
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

ATTENTION ASSIST ........................... 178
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 292
Switching on or off ......................... 138
Audio menu ........................................ 134
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 95
Automatic central locking .......... 80, 144
Automatic climate control see Climate control system
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 98
Automatic interior lighting control .. 103
Automatic locking when driving ...... 144
Automatic shift program .................. 120
Automatic transmission ................... 114
Automatic shift program ................120
Gear range indicator ......................120
Gear ranges ................................... 120
Gear selector lever ........................115
Hill-start assist system ..................160
Kickdown ....................................... 119
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..124
Manual shift program ..................... 122
One-touch gearshifting ..................121
Program mode indicator ................121
Program mode selector dial
(E 63 AMG) ............................ 121, 123
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............120
Shifting procedure .........................118
Steering wheel gearshift control ....122
Transmission position indicator .....118
Transmission positions ..................118
AUX socket ........................................ 201
Axle oils .............................................. 360
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............46
Self-test ........................................... 47
Backrest
see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 300
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 250
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 63
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 63
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................79
Replacing ....................................... 317
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 336
Charging ........................................ 337
Jump starting ................................. 338
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 284, 297
Bead (tire) .......................................... 250
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bleeding the fuel system (diesel
engine) ............................................... 333
Blind Spot Assist ............................... 175
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 281
Switching on or off ......................... 138
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
tank ................................. 333
Brake Assist System
see BAS
Brake Assist System PLUS
see BAS PLUS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 227
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 289
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 262
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 287
Brakes ................................................ 254
Ceramic brake system ...................256
High-performance brake system ....256
Parking brake ................................ 113
Warning lamp ................................. 305
Break-in period .................................. 220
Bug cover (Radiator) ......................... 224
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs Index5212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 5

C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 23
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 21
Calls (phone) ...................................... 135
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 359
Cargo tie-down rings ......................... 199
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 266
Center console ..................................... 32
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 80, 144
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 77
Locking/unlocking from inside ........81
SmartKey ......................................... 76
Central locking/unlocking switch ..... 81
Ceramic brake system ...................... 256
Certification label .............................. 346
Children in the vehicle
Air bags ........................................... 37
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation
system ............................................. 46
Child safety locks (rear doors) .........60
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) ........................................... 59
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (Canada only) .........46
Indicator lamp, front passenger
front air bag off (USA only) ..............43
Infant and child restraint systems .... 56
ISOFIX (Child seat anchors –
LATCH-type) ..................................... 59
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 43
Override switch ................................ 60
Safety notes ..................................... 56
Tether anchorage points ..................58
Top tether ........................................ 58
Child safety
see Children in the vehicle
Child seat anchors – LATCH-type
(ISOFIX) see Children in the vehicle
Chrome-plated exhaust tip,
cleaning .............................................. 266Cigarette lighter ................................ 206
Climate control see Climate control system
Climate control system .................... 180
Air conditioning ............................. 185
Air conditioning refrigerant ............362
Air distribution ............................... 189
Air recirculation mode ...................190
Air volume ..................................... 189
Automatic mode ............................ 186
Deactivating system ......................185
Front defroster .............................. 189
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ........190
Residual heat and ventilation .........191
Temperature .................................. 186
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Cold tire inflation pressure .............. 250
Collapsible wheel chock ................... 270
COMAND system see separate COMAND system
operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 100
Compass ............................................ 216
Control system .................................. 126
Multifunction display .....................128
Multifunction steering wheel .........126
Resetting to factory settings ..........139
Control system menus ...................... 129
AMG ............................................... 131
Assistance ..................................... 137
Audio ............................................. 134
Navi ............................................... 134
Service ........................................... 138
Settings ......................................... 139
Telephone ...................................... 135
Trip ................................................ 129
Control system submenus
Convenience .................................. 145
Instrument cluster .........................140
Lighting .......................................... 141
Vehicle ........................................... 144
Convenience submenu
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 145
Seat belt adjustment function .......145
Coolant
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ...............365
Capacities ...................................... 361
Checking level ............................... 2266Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 6

Program mode selector dial (E 63 AMG)
Automatic shift program ........121, 123
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ................120
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 251
R
RACE START (E 63 AMG) ................... 159
RACETIMER ........................................ 132
Radar sensors
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 282
Switching on or off ......................... 144
Radiator ..................................... 224, 252
Radio
Selecting stations ..........................134
Radio transmitters ............................ 257
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 360
Rear center console ashtray see Ashtrays
Rear center seat belt
Unblocking ....................................... 51
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 60
Rear fog lamp
see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Rear view camera .............................. 171
Cleaning the camera lens ..............263
Rear window defroster ..................... 191
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 229, 251
Refilling
AdBlue ®
......................................... 334
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 362
Refueling ............................................ 220
Regular checks .................................. 222
Reminder, Seat belt
see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ............. 212
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 211
Replacing
Key .................................................. 80
Replacing bulbs ................................. 318
Reporting safety defects .................... 23
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 298
Warning lamp ................................. 310
Restraint systems
see Occupant safety
Retaining hook .................................. 199
Rims ........................................... 251, 353
Roadside Assistance ................... 21, 210
Roller sunblinds ................................. 194
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 363
Roof rack ............................................ 198
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 265
Run-flat tires see MOExtended tires
S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................61
Occupant safety ............................... 36
Reporting defects ............................ 23
Safety belts
see Seat belts
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 52
Seat belts ............................................. 48
Adjustment function ........................51
Automatic comfort-fit feature ..........53
Children in the vehicle .....................56
Cleaning ......................................... 266
Fastening ......................................... 50
Height adjustment ...........................51
Proper use of ................................... 49
Rear center seat .............................. 51
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Index15212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 15

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
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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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Shifting procedure
The automatic transmission selects individual
gears automatically, depending onRthe selected gear range (Y page 120)
Rthe selected program mode:
C/S (Y page 120)
or
M (E 63 AMG only) (Y page 122)
Rthe position of the accelerator pedal
Rthe vehicle speed
With drive position D selected, you can
influence transmission shifting by
Rlimiting the gear range
Rextending the gear range
Rchanging the gears manually (E 63 AMG
only)
E 63 AMG: Double-clutching is active when
downshifting in all program modes. Double-
clutching reduces load-alteration effects and
supports sporty driving. The degree to which
you perceive double-clutching acoustically
varies depending on the selected program
mode.
Transmission positions
The current transmission position appears in
the multifunction display.
All models except E 63 AMG
:Transmission position indicator
E 63 AMG
:Transmission position indicator
If the current transmission position does not
appear in the multifunction display due to a
malfunction, for example, make sure that the
automatic transmission is in the desired
position.
XShift the automatic transmission into drive
position D.
XSelect automatic program mode C.XDo not limit the gear range.XDrive off carefully.118Automatic transmissionControls in detail
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Rocking the vehicle
Rocking the vehicle by shifting the automatic
transmission directly between drive position
D and reverse gear R can help free a vehicle
stuck in mud or snow. The engine control
system of this vehicle electronically limits
directly shifting the automatic transmission
between drive position D and reverse gear R
to very low speeds, i.e. approximately 5 mph
(9 km/h). To shift the automatic transmission
directly between drive position D and reverse
gear R, move the gear selector lever up or
down past the resistance point.
Working on the vehicle
GWarning!
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Gear ranges
With the automatic transmission in drive
position D, you can limit or extend the gear
range, see “One-touch gearshifting”
(Y page 121).
The current gear range appears in the
multifunction display.
All models except E 63 AMG
:Gear range indicator The current gear range appears in the
multifunction display.
E 63 AMG
:Gear range indicatorEffect=With this selection you can use the
braking effect of the engine.
5Allows the use of the engine’s
braking effect when driving
Ron steep downgrades
Rin mountainous regions
Runder extreme operating
conditions
4For maximum use of the engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.
Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch on all modelsexcept E 63 AMG
C ComfortFor comfort drivingS SportFor sporty driving120Automatic transmissionControls in detail
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