
Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 20At a glance ........................................... 25Safety ................................................... 35Opening and closing ...........................75Seats, steering wheel and mirrors  ..101Lights and windshield wipers  ..........117Climate control  ................................. 131Driving and parking ..........................147On-board computer and displays  ....215Loading, stowing and features  ........273Maintenance and care  ......................307Roadside Assistance  ........................321Tires and wheels  ............................... 349Technical data ................................... 383
Contents3BA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 3 

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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Emergency releaseFuel filler flap  ................................. 164
Trunk  ......................................... 90, 91
Vehicle  ....................................... 85, 86
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission  .................162
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location  ............................ 325
Stowing .......................................... 326
Emergency tensioning device
Function ........................................... 57
Safety guidelines  ............................. 37
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate  ............................................ 91
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information  ....20
Engine
Irregular running  ............................ 153
Starting problems  ..........................153
Starting the engine with the key  ....151
Starting with KEYLESS-GO  .............151
Switching off  .................................. 170
Warning lamp Check Engine  ..........268
Engine electronics
Malfunction .................................... 153
Engine number  .................................. 386
Engine oil Adding  ........................................... 310
Checking the oil level ..................... 309
Display message  ............................ 248
Lubricant additives  ........................391
Notes about oil grades ................... 391
Temperature (on-board computer) . 221
Viscosity  ........................................ 391
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
see ESP ®
                                                  
ESP ®
 (Electronic Stability
Program) Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles)  .......................................... 70
Activating/deactivating (except
AMG vehicles)  .................................. 68
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer)  ............................ 228
AMG menu (on-board computer)  ...221
Display message  ............................ 235
ETS/4ETS  ........................................ 68Important safety information  ...........67
Warning lamp ................................. 265
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System)  ................................................ 68
Exhaust check  ................................... 172
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions)  ...................................... 318
Exterior lighting see Lights                                                  
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting  ....................................... 113
Dipping (automatic)  .......................114
Out of position  ............................... 114
Storing settings (memory
function)  ........................................ 115
Storing the parking position  ..........114
Exterior view  ........................................ 26
F
First-aid kit  ......................................... 323
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel  ................................... 331
MOExtended run-flat system  .........337
Preparing the vehicle  .....................326
Raising the vehicle  .........................333
TIREFIT kit ...................................... 327
Floormat  ............................................. 304
Folding bench seat (cargo
compartment)  .................................... 108
Front fog lamp (display message)  ... 244
Fuel Additives  ........................................ 389
Notes  ............................................. 388
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 388
Refueling ........................................ 162
Specifications  ................................ 388
Troubleshooting  ............................. 166
Fuel consumption
Current (on-board computer)  .........220
Notes  ............................................. 172
Fuel filler cap (display message)  ..... 249
Fuel filler flap Emergency release  ........................164
Opening/closing  ............................ 164
Fuel filter (display message)  ............ 249
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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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TrunkAutomatic opening ..................... 88, 89
Emergency release  ....................90, 91
Locking separately  ...........................90
Trunk/tailgate
Important safety guidelines  .............86
Trunk lid
Display message  ............................ 259
Turn signal (display message)  ......... 243
Turn signals  ....................................... 120
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate                 
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking  .......................85
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button)  ............................. 84
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 290
Vehicle
Data acquisition  ............................... 24
Emergency unlocking ................. 85, 86
Equipment  ....................................... 20
Exterior view  .................................... 26
Individual settings (on-board
computer)  ...................................... 229
Loading  .......................................... 360
Lowering  ........................................ 337
Maintenance  .................................... 21
Parking up  ..................................... 171
Raising  ........................................... 333
Reporting problems  .........................23
Towing away  .................................. 343
Tow-starting  ................................... 343
Transporting  .................................. 345
Vehicle data
see Technical data                                    
Vehicle identification number
see VIN                                                      
Vehicle identification plate  .............. 385
Vehicle level  ...................................... 191
Vehicle level (display message)  ....... 250
Vehicle tool kit  .................................. 324
Video (DVD) ........................................ 226
Video DVD (on-board computer)  ...... 226
VIN  ...................................................... 385
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS  ................................................ 265
Brakes  ........................................... 263
Check Engine  ................................. 268
Coolant  .......................................... 269
ESP ®
 .............................................. 265
ESP ®
 OFF ....................................... 266
Fuel tank  ........................................ 268
Overview  .......................................... 29
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada)  ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA)  ................43
Reserve fuel  ................................... 268
Seat belt  ........................................ 264
SPORT handling mode  ...................266
SRS  ................................................ 267
Tire pressure monitor  ....................271
Warranty  ............................................ 384
Wheel bolt tightening torque  ........... 337
Wheel chock  ...................................... 332
Wheels Changing/replacing  .......................367
Changing a wheel  .......................... 331
Checking ........................................ 351
Cleaning ......................................... 315
Guidelines to be observed  .............351
Mounting a wheel  .......................... 335
Removing a wheel  ..........................334
Tightening torque ........................... 337
Wheel size/tire size  .......................374
Window curtain air bag
Display message  ............................ 237
Operation  ......................................... 43
Windows
see Side windows                                     
Windows (cleaning instructions)  ..... 316
Windshield Defrosting  ...................................... 141
Windshield washer fluid (display
message)  ............................................ 260
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CockpitFunctionPage:Steering wheel paddle
shifters
159
;Cruise control lever178=Instrument cluster28?HornADIRECT SELECT lever155BPARKTRONIC warning
display
194
COverhead control panel32DOperates the automatic
climate control system
132
EIgnition lock149Start/Stop button150FunctionPageFAdjusts the steering wheel
electrically
111
Steering wheel heating112GCombination switch120HParking brake170IOn-board diagnostic socketJOpens the hood308KReleases the parking brake170LLight switch118MNight View Assist Plus202Cockpit27At a glanceBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 27  

BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time. Should you approach a detected
obstacle quickly, BAS PLUS calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end
collision. Should you additionally apply the
brakes, BAS PLUS will automatically increase
the braking force to a level suitable for the
traffic conditions.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, PRE-SAFE ®
 is activated
simultaneously.XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again when:
R you release the brake pedal
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph  (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example, stopped or
parked vehicles.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational. You can check this by activating
DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 179) or via the
"radar sensor" function in the on-board
computer( Y page 232).
GWarning!
BAS PLUS 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
BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not
reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and
approaching traffic or cross-traffic.
BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles
driving in front of you, such as motorcycles
and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle
center.
Following a collision or accident-related
damage to the front end of the vehicle, have
the configuration and operation of the radar
sensors checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
 (Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y  page 65).
If ESP ®
 detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
 assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
 can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
 intervenes, the  ä warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
Driving safety systems67SafetyBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 67Z