Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

RACE START

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

RACE START in the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen., W212, 2009–2016) gives AMG drivers the opportunity to experience maximum acceleration from a standstill. The system is designed for use on closed circuits and provides a sporty driving experience under optimal conditions.

Important Safety Notes

Info
Observe the safety notes for the SPORT handling mode .

Only activate RACE START on closed race tracks.

RACE START allows optimal vehicle acceleration from a standstill. This requires a road surface with sufficient grip.

Info

RACE START is only available for AMG vehicles.

Activation conditions

You can activate RACE START when
  • the doors are closed
  • the engine is running and the operating temperature of about 80 °Chas been reached. This is the case when the engine oil temperature indicator in the multifunction display is not flashing
  • the SPORT handling mode is switched on
  • the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position
  • the vehicle is stationary and the brake is pressed (left foot)
  • the transmission is in position D.

Activating RACE START

Press and hold the brake pedal with your left foot.Turn the drive program selector to the right until the RS indicator lights up on it.
  • The message RACE START confirm: Paddle UP cancel: Paddle DOWN appears in the multifunction display. Info
    If the activation conditions are not met, RACE START is cancelled. The message RACE START cancelled appears in the multifunction display.

    To cancel: pull the left shift paddle on the steering wheel.

    or

    To confirm: pull the right shift paddle on the steering wheel.
  • The message RACE START available press accelerator appears in the multifunction display. Info
    If you do not press the accelerator pedal within two seconds, RACE START is cancelled. The message RACE START not possible see Operator's Manual appears in the multifunction display.

    Press the accelerator pedal fully down.

  • Engine speed rises to about 3500 rpm.

    The message RACE START release brake to start appears in the multifunction display.

    Info
    If you do not release the brake pedal within five seconds, RACE START is cancelled. The message RACE START cancelled appears in the multifunction display.
    Take your foot off the brake while keeping the accelerator pedal fully pressed.
  • The vehicle accelerates at maximum acceleration. The message RACE START active appears in the multifunction display. When a speed of about 50 km/h is reached, RACE START ends. The driving program S+ becomes active. The SPORT handling mode remains switched on.

    If you take your foot off the accelerator during RACE START or the activation conditions are no longer met, RACE START ends immediately. The message RACE START not possible see Operator's Manual appears in the multifunction display.

    Info

    After repeated use in quick succession, RACE START is only available again after driving a certain distance.

    The RACE START function of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016, AMG only) provides optimum acceleration from a standstill and is designed for use on closed race tracks. It delivers maximum performance under ideal conditions.

    Observe the important notes on use to ensure the function is used safely and to prevent damage to the vehicle.

    • Test yourself

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