2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 Controls

Ryou shift the automatic transmission into
park position P, reverse gear R, or neutral
position N while driving
Rthe radar sensors are switched off
Ryou pull the DISTRONIC PLUS lever in
direction of arrow ? (Y page 153) for
driving off and the passenger door is open
The segments indicating the set speed in the
multifunction display go out, an acoustic
signal sounds, and the message DISTRONIC
PLUS Off appears in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and
releases the brakes when the vehicle
decelerates below the minimum speed of
20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system
unless the DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle
directly ahead of you. At that time the driver
must apply the brakes in order to reduce
vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.
Depressing the accelerator pedal does not
deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS. After a brief
acceleration (e.g. for passing), the
DISTRONIC PLUS will resume the last set
speed.
Setting the following distance in
DISTRONIC PLUS
You can set the specified following distance
for the DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the time
setting between 1.0 and 2.0 seconds. Using
this time setting and the current speed of
your vehicle, the DISTRONIC PLUS calculates
and sets the required following distance to
the preceding vehicle.
The set distance will be shown in the
multifunction display.
GWarning!
It is up to the driver to exercise discretion to
select the appropriate setting given road
conditions, traffic, driver’s preferred driving
style and applicable laws and driving
recommendations for safe following distance.
XIncreasing distance: Turn distance
setting switch : in direction of arrow ;.
Increasing the distance setting tells the
DISTRONIC PLUS to maintain a greater
following distance to the preceding vehicle.
XDecreasing distance: Turn distance
setting switch : in direction of arrow =.
Decreasing the distance setting tells the
DISTRONIC PLUS to maintain a shorter
following distance to the preceding vehicle.
Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
This section describes a number of driving
situations where special precaution is
required on the part of the driver. Be prepared
to brake in such situations. Braking will
deactivate the DISTRONIC PLUS system.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the
speed selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
RYour vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
RWhile in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC
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PLUS could lose sight of the preceding
vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate
to the previously selected speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the
distance between your vehicle and those
directly ahead of it. It may not register
stationary objects in the road, e.g.:
Ra stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
Ra disabled vehicle
Ran oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all
traffic and intercede as required by means of
steering or braking the vehicle.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in
snowy or icy road conditions.
The most likely cause for a malfunctioning
system is a dirty sensor (located in the hood
grille and in the bumper), especially at times
of snow and ice or heavy rain.
In such a case, the DISTRONIC PLUS will
switch off, and the message DISTRONIC
PLUS Currently Unavailable See
Operator's Manual appears in the
multifunction display.
For cleaning and care of the sensors, see
(Y page 263).
iIf the message DISTRONIC PLUS
Currently Unavailable See
Operator's Manual disappears during
driving and the last speed stored flashes for
approximately 5 seconds, the dirt (e.g.
slush) has dissolved; the DISTRONIC PLUS
is available again.
Another cause might be that the radar
sensors have been manually switched off in
the instrument cluster control system. Please
verify that the radar sensors are switched on
(Y page 144).
Turns and bends
In turns or bends, the DISTRONIC PLUS may
not detect a preceding vehicle, or it may
detect one too soon. This may cause your
vehicle to brake late or unexpectedly.
Offset driving
A vehicle traveling in your lane but offset from
your direct line of travel may not be detected
by the DISTRONIC PLUS. There will be
insufficient distance to the preceding vehicle.
Lane changing
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The DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected
the vehicle changing lanes. There will be
insufficient distance to the lane-changing
vehicle.
Narrow vehicles
Because of their narrow profile, the vehicles
traveling near the outer edges of the lane
have not yet been detected by the DISTRONIC
PLUS. There will be insufficient distance to
the preceding vehicles.
Obstacles and stationary vehicles
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for
obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
example, the vehicle detected in front of you
changes lanes to bypass an obstacle or
stationary vehicle in front of it, the
DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for the
obstacle or stationary vehicle.
Cross-traffic
The DISTRONIC PLUS may inadvertently
detect crossing vehicles. If you switch on the
DISTRONIC PLUS, for example, at a traffic
light with cross traffic, the vehicle may
suddenly start to drive off.
RACE START (E 63 AMG)
RACE START enables optimum acceleration
from a standing start with suitable high-grip
road surface conditions.
GWarning!
RACE START is only available when the ESC
SPORT mode is switched on. ESC SPORT
stabilizes the vehicle only to a limited extent
if the vehicle starts to skid or when a wheel is
spinning.
RACE START should be used only on closed
tracks. Always adapt your speed and driving
to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
Conditions for activation
RACE START can be activated when
Rthe doors are closed
Rthe engine is running and has reached its
operating temperature of approximately
80†. This is the case when the engine oil
temperature indicator in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
RESC SPORT is switched on (Y page 67)
Rthe multifunction steering wheel is in the
straight-ahead position
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Rthe vehicle is standing still and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot)
R the automatic transmission is in drive
position D
Activating RACE STARTXDepress the brake pedal with your left foot
and keep it depressed.XTurn the program mode selector dial
clockwise ( Y page 121) until the RS lamp
on the dial comes on.
The message RACE START Confirm:
Paddle UP Cancel: Paddle DOWN
appears in the multifunction display.
i When the activation conditions are not
fulfilled anymore, RACE START is canceled.
The message RACE START Canceled
appears in the multifunction display.
XTo cancel: Pull left steering wheel gearshift
control ( Y page 122).
or
XTo confirm: Pull right steering wheel
gearshift control ( Y page 122).
The message RACE START Available
Depress gas pedal. appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal within 2 seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The message RACE START Not
Possible See Operator’s Manual
appears in the multifunction display.
XDepress the accelerator pedal fully.
The engine speed rises to approximately
4000 rpm.
The message RACE START Release
brake to start appears in the
multifunction display.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within 7 seconds, RACE START is canceled.
The message RACE START Canceled
appears in the multifunction display.XTake your foot off the brake pedal while
keeping the accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.
The message RACE START Active appears
in the multifunction display.
RACE START deactivates at a vehicle speed
of approximately 30 mph
(Canada: 50 km/h). The automatic
transmission switches to program mode S+.
ESC SPORT remains switched on.
RACE START is canceled immediately if you
release the accelerator pedal while RACE
START is active or when the activation
conditions are not fulfilled anymore. The
message RACE START Not Possible See
Operator’s Manual appears in the
multifunction display.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly in a
short period of time, it is only available
again after having driven the vehicle a
certain distance.
Hill-start assist system
On uphill grades, the hill-start assist system
maintains the pressure in the brake system
for approximately 1 second after you have
released the brake pedal. Therefore, you can
start off smoothly without the vehicle moving
immediately after releasing the brake pedal.
GWarning!
The hill-start assist system is not designed to
function as a parking brake. It does not
prevent the vehicle from moving when parked
on an incline.
Always engage the parking brake in addition
to shifting the automatic transmission into
park position P.
XDepress the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D or reverse gear R.160Driving systemsControls in detail
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XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The hill-start assist system is inactive
R when starting off on a level road or downhill
grades
R with the automatic transmission in neutral
position N
R with the parking brake engaged
R if the ESC has switched off due to a
malfunction
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the ESC
( Y page 65) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) ( Y page 65).
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 252) or
snow chains as required.
HOLD function
The HOLD function can assist you
R when driving off, especially on steep slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
Upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the
braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function is deactivated.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function when
R the vehicle is stationary
R the engine is running
R your seat belt is fastened or the driver’s
door is closed
R the parking brake is released
R the hood is closed
R the automatic transmission is in neutral
position N, drive position D, or reverse gear
R
R the DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
( Y page 156)
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Activating HOLD XMake sure the activation conditions are
met.
XDepress the brake pedal.XContinue to depress the brake pedal with
increased pedal pressure until the message
HOLD appears in the multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
now release the brake pedal.
Example illustration, HOLD function activated
iIf the HOLD function is not activated when
depressing the brake pedal, wait briefly and
repeat the above steps.
GWarning!
The vehicle’s brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function, for example,
when the vehicle is pulled through an
automatic car wash or being towed.
Deactivating HOLD
The HOLD function is switched off when
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal with the
automatic transmission in drive position D
or reverse gear R
Ryou shift the automatic transmission into
park position P
Ryou depress the brake pedal fully again
until the message HOLD in the multifunction
display disappears
Ryou activate the DISTRONIC PLUS
GWarning!
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal
Rthe HOLD function or the power supply is
malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery failure
Rthe electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
Rthe battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the HOLD
function is activated!
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
parking brake. It must not be used to secure
the vehicle when parking.
Deactivate the HOLD function when leaving
or parking the vehicle. Use the parking brake
to secure the vehicle.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
automatic transmission shifts into park
position P automatically when
Ropening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
Rturning off the engine
Ropening the hood
Ra system malfunction occurs
Rthe on-board voltage is insufficient
The HOLD function is deactivated.
AIRMATIC (E 550 and E 550 4MATIC)
Introduction
The AIRMATIC lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and
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suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The electronically controlled damping system
(Y page 163) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 163).
Damping system
The damping system is controlled
electronically and operates continuously. It
adjusts the damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving conditions. The
damping is adjusted individually for each
wheel. Driving safety and tire comfort are
increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour personal settings
The selected setting remains stored in
memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
XStart the engine.
Sporty damping adjustment
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport driving
mode provides enhanced road contact.
Select this mode for example, on winding
highways.
XPress damping system switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The Sport
driving mode with a firmer suspension
tuning is selected. The message
AIRMATIC SPORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Comfort damping adjustment
Vehicle handling in Comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
XPress damping system switch :.
Indicator lamp = comes on. The Comfort
driving mode is selected. The message
AIRMATIC COMFORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Vehicle level control
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height.
The all-around vehicle level control provides
best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance. The vehicle lowers at high
speed automatically in order to increase
driving safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
The following vehicle levels are available:
Rnormal
Rraised; the vehicle is raised by
approximately 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to
normal level
Rlowered; the vehicle is lowered by
approximately 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to
normal level
You can choose between normal or raised
level.
The vehicle chassis ride height is reduced
automatically
Rat a speed exceeding approximately
93 mph (150 km/h)
Rwith the Sport driving mode (Y page 163)
set
With decreasing speed, the ride height is
again raised to the normal level.
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iThese height adjustments are so small
that you may not notice any change.
Adjusting vehicle level manually
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the normal level for driving on normal
roads. Select the raised level for driving on
rough roads or with snow chains. Select the
raised level only when required by current
driving conditions. Otherwise, the handling
may be impaired and the fuel consumption
may increase.
The selected vehicle level setting remains
stored in memory even if the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch.
Selecting raised level
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is off:
XBriefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle
adjusts from normal level to raised level.
The message: Vehicle Rising appears in
the multifunction display when adjusting
from normal level to raised level. The
message disappears when the vehicle is
raised. Indicator lamp ; is then lit.
When the vehicle is in raised level, pressing
vehicle level control switch : will return
the vehicle to normal level.
The vehicle is lowered to the normal level
automatically when
Rthe vehicle speed is above 75 mph
(120 km/h)
Rthe vehicle speed stays between 50 mph
(80 km/h) and 75 mph (120 km/h) for
approximately 3 minutes.
Indicator lamp ; in
vehicle level control switch : goes out.
If you do not drive in this speed range, the
selected vehicle level setting remains stored
in memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Selecting normal level
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is on:
XBriefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle
adjusts from raised level to normal level.
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system (E 63 AMG)
Rear-axle level control
The rear-axle level control adjusts the vehicle
level for the rear axle. The rear-axle level
control is beneficial because it keeps the
vehicle level at the rear axle constant,
independent of the load. Your vehicle adjusts
its ride height automatically to increase
vehicle safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
Damping system
The damping system is controlled
electronically and operates continuously. It
adjusts the damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving conditions. The
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