2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CABRIOLET brakes

Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-
cle documents.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section. G
WARNING
If the Check trailer hitch locking mechanism message appears in the multi-
function display while the vehicle is in motion,
pull over immediately and check whether the
ball coupling is correctly engaged. G
WARNING
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds
are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent. G
WARNING
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. G
WARNING
On no account should you attempt to draw the
vehicle/trailer combination out by increasing
speed. General information i
When towing atrailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for am aximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 321).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 343).
The maximum permissible trailer drawbar
noseweight on the ball coupling is 75 kg.
However, the actual noseweight must not
exceed the value given on the trailer tow hitch
and trailer identification plates. The lowest
weight applies.
! Use anoseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use anoseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
Please note that when towing atrailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 185) and parking guidance
(Y page 189) are only available with limita-
tions, or not at all.
i The height of the ball coupling changes
with the load of the vehicle. If necessary,
use atrailer with aheight-adjustable draw-
bar.
Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 65).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer, and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. In some countries, higher maxi-
mum speeds are permissible for vehicle/
trailer combinations. Before beginning the
journey, check the trailer's documents to see
what the maximum permitted speed is.
For certain Mercedes-Ben zvehicles, the max-
imum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing atrailer. Refer to the "Technical Trailer towing
205Driving and parking Z

data" section to find out whether this applies
to your vehicle. If you utilise any of the added
maximum rear axle load when towin gatrailer,
the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed amaximum speed of 100 km/ hfor
reasons concerning the operatin gpermit.
This also applies in countries in which the
permissible maximum speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations is above 100 km/h.
When towin gatrailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristic swill be differen tincomparison
to when driving without atrailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strongc rosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients, you
must shift to alower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission, select
the shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, SPEEDTRONIC or DIS-
TRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevent sthe brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously.
Driving tips R
Maintain agreater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from astandstill refer to sea level. When driving in mountainous areas,
notet hat the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude.
If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not counter-steer.
X Brake if necessary. Folding out the ball coupling
Before you can tow atrailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot. G
WARNING
Make sure that the ball coupling is engaged,
either in its folded-out or folded-in position,
and that the indicator lamp is off.
Do not turn the release wheel when atrailer
is coupled up. Otherwise, the trailer might
detach. X
To open the cover: turn handle:anti-
clockwise and fold down cover ;.206
Trailer towingDriving and parking

Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. aring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for afew minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up. Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, following acar wash, drive with
particular care until the brakes are dry. G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function and DISTRONIC PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an auto-
matic car wash.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
! We recommend automatic car washes
with an adjustable 21
high-pressure pre-
cleaning program. In car washes that use
high water pressures, there is adanger that
as mall quantity of water may leak into the
vehicle.
! Cabriolet: do not treat the vehicle with
hot wax under any circumstances.
! Cabriolet: pull the key out of the ignition
lock when washing the vehicle. This
ensures that the wind deflector on the
windscreen is retracted. The wind deflector
may otherwise be damaged.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in atow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damagedift he transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof or
soft top are closed completely.
R the blowerf or the ventilation/heatin gis
switched off (OFF button is depressed).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen.
21 In accordanc ewith the specification sfor Cabriolet programs. 286
CareMaintenance and care

Vehicl
emodel Capacity including
oilf ilter 39 E2
0040
E2 5040 5.5 l
E3
0040
E3 5040
E2 20 CDI 40
E2 50 CDI 40 6.5 l
E3
50 CDI 40 8.0 l
E5
0040 Additives
!
Do not us eaddit ivesine ngine oil. This
could damag ethe engine.
Engine oi lviscosity Viscosity describe
sthe flo wcharacteristics
of afluid .Ifane ngine oi lhas ah ighv iscosity,
thi sm eans tha titisthick;alow viscosity
means that it is thin.
Engine oil selection is based on the respective
outside temperatures and in accordance with
the SAE classification (viscosity). The table
below shows you which SAE classifications
are to be used. The low-temperature proper-
ties of engine oils can be significantly
impaired during operation due to, for exam-
ple, ageing or soot and fuel accretion. It is
therefore strongly recommended to observe
regularo il changes using an approved engine
oil with the appropriate SA Eclassification. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
The brak efluid constantly absorb smoisture
fro mt he air; this lowers its boiling point.
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapour pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change inter-
vals can be found in the Service Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz.I nformation about approved brake flu-
ids can be obtained from any Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
i There is usually anotic eint he engine
compartmenttor emind you when the next
brake fluid change is due.
39 Missing values were not availabl eattime of going to print.
40 BlueEFFICIENCY. 336
Service product
sand capacitiesTechnical data