Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

Manual Transmission

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
~2min read

The manual transmission in the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) allows precise control of vehicle speed and engine speed. This section provides guidance on selecting the correct gear, using reverse gear, and driving in a fuel-efficient manner. This supports gentle and efficient use of the vehicle.

Gear selector lever

Note
Do not engage a gear without depressing the clutch pedal.
When shifting between gears 5 and 6, you must push the gear lever all the way to the right. Otherwise you may accidentally shift into 3rd or 4th gear and damage the transmission.

If you downshift at too high a speed (downshifting to brake), this can over-rev the engine and cause engine damage.

Do not hold the vehicle on inclines with the clutch slipping. Otherwise the clutch may be damaged.
On long and steep downhill gradients, especially with a loaded vehicle or when towing a trailer, select gear 1, 2 or 3 in good time. This uses the braking effect of the engine. This relieves the braking system and prevents the brakes from overheating and wearing out too quickly.Schalthebel
Reverse Gear
- Forward gears

Shift into neutral N

Leerlauf N einlegen

Fully depress the clutch pedal.

Move the shift lever to position N.

Engage reverse gear

Note
Only shift into reverse R when the vehicle is stationary. Otherwise you may damage the transmission.

Push the shift lever briskly to the left over the noticeable resistance, then push it forward.

ECO start/stop function is not available when reverse gear is engaged. Further information on the ECO start/stop function.

Gear shift recommendation

Schaltempfehlung

When the corresponding gear shift recommendationappears in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster, shift to the recommended gear.

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

The manual transmission of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) is designed for precise operation and safety. Information on gear selection, using engine braking and protecting the clutch helps prevent damage and improves driving comfort.

This shows that the E-Class meets the highest demands for functionality and durability with conventional technology.

Test yourself

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