Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDPower
Steering
Malfunctio
n
See
Operator's
ManualPower assistance for the steering system is not available. A
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to steer the
vehicle.XCheck whether you are capable to apply the higher degree
of effort necessary to safely steer the vehicle.
If you are able to steer the vehicle safely:
XContinue driving with added caution.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If, in any way, you feel that you are not able to steer the vehicle
safely:
XStop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as it is safe to
do so.XApply the parking brake.XDo not continue to drive.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+Check
Coolant
Level See
Operator's
ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant ( Y page 226).XIf you have to add coolant frequently, have the cooling
system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.GWarning!
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! Do not ignore the low engine coolant level warning. Extended driving with the message
and symbol displayed may cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount of coolant in the cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display295Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 295Z
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Low Stop
Vehicle!
Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XEngage the parking brake.XOnly start the engine again after the message disappears.
You could otherwise damage the engine.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.XIf the temperature rises again: Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
During severe operation conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 248‡
(120†).
GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature above 248‡ (120†).
Doing so may cause serious damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
296Vehicle status messages in the multifunction displayPractical hints
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?Coolant
Low Stop
Vehicle!
Turn
Engine OffThe poly-V-belt could be broken.XStop the vehicle immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.XTurn off the engine immediately.XCheck the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this
message displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.XDrive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.?The radiator cooling fan is malfunctioning.XObserve the coolant temperature gauge in the instrument
cluster.
If the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you may
continue driving to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XAvoid placing heavy loads on the engine (e.g. by driving
uphill) as well as stop-and-go traffic.XHave the fan replaced as soon as possible.#The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:
R alternator malfunctioning
R broken poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronic systemXStop immediately in a safe location or as soon as it is safe
to do so and check the poly-V-belt.XIf it is broken: Do not continue to drive. Otherwise the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.XIf it is intact: Drive to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center immediately. Adjust driving to be consistent
with reduced braking responsiveness.Vehicle status messages in the multifunction display297Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 297Z
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently, there is a leak in the
cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric radiator fan may be
broken.XImmediately add coolant to prevent engine from overheating
( Y page 226).XHave the cooling system checked.XIf the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you can
continue driving to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XAvoid high engine loads (e.g. driving uphill) and stop-and-go
driving.?The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running and an
acoustic
warning sounds.The coolant temperature has exceeded 248‡ (120†).XStop in a safe location as soon as possible and allow the engine
and coolant to cool down.GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
! The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248‡
(120†). Doing so may cause serious
damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.What to do if …311Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 311Z
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Engine with oil
filterE 350
E 350 BlueTEC
E 350 4MATIC8.5 US qt (8.0 l)Approved engine
oilsE 550
E 550 4MATIC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)E 63 AMG 479.3 US qt (8.8 l)Automatic
transmissionE 350
E 350 BlueTEC
E 5509.5 US qt (9.0 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidE 350 4MATIC
E 550 4MATIC10.5 US qt (9.9 l)E 63 AMG 489.3 US qt (8.8 l)Front axleE 350 4MATIC
E 550 4MATIC0.63 US qt (0.6 l)Hypoid gear oilRear axleE 3501.2 US qt (1.1 l)Hypoid gear oilE 350 BlueTEC
E 5501.3 US qt (1.2 l)E 350 4MATIC
E 550 4MATIC1.1 US qt (1.0 l)E 63 AMG1.3 US qt (1.2 l)Fuchs Titan
EG 5010 DCastrol SAF-XJ 49Transfer caseE 350 4MATIC
E 550 4MATIC0.74 US qt (0.7 l)MB Automatic
Transmission FluidPower steeringAll models,
except E 63 AMGapprox. 0.95 US qt (0.9 l)MB Power Steering
Fluid or approved
Dexron III ATFE 63 AMG1.3 US qt (1.2 l)Chevron Texaco
CHF 910947 Engine with oil cooler.
48 Automatic transmission with oil cooler.
49 AMG vehicles with differential lock.360Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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ModelCapacityFuels, coolants,
lubricants, etc.Brake systemAll modelsapprox. 0.53 US qt (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid
(DOT 4+)Cooling systemE 350
E 350 4MATICapprox. 8.9 US qt (8.4 l)MB 325.0
Anticorrosion/
AntifreezeE 350 BlueTECapprox. 12.2 US qt (11.5 l)E 550
E 550 4MATICapprox. 10.9 US qt (10.3 l)E 63 AMGapprox. 11.6 US qt (11.0 l)Fuel tankAll models21.1 US gal (80.0 l)Gasoline engine:
Premium unleaded
gasoline (Minimum
Posted Octane 91
[Avg. of
96 RON/86 MON])Fuel tank
reserveAll models,
except E 63 AMGapprox. 2.4 US gal (9.0 l)E 63 AMGapprox. 3.7 US gal (14.0 l)Air
conditioning
systemAll models—R134a refrigerant
and special
PAG lubricant oil
(never R 12)Washer system
and headlamp
cleaning
systemAll models,
except
E 350 BlueTEC6.3 US qt (6.0 l)MB Windshield
Washer
Concentrate 50
( Y page 367)
Washer fluid mixing
ratio ( Y page 367)E 350 BlueTEC3.7 US qt (3.5 l)Approved engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines and durability for our
service intervals. Therefore, only use
approved engine oils and oil filters required
for vehicles with the Maintenance System.
! Using engine oils and oil filters of a
specification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System, or
changing of oil and oil filter at change
intervals longer than those called for by theMaintenance System will result in engine or
emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations for scheduled oil
changes. Failure to do so will result in
engine or emission control system damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.50 Mixed with water or commercially available premixed washer solvent/antifreeze.Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.361Technical data212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 361Z
Use the table below to determine the
MB sheet number.
ModelEngine,
type
MB sheet
number
E 350
E 350 4MATIC
272229.5E 350 BlueTEC642229.51E 550
E 550 4MATIC
273229.5E 63 AMG156229.551
iMB sheet numbers are printed on the
outside of oil containers.
Viscosity grades for engine oils
Using the chart below, select oil viscosity
according to the lowest air temperature
expected before the next oil change.
Engine oil additives
! Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may damage the engine. Damage or
malfunctions resulting from blending oil
additives are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil are used in the air conditioning
system.
! Never use R 12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
GWarning!
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
Under extremely strenuous operating
conditions, this moisture content can lead to
the formation of bubbles in the system, thus
reducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Maintenance
Booklet for replacement interval.
Only brake fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz
is recommended. Any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center will provide you with additional
information.
Premium unleaded gasoline
GWarning!
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact. Extinguish all smoking materials.
51Restriction: Only SAE 0W-40/SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.362Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Technical data
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Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
! To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gasoline
must be used.
If premium unleaded gasoline is not
available and low octane gasoline is used,
follow these precautions:
R Have the fuel tank only partially filled
with unleaded regular gasoline and fill up
with premium unleaded gasoline as soon
as possible.
R Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
R Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded with a
light load such as two persons and no
luggage.
R Do not exceed 2
/ 3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the vehicle
is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded gasoline. The
octane number (posted at the pump) must be
91 min. It is an average of both the Research
Octane Number (RON) and the Motor Octane
Number (MON): (RON+MON)/2. This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Reformulated gasolines (RFG) and/or
unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, TAME, ETBE, IPA, IBA, and
TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one
of these oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is not
allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Diesel engine
Only use commercially available vehicular
ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL FUEL
(ULSD, 15 ppm SULFUR MAXIMUM) that
meets the ASTM D975 standard. Failure to
use ULTRA-LOW SULFUR HIGHWAY DIESEL
FUEL (ULSD) can severely damage the
vehicle’s exhaust after-treatment device.
To prevent malfunctions, diesel fuel with
improved cold flow characteristics is offered
in the winter months. Check with your fuel
retailer.
! Do not fill the tank with gasoline. Do not
blend diesel fuel with gasoline or kerosene.
The fuel system and engine will otherwise
be damaged, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For further information on diesel fuel pump
labeling, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or visit www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Biodiesel (FAME = Fatty Acid Methyl
Ester) containing fuels
Mercedes-Benz USA approves the use of B5
(standard ULSD which may contain a
maximum of 5% biodiesel) in all Common-rail
injection (CDI) and BlueTEC diesel engines.
Diesel fuels containing a higher percentage of
biodiesel, e.g. B20, as well as straight
biodiesel may cause severe damage to your
engine/fuel system and are not approved.
Please ask your service station personnel for
further information. If the B5 biodiesel blend
is not sufficiently labeled to clearly indicate
that it meets the ULSD standard, please do
not use it.
The Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty does
not cover damages caused by the use of fuels
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.363Technical data212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 363Z