2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON tow bar

Only attach the side head restraint to the
intended anchor points on the rear head
restraint.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use side head restraints
which have been approved by Mercedes-Benz
for your vehicle.
Fitting side head restraints
X Slide head restraint ;upwards and posi-
tion it upright.
X Slide side head restraints Bfrom the front
to the centre of both head restraint bars
until they engage.
The right- and left-hand lock verification
indicators =must be folded in. The red
surfaces should no longer be visible.
X Make sure that side head restraint Bis
engaged in both head restraint bars.
X Slide head restraint ;downwards
(Y page 108) until it rests on the upper
edge of side head restraints B.
X Guide the seat belt through seat belt guide
A on the door side on side head restraint
B.
X Secure the child (Y page 61).
Removing the side head restraints
X Take the seat belt out of seat belt guide
A.
X Move head restraint ;upwards.
X Press left or right release button ?and pull
side head restraint Bforward to remove
it.
The left and right lock verification indica-
tors :fold out briefly.
X Adjust head restraint ;(Ypage 108).
Storing the padded table and the side
head restraints G
WARNING
Secure the ICS padded play table and the side
head restraints in the vehicle as specified; otherwise, they may come loose. In the event
of an accident, sudden braking or abrupt
change in direction, they could injure vehicle
occupants or cause damage to the vehicle.
When you are not using the ICS padded play
table and the side head restraints, store these
in a suitable place, such as the boot.
For example, on vehicles with TIREFIT, you
can store the side head restraints in the stow-
age compartment under the boot/luggage
compartment floor (Y page 305)/
(Y page 305). 64
Children in the vehicleSafety

might therefore issue steering instructions
too soon. This may lead to a collision. For this
reason, you should avoid using Parking Guid-
ance in such situations.
G
WARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
When PARKTRONIC is deactivated, Parking
Guidance is also unavailable.
Use Parking Guidance for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the directio noftravel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, i.e.
not on the pavement, for example. Parking
Guidance may not detect flat kerbs
Parking tips:
R on narrow roads, drive as closely as possi-
ble pastt he parking space.
R parking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
R snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
(Y page 201) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R when transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you must not use Parking
Guidance.
R never use Parking Guidance with snow
chains or an emergency spare wheel fitted.
R make sure that the tyre pressures are
always correct.T his hasadirec teffect on
the steering instructions.
R the way you rvehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parkin gis dependent
on various factors. These include the posi-
tion and shape of the vehicles parked in
front and behind it and the conditions of the
location. In some cases, Parking Guidance
may guide you too far or not far enough into
a parking space. In some cases, it may also lead you across or onto the kerb. If neces-
sary, cancel the parking procedure with
Parking Guidance.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as kerbs slowly and not at
a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tyres.
Detecting parking spaces Example: vehicles featuring automatic transmis-
sion with a DIRECT SELECT lever
:
Detected parking space on the left
; Parking symbol
= Detected parking space on the right
Parking Guidance is automatically activated
when you drive forwards. The system is
operational at speeds of up to approximately
35 km/h. While in operation, the system inde-
pendently locates and measures parking
spaces on both sides of the vehicle. When
driving at speeds below 30 km/h, you will see
parking symbol ;as a status indicator in the
instrument cluster.
When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right =or the left :also
appears. Parking Guidance only displays
parking spaces on the front-passenger side
as standard. Parking spaces on the driver's
side are displayed as soon as the turn signal
on the driver's side is activated. To park on
the driver's side, you must leave the driver's
side turn signal switched on until you have
engaged reverse gear. 204
Driving systemsDriving and parking

The course-correcting brake application is
available in the range between 30 km/ha nd
200 km/h.
If a course-correcting brake application
occurs, red warning lamp :flashes in the
exterio rmirro rand the following is shown in
the multifunctio ndisplay, for example: Example: vehicles featuring automatic transmis-
sion with a DIRECT SELECT lever G
WARNING
Active Blind Spot Assist is only an aid
designed to assist driving. It is not a substitute
for attentive driving. Automatic braking by the
system may not always be sufficien tto avoid
a collision. In such cases, you need to steer,
brake or accelerate yourself.
In very rare cases, the system may detect a
risk of collision where there is none and brake
in error near crash barriers or similar road
boundaries. Active Blind Spot Assist cannot
detect all traffic situations and road users.
Ensure at all times that there is sufficient lat-
eral distance between you and other road
users or obstacles. You can, for example,
countersteer gently or depress the accelera-
tor pedal at any time to cancel inappropriate
braking action.
You are responsible for the vehicle's speed,
correc tsteering and for braking in good time.
Always adap tyour driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions and
your surroundings. Otherwise, you may fail to
recognise dangers in time, cause an accident
and injure yourself and others. Either a very slight course-correcting brake
application, or none at all, may occur if:
R
there are vehicles or obstacles, e.g. crash
barriers, on both sides of your vehicle.
R a vehicle approaches too closely on the
side.
R you have adopted a sporty driving style with
high cornering speeds.
R you brake or accelerate decisively.
R a driving safety system intervenes, such as
ESP ®
or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake.
R ESP ®
is deactivated.
R a loss of tyre pressure or a defective tyre is
detected.
Activating Active Blind Spot Assist
X Make sure that the radar sensor system
(Y page 247) and Active Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 242) are activated in the on-board
computer.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
Warning lamps :in the exterior mirrors
light up red for approximately
1.5 seconds and then turn yellow.
Trailer towing
If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting. Active Blind Spot Assist is
then deactivated. The indicator lamp in the
exterior mirrors lights up yellow, and the
Active Blind Spot Assist currently unavailable See Owner's Manual mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display.
Active Lane Keeping Assist Important safety notes
Active Lane Keeping Assist monitors the area
in front of your vehicle by means of a camera
mounted at the top of the windscreen. Active
Lane Keeping Assist detect slane markings on
the road and warns you before you leave your
lane unintentionally. If you do no treact to the 218
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Active Lane Keeping Assist does not detect
road and traffic conditions. An inappropriate
brake applicatio nmay be interrupted at any
time if:
R you steer slightly in th eopposite direction.
R you use a turn signal.
R you clearly brake or accelerate.
Al ane-correcting brake applicatio nis inter-
rupted automatically if:
R a driving safety system intervenes, such as
ESP ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake or Active Blind
Spot Assist.
R lane markings can no longer be recognised.
Activating Active Lane Keeping Assist Example: vehicles featuring automatic transmis-
sion with a DIRECT SELECT lever
X Activate Active Lane Keeping Assist using
the on-board computer (Y page 242).
Symbol :appears in the multifunction
display.
If you drive at speeds above 60 km/h and
lane markings are detected, symbol :is
highlighted. Active Lane Keeping Assist is
ready for use.
Trailer towing
If you attach a trailer, make sure that you have
correctly established the electrical connec-
tion. This can be accomplished by checking
the trailer lighting. Towing
atrailer Notes on towing
atrailer
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully .If
you do no tcouple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached.
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
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer. Towing
atrailer
221Driving an d parking
Z

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 strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
As a result, the handling characteristics may
be impaired and you may lose control of the
vehicle. This could lead to an accident with
serious or even fatal injuries.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your
speed to the current road and weather con-
ditions. Do not exceed the maximum permis-
sible speed for your vehicle/trailer combina-
tion. 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. G
WARNING
If you exceed the maximum noseweight when
using a carrier system on the ball coupling:
R the carrier system may be thrown around.
R the ball coupling and the carrier system
may become detached from the vehicle.
As a result, you may injure others or cause an
accident.
Do not exceed the maximum noseweight.
When driving with a loaded carrier system,
always adjust your driving style to the prevail- ing road, traffic and weather conditions and
drive particularly carefully.
You can use carrier systems, e.g. bicycle
racks or load-bearing implements, on the ball
coupling. The maximum noseweight of
75 kg applies when using carrier systems on
the ball coupling.
General notes i
When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap (Y page 365).
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 395).
The maximum noseweight of the trailer draw-
bar on the ball coupling is 84 kg 21
. However,
the actual noseweight must not exceed the
value given on the trailer tow hitch or trailer
identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a drawbar noseweight as close as
possible to the maximum permissible nose-
weight. Do not use a noseweight of less
than 50kg, otherwise the trailer may come
loose.
Note that the payload and the rear axle load
are reduced by the actual payload.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC (Y page 200), parking guidance
(Y page 203) and Blind Spot Assist
(Y page 212) are only available with limita-
tions, or not at all.
i On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
21 Missing values for the E300 model were not available at the time of going to print. 222
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

Saloon
Estate
X
To open the cover (Saloon): push down
luggage net ;.
X Turn handle :anti-clockwise and fold
dow ncover =.
X To open the cover (Estate): pull han-
dle :in the direction of the arrow and fold
down cover ;. X
Grip release wheel ;so that your thumb
lies on the thumb rest.
X Turn release wheel ;anti-clockwise until
the ball coupling releases and folds out from under the rear bumper. Indicator
lamp
:flashes. X
Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
Indicator lamp :goes out.
The multifunction display shows the
Check trailer hitch lock message
until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective covering from the
ball coupling and store it in a safe place.
X Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling
is clean and that it is either greased or dry
(grease free), depending on the instruc-
tions for the trailer.
The power socket is integrated in the ball
coupling. Coupling up a trailer
G
WARNING
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer. 224
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

X
Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check tha tthe trailer lighting system is
working. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
As soon as you raise the trailer drawbar, the
unladen vehicle rises slightly. The vehicle then
lowers to driving level.
Make sure tha tnobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody. You could oth-
erwise trap yourself or others. G
WARNING
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. Make sure that nobody
is in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the
underbody. You could otherwise trap yourself
or others.
As soon as you decouple the trailer, the unla-
den vehicle rises slightly. Make sure that you
or others are not injured in the process.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Folding in the ball coupling
i Fold the ball coupling back in if you are
not using the trailer tow hitch. G
WARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the pivoting range of the ball coupling. Other-
wise, they could be injured. X
Place the protective cap on the ball cou-
pling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage
compartment. Saloon
Estate
X
To open the cover (Saloon): push down
luggage net ;.
X Turn handle :anti-clockwise and fold
down cover =.
X To open the cover (Estate): pull han-
dle :in the direction of the arrow and fold
down cover ;. Towing
atrailer
225Driving an d parking Z

X
Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the key from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: openthe
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the key having been
removed.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 155).
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Place the warning triangle (Y page 336) a
suitable distance away.O bserve legal
requirements. TIREFIT kit
Using the TIREFIT kit TIREFIT is a tyre sealant.
You can use TIREFIT to seal punctures of up
to 4 mm, particularly those in the tyre tread.
You can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures
down to
Ò20 †. G
WARNING
In the following situations, the tyre sealant is
unable to provide sufficient breakdown assis-
tance, as it is unable to seal the tyre properly:
R there are cuts or punctures in the tyre
larger than those mentioned above.
R the wheel rim is damaged.
R you have driven at very low tyre pressures
or on a flat tyre.
There is a risk of accident.
Do not drive any further. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Do not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tyre, e.g. screws or
nails.
X Remove the tyre sealant bottle, the accom-
panying "max. 80 km/h" sticker and the
tyre inflation compressor from the stowage
well underneath the boot floor/luggage
compartment floor (Y page 337). X
Affix part :of the sticker within the driv-
er's field of vision.
X Affix part ;of the sticker near the valve
on the wheel with the defective tyre. G
WARNING
The tyre sealant is harmful and causes irrita-
tion. It must not come into contact with your
skin, eyes or clothing or be swallowed. Do not
inhale TIREFIT fumes. Keep tyre sealant away
from children. There is a risk of injury. Flat tyre
341Breakdown assistance
Z