ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving.The brake system is malfunctioning. Braking characteristics may
be impaired.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 272).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 272).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.306What to do if …Practical hints
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iAfter 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt the warning chime stops sounding and the
seat belt telltale illuminates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both, the
driver and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front
door is opened.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions6The red SRS
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly
or fail to activate in an accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsåThe yellow ESC
OFF warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The ESC has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESC is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESC back on.
Exceptions: All models except E 63 AMG (Y page 66), E 63 AMG
( Y page 68).XIf leaving the ESC switched off, adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESC cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.ìE 63 AMG only:
The yellow ESC
SPORT warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.ESC SPORT is activated.
Risk of accident!
When ESC SPORT is activated it will only stabilize the vehicle to a
limited extent if the system recognizes that the vehicle starts to
skid or that a wheel is spinning.XSwitch the ESC SPORT off ( Y page 67).
The message ESC-ON appears in the multifunction display.308What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsä
åThe yellow ESC
warning lamp
and the yellow
ESC OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running.The ESC is not operational due to a malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the hill-start assist system, the
HOLD function, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
äThe yellow ESC
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESC or the ETS has come into operation because of detected
traction loss in at least one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESC.
Exceptions: All models except E 63 AMG (Y page 66), E 63 AMG
( Y page 68).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·The red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving and an
acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or
DISTRONIC PLUS or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has recognized a stationary
obstacle on your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.What to do if …309Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 309Z
TiresProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionshUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.
Canada only:
Low tire
pressure telltale
for the
Advanced TPMS
illuminates
continuously.The Advanced TPMS detects a loss of pressure in at least one tire.XCarefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and
braking maneuvers. Observe the traffic situation around you.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 272).
If the tire inflation pressure in the respective tire(s) has (have) been
corrected, the combination low tire pressure/TPMS malfunction
telltale goes out after a few minutes of driving.
hUSA only:
Combination
low tire pressure
telltale/TPMS
malfunction
telltale for the
Advanced TPMS
flashes 60
seconds and
then stays
illuminated.There is a malfunction in the Advanced TPMS.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display
( Y page 272).XHave the Advanced TPMS checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
After the malfunction has been remedied, the combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale goes out after a few minutes
of driving.
GWarning!
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.312What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsUSA only:
45
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp
illuminates and
remains illuminated
with the weight of a
typical adult or
someone larger than a
small individual on the
front passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XHave the system checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 272).GWarning!
If the 45 indicator lamp illuminates
and remains illuminated with the weight of a
typical adult or someone larger than a small
individual on the front passenger seat, do not
have any passenger use the front passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsUSA only:
45
The front passenger
front air bag off
indicator lamp does not
illuminate and/or does
not remain illuminated
with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old
child in a standard child
restraint or less on the
front passenger seat.The system is malfunctioning.XMake sure there is nothing between seat cushion and child seat
and check installation of the child seat.XMake sure no objects applying supplemental weight onto the
seat are present.XIf the front passenger front air bag off indicator lamp remains
out, have the system checked as soon as possible at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Do not transport a child on
the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.XRead and observe messages in the multifunction display and
follow corrective steps ( Y page 272).GWarning!
If the 45 indicator lamp does not
illuminate or remains out with the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard child
restraint or less on the front passenger seat,
do not transport a child on the front
passenger seat until the system has been
repaired.
Unlocking/locking manually
Unlocking the vehicle
If you cannot unlock the vehicle with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, unlock the
driver’s door and the trunk using the
mechanical key.
314Unlocking/locking manuallyPractical hints
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GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
XFully collapse the jack, with handle folded
in (storage position), see ( Y page 270).XStore the jack and the other vehicle tools
in the designated storage space.XE 63 AMG and vehicles with AMG
bodystyling: Reinstall the respective
cover of the door-sill trim.
i Vehicles with Advanced TPMS:
Do not restart the Advanced TPMS until a
full size wheel/tire with functioning sensor
has been placed back into service on the
vehicle.
XDo not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).
MOExtended system
The MOExtended system allows you to
continue driving your vehicle even if there is
a total loss of pressure in one or more tires.
You may only use the MOExtended system in
conjunction with the tire pressure loss
warning system ( Y page 232) or the
Advanced TPMS ( Y page 233).
The maximum distance in emergency mode
depends on the vehicle’s load. It is 50 miles
(80 km) if the vehicle is partially loaded and
18 miles (30 km) if the vehicle is fully loaded.
The point at which the maximum driving
distance in emergency mode begins is when
the warning message appears in the
multifunction display indicating that there is
a loss of tire inflation pressure.
XDo not exceed the maximum speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).GWarning!
In emergency mode, your vehicle’s driving
characteristics are diminished in such
situations as:
R driving around curves
R while braking
R while accelerating rapidly
Therefore, your driving style must be adapted
accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering and driving
maneuvers, as well as driving over obstacles
(road curbs, potholes, or off-road areas). This
is especially important if the vehicle is heavily
loaded.
The emergency driving distance that can be
achieved greatly depends on the demands
placed on the vehicle. Depending on speed,
load, driving maneuvers, road conditions,
outside temperature, etc., the distance can be
significantly shorter or, if the vehicle is driven
cautiously, somewhat longer.
Do not continue driving in emergency mode if
R you notice knocking sounds
R the vehicle starts to shake
R smoke develops and you smell rubber
R ESC is intervening continuously
R you notice tears on the tire sidewalls
After driving in emergency mode, you must
have the rims inspected by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to check if they are
suitable for further use. The failed tire must
be replaced in any case.
When replacing individual or all tires on the
vehicle, make sure only tires marked with
“MOExtended” are mounted in the size
specified for your vehicle ( Y page 353).
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
This section applies to vehicles that are
factory equipped 20
or retrofitted with a
TIREFIT kit only.
20 Canada only.Flat tire329Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 329Z
Version 1
Version 2
XVersion 1 only: Open flap C on the
electric air pump.
XPull plug ? and air hose A out of the pump
housing.
XScrew the air pump’s air hose A onto
flange B of TIREFIT container :.
XStick TIREFIT container : upside down
into notch ; of the electric air pump.
XUnscrew the valve cap of the damaged tire
from tire valve E.
Version 1
XVersion 1 only: Close vent screw F on
pressure gauge G.
XScrew filler hose D onto tire valve E.XInsert electrical plug ? into the cigarette
lighter socket (Y page 206) or a power
outlet (Y page 207).
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 1.
or
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Press the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button once. Do
not depress the brake pedal.
XPress I on electric air pump switch =.
The electric air pump is switched on and
inflates the tire.
iFirst, the sealing is pumped into the tire.
The pressure may briefly rise to up to 73 psi
(5 bar). This is normal and not an indication
of a malfunction. Do not switch off the
electric air pump.
XLet the electric air pump inflate the tire for
approximately 5 minutes.
The pressure gauge must display at least
26 psi (1.8 bar).
GWarning!
The air hose can become hot during inflation.
Please exercise appropriate caution.
! Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than 8 minutes without interruption.
Otherwise it may overheat.
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Version 1: Open vent screw F on
pressure gauge G (Y page 331).
Version 2: Press yellow deflate button a
located in air pump housing next to
pressure gauge G.XDrive to the nearest qualified workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
to have the damaged tire replaced.XRecommended duration of use: A
maximum of 300 miles (500 km) at 50 mph
( 80 km/h) or below with the recommended
tire inflation pressure.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible to obtain a new
TIREFIT kit.XBring used TIREFIT materials to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
proper disposal.XReplace your TIREFIT container every
4 years. Replacement containers are
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine only)
Driving the vehicle until the fuel tank is empty
is not recommended. Otherwise, air may be
sucked into the fuel system. If this happens,
the malfunction indicator lamp ; comes
on and the engine may not start immediately
after refueling the vehicle.
After refueling:
XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
The transmission position indicator in the
multifunction display should be on P.XDo not depress the accelerator.XIf necessary, remove the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button from the starter switch.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 2 for at least 10 seconds.XReturn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 3 and hold it there for a maximum
of 10 seconds or until the engine runs
surge-free.
If the engine does not start:
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch
once more to position 2 for at least
10 seconds.XReturn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch
once more to position 3 and hold it there
for a maximum of 10 seconds or until the
engine runs surge-free.XIf necessary, repeat the above steps.
If the engine still does not start after
3 attempts:
Do not make any further attempts to start the
engine. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or call Roadside Assistance
( Y page 210).
i When the malfunction indicator
lamp ; in the instrument cluster has
been illuminated for the above condition, it
will remain illuminated until the engine was
cycled on and off four times in a row.
AdBlue ®
(diesel engine only)
The BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment
system requires a reducing agent (AdBlue ®
)
in order to function properly. Refilling with
AdBlue ®
is part of the regular maintenance
service work. A tankful of AdBlue ®
should
suffice until the next maintenance service
under normal driving conditions.
When the AdBlue ®
tank is low, the message
Check Additive See Operator’s
Manual appears in the multifunction display.
When the AdBlue ®
level drops to the
minimum level, the message Remaining
AdBlue®
(diesel engine only)333Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 333Z