
Symbols
Trademarks:
R BabySmart TM
is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is a registered trademark of
Daimler.
R SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks
of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.DisplayText in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 2

Our company and staff congratulate you on
the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a
demonstration of your trust in our company
name. Furthermore, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as
possible to operate and will provide years of
service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of
many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To
help assure your driving pleasure, and also
the safety of you and your passengers, we ask
you to make a small investment of time:
R Please read this manual carefully, then
return it to your vehicle where it will be
handy for your reference.
R Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are
designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
R Please pay attention to the warnings and
cautions contained in this manual. They are
designed to help improve the safety of the
vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of
safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A Daimler Company2125845881 É21258458817ËÍ
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 1

ATTENTION ASSIST ........................... 178
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 292
Switching on or off ......................... 138
Audio menu ........................................ 134
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 95
Automatic central locking .......... 80, 144
Automatic climate control see Climate control system
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 98
Automatic interior lighting control .. 103
Automatic locking when driving ...... 144
Automatic shift program .................. 120
Automatic transmission ................... 114
Automatic shift program ................120
Gear range indicator ......................120
Gear ranges ................................... 120
Gear selector lever ........................115
Hill-start assist system ..................160
Kickdown ....................................... 119
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..124
Manual shift program ..................... 122
One-touch gearshifting ..................121
Program mode indicator ................121
Program mode selector dial
(E 63 AMG) ............................ 121, 123
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............120
Shifting procedure .........................118
Steering wheel gearshift control ....122
Transmission position indicator .....118
Transmission positions ..................118
AUX socket ........................................ 201
Axle oils .............................................. 360
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............46
Self-test ........................................... 47
Backrest
see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 300
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 250
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 63
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 63
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................79
Replacing ....................................... 317
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 336
Charging ........................................ 337
Jump starting ................................. 338
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 284, 297
Bead (tire) .......................................... 250
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) ............................................... 333
Blind Spot Assist ............................... 175
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 281
Switching on or off ......................... 138
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
tank ................................. 333
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake Assist System PLUS
see BAS PLUS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 227
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 289
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 262
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 287
Brakes ................................................ 254
Ceramic brake system ...................256
High-performance brake system ....256
Parking brake ................................ 113
Warning lamp ................................. 305
Break-in period .................................. 220
Bug cover (Radiator) ......................... 224
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs Index5212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 5

RACE START (E 63 AMG) ...............159
Safety systems ................................ 61
Systems ......................................... 146
Through standing water .................257
With DISTRONIC PLUS ...................157
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 109
Driving off .................................. 111, 257
Driving safety systems ....................... 61
ABS .................................................. 62
Adaptive Brake ................................ 64
BAS .................................................. 63
BAS PLUS ........................................ 63
EBP .................................................. 64
ESC .................................................. 65
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 65
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 69
Driving systems
AIRMATIC (except E 63 AMG) ........163
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 161
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system (E 63 AMG) ........................164
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................178
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 175
Cruise control ................................ 146
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 149
Hill-start assist system ..................160
HOLD function ............................... 161
Lane Keeping Assist ......................177
Night View Assist Plus ...................172
Parking Guidance ........................... 168
Parktronic system ..........................165
RACE START (E 63 AMG) ...............159
Rear view camera .......................... 171
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 119
E
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 93, 145
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 64
Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 22
Power outlets ................................. 207
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Control
see ESC
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 268
Flat tire .......................................... 323
Hazard warning flasher ..................101
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 210
Towing the vehicle .........................340
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 208
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 212
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......211
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........84
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 258
Information label ............................ 347
System warranties ...........................20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............220
Cleaning ......................................... 261
Compartment ................................ 223
Malfunction indicator lamp ............310
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
Number .......................................... 347
Starting .......................................... 109
Turning off ..................................... 113
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine compartment
Radiator ......................................... 224
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 225
Additives ........................................ 362
Checking level ............................... 224
Consumption ................................. 224
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 298
Oil dipstick ..................................... 225
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 3618Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 8

SRS .......................................... 36, 308
Turn signals ..................................... 29
Lane Keeping Assist .......................... 177
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 283
Switching on or off ......................... 138
LATCH-type child seat anchors (ISOFIX)
see Children in the vehicle
License plate lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 301
Light alloy wheels, cleaning ............. 265
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting ................................................ 97
Daytime running lamp mode ............98
Exterior ............................................ 97
Interior ........................................... 103
Limp-home mode .............................. 124
Load index (tires) ...................... 246, 250
Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting ................................. 142
Locking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 77
Manually ........................................ 315
SmartKey ......................................... 76
Loss of
Key .................................................. 79
Service and Warranty Information
booklet .......................................... 346
Low-beam headlamps ......................... 98
Exterior lamp switch ........................97
Indicator lamp .................................. 30
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
Switching on .................................... 98
Lubricants .......................................... 359
Lumbar support ................................... 89
M
Maintenance ........................................ 21
Maintenance System
Service indicator display ................259
Service indicator message .............258
Service term exceeded ..................259
Manual headlamp mode (Low-
beam headlamps) ................................ 98
Manual shift program ....................... 122
Maximum engine speed see Vehicle specification
Maximum loaded vehicle weight ..... 250
Maximum load rating (tires) ............. 250
Maximum permissible tire
inflation pressure .............................. 251
Mechanical key see Key, Mechanical
Media interface ................................. 201
Memory function ................................. 96
Menus see Control system menus
Minispare wheel
see Spare wheel
Mirrors .................................................. 94
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ....... 95
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position ............................................ 95
Exterior rear view mirrors ................95
Interior rear view mirror ...................94
Memory function .............................. 96
Vanity mirror .................................. 205
MOExtended system ......................... 329
MOExtended tires ..................... 329, 353
MON (Motor Octane Number) .......... 363
Motor Octane Number see MON
Multifunction display ........................ 128
Symbol messages ..........................287
Text messages ............................... 274
Vehicle status messages ...............272
Multifunction display messages
ABS ....................................... 288, 289
Active headlamps .......................... 299
Advanced TPMS ............................. 285
Air bags ......................................... 276
Air filter .......................................... 299
AIRMATIC ...................................... 292
Alternator .............................. 284, 297
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................292
Automatic
transmission .......................... 283, 284
Backrests ....................................... 293
Battery ................................... 284, 297
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 281
Brake fluid ..................................... 28912Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 12

GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESC are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.
GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS
The Brake Assist System PLUS (BAS PLUS)
operates in emergency braking situations and
uses radar sensors to assess the traffic
situation. BAS PLUS assists you in braking at
speeds above approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h).
When traveling in Canada in a vehicle not
registered in Canada, you must switch off the
radar sensor system ( Y page 144). Canadian
law does not permit the use of the radar
sensor system for vehicles from outside of
Canada.
When you switch off the radar system, the
following functions are deactivated:
R BAS PLUS
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69)
R DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 149)GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident. Personal or fatal
injury to you or others may be the result.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
BAS PLUS detects obstacles that are in your
driving path for a sufficient period of time to
permit the system to recognize these
obstacles. If you approach the detected
obstacle quickly, BAS PLUS calculates the
level of brake power boost appropriate for the
circumstance to supply when the driver
applies the brakes.
When you step quickly on the brake pedal in
an emergency braking situation, BAS PLUS
automatically regulates the brake power
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GWarning!
When the ESC OFF warning lamp å is on,
the ESC is switched off.
When the ESC warning lamp ä and the
ESC OFF warning lamp å are on
continuously, the ESC is not operational due
to a malfunction.
When the ESC is switched off or not
operational, vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESC.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESC switched off.
This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : briefly.
The ESC OFF warning lamp å in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESC-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS. The PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake can assist you in minimizing the
risk of a rear-end collision with a vehicle in
front of you. The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also
reduce the severity of an accident. At speeds
above approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) it will
issue a warning when your vehicle is
approaching the preceding vehicle very
quickly. An intermittent acoustic warning
sounds and the distance warning lamp ·
in the instrument cluster comes on.
Due to the system characteristics, warnings
could be issued without cause in complex
driving situations.
When the driver and front passenger have
fastened their seat belts, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can also
R brake the vehicle within a speed range of
up to 124 mph (200 km/h) automatically
R activate preventative occupant safety
measures (PRE-SAFE ®
) ( Y page 53)GWarning!
An intermittent warning sounds and the
distance warning lamp · in the instrument
cluster is illuminated if the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
calculates that the distance to the vehicle
ahead and your vehicle’s current speed
indicate that the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will not be
capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance, which
creates a danger of a collision.
Immediately brake your vehicle to increase
the distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle driving in front of you. The warning
sound is intended as a final caution that you
have not interceded with your own braking
inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous
situation. Do not wait for the operation of the
warning signal to intercede with your own
braking, as that will result in potentially
dangerous emergency braking which will not
always result in an impact being avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.
GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is a convenience
system designed to assist the driver during
vehicle operation. The responsibility for the
vehicle speed and the distance to the vehicle
ahead, including most importantly brake
operation to assure safe stopping distance,
always remains with the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is switched
on. Otherwise, you may not be able to
recognize dangerous situations until it is too
late and could cause an accident resulting in
personal or fatal injury to you or others.
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GWarning!
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
XActivating: Enable the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist via the control system
( Y page 142).XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
c .XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow :.
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist
indicator _ in the multifunction display
comes on when switching on the low-beam
headlamps.When driving faster than approximately
34 mph (55 km/h) and no other road users
are recognized, the high-beam headlamps
are switched on automatically. The high-
beam headlamp indicator lamp K in the
instrument cluster comes on additionally.
When driving slower than approximately
28 mph (45 km/h), other road users are
recognized, or the road is illuminated
sufficiently, the high-beam headlamps are
switched off automatically. The indicator
lamp K in the instrument cluster goes
out. The Adaptive Highbeam Assist
indicator _ in the multifunction display
remains on.
Adaptive control of the headlamp leveling
takes place at a speed of approximately
25 mph (40 km/h).XDeactivating: Pull the combination switch
back to its initial position.
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist
indicator _ in the multifunction display
goes out.
High-beam flasher
XSwitching on: Pull the combination switch
briefly in direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher can be switched
on at all times, even with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch.
The hazard warning flasher comes on
automatically when an air bag deploys.
Lighting101Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 101Z