator’s Manual.
Safety and security 11
* optional
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 11
Z

Introduction
The HYBRID technology combines an
economical combustion engine with a
powerful electric drive. The HYBRID system
selects the most efficient operating mode for
each driving situation automatically. You can
drive the vehicle in the usual manner.
The HYBRID system turns the combustion
engine off when stopping as often as possible
in order to save fuel. You will just have to
continue to keep the brake pedal depressed
or to activate the HOLD function. Thus, the
engine should normally never run at idle
speed.
When you remove the foot from the brake
pedal or accelerate when the HOLD function
is activated, the combustion engine starts
automatically. You can drive off as usual.
GWarning!
When the green READY indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster is on while the combustion
engine is off, the combustion engine has been
turned off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue to be active. When you open the
driver’s door, unbuckle the seat belt, or take
your foot off of the brake pedal, the
combustion engine starts automatically. The
vehicle could start to drive off. An accident
causing serious or even fatal personal injury
to you and/or others could be the result.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle:
REngage the electronic parking brake.
RShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
RSwitch off the ignition. The green or yellow
READY indicator lamp goes out.
Driving off and accelerating consumes the
most energy. Thus, the electric drive supports
the combustion engine with the energy stored
in the high-voltage battery. The energy is also
used for semi-electrical driving, for operation
of the electric compressor of the cooling
system and to support the 12-volt on-board
power supply. The hybrid drive thereby
contributes significantly to the fuel economy
of your vehicle.
For information on driving and parking, see
(Y page 16).
The current operating mode of the HYBRID
system can be displayed in the multifunction
display and in the COMAND display
(Y page 14).
The COMAND can also display a chart of the
fuel consumption and the electric power that
has been generated (Y page 16).
RBS
With the RBS activated (Y page 10), the
electric drive functions as a generator when
coasting and braking. HYBRID converts the
energy of movement into electric power and
stores it in the high-voltage battery. The high-
voltage battery does not require additional
charging by other means.
12 Controls in detail
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 12

Overview HYBRID system
Component
:12-volt battery
;Voltage transformer
(transforms the voltage of the 12-volt
battery and the high-voltage battery in
both directions for best possible
power management)
=High-voltage battery
Component
?Electric drive
AElectric refrigerant compressor for
the climate control system
BPower electronics
(control the high-voltage system)
CCombustion engine
Controls in detail 13
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 13
Z

Instrument cluster
Function Page
:÷ ABS/ESC warning
lamp
10,
24
;$ Brake warning lamp,
USA only 24
J Brake warning lamp,
Canada only 24
=é Recuperative Brake
System (RBS) warning lamp 24
?Green or yellow READY
indicator lamp for the
HYBRID system 16
AMultifunction display
with:
Charging level high-voltage
battery 15
Control system and COMAND
iFor information on the instrument cluster
control system and COMAND operation,
refer to the Operator’s Manual.
The current operating mode of the HYBRID
system can be displayed in the multifunction
display and in the COMAND.
The COMAND can also display a chart of the
fuel consumption and the electric power that
has been generated (Y page 16).
Selecting submenu in the
multifunction display
Use the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel.
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button 9 or : to select the
HYBRID menu.
Selecting submenu in the COMAND
display
XSelect Vehicle Q Hybrid Q Energy.
14 Controls in detail
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 14

Multifunction display and COMAND
display examples
Example illustration: Operating mode display
1Combustion engine
2Electric drive
3High-voltage battery
4Charging condition of high-voltage
battery in percent
5Flow of energy
The HYBRID components that are currently
active are highlighted in the multifunction
display and the COMAND display.
Multifunction
display
COMAND display Operating mode
The electric drive functions as a
generator when coasting and
braking. HYBRID converts the
energy of movement into electric
power and stores it in the high-
voltage battery.
The arrows that indicate the flow
of energy are green.
Boost effect – the electric drive
supports the combustion engine
when driving off and when
accelerating.
The arrows that indicate the flow
of energy are red.
Normal driving – the combustion
engine powers the vehicle.
The arrows that indicate the flow
of energy are white.
Controls in detail 15
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 15
Z

Displaying fuel consumption and
generated electric power
The COMAND display indicates the fuel
consumption and the generated electric
power for the last 15 minutes of driving.
XSelect Vehicle Q Hybrid Q
Consumption.
1Fuel consumption
2Generated electric power
Each bar in the chart represents the average
value for 1 minute.
Average fuel consumption 1 can differ from
the fuel consumption that is displayed in the
From Start submenu in the Trip menu.
Resetting values
The values are reset together when resetting
the trip computer in the From Start
submenu. Refer to the Operator’s Manual.
Driving and parking
Safety notes
GWarning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured.
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between or
under the pedals. You could then no longer
brake or accelerate. This could lead to
accidents and injury.
Starting the engine
:Green or yellow READY indicator lamp
XSwitch on the ignition.
XApply the brake pedal fully and release it to
activate the RBS.
The RBS is activated. For more information
on the RBS, see (Y page 10).
XObserve the notes on “Starting the engine”
in the Operator’s Manual and start the
combustion engine.
The vehicle is operational when the green
or yellow READY indicator lamp : is
illuminated.
16 Controls in detail
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 16

ECO Start/Stop function
When the green READY indicator lamp : in
the instrument cluster is on, the combustion
engine turns off automatically when
Ryou stop the vehicle and keep the brake
pedal depressed
Ryou activate the HOLD function
All vehicle systems remain active, for
example the climate control system.
When you remove the foot from the brake
pedal or accelerate when the HOLD function
is activated, the combustion engine starts
automatically. You can drive off as usual.
GWarning!
When the green READY indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster is on while the combustion
engine is off, the combustion engine has been
turned off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue to be active. When you open the
driver’s door, unbuckle the seat belt, or take
your foot off of the brake pedal, the
combustion engine starts automatically. The
vehicle could start to drive off. An accident
causing serious or even fatal personal injury
to you and/or others could be the result.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle:
REngage the electronic parking brake.
RShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
RSwitch off the ignition. The green or yellow
READY indicator lamp goes out.
The conditions for turning off the combustion
engine automatically are fulfilled when
Rthe combustion engine has reached its
operating temperature
Rthe driver seat belt is fastened and the
driver’s door is closed
Rthe vehicle has exceeded a speed of 9 mph
(15 km/h) after driving off. In subsequent
stop-and-go traffic, brief forward
movement of the vehicle is sufficient
Ryou take your foot off the accelerator pedal
Rthe hood is closed and properly engaged
Rthe automatic transmission is in drive
position D or neutral position N
Rthe high-voltage battery is charged
sufficiently
Rthe HYBRID system is operating
undisturbed
iFor information on driving with the
DISTRONIC Plus, see (Y page 18).
When the conditions for turning off the engine
automatically are not fulfilled, the yellow
READY indicator lamp : is illuminated. The
combustion engine does not turn off
automatically when
Rthe self-diagnosis of the engine
management is still running
Rthe temperature of the coolant or the
catalyst is too low
Rthe climate control system of the vehicle
requires the engine to run
Rthe battery is being charged
Rthe vehicle has moved backward shortly
before
Rthe automatic transmission is in reverse
gear R
Rautomatic emission tests are in progress
After the combustion engine has been turned
off automatically, it restarts automatically in
circumstances, when
Rthe charging condition of the high-voltage
battery has reached the lower limit
Rthe settings of the climate control systems
require the engine to run, for example at an
outside temperature over 100‡ (38 †)
Driving off
Depress the brake pedal and shift the
automatic transmission into drive position D
or reverse gear R. If the message Apply
Controls in detail 17
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 17
Z

Brake to Shift from 'P' appears in the
multifunction display:
XDepress the brake pedal with somewhat
greater force and select the desired
transmission position.
iRead and observe messages that may
appear in the multifunction display
(Y page 20)
For more information on driving off, refer to
the Operator’s Manual.
Driving
Driving tips
RThink ahead and keep sufficient distance.
RAvoid frequent and rapid acceleration as
well as abrupt braking.
RIn semi-electric operation, when driving off
and when accelerating, the electric drive
supports the combustion engine.
RThe electric drive functions as a generator
when coasting the vehicle with the
automatic transmission in drive position D
and during braking.
iFor more information on the ECO Start/
Stop function, see (Y page 17). For
additional general driving instructions,
refer to the Operator’s Manual.
Driving with activated DISTRONIC
PLUS
When the DISTRONIC PLUS recognizes that
the preceding vehicle stops, it will brake your
vehicle to a complete stop. The combustion
engine is turned off automatically only after
both vehicles have come to a complete stop.
The green READY indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster continues to be
illuminated.
iFor more information on the ECO Start/
Stop function, see (Y page 17). For
additional information on the DISTRONIC
PLUS, refer to the Operator’s Manual.
Parking
GWarning!
When your vehicle is in electric drive mode the
engine produces significantly lower noise
levels. Other motorists or pedestriants,
especially those who are visually or hearing
impaired, may be unable to hear your vehicle
while it is in motion. This is particularly true
when driving at lower speeds and during
parking maneuvers. At all times, it is the
responsibility of the driver to be aware of their
surroundings, especially in these low speed
situtations. Otherwise other road users could
be seriously or fatally injured.
GWarning!
When the green READY indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster is on while the combustion
engine is off, the combustion engine has been
turned off automatically. All vehicle systems
continue to be active. When you open the
driver’s door, unbuckle the seat belt, or take
your foot off of the brake pedal, the
combustion engine starts automatically. The
vehicle could start to drive off. An accident
causing serious or even fatal personal injury
to you and/or others could be the result.
Therefore, always do the following before
leaving the vehicle:
REngage the electronic parking brake.
RShift the automatic transmission into park
position P.
RSwitch off the ignition. The green or yellow
READY indicator lamp goes out.
18 Controls in detail
221_ZA; 1; 21, en-US
d2ureepe, Version: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-13T13:56:31+02:00 - Seite 18