
BrakeProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions!The yellow ABS
indicator lamp
comes on while
the engine is
running.The brake system is still functioning normally but due to a
malfunction, the ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the
hill-start assist system, the HOLD function, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are unavailable.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 272).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
ä
å
!
The yellow ESC warning
lamp, the yellow ESC
OFF warning lamp, and
the yellow ABS
indicator lamp come on
while the engine is
running and an
acoustic warning
sounds.The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP) switched off due to a
malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the ESC, the hill-start assist
system, the HOLD function, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdjust driving to be consistent with reduced braking
responsiveness.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 272).XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
What to do if …305Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 305Z

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving.The brake system is malfunctioning. Braking characteristics may
be impaired.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 272).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
driving and an acoustic
warning sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake warning
lamp comes on while
the engine is running
and an acoustic
warning sounds.There is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
Risk of accident!XDo not drive any further. Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as it is safe to do so.XEngage the parking brake.XRead and observe messages that may appear in the
multifunction display ( Y page 272).XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not add brake fluid! This will not solve the problem.
GWarning!
Driving with the brake warning lamp
illuminated can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately if the
brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result
in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
! If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum
mark or below, have the brake system
checked for brake pad thickness and leaks.306What to do if …Practical hints
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iAfter 60 seconds with an unfastened seat belt the warning chime stops sounding and the
seat belt telltale illuminates continuously. The seat belt telltale will only go out if both, the
driver and front passenger’s seat belt are fastened, or the vehicle is standing still and a front
door is opened.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions6The red SRS
indicator lamp
comes on while
driving.There is a malfunction in the restraint systems. The air bags or
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs) could deploy unexpectedly
or fail to activate in an accident.XDrive with added caution to the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.GWarning!
In the event a malfunction of the SRS is
indicated as outlined above, the SRS may not
be operational.
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, or it
might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily
which could also result in injury.ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsåThe yellow ESC
OFF warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.The ESC has been switched off.
Risk of accident!
When the ESC is switched off it will not stabilize the vehicle if the
system recognizes that the vehicle starts to skid or that a wheel
is spinning.XSwitch the ESC back on.
Exceptions: All models except E 63 AMG (Y page 66), E 63 AMG
( Y page 68).XIf leaving the ESC switched off, adapt your speed and driving to
the prevailing road and weather conditions.XIf the ESC cannot be switched back on: Have the system
checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.ìE 63 AMG only:
The yellow ESC
SPORT warning
lamp comes on
while the engine
is running.ESC SPORT is activated.
Risk of accident!
When ESC SPORT is activated it will only stabilize the vehicle to a
limited extent if the system recognizes that the vehicle starts to
skid or that a wheel is spinning.XSwitch the ESC SPORT off ( Y page 67).
The message ESC-ON appears in the multifunction display.308What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsä
åThe yellow ESC
warning lamp
and the yellow
ESC OFF
warning lamp
come on while
the engine is
running.The ESC is not operational due to a malfunction.
The ABS, the BAS, the BAS PLUS, the hill-start assist system, the
HOLD function, the PRE-SAFE ®
system, and the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
are also switched off.
The brake system is still functioning normally but without the
systems specified above available.
The ATTENTION ASSIST is disabled.XRead and observe additional messages that may appear in the
multifunction display.XContinue driving with added caution. Wheels may lock during
hard braking, reducing steering capability.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XHave the system checked at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
äThe yellow ESC
warning lamp
flashes while
driving.The ESC or the ETS has come into operation because of detected
traction loss in at least one tire.XWhen driving off, apply as little throttle as possible.XWhile driving, ease up on the accelerator pedal.XAdapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road and weather
conditions.XDo not deactivate the ESC.
Exceptions: All models except E 63 AMG (Y page 66), E 63 AMG
( Y page 68).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the risk of an
accident.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·The red distance
warning lamp
comes on while
driving and an
acoustic
warning sounds.You are gaining too rapidly on the vehicle ahead of you or
DISTRONIC PLUS or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has recognized a stationary
obstacle on your probable line of travel.XApply the brakes immediately.XCarefully observe the traffic situation. You may need to brake
or maneuver to avoid hitting an obstacle.What to do if …309Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 309Z

VehicleProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions8The yellow fuel
tank reserve
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.The fuel level has gone below the reserve mark.XRefuel at the next gas station.
Engine
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions;
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.There may be a malfunction in
R the fuel management system
R the ignition system (gasoline engine)
R the emission control system
R systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive emissions values and
may switch the engine to limp-home (emergency operation) mode.XHave the vehicle checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
i Some states may by law require you to visit a workshop as
soon as the engine malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check
local requirements.
;
The yellow engine
malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when
the engine is running.A loss of pressure has been detected in the fuel system. The fuel
cap may not be closed properly or the fuel system may be leaky.XCheck the fuel cap ( Y page 220).XIf it is not closed properly: Close the fuel cap.XIf it is closed properly: Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Diesel engine: Your fuel tank was driven empty.XAfter refueling, start, turn off and restart the engine three or four
times in succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You do not need to have your
vehicle checked.310What to do if …Practical hints
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running.There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently, there is a leak in the
cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric radiator fan may be
broken.XImmediately add coolant to prevent engine from overheating
( Y page 226).XHave the cooling system checked.XIf the coolant temperature is below 248‡ (120†), you can
continue driving to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.XAvoid high engine loads (e.g. driving uphill) and stop-and-go
driving.?The red coolant
temperature
warning lamp
comes on when
the engine is
running and an
acoustic
warning sounds.The coolant temperature has exceeded 248‡ (120†).XStop in a safe location as soon as possible and allow the engine
and coolant to cool down.GWarning!
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
! The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248‡
(120†). Doing so may cause serious
damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.What to do if …311Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 311Z

Version 1: Open vent screw F on
pressure gauge G (Y page 331).
Version 2: Press yellow deflate button a
located in air pump housing next to
pressure gauge G.XDrive to the nearest qualified workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
to have the damaged tire replaced.XRecommended duration of use: A
maximum of 300 miles (500 km) at 50 mph
( 80 km/h) or below with the recommended
tire inflation pressure.XContact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible to obtain a new
TIREFIT kit.XBring used TIREFIT materials to an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
proper disposal.XReplace your TIREFIT container every
4 years. Replacement containers are
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine only)
Driving the vehicle until the fuel tank is empty
is not recommended. Otherwise, air may be
sucked into the fuel system. If this happens,
the malfunction indicator lamp ; comes
on and the engine may not start immediately
after refueling the vehicle.
After refueling:
XMake sure the automatic transmission is in
park position P.
The transmission position indicator in the
multifunction display should be on P.XDo not depress the accelerator.XIf necessary, remove the KEYLESS-GO
start/stop button from the starter switch.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 2 for at least 10 seconds.XReturn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 3 and hold it there for a maximum
of 10 seconds or until the engine runs
surge-free.
If the engine does not start:
XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch
once more to position 2 for at least
10 seconds.XReturn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position 0.XTurn the SmartKey in the starter switch
once more to position 3 and hold it there
for a maximum of 10 seconds or until the
engine runs surge-free.XIf necessary, repeat the above steps.
If the engine still does not start after
3 attempts:
Do not make any further attempts to start the
engine. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or call Roadside Assistance
( Y page 210).
i When the malfunction indicator
lamp ; in the instrument cluster has
been illuminated for the above condition, it
will remain illuminated until the engine was
cycled on and off four times in a row.
AdBlue ®
(diesel engine only)
The BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment
system requires a reducing agent (AdBlue ®
)
in order to function properly. Refilling with
AdBlue ®
is part of the regular maintenance
service work. A tankful of AdBlue ®
should
suffice until the next maintenance service
under normal driving conditions.
When the AdBlue ®
tank is low, the message
Check Additive See Operator’s
Manual appears in the multifunction display.
When the AdBlue ®
level drops to the
minimum level, the message Remaining
AdBlue®
(diesel engine only)333Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 333Z

flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.GWarning!
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the risk
of acid burns in the event of an accident.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! The battery is a
Valve-Regulated Lead
Acid (VRLA) battery, also referred to as
“fleece” battery.
Such batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. VRLA batteries
therefore do not have cell caps and the
battery cover is non-removable. Do not
attempt to open the battery as otherwise
the battery will be damaged.
VRLA batteries do not require topping-up of
the electrolyte level. They cannot be
opened to check the electrolyte level.
However, the battery condition must be
checked periodically by performing a
battery conductance test. Refer to
Maintenance Booklet for battery condition
testing intervals.
The factory-equipped battery may only be
replaced with a battery that
R has the same security features
R is of identical size
R is of identical voltage
R is of identical capacity
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch or
KEYLESS-GO button is in position 1.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information.
Charging the battery
GWarning!
Never charge a battery while still installed in
the vehicle unless the accessory battery
charge unit approved by Mercedes-Benz is
being used. Gases may escape during
Battery337Practical hints212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 337Z