2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E300 BLUETEC Back seat

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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P
Paint code number ............................ 385
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 316
Panic alarm .......................................... 64
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing .............................. 97
Resetting ......................................... 98
Parking ............................................... 169
Parking aid Parking Guidance ........................... 197
PARKTRONIC ................................. 194
Rear view camera .......................... 200
Parking brake .................................... 170
Parking Guidance .............................. 197
Display message ............................ 252
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 245
Parking position Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 114
PARKTRONIC
Activating/deactivating .................196
Function/notes ............................. 194
Malfunction .................................... 197
Problem ......................................... 197
Range of the sensors .....................194
Warning display ............................. 195
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only Canada) ............................. 48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only USA) ................................... 43
Pedals ................................................. 172
Permanent display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 230
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC
Plastic hooks ..................................... 280
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 319
Power washers .................................. 315
Power windows see Side windows
Pre-emptive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
system PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Function/notes ................................ 71
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Display message ............................ 236
Warning lamp ................................. 270
PRE-SAFE ®
system
Display message ............................ 235
Operation ......................................... 51
Product information ............................ 20
Program selector ............................... 158
Program selector button .................. 158
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................151
R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ............. 190
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 222
Radar sensor system Display message ............................ 251
Radar sensor system (on-board
computer) .......................................... 232
Radiator cover ................................... 309
Radio Changing stations (on-board
computer) ...................................... 225
see separate operating instructions
Range (on-board computer) ............. 220
Rear axle level control ...................... 192
Rear compartment Setting the airflow .........................141
Setting the air vents ......................145
Setting the temperature ................140
Rear fog lamp (display message) ..... 244
Rear seat backrest Display message ............................ 259
Folding forwards/back ..................278
Rear seat backrest (display
message) ............................................ 259
Rear sill protector ............................. 286
Rear view camera Function/notes ............................. 200
Rear view camera (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 318
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GWarning
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction if the 6 SRS warning lamp:
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out approximately 4 seconds
after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly
recommends that you have the system
checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise the SRS
may not be activated when it is needed in an
accident, which could result in serious or fatal
injury. The SRS might also deploy
unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could
also result in injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates
a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment. Work
on the SRS must therefore only be performed
by qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for details. USA only: Call our Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags
GWarning
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check your national disposal
guidelines. California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced. PRE-
SAFE ®
has electrically operated reversible
belt tensioners in addition to the
pyrotechnic ETDs.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. to the:
- padded steering wheel boss
- knee bag covers
- front-passenger air bag cover
- outer side of front seat bolsters
- side trim next to the rear seat backrest
- roof lining trim
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.Occupant safety37SafetyBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 37Z

RNever place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only be
performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz
strongly recommends that you inform the
subsequent owner that the vehicle is
equipped with SRS. Also refer them to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags
Important safety notes
GWarning
Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence
of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:
R frontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags and driver's knee
bag)
R side impacts (side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags and pelvis air bags)
R rollover (window curtain air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
When the air bags are deployed, a small
amount of powder is released. The powder
generally does not constitute a health hazard
and does not indicate that there is a fire in the
vehicle. In order to prevent potential
breathing difficulties, you should leave the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have any breathing difficulty but cannot get
out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or
door.GWarning
To reduce the risk of injuries during front air
bag inflation, the driver and front-passenger
must always be seated correctly and have
their seat belts fastened accordingly.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision, you must always be in the normal
seat position with your back against the
backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure
that it is correctly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
38Occupant safetySafety
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ROnly hold the steering wheel by the rim.
Placing hands and arms inside the rim can
increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury when the driver front air
bag inflates.
R Adjust the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible from the dashboard when the
seat is occupied.
R Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
child restraint, infant restraint or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child.
R Canada only: children under 12 years may
only sit in the front-passenger seat if they
are seated in a child restraint system which
is compatible with BabySmart™ and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. If the child
restraint system is installed properly, the
front-passenger front air bag is deactivated
in conjunction with the BabySmart™
system installed in the vehicle. Otherwise,
the child could be struck by the air bag
when it inflates in a crash. This could lead
to serious or fatal injuries.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual.GWarning
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
A side impact air bag related injury may occur
if occupants, especially children, are not
properly seated or restrained when next to a
side impact air bag which needs to deploy
rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:(1)Always sit as upright as possible
and use the seat belts properly.
Make sure that children 12 years
old and under use an appropriately
sized child restraint, infant
restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and
weight of the child.(2)Always wear seat belts properly.
The air bags are only deployed if the airbag
control unit detects the need for deployment.
Only in the event of such a situation will they
provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear
their seat belts. Otherwise, it is not possible
for the air bags to provide their supplemental
protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and
impacts below air bag deployment
thresholds, air bags will not deploy. The driver
and passengers will then be protected to the
extent possible by a properly fastened seat
belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Air bags offer supplemental protection but
are not a substitute for seat belts. All vehicle
occupants must fasten their seat belts
regardless of whether your vehicle is
equipped with airbags or not.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air
bags continue to perform their protective
function for the vehicle occupants in the
event of a crash.
Front air bags
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 38).
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Window curtain air bagsGWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
(Y page 38).
The window curtain air bags enhance the level
of protection for the head (but not chest or
arms) of the vehicle occupants on the side of
the vehicle on which the impact occurs.
The window curtain air bags are integrated
into the side of the roof frame and deploy in
the area extending from the front door (A-
pillar) to the rear door (C-pillar).
Example: Sedan
Window curtain air bags : are deployed:
Ron the side on which an impact occurs
Rat the start of an accident with a high rate
of lateral vehicle deceleration or
acceleration, e.g. in a side impact
Rregardless of whether the front-passenger
seat is occupied
Rindependently of seat belt use
Rif the vehicle overturns and the system
determines that window curtain air bag
deployment can offer additional protection
to that provided by the seat belt
Rindependently of the front air bags
Window curtain air bags : will not deploy in
impacts with deceleration rates which do not
exceed the system’s preset deployment
thresholds for vehicle deceleration or
acceleration. You will then be protected by
the seat belt.
Occupant classification system (OCS)
How the Occupant Classification
System works
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) is
standard equipment in the USA.
OCS categorizes the occupant on the front-
passenger seat by means of a weight sensor.
The front-passenger front air bag is
automatically deactivated for certain weight
categories. The respective status can be
recognized by the 45 indicator lamp.
With the 45 indicator lamp
illuminated, the front-passenger front air bag
is deactivated.
The system does not deactivate:
Rthe side impact air bag
Rthe pelvis air bag
Rthe window curtain air bag
Rthe Emergency Tensioning Devices
To be classified correctly, the front passenger
must sit:
Rwith the seat belt properly fastened
Rin a position that is as upright as possible
with the back against the seat backrest
Rwith their feet on the floor
If the front-passenger's weight is transferred
to another object in the vehicle (e.g. by
leaning on armrests), OCS may not be able to
approximate the occupant's weight category.
If the front passenger seat, the seat cover, or
the seat cushion are damaged, have the
necessary repair work carried out at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use seat
accessories that have been approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Both the driver and the front passenger
should observe the 45 indicator lamp
to determine whether or not the front
passenger is positioned correctly.
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Occupants, especially children, should always
sit as upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
child.
Children can be killed or seriously injured by
an inflating air bag. Note the following
important information when circumstances
require you to place a child in the front-
passenger seat:
R Your vehicle is equipped with air bag
technology designed to deactivate the
front-passenger front air bag in your vehicle
when the system senses the weight of a
typical 12-month-old child or less along
with the weight of a standard appropriate
child restraint on the front-passenger seat.
R A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front-passenger
front air bag inflates in a collision which
could occur under some circumstances,
even with the air bag technology installed
in your vehicle. The only means to eliminate
this risk completely is never to place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint in the front-
passenger seat. We therefore strongly
recommend that you always place a child
in a rear-facing child restraint on the rear
seat.
R If you install a rear-facing child restraint on
the front-passenger seat, make sure the
45 indicator lamp is illuminated,
indicating that the front-passenger front air
bag is deactivated. Should the 45
indicator lamp not illuminate or go out while
the restraint is installed, please check
installation. Periodically check the
45 indicator lamp while driving to
make sure that the 45 indicator
lamp is illuminated. If the 45
indicator lamp goes out or remains out, do
not transport a child on the front-passenger
seat until the system has been repaired.A child in a rear-facing child restraint on the
front-passenger seat will be seriously
injured or even killed if the front-passenger
front air bag inflates.
R If you place a child in a forward-facing child
restraint on the front-passenger seat:
- move the seat as far back as possible
- use the proper child restraint
recommended for the age, size and
weight of the child
- secure child restraint with the vehicle's
seat belt according to the child seat
manufacturer's instructions
R For children larger than the typical 12-
month-old child, the front-passenger front
air bag may or may not be activated.
Deployment of the driver front air bag does
not mean that the front-passenger front air
bag should also have deployed.
OCS may have determined:
R that the seat was unoccupied or occupied
by a weight of up to or less than that of a
typical 12-month-old child seated in a
standard child restraint
R that the seat was occupied by a small
individual (e.g. a young teenager or a small
adult) or a child who weighs more than a
typical 12-month-old child in a standard
child restraint system
These are examples of when OCS deactivates
the front-passenger front air bag. The air bag
is deactivated despite the impact fulfilling the
criteria for deploying the driver's front air bag.Occupant safety45SafetyBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 45Z

If the SmartKey has been removed from the
ignition lock or is in position 0, indicator lamp
45 : does not light up.GWarning
If the red 6 SRS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster and the 45
indicator lamp light up simultaneously, the
OCS is malfunctioning. The front passenger
front air bag will be deactivated in this case.
Have the system checked by qualified
technicians as soon as possible. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only have the seat repaired or replaced at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
In order to ensure proper operation of the air
bag system and OCS:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R When seated, a passenger should not
position him/herself in such a way as to
cause the passenger's weight to be lifted
from the seat cushion as this may result in
the OCS being unable to correctly
approximate the passenger's weight
category.
R Read and observe all warnings in this
chapter.
System self-test
The 45 indicator lamp illuminates
when you:
R turn the SmartKey to position 1 or 2 in the
ignition lock
R on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button once or twice
If an adult is seated properly on the passenger
seat and the OCS classifies the occupant as
an adult, the 45 indicator lamp
illuminates and goes out again after
approximately 6 seconds.
If the seat is not occupied and the OCS
classifies the front passenger seat as being
unoccupied, the 45 indicator lamp
will illuminate and not go out.GWarning!
If the 4 5 indicator lamp does not
illuminate, the system is not functioning. You
must contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center before seating any child on the front
passenger seat.
For more information, see "Problems with the
Occupant Classification System"
( Y page 47).
GWarning
Never place anything between seat cushion
and child seat (e.g. a pillow), since it reduces
the effectiveness of the OCS. The underside
and rear side child restraint system must be
placed entirely on the seat cushion and the
backrest of the front-passenger seat
backrest.
If necessary, adjust the tilt of the passenger
seat backrest.
An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause
injuries to the child in case of an accident,
instead of increasing protection for the child.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
installation of child restraint systems.
46Occupant safetySafety
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