Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

Manual driving program (AMG vehicles and vehicles with AMG Sport Package). Transmission problems

In this manual: Driving and parking
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~3min read

The manual driving program of the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen, W212, 2009–2016) is intended for sporty drivers who want to select the gears themselves. This section explains how to operate the steering wheel shift paddles and provides safety information to avoid engine damage. Tips for transmission problems are also given.

Manual driving program (AMG vehicles and vehicles with AMG Sport Package)

General Information

In this driving program, you can shift gears yourself at all times using the steering wheel shift paddles. The transmission must be in position D.

Info

In addition to this permanent driving program M, you can also activate the temporary driving program M .

Activating the manual driving program

Press the program selector button repeatedly until M appears in the multifunction display.AMG vehicles: Turn the driving program selector until M appears in the multifunction display.
  • The M indicator on the driving program selector is shown in red. You can select the manual driving program M with the program selector button or the driving program selector. When the transmission is in position D, you can shift gears yourself in manual driving program M using the steering wheel shift paddles.

    Upshifting

    Pull the right shift paddle.
  • The automatic transmission shifts up to the next higher gear.

    AMG vehicles

    Note
    In manual driving program M, the automatic transmission does not shift up on its own when the engine reaches the speed limiter cut-off. When the engine reaches the speed limiter cut-off, the fuel supply is interrupted to prevent the engine from overrevving. Be sure to keep the engine speed out of the red zone on the tachometer. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.AMG Fahrzeuge
    Gear indicator
    Upshift Indicator
    Before the engine speed reaches the red zone, a message prompting an upshift appears in the multifunction display.

    When UP appears in the multifunction display, pull the right shift paddle.

    Gear shift recommendation

    Schaltempfehlung

    The gear shift recommendation provides hints for fuel-efficient driving. The recommended gear is shown in the multifunction display.

    When the corresponding gear shift recommendationappears, pull the right shift paddle.
  • The automatic transmission shifts to the recommended gear..

    Downshifting

    Pull the left shift paddle.
  • The automatic transmission shifts to the next lower gear. Info
    For maximum acceleration, keep pulling the left shift paddle until the transmission selects the optimal gear for the current speed.

    Kick-down

    For maximum acceleration, you can also use kickdown in manual driving program M:

    Press the accelerator pedal past the pressure point.

  • The automatic transmission shifts down to a lower gear depending on engine speed. AMG vehicles: Kickdown is not possible in manual driving program M.

    Deactivating the manual driving program

    Press the program selector button.

    AMG vehicles: Turn the driving program selector.

    Transmission problems

    Problem Possible causes/consequences and solutions
    The transmission has shifting faults. The transmission is leaking oil.

    Have the transmission checked immediately by a qualified specialist workshop.
    7G-TRONIC:

    Acceleration performance deteriorates.

    The transmission does not shift.    		 The transmission is in emergency operation.

    You can only shift into 2nd gear and reverse.

    Stop.

    Shift the transmission to position P.

    Switch off the engine.

    Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.

    Shift the transmission to position D or R.
  • In position D, the transmission shifts to 2nd gear; in position R, it shifts to reverse.Have the transmission checked immediately by a qualified specialist workshop.
    		•
    9G-TRONIC:

    Acceleration performance deteriorates.

    The transmission does not shift.    		 The transmission is in emergency operation.

    You can only engage some of the gears, or the transmission is in position N.

    Stop.

    Shift the transmission to position P.

    Switch off the engine.

    Wait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.

    Shift the transmission to position D or R.

    Have the transmission checked immediately by a qualified specialist workshop.

    The manual driving program M of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) allows a sportier driving style with full control over gear selection. AMG models offer special features, such as a rev limiter warning instead of automatic upshifting.

    These features underline the dynamic character of the E-Class BR 212 and make it the preferred choice for drivers with sporting ambitions.

    • Test yourself

    A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.