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
Exterior view
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Trunk:Locking and unlocking76Opening and closing81Valet locking85;Rear window defroster191=Rear lamps318?Fuel filler flap220AExterior rear view mirrors95Parking position95BRoof:Power tilt/sliding sunroof192Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel194
CWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid105FunctionPageCleaning264DDoors:Locking and unlocking76,
314
EWipers104Wiper blades, replacing322Wiper blades, cleaning264FHood223GFront lamps318HHeadlamp cleaning system102IFront towing eye341JTires and wheels228Rims and tires353KRear towing eye34126Exterior viewAt a glance
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Center consoleFunctionPage:Hazard warning flasher
switch101
;Alarm system indicator
lamp72
=Front passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp, USA
only
43,
314
Front passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp,
Canada only
46,
314
?Electronic Stability Control
system (ESC) switch65
ACOMAND system, see
separate operating
instructions
BSeat heating switch92CSeat ventilation switch92DParktronic system
deactivation switch168
FunctionPageERear seat head restraints
switch, folding down89
FRear window sunshade
switch205
GDual-zone automatic
climate control181
3-zone automatic climate
control, Canada only183
Rear window defroster191HStorage compartment201Ashtray206Cup holder203IDamping system switch163JVehicle level control switch163KStorage compartment201LProgram mode selector
switch120
MCOMAND controller, see
separate operating
instructions
32Center consoleAt a glance
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Door control panelFunctionPage:Memory function (for
storing seat, exterior mirror
and steering wheel
settings)96
;Seat adjustment switches88=Central locking/unlocking
switch81
?Inside door handle 80AExterior rear view mirror
adjustment95
BSwitches for opening/
closing front and rear door
windows105
CRear door window override
switch60
DTrunk opening switch, trunk
opening/closing system81
34Door control panelAt a glance
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GWarning!
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction when the SRS indicator lamp
6
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out after approximately
4 seconds after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, we strongly recommend that
you contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately to have the system
checked. Otherwise the SRS may not be
activated when needed in an accident, which
could result in serious or fatal injury. The SRS
might also deploy unexpectedly and
unnecessarily which could also result in injury
as well.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates
a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment. Work
on the SRS must therefore only be performed
by qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
USA only: Call our Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Air bags
GWarning!
Air bags are designed to reduce the potential
of injury and fatality in certain
R frontal impacts (front air bags and driver’s
side knee bag)
R side impacts (side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags and pelvis air bags)
R rollovers (window curtain air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
Deployment of the air bags temporarily
releases a small amount of dust from the air
bags. This dust, however, is neither harmful
to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the
vehicle. The dust might cause some
temporary breathing difficulty for people with
asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid
this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any
breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the
vehicle after the air bag inflates, then get fresh
air by opening a window or door.GWarning!
To reduce the risk of injury when the front air
bags inflate, it is very important for the driver
and front passenger to always be in a properly
seated position and to wear their respective
seat belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision always be in normal seated position
with your back against the seat backrest.
Fasten your seat belt and make sure it is
properly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver’s seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver’s chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
Occupant safety37Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 37Z
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
R Keep hands on the outside of the steering
wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside
the rim can increase the risk and potential
severity of hand/arm injury when the driver
front air bag inflates.
R Adjust the front passenger seat as far as
possible rearward from the dashboard
when the seat is occupied.
R Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
R Canada only: Children 12 years old and
under must never ride in the front seat,
except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which
operates with the BabySmart™ air bag
deactivation system installed in the vehicle
to deactivate the front passenger front air
bag when it is installed properly. Otherwise
they will be struck by the air bag when it
inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious
or fatal injury will result.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator’s Manual.GWarning!
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
There is a possibility for a side impact air bag-
related injury if occupants, especially
children, are not properly seated or restrained
when next to a side impact air bag which
needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in
order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1)Always sit as upright as possible,
wear the seat belt properly, and for
children 12 years old and under,
use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the
size and weight of the child.(2)Always wear seat belts properly.
Air bags are designed to deploy only in certain
R frontal impacts (front air bags and driver’s
side knee bag)
R side impacts (side impact air bags, pelvis
air bags and window curtain air bags) if the
system determines the need for air bag
deployment
R rollovers (window curtain air bags)
Only in the event of such a situation will they
provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passengers should always
wear their seat belts. Otherwise it is not
possible for the air bags to provide their
supplemental protection.
In case of other types of impacts and impacts
below air bag deployment thresholds, air
bags will not deploy. The driver and
passengers will then be protected to the
extent possible by a properly fastened seat
belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Air bags are not a substitute for seat belts.
Always wear your seat belt, regardless of
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whether or not your vehicle is equipped with
air bags.
It is important to your safety and that of your
passengers to have deployed air bags
replaced and to have any malfunctioning air
bags repaired. This will help to make sure the
air bags will continue to provide supplemental
crash protection for occupants.
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD)
and air bag GWarning!
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check with your local
government’s disposal guidelines.
California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
pre-tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do no change or remove any component or
part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. over the steering
wheel hub, front passenger front air bag
cover, outboard sides of the seat
backrests, door trim panels, or door frame
trims.
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility ofOccupant safety39Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 39Z
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, we strongly
recommend that you inform the subsequent
owner that the vehicle is equipped with SRS.
Also refer them to the applicable section in
the Operator’s Manual.
Front air bags
GObserve Safety notes, see page 37.
Driver’s front air bag : and front passenger
front air bag ; are designed to provide
increased protection for the driver and front
passenger against the risk of injuries to the
head and thorax.
Driver and front passenger front air bag and
driver’s side knee bag are deployed
Rin the event of certain frontal impacts
Rif the system determines that air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
Rdepending on whether the respective seat
belt is in use
Rindependently of the side impact air bags,
pelvis air bags and/or the window curtain
air bags
The front air bags in this vehicle have been
designed to inflate in two stages. This allows
the air bags to have different rates of inflation.
The rate of inflation is based on the vehicle
deceleration rate as assessed by the air bag
control unit.
Vehicles with OCS, USA only: The front
passenger front air bag deployment is
additionally influenced by the passenger’s
weight category as identified by the Occupant
Classification System (OCS) (Y page 43).
Vehicles with OCS, USA only: The lighter the
front passenger-side occupant, the higher the
vehicle deceleration rate required for second
stage inflation of the front passenger front air
bag.
The air bags will not deploy in impacts which
do not exceed the system’s preset
deployment thresholds. You will then be
protected by the fastened seat belts.
The front air bags will not deploy in the event
of a rollover unless the vehicle’s rate of
longitudinal deceleration or acceleration
exceeds the preset deployment threshold for
the front air bags.
The front passenger front air bag will only be
deployed if
Rvehicles with OCS, USA only: the system,
based on OCS weight sensor readings,
detects that the front passenger seat is
occupied
Rthe 45 indicator lamp in the center
console is not lit (USA only: (Y page 43),
Canada only: (Y page 46))
Rthe impact exceeds a preset deployment
threshold
! Vehicles with BabySmart™ air bag
deactivation system (Canada only): Do not
place objects heavier than 20 lb (9 kg) on
the front passenger seat. This could cause
the front or side impact air bag on the front
passenger side to deploy in a crash which
exceeds the system’s deployment
threshold.
Knee bag
Knee bag = is designed to provide increased
protection for the driver against the risk of
injuries to the knees, thighs and lower legs.
Knee bag = is located on the driver side
lower instrument panel. It is designed to
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