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
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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
Air pressure ................................... 229
Care and maintenance ...................242
Cleaning ......................................... 243
Direction of rotation, spinning .......241
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 230
Inflation pressure ........................... 231
Information placard .......................237
Inspection ...................................... 242
Labeling ......................................... 245
Load index ............................. 246, 250
Load rating .................................... 250
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 284, 304
MOExtended .................................. 353
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 251
Problems under-/overinflation ......231
Retreads ........................................ 228
Rims and tires (technical data) ......353
Rotation ......................................... 244
Service life ..................................... 242
Sizes .............................................. 353
Snow chains .................................. 252
Speed rating .......................... 247, 251
Storing ........................................... 243
Temperature .......................... 230, 244
Terminology ................................... 249
TIREFIT (tire repair kit) ...................329
Tire Identification Number .............251
Tire pressure loss warning system . 232
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................312
Traction ................................. 244, 251
Tread ............................................. 251
Tread depth ........................... 242, 252
Treadwear ...................................... 243
Treadwear indicators .............242, 252
Vehicle maximum load on ..............252
Wear pattern .................................. 244
Winter tires ............................ 252, 353
Tire speed rating ....................... 247, 251
Top tether see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 251
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 341
Vehicle ........................................... 340Towing eye bolt ................................. 341
Traction ...................................... 244, 251
Transfer case ..................................... 124
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 226
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 118
Traveling abroad ............................... 257
Tread (tires) ....................................... 251
Tread depth (tires) .................... 242, 252
Treadwear .......................................... 243
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 242, 252
Trip menu ........................................... 129
Trunk
Closing ............................................. 82
Fuse box ........................................ 343
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Opening ........................................... 82
Opening/closing system .................. 83
Tie-down rings ............................... 199
Trunk lid emergency release ............84
Unlocking manually .......................315
Valet locking .................................... 85
Turning off the engine ...................... 113
Turn signals ....................................... 100
Cleaning lenses ............................. 262
Indicator lamps ................................ 29
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 303
Replacing bulbs ............................. 319
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 243, 252
Units
Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 141
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 362
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 77
Manually ........................................ 314
SmartKey ......................................... 76
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 266
Useful features .................................. 203
18Index212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 18
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
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notesGWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABSGObserve Safety notes, see page 62.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.62Driving safety systemsSafety and security
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XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
The hill-start assist system is inactive
R when starting off on a level road or downhill
grades
R with the automatic transmission in neutral
position N
R with the parking brake engaged
R if the ESC has switched off due to a
malfunction
All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
In vehicles with all-wheel drive (4MATIC),
both axles are powered at all times when the
vehicle is being operated. The 4MATIC
improves traction in conjunction with the ESC
( Y page 65) and the Electronic Traction
System (ETS/4-ETS) ( Y page 65).
GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so
could damage the transfer case, which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. All wheels must be on or off the
ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 252) or
snow chains as required.
HOLD function
The HOLD function can assist you
R when driving off, especially on steep slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
Upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the
braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function is deactivated.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function when
R the vehicle is stationary
R the engine is running
R your seat belt is fastened or the driver’s
door is closed
R the parking brake is released
R the hood is closed
R the automatic transmission is in neutral
position N, drive position D, or reverse gear
R
R the DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated
( Y page 156)
Driving systems161Controls in detail212_AKB; 2; 41, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-17T09:14:21+02:00 - Seite 161Z
Vehicle equipment ............................220
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......220
At the gas station .............................220
Engine compartment ........................223
Tires and wheels ...............................228
Winter driving ...................................252
Driving instructions ..........................254
Maintenance ......................................258
Vehicle care .......................................260
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The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
R When replacing individual tires, you should
mount new tires on the front wheels first
(on vehicles with same-sized wheels all
around).
228Tires and wheelsOperation
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