Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
Temperature gauge ........................ 125
Warning lamp ................................. 311
Corner-illuminating lamps ................ 102
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
Cruise control .................................... 146
Activating ....................................... 147
Canceling ....................................... 147
Changing the set speed .................148
Last stored speed ..........................148
Lever .............................................. 147
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 279
Resume function ............................ 148
Setting current speed ....................147
Cup holders ........................................ 203
Curb weight ....................................... 250
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23
D
Damping system ............................... 163
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 23
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 98
Switching on or off ......................... 141
Deep water
see Standing water
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......189
Rear window .................................. 191
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 142
Interior lighting .............................. 143
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Diesel fuel
see Fuel
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 112
With starting .................................. 110
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 241
Displays
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 151
Maintenance service indicator .......258
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 272
Multifunction display .....................128
Symbol messages ..........................287
Text messages ............................... 274
Trip computer ................................ 129
Vehicle status message memory ...139
Vehicle system settings .................139
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 149
Cleaning system sensors ...............263
Displaying the distance graphic .....152
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 151
Distance warning lamp ..........151, 309
Driving ........................................... 154
Driving with .................................... 157
Lever .............................................. 153
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 280
Resume function ............................ 156
Sensor cover .................................. 263
Speed settings ............................... 155
Stopping ........................................ 155
Door control panel .............................. 34
Door handles ........................................ 34
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...77
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........76
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Opening from inside ......................... 80
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 212
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......211
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........314
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 250
Drinking and driving ......................... 254
Drive-dynamic multicontour seat ...... 91
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 257
Hydroplaning ................................. 257
Instructions ........................... 109, 254
In winter ........................................ 253
Problems ....................................... 112Index7212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 7
Safety notes ..................................... 48
Telltale ............................... 29, 52, 307
Seat heating ......................................... 92
Seating capacity ................................ 238
Seats ..................................................... 87
Adjustment ...................................... 87
Drive-dynamic multicontour seat .....91
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................93
Heating ............................................ 92
Memory function .............................. 96
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Split rear seat bench .....................199
Ventilation ....................................... 92
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 199
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
BabySmart™ .................................... 47
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
Tele Aid .......................................... 208
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 346
Service and warranty information ..... 20
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 242
Service menu ..................................... 138
Settings
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .........79
Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............77
Memory function .............................. 96
Menu ............................................. 139
Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......79
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............77
Shelf below rear window, cleaning .. 266
Side impact air bags ........................... 41
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 262
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 300Sidewall (tires) .................................. 251
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 252
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 353
Mounting ....................................... 323
Storage location ............................ 271
Speedometer ....................................... 28
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 147
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 155
Resume function ...................148, 156
SRS
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ......................... 36, 308
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 290
Standing water, driving through ...... 257
Starter switch positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 86
SmartKey ......................................... 85
Starting difficulties (engine) ............ 110
Starting the engine ........................... 109
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control ..... 122
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 212
Storage compartments ..................... 201
Storing tires ....................................... 243
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sunshade
Rear window .................................. 205
Sun visors .................................. 204, 205
Suspension tuning see AIRMATIC 16Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 16
V
Valet locking ........................................ 85
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 336
Care ............................................... 260
Control system .............................. 126
Identification Number (VIN) ...........346
Locking/unlocking ........................... 76
Lowering (wheel change) ...............328
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 22
Towing ........................................... 340
Unlocking/locking manually ..........314
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 346
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle level control
see AIRMATIC
Vehicle lighting .................................... 97
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 199
Instructions .................................... 197
Load limit ....................................... 238
Roof rack ....................................... 198
Split rear seat bench .....................199
Terminology ................................... 249
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 252
Vehicle specification
E 350 ............................................. 348
E 350 4MATIC ................................ 349
E 350 BlueTEC ............................... 348
E 550 ............................................. 350
E 550 4MATIC ................................ 351
E 63 AMG ...................................... 352
Vehicle status message memory .... 139
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 268
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification W
Warning sounds
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 151
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....52
Parking brake ................................ 289
Parking Guidance ........................... 170
Parktronic system ..........................168
Seat belt telltale ............................ 307
Warranty coverage ............................ 346
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 367
Washer fluid
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 294
Mixing ratio .................................... 367
Refilling .......................................... 227
Washing the vehicle .......................... 260
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 244
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 323
Removing ....................................... 326
Spare ............................................. 323
Tightening torque ........................... 328
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 353
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 228
Window curtain air bags ..................... 42
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 264
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 264
Washer fluid ................................... 367
Wipers ........................................... 104
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................322
Winter cover .............................. 224, 252
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 253
Radiator cover ............................... 252
Snow chains .................................. 252
Tires ............................................... 252
Winter tires ................................ 252, 353
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 266Index19212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 19
boost to a level that is suitable for the traffic
situation.
If BAS PLUS requires a particularly high brake
power boost, PRE-SAFE ®
is activated at the
same time.XKeep constant pressure on the brake pedal
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
During this process, the ABS prevents the
wheels from locking up.
The brakes will resume normal operation
after
R the brake pedal is released
R no obstacles are detected in your path
R the system no longer senses a risk of a
collision
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
BAS PLUS can react to stationary obstacles
such as standing or parked vehicles at road
speeds of up to approximately 40 mph
(70 km/h).
BAS PLUS can only assist you when the radar
sensors are switched on and functional. You
can check whether the sensors are active by
switching on DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 149) or using the Radar sensors
function in the instrument cluster control
system.
GWarning!
BAS PLUS will only respond with brake
assistance if it has clearly detected an object.
Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not
reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and
approaching traffic or cross-traffic.
BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles
driving in front of you, such as motorcycles
and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle
center.
After a hard collision or damage to the front
of the vehicle from an accident, have the
adjustment and operation of the radar
sensors checked by an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a radar
sensor malfunction, the braking system will
continue to function normally with full brake
boost and full standard BAS function.
Adaptive Brake
Adaptive Brake provides a high level of
braking safety as well as increased braking
comfort. Adaptive Brake takes driver and
vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the
HOLD function (Y page 161) and the hill-start
assist system ( Y page 160).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 254).
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
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ESCGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESC recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESC works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESC is
especially useful while driving off and on wet
or slippery road surfaces. The ESC also
stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESC warning lamp ä in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is
running.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESC when you see the
ESC warning lamp ä flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When 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 ESC cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: Because the ESC
operates automatically, the engine and
ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in
starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button in position 0 or 1)
when the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: Because the
ESC operates automatically, the engine
and ignition must be shut off (SmartKey in
starter switch position 0 or 1 or KEYLESS-
GO start/stop button in position 0 or 1)
when the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer or when the
vehicle is being towed with one axle raised.
Active braking action through the ESC may
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
! The ESC will only function properly if you
use wheels of the recommended tire size
as specified in the “Technical data” section
of this Operator’s Manual.
i The DISTRONIC PLUS and cruise control
switch off automatically when the ESC
engages.
Electronic Traction System
(ETS/4-ETS) GObserve Safety notes, see page 62.
The ETS (Electronic Traction System) and
4-ETS (four-wheel Electronic Traction
System, vehicles with 4MATIC only) are
components of the ESC. The ETS/4-ETS
improves the vehicle’s ability to utilize
available traction, especially under slippery
road conditions by applying the brakes to a
spinning wheel. Vehicles with 4MATIC also
transfer more power to the wheel(s) with
traction.
When you switch off the ESC, the
ETS/4-ETS is still enabled.
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Switching the ESC off or on
(except E 63 AMG)
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESC when a spare wheel
is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch off
the ESC. This allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip, for
example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESC immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESC will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
When you switch off the ESC,
Rthe ESC does not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS/4-ETS will still apply the brakes to
a spinning wheel
Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are
braking
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
iWhen the ESC is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp ä in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
not stabilize the vehicle.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC switch : until the ESC OFF
warning lamp å in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The ESC is switched off.
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: Press ESC switch : until
the ESC OFF warning lamp å in the
instrument cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESC switched on.
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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.
Driving safety systems69Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 69Z
i Shifting the automatic transmission out
of park position P is only possible with the
brake pedal depressed.
Without the brake pedal depressed, the
gear selector lever can be moved up or
down, but the parking pawl remains
engaged, not allowing shifting to occur.
i The gear selector lever always returns to
its original position.
The current transmission position P, R, N,
or D appears in the multifunction display
(Y page 118).
E 63 AMG only: There are additional
indicators on the cover of the shifting gate
showing the current gear selector lever
position.
The indicators come on when you insert the
SmartKey into the starter switch, and go out
when you remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iMoving the gear selector lever up or down
shifts the automatic transmission out of
park position P.
All models except E 63 AMG: Shifting
into park position P
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, press
button : on the gear selector lever.
SmartKey: When you turn off the engine using
the SmartKey, and remove the SmartKey
from the starter switch or open a front door,
the automatic transmission will shift into park
position P automatically.
KEYLESS-GO: When you turn off the engine
using the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open a front door, the automatic transmission
will shift into park position P automatically.
GWarning!
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
iMoving the gear selector lever up or down
shifts the automatic transmission out of
park position P.
HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS:
The automatic transmission will shift into
park position P automatically when HOLD
function or DISTRONIC PLUS brings your
vehicle to standstill. In addition, at least one
of the following conditions must be met:
RThe engine is turned off.
RThe driver’s door is opened and the seat
belt is not inserted in the seat belt buckle.
E 63 AMG: Shifting into park position P
XWith the vehicle at a standstill, press
button : on the gearshift pattern.
116Automatic transmissionControls in detail
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