ContentsPanorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel* .............................. 239
Opening and closing the roller
sunblinds for the panorama roof
with power tilt/sliding panel ........ 239
Opening and closing the
panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel........................... 240
Synchronizing the panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel . 242
Driving systems ................................. 243
Cruise control............................... 243
Distronic*..................................... 247
Airmatic DC (Dual Control)* ......... 259
Parktronic system
(Parking assist)* ........................... 263
Loading .............................................. 268
Roof rack* .................................... 268
Ski sack* ...................................... 268
Split rear bench seat* .................. 271
Expanding the cargo area* ........... 273
Loading instructions ..................... 274
Cargo tie-down rings* .................. 275Useful features .................................. 276
Storage compartments ................ 276
Cup holders.................................. 278
Ashtrays ....................................... 281
Cigarette lighter ........................... 282
Power outlet................................. 283
Heated steering wheel* ............... 283
Floormats ..................................... 284
Telephone* .................................. 285
Tele Aid ........................................ 286
Garage door opener ..................... 293
Operation......................................... 301
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ........ 302
Driving instructions ........................... 303
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 303
Drinking and driving ..................... 303
Pedals .......................................... 303
Power assistance ......................... 304
Brakes.......................................... 304
Driving off .................................... 306
Parking......................................... 306
Tires ............................................. 307
Hydroplaning................................ 307
Tire traction ................................. 308
Tire speed rating .......................... 308
Winter driving instructions ........... 309
Standing water............................. 310
Passenger compartment .............. 311
Driving abroad ............................. 311
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 311
Catalytic converter
(Gasoline engine) ......................... 312
Oxidation catalyst (Diesel engine) 312
Emission control .......................... 313
Coolant temperature.................... 314
54 Getting startedDrivingAfter a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion engages at a higher revolution. This al-
lows the catalytic converter (gasoline
engine) or the oxidation catalyst (Diesel
engine) to heat up more quickly to operat-
ing temperature.For more information on driving, see “Driv-
ing instructions” (
page 303).
Switching on headlamps
Low beam headlamps
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.Exterior lamp switch1Off
2Low beam headlamps on
Turn the exterior lamp switch to
positionB.
The low beam headlamp indicator
lampB in the instrument cluster
comes on (
page 24).
!If you hear a warning signal and the
message
Release parking brake
ap-
pears in the multifunction display when
driving off, you have forgotten to re-
lease the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
Warning!
G
It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le-
ver out ofP orN if the engine speed is high-
er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel-
erate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
58 Getting startedDriving
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
An ignition cable may be damaged.
The engine electronics may not be op-
erating properly.
Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it
(Gasoline engine only).
Give very little gas.
Have the problem repaired by an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
!If anything blocks the windshield wip-
ers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For safety reasons, stop the vehicle
in a safe location and
remove SmartKey from starter
switch
or
turn off the engine by pressing
the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button and open the driver’s
door (with the driver’s door
open, starter switch is in posi-
tion 0, same as with SmartKey
removed from starter switch)
before attempting to remove any
blockage.
Remove blockage.
Turn the windshield wipers on
again.
If windshield wipers fail to function at
all in combination switch positionI,
set the combination switch to the
next highest wiper speed
have the windshield wipers
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
183 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
For more information on driving with an
automatic transmission, see “Automatic
transmission” (
page 50).
Your vehicle’s transmission adapts its gear
shifting process to your individual driving
style by continually adjusting the shift
points up or down. These shift point adjust-
ments are performed based on current
operating and driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by
adjusting its shift program.
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission
The automatic transmission selects indi-
vidual gears automatically, depending on:
the gear selector lever
positionD(
page 185) with
gear ranges (page 188)
the selected program mode:
(C/S)(
page 189)
or
(M/C/S) (E 55 AMG only)
(
page 193)
the position of the accelerator pedal
(page 186)
the vehicle speed
iDuring the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter (gasoline engine) or
the oxidation catalyst (Diesel engine)
to heat up more quickly to operating
temperature.
312 OperationDriving instructionsCatalytic converter (Gasoline engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Oxidation catalyst (Diesel engine)
Your vehicle is equipped with an oxidation
catalyst, an important element in conjunc-
tion with the oxygen sensors to achieve
substantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in
proper operating condition by following
our recommended maintenance instruc-
tions as outlined in your Maintenance
Booklet.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, only use premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat, which could po-
tentially start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
322 OperationEngine compartment
If engine is at operating temperature,
wait 5 minutes before repeating check
procedure.
If engine is not at operating tempera-
ture yet, wait 30 minutes before
repeating check procedure.
If you see the message:
Engine oil level
Not when engine on
Turn off the engine.
If the engine is at operating tempera-
ture, wait 5 minutes before checking
oil.
If the engine is not at operating temper-
ature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at operating temperature, the following
message will appear:
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
Have excess oil siphoned or drained
off. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
For more information on messages in the
multifunction display concerning engine
oil, see the “Practical hints” section
(
page 407). Checking engine oil level with the oil
dipstick (E 350)
When checking the oil level
the vehicle must be parked on level
ground
with the engine at operating tempera-
ture, the vehicle must have been sta-
tionary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off
with the engine not at operating tem-
perature yet, the vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 30 minutes
with the engine turned off
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter (gaso-
line engine) not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
324 OperationEngine compartmentE350
E500E320CDI
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 484) and
(
page 487).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter (Gaso-
line engine) or oxidation catalyst
(Diesel engine) not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
409 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause/consequence
Possible solution
:
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
E 320 CDI, E 500, E 55 AMG only:
You have added too much engine oil.
There is a risk of damaging:
the engine
the catalytic converter
Have oil siphoned or drained off. Ob-
serve all legal requirements with re-
spect to its disposal.
Oil sensor malfunction
Visit workshop
E 320 CDI, E 500, E 55 AMG only:
The measuring system is malfunctioning.
Have the measuring system checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Change engine oil
Visit workshop
E 320 CDI, E 500, E 55 AMG only:
It may be that there is water in the engine
oil.
Have the engine oil and the cooling
system checked.