2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 traction control

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

ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ...... 65
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 65
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................... 288, 289, 290
Warning lamp ................................. 309
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 65
Express operation
Panorama roof ............................... 195
Power windows .............................. 105
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................192
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 97
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 95
Parking position ............................... 95
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 50
First aid kit ......................................... 268
Flat tire ............................................... 323
Lowering the vehicle ......................328
Mounting the spare wheel .............323
Preparing the vehicle .....................323
Spare wheel ........................... 323, 358
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................329
Floormats ........................................... 217
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid .........360
Brake fluid ..................................... 361
Capacities ...................................... 359
Engine coolant ............................... 361
Engine oil ....................................... 360
Power steering fluid .......................360
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 361
Fog lamps ............................................. 99
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 300, 302
Four-wheel drive
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front axle oil ...................................... 360
Front lamps
see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 276
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada only) ..... 46, 313
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) .......... 43, 314
Fuel ..................................................... 220
Additives ........................................ 364
Capacity, fuel tank .........................361
Diesel fuel ...................................... 363
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................254
Fuel consumption statistics ...........130
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................222
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp .....310
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........362
Refueling ........................................ 220
Requirements ................................ 363
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 222
Opening manually ..........................316
Fuel gauge ......................................... 126
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 359
Fuel system, bleeding (diesel
engine) ............................................... 333
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 361
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................222
Refueling ........................................ 220
Fuses .................................................. 343
G
Garage door opener .................... 33, 212
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 250
Gear range ......................................... 120
Indicator ........................................ 120
Limiting .......................................... 122
Shifting into optimal ......................122
Gear selector lever ............................ 115
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Gearshift pattern ........................... 115
Shifting procedure .........................118
Transmission position indicator .....118
Transmission positions ..................118
Index9212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 9

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.
Driving safety systems65Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 65Z

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.
66Driving safety systemsSafety and security
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 66

E 63 AMG
Switching ESC SPORT on or off
GWarning!
ESC SPORT should not be switched on during
normal driving.
Switching ESC SPORT on will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rsystem-supported traction control is
limited
ESC SPORT is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on ESC SPORT.
Do not switch on ESC SPORT when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
ESC SPORT. 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 off ESC SPORT and switch on the ESC
immediately if the aforementioned
circumstances do not apply anymore.
Otherwise ESC will only stabilize the vehicle
to a limited extent when it is starting to skid
or a wheel is spinning.
When you switch on ESC SPORT
Rthe ESC stabilizes the vehicle only to a
limited extent
Rthe engine output is limited, but only to the
extent that allows the drive wheels to spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are
braking hard
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
iWhen ESC SPORT is switched on and one
or more drive wheels are spinning, the ESC
warning lamp ä in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESC will then
stabilize the vehicle only to a limited extent.
XSwitching on: With the engine running,
press ESC SPORT switch : briefly.
The ESC SPORT warning lamp ì in the
instrument cluster comes on. The message
ESC-SPORT appears in the multifunction
display.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESC SPORT switch : briefly.
The ESC SPORT warning lamp ì in the
instrument cluster goes out. The message
ESC-ON appears in the multifunction
display.
Driving safety systems67Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 67Z

ESC SPORT switches off automatically when
you turn off the engine. When starting the
engine, the ESC is activated automatically.
Switching the ESC off or on
GWarning!
The ESC should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rloss of system-supported traction control
“ESC OFF” is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESC.
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 will 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 will still apply the brakes to a
spinning wheel
Rthe ESC continues to operate when you are
braking hard
Rthe PRE-SAFE® system is not available,
even when you are braking hard supported
by the ESC
Rthe PRE-SAFE® Brake is not available, even
when you are braking hard supported by
the ESC
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control or the DISTRONIC PLUS
switch off if activated
iWhen ESC is switched off and one or more
drive wheels are spinning, the ESC warning
lamp ä in the instrument cluster does
not flash. The ESC will 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 message ESC-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.
68Driving safety systemsSafety and security
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 68

Program mode selector dial on E 63 AMG
C ComfortFor standard drivingS SportFor sporty drivingS+ Sport PlusFor sporty driving with
shorter shift times
M ManualFor manual gearshifting
(Y page 122)
RS RACE STARTFor optimum
acceleration from a
standing start
iProgram mode RS cannot be selected
while driving. For more information, see
“RACE START (E 63 AMG)” (Y page 159).
The current program mode appears in the
multifunction display.
E 63 AMG
:Program mode indicator
iE 63 AMG: In addition, the currently
selected program mode is indicated in red
on the program mode selector dial.
You should only change the program mode
when the automatic transmission is in park
position P.
Automatic program mode S will not be stored.
When the engine is turned off with the
automatic program mode S selected, the
automatic transmission will go to the
automatic program mode C when the engine
is restarted.
E 63 AMG: Automatic program mode S+ will
not be stored. When the engine is turned off
with automatic program mode S+ selected,
the automatic transmission will go to
automatic program mode C when the engine
is restarted.
XAll models except E 63 AMG: Press the
program mode selector switch repeatedly
until the letter of the desired program mode
appears in the right multifunction display.
XE 63 AMG: Turn the program mode
selector dial until the letter of the desired
program mode appears in the right
multifunction display.
Selecting program mode C means:
RThe vehicle starts out more gentle, both
forward and reverse, except when driving
off with full throttle.
RTraction and driving stability are improved
on icy roads.
RUpshifts occur earlier even when you give
more gas. The engine then operates at
lower revolutions and the wheels are less
likely to spin.
Selecting program mode S means that
upshifts occur later.
One-touch gearshifting
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D, you can limit or extend the gear
range using the steering wheel gearshift
control.
E 63 AMG: You only can limit or extend the
gear range when driving in automatic
program mode C, S,or S+. For information on
using the steering wheel gearshift control in
Automatic transmission121Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 121Z

XPress button = or ; to select the
Sett. menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
Convenience submenu.
XPress a.XPress button : or 9 to select the
Belt Adjustment: function.
The current setting Enabled or Disabled
is shown.
XPress button a to change the current
status.
Depending on the previous status, the
Belt Adjustment: function will be
Enabled or Disabled.
Driving systems
Introduction
RCruise control
RDISTRONIC PLUS
RHill-start assist system
RHOLD function
RAIRMATIC (E 550 and E 550 4MATIC)
RAll-wheel drive (4MATIC)
RParktronic system with Parking Guidance
RRear view camera
RNight View Assist Plus
RATTENTION ASSIST
RBlind Spot Assist
RLane Keeping Assist
RRACE START (E 63 AMG)
RAMG adaptive sport suspension system
(E 63 AMG)
The driving safety systems ABS, Adaptive
Brake, BAS, BAS PLUS, EBP, ESC and PRE-
SAFE® Brake are described in the “Safety and
security” section (Y page 61).
Cruise control
The cruise control maintains the speed you
set for your vehicle automatically.
The use of the cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time.
The currently set speed or last set speed
(“Resume” function) appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
5 seconds. The corresponding cruise control
speed segments from the selected speed to
the vehicle maximum speed in the
multifunction display are illuminated.
GWarning!
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle’s speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
RThe use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
RDeactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
146Driving systemsControls in detail
212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 146