2010 MERCEDES-BENZ E550 suspension

1, 2, 3 ...
4-ETS see ETS/4-ETS
4MATIC
see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
A
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ............. 62
Indicator lamp ................................ 305
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 288, 289
Accessory weight .............................. 249
Accidents ........................................... 112
Air bags ........................................... 37
Emergency calls (Tele Aid) .............208
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ........................................ 54
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps
see Headlamps
Adaptive Brake .................................... 64
Adaptive Highbeam Assist ............... 100
Switching on or off ......................... 142
AdBlue ®
...................................... 333, 364
Refilling ......................................... 334
Additives
Engine oil ....................................... 362
Gasoline ......................................... 364
Address change ................................... 21
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ................................................. 233
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 285
Air bags ................................................ 37
Emergency call upon deployment ..208
Front, driver and passenger .............40
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada
only) ........................................ 46, 313
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) ........43, 314
Knee bag .......................................... 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 276
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Pelvis ............................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact ...................................... 41
Window curtain ................................ 42
Air conditioning refrigerant and
lubricant ............................................. 362
Air distribution .................................. 189
Air filter .............................................. 299
AIRMATIC
Damping system ............................ 163
Introduction ................................... 163
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 292
Vehicle level control ......................163
Air pressure
see Tire inflation pressure
Air pressure (tires) ............................ 250
Air pump (electric) ............................ 327
Air recirculation mode ...................... 190
Air volume .......................................... 189
Alarm system see Anti-theft systems
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) ...... 326
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) .................. 161
Alternator
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 284, 297
Alternator (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system (E 63 AMG) ............................ 164
AMG menu ......................................... 131
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................. 365
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft systems ............................... 71
Anti-theft alarm system ...................72
Immobilizer ...................................... 71
Aquaplaning
see Hydroplaning
Armrest, front
Storage compartment ....................202
Armrest, rear
Storage compartment ....................202
Ashtrays ............................................. 206
Aspect ratio (tires) ............................ 250
Assistance menu ............................... 1374Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 4

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

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

SETUPXPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.
XPress button 9 to select SETUP.
or
XTap the AMG button on the center console
(Y page 165).
iYou can store and call up automatic
transmission program mode and
suspension style settings with the AMG
button on the center console. For more
information, see (Y page 165).
:Automatic transmission program mode
indicator
;ESC mode indicator=Suspension style indicator
RACETIMER
GWarning!
The RACETIMER feature is only for use on
roads and in conditions where high speed
driving is permitted. Racing on public roads is
prohibited under all circumstances. The driver
is and must always remain responsible for
following posted speed limits.
The RACETIMER allows you to time and save
driving stretches.
XPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.
XPress button 9 repeatedly until the
RACETIMER appears in the multifunction
display.
:RACETIMER;Lap number
You can start the RACETIMER when the
engine is running or the starter switch is in
position 2 (Y page 85).
While the RACETIMER is being displayed, you
cannot adjust the audio volume using buttons
W or X.
XStarting: Press button W.XDisplaying intermediate time: Press
button X while the timer is running.
The intermediate time is shown for
5 seconds.
XStopping: Press button W.
When you stop the vehicle and turn the
SmartKey to position 1 (Y page 85) or, in
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, turn off the
engine and do not open the driver’s door, the
RACETIMER stops timing. Timing is resumed
when you press button W after switching
the ignition back on or restarting the engine.
Saving lap time and starting a new lap
You can save up to 16 laps.
XPress button X while the timer is
running.
The intermediate time will be shown for
5 seconds.
XPress button X within 5 seconds.
The intermediate time shown will be saved
as a lap time.
The RACETIMER begins timing the new lap.
The new lap begins to be timed as soon as
the intermediate time is called up.
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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
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Activating HOLD XMake sure the activation conditions are
met.
XDepress the brake pedal.XContinue to depress the brake pedal with
increased pedal pressure until the message
HOLD appears in the multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
now release the brake pedal.
Example illustration, HOLD function activated
iIf the HOLD function is not activated when
depressing the brake pedal, wait briefly and
repeat the above steps.
GWarning!
The vehicle’s brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function, for example,
when the vehicle is pulled through an
automatic car wash or being towed.
Deactivating HOLD
The HOLD function is switched off when
Ryou depress the accelerator pedal with the
automatic transmission in drive position D
or reverse gear R
Ryou shift the automatic transmission into
park position P
Ryou depress the brake pedal fully again
until the message HOLD in the multifunction
display disappears
Ryou activate the DISTRONIC PLUS
GWarning!
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle can start to roll if
Rthe HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal
Rthe HOLD function or the power supply is
malfunctioning, e.g. due to battery failure
Rthe electrical components in the engine
compartment or the fuses have been
manipulated
Rthe battery is disconnected
GWarning!
Never get out of the vehicle while the HOLD
function is activated!
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by passengers or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
parking brake. It must not be used to secure
the vehicle when parking.
Deactivate the HOLD function when leaving
or parking the vehicle. Use the parking brake
to secure the vehicle.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
automatic transmission shifts into park
position P automatically when
Ropening the driver’s door and releasing the
seat belt
Rturning off the engine
Ropening the hood
Ra system malfunction occurs
Rthe on-board voltage is insufficient
The HOLD function is deactivated.
AIRMATIC (E 550 and E 550 4MATIC)
Introduction
The AIRMATIC lets you select the chassis and
suspension setup. The chassis and
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suspension setup adjusts the damping
behavior and the ride height for your vehicle.
The AIRMATIC consists of two components.
The electronically controlled damping system
(Y page 163) and the vehicle level control
(Y page 163).
Damping system
The damping system is controlled
electronically and operates continuously. It
adjusts the damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving conditions. The
damping is adjusted individually for each
wheel. Driving safety and tire comfort are
increased.
The fine tuning of the damping is dependent
on
Ryour driving style
Rroad surface conditions
Ryour personal settings
The selected setting remains stored in
memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
XStart the engine.
Sporty damping adjustment
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport driving
mode provides enhanced road contact.
Select this mode for example, on winding
highways.
XPress damping system switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The Sport
driving mode with a firmer suspension
tuning is selected. The message
AIRMATIC SPORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Comfort damping adjustment
Vehicle handling in Comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
XPress damping system switch :.
Indicator lamp = comes on. The Comfort
driving mode is selected. The message
AIRMATIC COMFORT appears in the
multifunction display.
Vehicle level control
Your vehicle automatically adjusts its ride
height.
The all-around vehicle level control provides
best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance. The vehicle lowers at high
speed automatically in order to increase
driving safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
The following vehicle levels are available:
Rnormal
Rraised; the vehicle is raised by
approximately 1.0 in (25 mm) compared to
normal level
Rlowered; the vehicle is lowered by
approximately 0.4 in (10 mm) compared to
normal level
You can choose between normal or raised
level.
The vehicle chassis ride height is reduced
automatically
Rat a speed exceeding approximately
93 mph (150 km/h)
Rwith the Sport driving mode (Y page 163)
set
With decreasing speed, the ride height is
again raised to the normal level.
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iThese height adjustments are so small
that you may not notice any change.
Adjusting vehicle level manually
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Select the normal level for driving on normal
roads. Select the raised level for driving on
rough roads or with snow chains. Select the
raised level only when required by current
driving conditions. Otherwise, the handling
may be impaired and the fuel consumption
may increase.
The selected vehicle level setting remains
stored in memory even if the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch.
Selecting raised level
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is off:
XBriefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; comes on. The vehicle
adjusts from normal level to raised level.
The message: Vehicle Rising appears in
the multifunction display when adjusting
from normal level to raised level. The
message disappears when the vehicle is
raised. Indicator lamp ; is then lit.
When the vehicle is in raised level, pressing
vehicle level control switch : will return
the vehicle to normal level.
The vehicle is lowered to the normal level
automatically when
Rthe vehicle speed is above 75 mph
(120 km/h)
Rthe vehicle speed stays between 50 mph
(80 km/h) and 75 mph (120 km/h) for
approximately 3 minutes.
Indicator lamp ; in
vehicle level control switch : goes out.
If you do not drive in this speed range, the
selected vehicle level setting remains stored
in memory even if the SmartKey is removed
from the starter switch.
Selecting normal level
XStart the engine.
When indicator lamp ; is on:
XBriefly press vehicle level control
switch :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle
adjusts from raised level to normal level.
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system (E 63 AMG)
Rear-axle level control
The rear-axle level control adjusts the vehicle
level for the rear axle. The rear-axle level
control is beneficial because it keeps the
vehicle level at the rear axle constant,
independent of the load. Your vehicle adjusts
its ride height automatically to increase
vehicle safety and to reduce fuel
consumption.
Damping system
The damping system is controlled
electronically and operates continuously. It
adjusts the damping characteristics to the
current operating and driving conditions. The
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