2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON Owners Manual

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

Tyres and wheels
Points to remember
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you only use tyres, wheels
and accessories which have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz specifically for your
vehicle. These tyres have been specially
adapted for use with the control systems,
such as ABS or ESP ®
, and are marked as
follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Exten-
ded* (tyres with run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only
specific AMG tyres)
Only use Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
tyres* on wheels that have been specifi-
cally approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you use other tyres, wheels and acces-
sories, Mercedes-Benz cannot accept any
responsibility for damage that may result
from this. Further information about tyres,
wheels and approved combinations can be
obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
! If you fit tyres other than those tested and
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, charac-
teristics such as handling, noise levels and
fuel consumption, etc. may be adversely
affected. In addition, when driving with a
load, tyre dimensional variations could
cause the tyres to come into contact with
the bodywork and axle components. This
could result in damage to the tyres or the
vehicle.
! Retreaded tyres are neither tested nor
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be detec-
ted on retreaded tyres. As a result,
Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle
safety if retreaded tyres are fitted. Do not
fit used tyres if you have no information
about their previous usage. G
Risk of accident
Tyres, wheels or accessories which have not
been approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle or are not used as they should be, can
impair driving safety. As a result, you could
cause an accident. Before purchasing and
using them, enquire about their suitability,
legal stipulations and factory recommenda-
tions at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted, nor is the use of
spacer plates or brake dust shields. This inva-
lidates the General Operating Permit for the
vehicle.
Notes on selecting, fitting and replac-
ing tyres R
Only fit tyres and wheels of the same type
and make.
R Only fit tyres of the correct size onto the
wheels.
R After fitting new tyres, run them in at mod-
erate speeds for the first 100 km as they
only reach their full performance after this
distance.
R Fit new tyres on the front wheels first if
tyres of the same size are required on the
front and rear wheels.
R Replace the tyres after six years at the lat-
est, regardless of wear. This also applies to
the spare wheel*.
R Do not drive with tyres which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (aquaplaning).
! Store tyres that are not being used in a
cool, dry and preferably dark place. Protect
the tyres against oil, grease, petrol and die-
sel.
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tyres R
Regularly check the wheels and tyres of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts, punctu- Tyres and
wheels
223Operation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 223 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:56; WK

res, tears, bulges on tyres and deformation,
cracks or severe corrosion on wheels), at
least every 14 days, as well as after driving
off-road or on rough roads. Damaged
wheels can cause a loss of tyre pressure.
R Regularly check the tyre tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tyre (Y page 224). If neces-
sary, turn the front wheels to full lock in
order to inspect the inner side of the tyre
surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
fit anything onto the valve (such as tyre
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehi-
cle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tyres
including the spare tyre*, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as
necessary.
Notes on driving R
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteris-
tics, e.g. pulling to one side. This may indi-
cate that the wheels or tyres are damaged.
If you suspect that a tyre is defective,
reduce your speed and stop the vehicle as
soon as possible to check the wheels and
tyres for damage. Hidden tyre damage
could also be causing the unusual handling
characteristics. If you find no signs of dam-
age, have the wheels and tyres examined
at a specialist workshop, for example at a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tyres do not get deformed by the kerb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over kerbs, speed humps or similar eleva-
tions, try to do so slowly and at an obtuse
angle. Otherwise, the tyres, particularly the
sidewalls, can get damaged. Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation. MOExtended run-flat system*
The MOExtended run-flat system allows you
to continue driving the vehicle even when one
or more tyres lose all air pressure.
The MOExtended run-flat system may only be
used in conjunction with the tyre pressure
loss warning system or with the tyre pressure
monitor* and on wheels specifically tested by
Mercedes-Benz.
i Vehicles with the MOExtended run-flat
system are not equipped with the TIREFIT
kit. 38
It is therefore recommended to additionally
equip your vehicle with the TIREFIT kit when
fitting tyres that do not feature run-flat
properties, e.g. winter tyres.
i A TIREFIT kit is available from any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre.
You will find notes on driving with a flat tyre
in the "Practical advice" section
(Y page 318). Tyre tread
G
Risk of accident
Bear in mind that:
R tyre grip decreases rapidly on wet roads
when the tread depth is less than 3 mm.
38 Only for certain countries. 224
Tyres and wheelsOperation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 224
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:56; WK

Thus, you should replace tyres that have
insufficient tread.
R winter tyres should be replaced when the
tread depth is 4 mm or less as they will no
longer provide adequate grip.
R the tread on a tyre may not wear evenly.
Thus, you should regularly check the tread
depth and the condition of the tread across
the entire width of all tyres. If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the tyre tread more easily.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehi-
cle and cause an accident due to the reduced
grip of the tyres on the road. Tyre pressures
i You will find a table of tyre pressures for
various operating conditions on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The applicable value for the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel* is stated on the
spare wheel and in the technical data sec-
tion.
The applicable value for the maximum load
during trailer towing is stated on the tyre
pressure information label on the inside of
your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The load condition "partially laden" or "fully
laden" is defined in the table by the differing
number of passengers and amount of lug-
gage. The actual number of seats may vary
from this – more information can be found on
the vehicle's registration document.
If no other data is stated, the tyre pressures
specified on the fuel filler flap apply for all
tyres approved for this vehicle. If the tyre pressures are preceded by a tyre
size, the tyre pressure specified only applies
to this tyre size.
Instead of the complete tyre size, it may be
that only the rim diameter is stated, e.g.
R 16
or16". Rim diameter
:is part of the tyre size and
can be found on the sidewall of the tyre. G
Risk of accident
Tyre pressure that is either too high or too low
has a negative effect on the vehicle’s driving
safety, which could lead you to cause an acci- Tyres and wheels
225Operation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 225 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:57; WK

dent. Therefore, you should regularly check
the pressure of all the tyres, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as nec-
essary.
To test tyre pressure, use a suitable pressure
gauge. The outer appearance of a tyre does
not permit any reliable conclusion about the
tyre pressure. On vehicles fitted with the elec-
tronic tyre pressure monitor*, the tyre pres-
sure can be checked in the on-board com-
puter. G
Risk of accident
Do not fit anything else to the tyre valve other
than the standard valve cap. In particular, ret-
rofitted tyre pressure monitors which are
screwed on to the valve may overload it and
cause it to fail. Due to their design, the valve
is kept open continuously, which may lead to
air loss. G
Risk of accident
Should the tyre pressure drop repeatedly:
R check the tyre for foreign bodies.
R check whether the wheel is losing air or the
valve is leaking.
R make sure that only a valve cap approved
by Mercedes-Benz is fitted on the tyre
valve.
Tyre pressures that are too low have a nega-
tive effect on vehicle safety, which could lead
to your causing an accident.
If possible, you should only correct tyre pres-
sures when the tyres are cold. Depending on
the ambient temperature, the speed you are
driving at and the load on the tyres, the tyre
temperature and thus the tyre pressure may
change by approximately 0.1 bar per 10 †.
Take this into account when checking the
pressure of warm tyres and only correct it if
it is too low for the current operating condi-
tions. Driving with tyre pressure that is too high or
too low can:
R
shorten the service life of the tyres
R increase the likelihood of tyre damage
R have a negative effect on handling charac-
teristics (e.g. by causing aquaplaning)
Also check the pressure of the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel*. H
Environmental note
Check the tyre pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days.
Speeds up to 210 km/h:
Despite the values stated on the tyre pressure
information label (fuel filler flap), for speeds
up to 210 km/h andwith 16" or 17" tyres,
the values stated can be reduced as follows,
without a reduction in safety:
Saloon: -0.3 bar / (-4 psi)
Estate: -0.2 bar (-3 psi)
This does not apply to vehicles towing a
trailer.
This improves the ride comfort of your vehi-
cle; however, the fuel consumption may
increase slightly. Tyre pressure loss warning
While the vehicle is in motion, the tyre pres-
sure loss warning system monitors the set
tyre pressure using the rotational speed of
the wheels. This enables the system to detect
significant pressure loss in a tyre. If the speed
of rotation of a wheel changes as a result of
a loss of pressure, a corresponding warning
message will appear in the multi-function dis-
play. G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not warn you of an incorrectly set tyre pres-
sure. The table on the inside of the fuel filler
flap will help you decide whether the tyre
pressures should be corrected. 226
Tyres and wheelsOperation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 226
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:57; WK

The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not replace the need to regularly check your
vehicle's tyre pressures, since an even loss of
pressure on several tyres at the same time
cannot be detected by the tyre pressure loss
warning system.
The tyre pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tyre is penetrated by a foreign object.
In the event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring
the vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Do
not make any sudden steering movements
when doing so.
The function of the tyre pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are fitted to your vehicle's
tyres.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration).
R you are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
R you are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R
changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
X Before restarting, consult the table of tyre
pressures on the inside of the fuel filler flap
to ensure that the tyre pressure in all four
tyres is set correctly for the respective
operating conditions.
X Observe the notes in the section on tyre
pressures (Y page 225). G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set the
correct tyre pressure.
If an incorrect tyre pressure is set, these
incorrect values will be monitored.
A tyre with insufficient pressure results in
vehicle instability when driving, thus increas-
ing the risk of an accident.
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
In the multi-function display you will see the
standard display (Y page 119).
X Press the =or; button to select the
Service menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Tyre pressure.
X Press the abutton.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Run Flat Indicator active Restart
with OK
If you wish to confirm the restart:
X Press the abutton.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Tyre press. now OK?
X Press the 9or: button to select
Yes.
X Press the abutton.
You will see the following message in the
multi-function display:
Run Flat Indicator restarted
After a teach-in period, the tyre pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tyre pressures of all four tyres.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
X Press the %button.
or
X When the Tyre press. now OK? message
appears, press 9or: to select
Cancel. Tyres and wheels
227Operation
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa, Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 227 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:57; WK

X
Press the abutton.
The tyre pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored. Tyre pressure monitor*
If a tyre pressure monitor system is fitted, the
vehicle's wheels have sensors fitted that
monitor the tyre pressures in all four tyres.
The tyre pressure monitor warns you when
the pressure drops in one or more of the
tyres. The tyre pressure monitor only func-
tions if the correct wheel electronics units are
fitted to all wheels. G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure monitor does not warn you
of an incorrectly set tyre pressure. The table
on the inside of the fuel filler flap will help you
decide whether the tyre pressures should be
corrected.
The tyre pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tyre is penetrated by a foreign object. In the
event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring the
vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Do not
make any sudden steering movements when
doing so.
i The operation of the tyre pressure moni-
tor can be affected by interference from
radio transmitting equipment (e.g. radio
headphones, two-way radios) that may be
being operated in or near the vehicle.
Checking tyre pressure electronically X
Make sure that the key is in posi-
tion 2(Y page 75) in the ignition lock.
X Press the =or; button to select the
Service menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Tyre press.
X Press the abutton.
The current tyre pressure for each wheel will
be displayed in the multi-function display. If the vehicle has been parked for longer than
20 minutes or if you have not driven faster
than 25 km/h since starting the vehicle, the
following message appears:
Tyre pressures will be displayed
after a few minutes of driving
i
The tyre pressure values indicated by the
on-board computer may differ from those
measured at a filling station with a pressure
gauge. The tyre pressures shown by the on-
board computer refer to those measured at
sea level. At high altitudes, the tyre pres-
sure values indicated by a pressure gauge
are higher than those shown by the on-
board computer. In this case, do not reduce
the tyre pressures.
i After a teach-in period, the tyre pressure
monitor automatically recognises new
wheels or new sensors. As long as a clear
allocation of the tyre pressure values to the
individual wheels is not possible, the dis-
play message Tyre pressure monitor
active is shown instead of the tyre pres-
sure display. The tyre pressures are already
being monitored.
Restarting the tyre pressure monitor When you restart the tyre pressure monitor,
all existing warning messages are deleted and
the warning lamps go out. The monitor uses
the currently set tyre pressures as the speci-
fied values for monitoring.
In most cases, the tyre pressure monitor will
automatically detect the new reference val-
ues, e.g. if you have:
R
changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
i You will find the menu overview on
(Y page 120).
If you wish to define the new reference values
manually: 228
Tyres and wheelsOperation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 228
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:57; WK

X
Use the table on the inside of the fuel filler
flap to ensure that the tyre pressure is set
correctly in all four tyres for the current
operating conditions.
Also observe the notes in the section on
tyre pressures (Y page 225).
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
X Press the =or; button to select the
Service menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Tyre press..
X Press the abutton.
The current pressure in each individual tyre
is displayed, or the following message
appears:
Tyre pressures will be displayed
after a few minutes of driving
X Press the :button.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Use current pressures as new ref‐
erence values
X Press the abutton.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Tyre press. monitor restarted
After a few minutes of driving, the current
pressures are adopted as the new monitor-
ing values.
Cancelling the restart X
Press the %button.
or
X Press the 9button to leave the menu.
Other messages in the multi-function
display If in multi-function display the following mes-
sage appears:
Please correct tyre pressure
X
Check the tyre pressure on all four wheels
and correct it if necessary. i
If the wheel positions on the vehicle are
interchanged, the tyre pressures may be
displayed for the wrong positions for a
short time. This is rectified after a few
minutes of driving, and the tyre pressures
are displayed for the correct positions. Interchanging the wheels
G
Risk of accident
Interchange the front and rear wheels only if
they have the same dimensions: for example
size, offset, etc.
After a wheel is changed, have the tightening
torque checked at a specialist workshop that
has the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety or
on safety-related systems must be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
The wheels could work loose if they are not
tightened to a torque of 130 Nm.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use wheel bolts of the
correct size which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear
pattern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres
typically wear more on the shoulders and the
rear tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000 km to 10,000 km depending on
the degree of tyre wear. Do not reverse the
direction of tyre rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system or the tyre pressure moni-
tor*. Tyres and wheels
229Operation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 229 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:58; WK