2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E350 4MATIC drive mode

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and to
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
R model
R order
R country specification
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
You cannot therefore base any claims on the
data, illustrations or descriptions contained
in this manual.
The following are integral parts of the vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Supplements relating to vehicle equipment
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.2125847081
É2125847081lËÍ
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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
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........744IndexBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 4

Starting the engine ........................151
Unlocking ......................................... 77
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 150
SmartKey ....................................... 149
Kickdown ................................... 158, 161
Knee bag .............................................. 40
L
Lane-change assistant see Active Blind Spot Assist
see Blind Spot Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 229
Display message ............................ 251
Function/information ....................207
Lane Tracking package ..................... 205
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 61
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 244
Light Setting ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 230
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off
(on-board computer) ......................231
Automatic headlamp mode ............119
Cornering light function .................122
Daytime running lamps ..................119
Driving abroad ............................... 118
Fog lamps ...................................... 120
Hazard warning lamps ...................122
High-beam headlamps ...................120
Light switch ................................... 118
Low-beam headlamps ....................119
Rear fog lamp ................................ 120
Switching the Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 230
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (on-board computer) . 230
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 231
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........231
Light sensor (display message) ....... 246
Loading guidelines ............................ 274
Locking Automatic ........................................ 85
Emergency locking ........................... 86
From inside the vehicle (central
locking button) ................................. 84
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 232
Low-beam headlamp (display
message) ............................................ 243
Luggage holder (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 284
Luggage net ....................................... 276
Lumbar support 4-way lumbar support ....................108
Luxury head restraints ..................... 105
M
M+S tires ............................................ 175
Main-beam headlamps (display
message) ............................................ 244
Malfunction message see Display messages
Malfunctions relevant to safety
Reporting ......................................... 23
Manual drive program ...................... 160
Massage function (PULSE) ............... 107
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 316
mbrace 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
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If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available.
The use of leaded fuels can damage the
catalytic converter.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses:
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
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Driver's knee bag : increases protection for
the driver against the risk of:
Rknee injuries
Rthigh injuries
Rlower leg injuries
Driver's knee bag : inflates beneath the
steering column. If the system determines
that deployment of driver's knee bag : can
offer additional protection to that provided by
the seat belt in the event of a frontal impact,
the system will deploy it together with the
driver's front air bag. Driver's knee bag :
operates best in conjunction with a properly
positioned and fastened seat belt.
Side impact air bags
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
(Y page 38).
GWarning!
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
GWarning
Only use seat covers which have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle model. Using seat covers or other seat
coverings can cause a malfunction of the side
impact air bags and/or the pelvis air bags.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
When deployed, the side impact air bags offer
additional protection for the thorax of the
vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle
on which the impact occurs. However, they
do not protect the:
Rhead
Rneck
Rarms
Example: Sedan
Front side impact air bags : and rear side
impact air bags ; deploy next to the outer
seat cushions.
The side impact 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
Rindependently of seat belt use
Rindependently of the front air bags
Rindependently of the Emergency
Tensioning Devices
If the vehicle overturns, the side impact air
bags are generally not deployed. They are
deployed if the system detects high vehicle
deceleration or acceleration in a lateral
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situations (on vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS)
R in critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceeded and the
vehicle understeers or oversteers severely
or when having to swerve to avoid an
obstacle at a speed above 85 mph
(140 km/h).
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation
detected:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R under accident conditions, the front-
passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an
unfavorable position.
R increases the air pressure in the side
bolsters of the seat cushion and seat
backrest of the active multicontour seats in
the front.
R if the vehicle skids, the sliding roof with
power tilt/sliding panel and the side
windows are closed so that only a small gap
remains.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pretensioning. The air pressure in the
side bolsters on the active multicontour seat
is reduced again. All settings made by PRE-
SAFE ®
can then be reversed.
If the seat belts are not released:XWhen the vehicle is stationary, move the
backrest or seat back slightly.
The belt pretensioning is reduced and the
locking mechanism is released.GWarning
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you adjust the seat.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
More information about belt adjustment, a
convenience function integrated into PRE-
SAFE ®
, can be found in the "Belt adjustment"
section ( Y page 56).
NECK-PRO head restraints
The NECK-PRO head restraints increase
protection for the driver's and front-
passenger's head and neck. In the event of a
rear collision of a certain severity, the NECK-
PRO head restraints on the driver's and front-
passenger seats are moved forwards and
upwards. This provides better head support.
GWarning
Do not secure any objects (e.g. coat hangers)
on the NECK-PRO head restraints. Otherwise,
the NECK-PRO head restraints may not
function properly, or in the event of a rear-end
collision may not be able offer the level of
protection they are designed to provide.
GWarning
Only use seat covers/head restraint covers
that have been tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your model.
Using seat covers and head restraint covers
other than those recommended may cause a
malfunction when NECK-PRO head restraints
are triggered or front side impact air bags/
pelvis air bags may be prevented from
deploying.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability.
If the NECK-PRO head restraints have been
triggered in an accident, you must reset the
NECK-PRO head restraints on the driver's and
front-passenger seat ( Y page 53).
Otherwise, the additional protection will not
be available in the event of another rear-end
collision. You can recognize that NECK-PRO
head restraints have been triggered by the
fact that they have moved forwards and can
no longer be adjusted.
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instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.XTo deactivate: (Y page 228).
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.GWarning
When the å ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the ä ESP warning lamp and the
å ESP OFF warning lamp are on
continuously, ESP is not operational due to a
malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational,
the vehicle's stability during standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road conditions/weather conditions and to
the non-operating status of ESP.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP switched off. This
could cause serious damage to the drive
train.
XTo activate: (Y page 228).
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles)
Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
GWarning
The SPORT handling mode should not be
switched on during normal driving.
Switching on the SPORT handling mode will
result in the following:
R no restriction to the engine torque
R system supported traction control is
limited
The SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on closed tracks when the vehicle's
own natural oversteer and understeer
characteristics are desired and requires a
highly skilled and experienced driver able to
handle these critical driving situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling when a
spare wheel is mounted.
SPORT handling mode is active automatically
as long as the engine is running.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWarning
Switch off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R the engine's torque is restricted to a limited
degree and the drive wheels can spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ä
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
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XTo activate: briefly press button :.
The M warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up. The SPORT handling
mode message appears in the multifunction
display.XTo deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle's natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP.
Do not switch off the ESP when a spare wheel
is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWarning!
Switch on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels are able to spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available and is
also not activated if you brake firmly with
the assistance of ESP.
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available and
is also not activated if you brake firmly with
the assistance of ESP.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ä warning lamp in the
instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
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