2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE engine

E 300 (example)
X
Pull oil dipstick :out of the oil dipstick
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Insert oil dipstick :into the oil dipstick
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
The oil level is correct if the level is between
the minimum mark =and maximum
mark ;.
X Top up the oil if necessary.
Topping up the engine oil H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. Oil must not be allowed to escape into
the soil or waterways. You would otherwise be
damaging the environment. Cap (example)
X
Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove.
X Top up with the amount of oil required
(Y page 336). i
The difference in quantity between the
minimum mark and maximum mark is
approximately 2 litres.
i On vehicles with a 4-cylinder petrol
engine and vehicles with an 8-cylinder pet-
rol engine, the difference between the MIN
mark and the MAX mark is approximately
1.5 litres.
! Do not add too much oil. If too much oil
is added and the oil level is above the max-
imum mark on the dipstick, the engine or
catalytic converter could be damaged.
Have excess oil siphoned off.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 336). Coolant
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
X Turn the key to position 2(Y page 75) in
the ignition lock.
X Check the coolant temperature gauge in
the instrument cluster. G
Risk of injury
The cooling system is pressurised. Therefore,
only unscrew the cap once the engine has
cooled down. The coolant temperature gauge
must display less than 70 †. Otherwise, you
could be scalded if hot coolant escapes. Engine compartment
221Operation
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 221 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:56; WK

The coolant expansion tank is located in the
engine compartment on the right when
viewed in the direction of travel. X
Slowly turn cap :half a turn anti-clock-
wise and allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
There is sufficient coolant in expansion
tank ;if the coolant is level with marker
bar =in the filler neck when cold or
approximately 1.5 cm higher when hot.
X If necessary, top up with coolant which has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and tighten all the way to
the stop.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 338). Windscreen washer system/head-
lamp cleaning system*
The washer fluid reservoir for the windscreen
washer system and headlamp cleaning sys-
tem* is located in the engine compartment on the left-hand side when viewed in the
direction of travel. i
Add windscreen washer concentrate to
the washer fluid all year round. G
Risk of fire
Washer fluid concentrate is highly flammable.
Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibi-
ted when washer fluid concentrate is being
handled.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
X Mix the windscreen washer fluid in a con-
tainer beforehand.
X At temperatures above freezing:
Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windscreen washer concentrate
(e.g. MB SummerFit).
X At temperatures below freezing:
Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water, antifreeze additive and windscreen
washer concentrate (e.g. MB WinterFit).
Adapt the mixing ratio to the outside tem-
peratures.
X To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages. 222
Engine compartmentOperation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 222
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:56; WK

and wheels" section in the "Technical data"
chapter.
R snow chains must not be fitted to emer-
gency spare wheels, e.g. a "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel.
R Only fit snow chains in pairs and to the rear
wheels, even on vehicles with 4MATIC*.
Comply with the manufacturer's installa-
tion instructions.
On vehicles with AIRMATIC*, if snow chains
have been fitted, you may only drive at raised
vehicle level (Y page 154).
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 km/h.
i You may wish to deactivate ESP ®
when
pulling away with snow chains fitted
(Y page 60). This way, you can allow the
wheels to spin in a controlled manner, ach-
ieving an increased driving force (cutting
action). Winter driving
G
Risk of accident
Do not shift down for additional engine brak-
ing on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid.
You should drive particularly carefully on slip-
pery road surfaces. Avoid sudden accelera-
tion, steering and braking manoeuvres.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Vehicles with manual transmission: engage
neutral.
X Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
shift the selector lever to N.
X Try to bring the vehicle under control by
using corrective steering. Driving tips
Rolling with the engine switched off
G
Risk of accident
Never switch the engine off while the vehicle
is in motion.
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the service brake when the engine is not
running.
You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake and you could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Brakes
G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. G
Risk of accident
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking.
Downhill gradients On long and steep downhill stretches, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must shift to a lower gear in good time or,
on vehicles with automatic transmission*,
select shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. Driving tips
231Operation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 231 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:58; WK

Because of this, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all circum-
stances. An aggressive driving style will lead
to high wear.
Tyre grip
G
Risk of accident
While the vehicle can be fully controlled at a
certain speed on dry roads, you must reduce
your speed on wet or icy roads to achieve the
same road safety. Otherwise, you could cause
an accident.
Pay particular attention to the road conditions
at temperatures around freezing point.
If ice has formed on the road surface (e.g.
from fog), a thin film of water rapidly forms on
the ice when you brake, considerably reduc-
ing tyre grip. Drive with particular care in such
weather conditions. Driving on wet roads
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts, and
brake carefully. Driving on flooded roads
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permitted still water depth is
25 cm.
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result
in damage to the engine, electrical systems
and transmission. Driving abroad
Points to remember
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Service24h" chapter of the Service
Booklet.
Only low-octane fuel is available in certain
countries.
You can find further information about fuel
grades on (Y page 216). Symmetrical dipped beam
If your journey takes you to countries where
vehicles are driven on the opposite side of the
road to the country in which the vehicle is
registered, your headlamps must be switched
to symmetrical dipped beam. This prevents
oncoming traffic from being dazzled.
Have the headlamps converted as close as
possible to the border before driving in these
countries. When using symmetrical lights, the
edge of the carriageway is not illuminated as
widely and as far ahead as normal. Driving abroad
233Operation
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 233 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:58; WK

i
On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Driving tips G
Risk of accident
If the Check trailer hitch locking
mechanism message appears in the multi-
function display while the vehicle is in motion,
pull over immediately and check whether the
ball coupling is correctly engaged.
i Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 60).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. G
Risk of accident
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients you
must select a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission*, select
shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. 236
Trailer towingOperation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 236
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:59; WK

Driving tips
R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary. G
Risk of accident
On no account should you attempt to draw the
vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing
speed. Folding in the ball coupling
i Fold the ball coupling back in if you are
not using the trailer tow hitch. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the pivoting range of the ball coupling. Other-
wise, they could be injured.
X Place the protective cap on the ball cou-
pling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage
compartment. Saloon
Estate
X
To open the cover (saloon): turn han-
dle :anti-clockwise and fold down
cover ;.
X To open the cover (estate): pull han-
dle :in the direction of the arrow and fold
down cover ;. Trailer towing
237Operation
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 237 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:00; WK

If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. There is otherwise a risk of dam-
age to the exterior mirrors.
! When washing your vehicle in a tow-
through car wash, make sure that the auto-
matic transmission* is in position N. The
vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
R Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever and
key:
Do not remove the key from the ignition
lock. Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this automatically shifts
the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion Pand locks the wheels, unless you
have previously shifted the automatic
transmission to N.
R Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever and
KEYLESS GO*:
Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this shifts the automatic
transmission to park position Pand locks
the wheels.
! Make sure that the side windows are
closed completely, that the blower for the
ventilation/heating is switched off and that
the windscreen wiper switch is in position
0. The rain/light sensor could otherwise be
activated and thereby cause unintentional
wiping. This could result in damage to the
vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax and drying agents from the windscreen
and the wiper blades. This will prevent smears
and reduce wiping noises caused by residue
on the windscreen. High-pressure cleaners G
Risk of accident
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your
vehicle, in particular the tyres. You could oth-
erwise damage the tyres and cause an acci-
dent.
! Observe the instructions issued by the
equipment manufacturer concerning the
distance to be maintained between the
nozzle of the high-pressure cleaner and the
vehicle (at least 30 cm).
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door joint
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to failures or leaks.
Care and treatment of matt paint-
work* Your vehicle has a clear matt finish. For this
reason, you should make sure that you
adhere to the following instructions to avoid
damage to paintwork due to improper treat-
ment.
!
Under no circumstances should you pol-
ish the vehicle. Polishing will make the
paintwork shine.
! When caring for your paintwork, do not
use paint cleaner, grinding or polishing Care
241Operation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 241 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:01; WK

Estate
The first-aid kit is located in the rear of the
luggage compartment on the right-hand side.
Vehicles without a TV tuner
Vehicles with a TV tuner
X On vehicles with a TV tuner: open the
right-hand side trim panel.
X Remove first-aid kit :. Fire extinguisher*
i Have the fire extinguisher refilled after
each use and checked every two years.
Otherwise, it may fail in an emergency.
Observe the legal requirements in all coun-
tries concerned. The fire extinguisher is located underneath
the front of the driver's seat. X
Pull tab :upwards.
X Remove fire extinguisher ;. Vehicle tool kit
*, jack*, TIREFIT kit
and the "Minispare" emergency
spare wheel*
Saloon: the vehicle tool kit, jack, TIREFIT kit
and "Minispare" emergency spare wheel are
in the stowage compartment under the boot
floor (Y page 204).
Estate: the vehicle tool kit, jack, TIREFIT kit
and "Minispare" emergency spare wheel are
in the stowage compartment under the lug-
gage compartment floor (Y page 204). G
Risk of injury
The jack is designed only to raise and hold the
vehicle for a short time while a wheel is being
changed.
You must use axle stands if you are carrying
out work on the vehicle.
Make sure that the jack is placed on a firm,
non-slip, level surface. Do not use wooden
blocks or similar objects as a jack underlay.
The vehicle could otherwise fall off the jack
and seriously injure you.
Do not start the engine at any time while a
wheel is being changed.
Do not lie under the vehicle when it is being
supported by the jack. If you do not raise the
vehicle as described, it could slip off the jack Where will I find...?
249Practical advice
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 249 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:06; WK