Symbols
Trademarks:
R BabySmart TM
is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.
R Bluetooth ®
is a registered trademark of
Bluetooth SIG Inc.
R HomeLink ®
is a registered trademark of
Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is a registered trademark of
Daimler.
R SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks
of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc.
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:GWarning!
Warning notices draw your attention to
hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
! Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
XThis symbol points to instructions
for you to follow.XA number of these symbols
appearing in succession indicates
a multiple-step procedure.Y pageThis symbol tells you where to look
for further information on a topic.YYThis continuation symbol marks a
warning or procedure which is
continued on the next page.DisplayText in displays, such as the control
system, are printed in the type
shown here.212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 2
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
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 295
Temperature gauge ........................ 125
Warning lamp ................................. 311
Corner-illuminating lamps ................ 102
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
Cruise control .................................... 146
Activating ....................................... 147
Canceling ....................................... 147
Changing the set speed .................148
Last stored speed ..........................148
Lever .............................................. 147
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 279
Resume function ............................ 148
Setting current speed ....................147
Cup holders ........................................ 203
Curb weight ....................................... 250
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23
D
Damping system ............................... 163
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 23
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 98
Switching on or off ......................... 141
Deep water
see Standing water
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......189
Rear window .................................. 191
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 142
Interior lighting .............................. 143
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Diesel fuel
see Fuel
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 112
With starting .................................. 110
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 241
Displays
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 151
Maintenance service indicator .......258
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 272
Multifunction display .....................128
Symbol messages ..........................287
Text messages ............................... 274
Trip computer ................................ 129
Vehicle status message memory ...139
Vehicle system settings .................139
DISTRONIC PLUS ............................... 149
Cleaning system sensors ...............263
Displaying the distance graphic .....152
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 151
Distance warning lamp ..........151, 309
Driving ........................................... 154
Driving with .................................... 157
Lever .............................................. 153
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 280
Resume function ............................ 156
Sensor cover .................................. 263
Speed settings ............................... 155
Stopping ........................................ 155
Door control panel .............................. 34
Door handles ........................................ 34
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 60
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...77
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........76
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Opening from inside ......................... 80
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 212
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......211
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........314
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 250
Drinking and driving ......................... 254
Drive-dynamic multicontour seat ...... 91
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 257
Hydroplaning ................................. 257
Instructions ........................... 109, 254
In winter ........................................ 253
Problems ....................................... 112Index7212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 7
Generatorsee Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 201
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 250
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 250
H
Halogen headlamps see Headlamps
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 265
Hazard warning flasher .................... 101
Headlamp cleaning system .............. 102
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps .............97
Adaptive Highbeam Assist .............100
Automatic headlamp mode ..............98
Bi-Xenon .................................. 97, 319
Cleaning lenses ............................. 262
Cleaning system ............................ 102
Daytime running lamp mode ............98
Delayed shut-off ............................ 142
Halogen ......................................... 319
High-beam flasher .........................101
High-beam headlamps ...................100
Low-beam headlamps ......................98
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 299
Replacing bulbs ............................. 318
Switch .............................................. 97
Headliner and shelf below rear
window, cleaning and care of .......... 266
Head restraints .................................... 87
Adjustment ................................ 87, 89
Comfort head restraint ....................89
Folding back .................................... 89
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints ......................................... 54
Rear seat head restraints ................. 89
Heated steering wheel ........................ 94
Height adjustment
Seat belt outlet ................................ 51
Seats ............................................... 87
Vehicle level control ......................163
High-beam flasher ............................. 101
High-beam headlamps .............. 100, 319
Adaptive Highbeam Assist .............100
Indicator lamp .................................. 29
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
High-performance brake system ..... 256
Hill-start assist system ..................... 160
HOLD function ................................... 161
Hood ................................................... 223
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Hydroplaning ..................................... 257
I
Identification labels .......................... 346
Identification number, vehicle
(VIN) ................................................... 346
Ignition ................................... 85, 86, 110
Immobilizer .......................................... 71
Indicator lamps see Lamps, indicator and warning
Infant and child restraint systems
see Children in the vehicle
Inflation pressure
see Tires, Inflation pressure
Inside door handle .............................. 80
Instrument cluster ...................... 28, 125
Illumination .................................... 125
Lamps ............................................ 304
Multifunction display .....................128
Instrument lighting
see Instrument cluster, Illumination
Instrument panel
see Instrument cluster
Instruments and controls
see Cockpit
Interior lighting
Delayed shut-off ............................ 143
Emergency lighting ........................103
Front .............................................. 103
Front reading lamps .......................103
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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
Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and pre-
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding that
we reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment. Therefore,
information, illustrations, and descriptions in
this Operator’s Manual might differ from your
vehicle.
Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating particular equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are special-
order items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
20Introduction212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 20
The ETDs for the rear outer seats will activate
with or without the respective seat belts
fastened.
In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the
seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit
more snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, are employed to
help reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belts on occupants during a crash.
i The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat
position or incorrectly worn seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull occupants back
toward the seat backrest.GWarning!
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The PRE-SAFE ®
system has electrically
operated reversible pre-tensioners that do
not require replacement after activation.
Automatic comfort-fit feature seat belt
An automatic comfort-fit feature for the front
seats reduces the retracting force of the seat
belts when they are in normal use.
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-
SAFE ®
)
GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
system is intended to reduce
the effects of an accident on vehicle
occupants who are wearing their seat belt
properly. Despite your vehicle being equipped
with the PRE-SAFE ®
system, the possibility of
personal injuries occurring as a result of an
accident cannot be eliminated. Therefore,
always drive carefully and adjust your driving
to the prevailing road, weather, and traffic
conditions.
The PRE-SAFE ®
system takes preventive
measures to better protect the occupants
from the possibility of personal injuries in the
following hazardous situations:
R emergency braking situations, e.g. if the
Brake Assist System (BAS) ( Y page 63) is
activated
or when
vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS:
the BAS PLUS ( Y page 63) or the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 69) is strongly
engaging
R when the radar sensors recognize the
immediate risk of collision in certain
situations (vehicles with DISTRONIC PLUS)
R critical dynamic driving situations, e.g.
when the vehicle has been caused to
understeer or oversteer because it has
exceeded its physical limitations or in case
of evasive steering maneuvers at speeds
above approximately 85 mph (140 km/h)
The PRE-SAFE ®
system takes the following
measures when it is activated:
R The front seat belts are pre-tensioned
automatically.
R If the front passenger seat is in an
unfavorable position, the seat will be
adjusted to a position that seeks to better
protect the occupant.
R The system increases the air pressure in
the air pockets (on the sides of the seat
cushion and backrest) of the drive-dynamic
multicontour front seats.
R If the vehicle is in a critical dynamic driving
situation, the door windows and the tilt/
sliding sunroof or panorama roof with tilt/
sliding panel also closes, except for a
minimal gap that remains open.
If the closing procedure of any of these
elements is blocked, it will stop and open
slightly.
Once the hazardous situation no longer exists
and an accident has been avoided, the PRE-
SAFE ®
system loosens the seat belt pre-Occupant safety53Safety and security212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 53Z
tension and decreases the air pressure in the
air pockets of the drive-dynamic multicontour
front seats. All of the PRE-SAFE ®
system
settings can be re-adjusted following the
critical driving event.
If the seat belts do not release:XAdjust the seat backrest or seat slightly to
the rear until the seat belt tension is
reduced.
The locking mechanism releases.
! When moving the seats, make sure there
are no items in the footwell or behind the
seats. Otherwise, you could damage the
seats and/or the items.
For information on the seat belt adjustment
function as an integrated comfort feature of
the PRE-SAFE ®
system, see ( Y page 51).
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints
The NECK-PRO active front head restraints
are intended to offer the driver and front
passenger increased protection from
whiplash-type injuries. In the event of a rear-
end collision, the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints are designed to move forward and
up in the direction of travel. They thus provide
the head with increased support earlier on in
the collision sequence. The NECK-PRO active
front head restraints will move forward and
up whether the seats are occupied or not.
GWarning!
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the
head restraint posts. Otherwise, the NECK-
PRO active front head restraints may not be
able to function properly or offer the intended
degree of protection they were designed for
in the event of a rear-end collision.
GWarning!
Only use seat or head restraint covers which
have been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers may
interfere with or prevent the activation of the
NECK-PRO active front head restraints and/
or the deployment of the front side impact air
bags or pelvis air bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
When the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints have been triggered in an accident,
the NECK-PRO active front head restraints
must be reset. Otherwise, the NECK-PRO
active front head restraints cannot offer any
additional protection in the event of another
rear-end collision.
For information on resetting the activated
NECK-PRO active front head restraints, see
“Resetting activated head restraints”
( Y page 316).
You cannot remove the NECK-PRO active
front head restraints.GWarning!
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
For information on head restraint adjustment,
see “Head restraint height” ( Y page 89), or
see “Head restraint fore and aft adjustment”
( Y page 89).
Correct driver seat adjustment
GWarning!
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control the following must be done before the
vehicle is put into motion:
R seat adjustment
R head restraint adjustment
54Occupant safetySafety and security
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