
1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 294
12 V socket ........................................ 292
4ETS see ETS/4ETS
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 193
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 241
Function/notes ................................ 65
Warning lamp ................................. 265
Accident (notes) ................................ 323
Active Blind Spot Assist Display message ............................ 252
Function/information ....................209
Active Driving Assistance package . 208
Active Lane Keeping Assist Display message ............................ 251
Function/information ....................211
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 245
Active multicontour seat .................. 107
Active service system see Service interval display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 71
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 246
Switching on/off ........................... 121
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 230
AdBlue ®
Adding ........................................... 167
Display message ............................ 249
Air bags
Display message ............................ 239
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................43
Pelvis air bag ................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................41
Window curtain air bag ....................43
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 138
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 140
Air filter (display message) .............. 249
Airflow Setting ........................................... 141
AIRMATIC
Function/notes ............................. 191
Suspension tuning .........................192
Vehicle level .................................. 191
AIRMATIC (display message) ............ 250
AIRMATIC (E 550 and E 550
4MATIC) .............................................. 191
Air nozzles see Air vents .................................. 144
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................143
Air vents ............................................. 144
Glove box ....................................... 144
Important safety information .........144
Rear ............................................... 145
Setting the center air vents ...........144
Setting the side air vents ...............144
Alarm system
see ATA
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 230
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 221
AMG Ride Control sports
suspension (E 63 AMG) ..................... 192
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
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Ashtray ............................................... 291
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 227
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................74
Function ........................................... 74
Switching off the alarm ....................74
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Display message ............................ 250
Function/notes ............................. 201
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 225
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 314
Automatic lane recognition
system see Lane Keeping Assist ................229
Automatic transmission
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................155
Display message ............................ 258
Driving tips .................................... 157
Emergency running mode ..............162
Kickdown ....................................... 158
Malfunction .................................... 162
Program selector button ................158
Pulling away ................................... 151
Selector lever ................................ 154
Starting .......................................... 151
B
Backrest (display message) ............. 259
Bag hook ............................................ 281
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 66
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
Plus*) .................................................... 66
Battery Charging ........................................ 340
Checking (SmartKey) .......................80
Display message ............................ 248
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 80
Jump-starting ................................. 341
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................80
Safety notes .................................. 338
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Display message ............................ 252
Function/notes ............................. 205
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
......................................... 390
Adding AdBlue ®
............................. 167
Bottle holder ...................................... 289
Brake fluid Notes ............................................. 392
Brake fluid level ................................ 312
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 244
Brakes ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 66
BAS PLUS ........................................ 66
Brake fluid (notes) .........................392
Display message ............................ 242
High-performance brake system ....174
Important safety notes ..................173
Maintenance .................................. 174
Parking brake ................................ 170
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulb
Infrared light .................................. 127
Bulbs
High-beam headlamps ...................126
Low-beam headlamps ....................126
Overview ........................................ 125
Parking lamps ................................ 126
Standing lamps (front) ...................126
Turn signals (front) ......................... 127
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........23
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
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Emergency locking ........................... 86
Emergency unlocking .......................85
Opening (from inside) ......................84
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 33
Doors
Important safety notes ....................84
Drinking and driving ......................... 172
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 159
Manual ........................................... 160
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........221
Drive program display ...................... 155
Driving abroad ................................... 177
Driving on flooded roads .................. 175
Driving safety system BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 66
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 71
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 67
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 68
Important safety information ...........65
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......65
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 71
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............66
Overview .......................................... 65
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 71
Driving system
AIRMATIC (E 550 and E 550
4MATIC) ......................................... 191
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................209
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 208
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............211
AIRMATIC ...................................... 191
AMG Ride Control sports
suspension (E 63 AMG) .................192
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................201
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 205
Cruise control ................................ 177DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 179
HOLD function ............................... 188
Lane Keeping Assist ......................207
Lane Tracking package ..................205
Night View Assist Plus ...................202
Parking Guidance ........................... 197
PARKTRONIC ................................. 194
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........190
Rear view camera .......................... 200
Driving tips ........................................ 157
Braking .......................................... 174
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 187
Downhill gradients .........................173
Driving on flooded roads ................175
Wet road surface ........................... 173
Winter ............................................ 176
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 225
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ......................... 112
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 232
EASY-EXIT feature ............................. 112
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 232
Crash-responsive ........................... 113
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................ 284
EASY-PACK folding luggage-
compartment floor ............................ 285
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ........... 284
EASY-PACK rear sill protector .......... 286
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 242
Function/notes ................................ 71
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake force
see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
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Steering wheel heatingIndicator lamp (Malfunction) ..........112
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 159
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 275
Glove box ....................................... 274
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 275
Cup holders ................................... 288
Important safety information .........274
Stowage well
Trunk floor (under) .........................285
Submenu (on-board computer)
Convenience .................................. 232
Factory setting ............................... 233
Instrument cluster .........................229
Lights ............................................. 230
Standard display ............................ 220
Vehicle ........................................... 231
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 289
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 231
Suspension tuning ............................ 192
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........221
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 74
T
Tachometer ........................................ 217
Tailgate Display message ............................ 259
Emergency unlocking .......................91
Limiting the opening angle ...............90
Tail lamps (Display message) ........... 244
Tank content Fuel gauge ....................................... 28
Technical data ................................... 384
E 350 ............................................. 393
E 350 4MATIC ................................ 394
E 350 BlueTEC ............................... 393
E 550 ............................................. 394
E 550 4MATIC ................................ 395
E 63 AMG ...................................... 395
Tires/wheels ................................. 374
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 299
Display message ............................ 235
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 299
Emergency call .............................. 296
Important safety notes ..................295
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............300
MB info call button ........................298
Remote vehicle locking ..................300
Roadside Assistance button ..........297
Self-test ......................................... 295
System .......................................... 295
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............299
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 227
Display message ............................ 260
Menu (on-board computer) ............226
Number from the phone book ........ 227
Redialing ........................................ 227
Rejecting/ending a call .................227
Telephone compartment .................. 275
Telescopic rod (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 285
Temperature Coolant .......................................... 216
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 221
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 221
Outside temperature ...................... 217
Setting ........................................... 139
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 73
Through-loading ................................ 278
Through-loading feature ................... 278
Tilt/sliding sunroof Opening/closing .............................. 97
Resetting ......................................... 97
Timer (on-board computer) .............. 222
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 327
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....357
Checking manually ........................355
Display message ............................ 255
Maximum ....................................... 360
Notes ............................................. 353
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................33016IndexBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 16

The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 65).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWarning
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 65).
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you
when braking in hazardous situations and
uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the
traffic conditions.
GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident. Personal or fatal
injury to you or others may be the result.
i This equipment has been approved by the
FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor system is intended for use in
an automotive radar system only. Removal,
tampering, or altering of the device will void
any warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with the device in any
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
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indicate that the PRE-SAFE®
Brake will not be
capable of slowing the vehicle sufficiently to
maintain the preset following distance, which
creates a danger of a collision.
Immediately brake your vehicle to increase
the distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle driving in front of you. The warning
sound is intended as a final caution that you
have not interceded with your own braking
inputs to avoid a potentially dangerous
situation. Do not wait for the operation of the
warning signal to intercede with your own
braking, as that will result in potentially
dangerous emergency braking which will not
always result in an impact being avoided.
Tailgating increases the risk of an accident.GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is a convenience
system designed to assist the driver during
vehicle operation. The responsibility for the
vehicle speed and the distance to the vehicle
ahead, including most importantly brake
operation to assure safe stopping distance,
always remains with the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is switched
on. Otherwise, you may not be able to
recognize dangerous situations until it is too
late and could cause an accident resulting in
personal or fatal injury to you or others.
i USA only: this device has been approved
by the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System".
The radar sensor system is intended for use
in an automotive radar system only.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted by the FCC. Do not tamper with
the device in any way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: this device complies with
RSS-210 from Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with the device
in any way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system,
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can detect obstacles that
are in front of your vehicle for an extended
period of time. If you approach an obstacle
and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake detects a risk of a
collision, the system will initially alert you
both visually and acoustically. If you do not
brake or steer, the vehicle will at first
automatically brake slightly. In the event of
an increased risk of a collision, PRE-SAFE ®
is
activated ( Y page 51). If the risk of collision
remains and you do not brake, take evasive
action or accelerate significantly, the vehicle
may perform automatic emergency braking.GWarning!
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake will only respond with
brake assistance if it has clearly detected an
object. Detection can be impeded by:
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake uses radar signals that
are not reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason the PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake will not react to persons,
animals, and approaching traffic or cross-
traffic.
The PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front of you, such as
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The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
GWarning!
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R visibility is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary.
You can use this function to set the
headlamps to change between low beam and
high beam automatically. The system
recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either
approaching from the opposite direction or
traveling in front of your vehicle, and
consequently switches the headlamps from
high beam to low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel.XTo activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer ( Y page 230).XTurn the light switch to c.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow :
( Y page 120).
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the _ indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If you are driving at speeds above
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If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you,
the radar sensor system must be activated
( Y page 232) and operational.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between
20 mph (Canada: 30 km/h) and
120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h). If there is a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS is
operational in the speed range between
0 mph (Canada: 0 km/h) and
120 mph (Canada: 200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS emits radar waves, it can
simulate radar detectors used by police
authorities. You can refer to the applicable
section in the Operator's Manual if there are
any questions concerning this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, tampering
with, or altering the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It does not react to pedestrians
or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize
or predict the curvature and lane layout or the
movement of preceding vehicles. The
DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum
of 40% of the vehicle's braking power.
The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such
as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver's responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. Additionally, the driver must
provide the steering, braking and other driving
inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
speed measuring systems etc. can cause the
DISTRONIC PLUS system to temporarily
cease functioning.GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed.
GWarning!
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet.
GWarning!
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to
snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance
control system functionality could be
impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
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