2011 MERCEDES-BENZ E550 4MATIC airmatic

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

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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Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once you have installed the winter tires:XCheck the tire pressures ( Y page 355).XRestart the tire pressure monitor
( Y page 357).GWarning
If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may very
well impair turning stability and that overall
driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your
driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular
road wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
which have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
! On vehicles with AIRMATIC, you must
drive at raised vehicle level if snow chains
have been mounted. The vehicle may
otherwise be damaged.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under "Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
R Only use snow chains when driving on an
area completely covered by snow. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you are no
longer driving on snow-covered roads.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R you may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations; see the "Tires and
wheels" section in the "Technical data"
chapter.
R mount snow chains only in pairs and only
on the rear wheels. Observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind
against the bodywork or components of the
chassis. This could result in damage to the
vehicle or the tires.
! Vehicles with steel wheels
If you wish to mount snow chains to steel
wheels, make sure that you remove the
respective wheels' hubcaps first. The
hubcaps may otherwise be damaged.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 67) when pulling away with
snow chains installed. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
Slippery road surfacesGWarning
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
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RACE START is deactivated when a speed of
approximately 30 mph (Canada: 50 km/h) is
reached. Drive program S+ is activated.
SPORT handling mode remains activated.
RACE START is deactivated immediately if
you release the accelerator pedal during
RACE START or if any of the activation
conditions are no longer fulfilled. The
multifunction display shows the RACE START
Not Possible See Operator's Manual
message.
i If RACE START is used repeatedly in a
short period of time, it is only available
again after having driven the vehicle a
certain distance.
AIRMATIC
General information
i AIRMATIC is available only for the E 550
and E 550 4MATIC models.
Vehicle level
Your vehicle regulates its height
automatically. All-round self-leveling ensures
the best possible suspension and constant
ground clearance, even with a laden vehicle.
When you drive fast, the vehicle is lowered
automatically to improve driving safety and to
reduce fuel consumption.
The following vehicle levels are possible:
R normal.
R raised: the vehicle is raised above the
normal level by 0.80 in (20 mm).
R lowered: the vehicle is lowered beyond the
normal level by 0.40 in (10 mm).
The "Normal" and "Raised" vehicle levels can
be set manually.
The "Lowered” vehicle level is set
automatically:
R at speeds above 70 mph (113 km/h)
R if you have selected "Sports tuning"
( Y page 192)
Setting the vehicle level
Select the "Normal" setting for normal road
surfaces and "Raised" for driving with snow
chains or on particularly poor road surfaces.
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, keep hands and
feet away from wheel housing area, and stay
away from under the vehicle when lowering
the vehicle chassis.
Setting raised level
XStart the engine.
If indicator lamp ; is not lit:
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. The vehicle
height is adjusted to raised level.
The Vehicle Rising message appears in
the display.
The "Raised Level" setting is canceled if you:
R drive at speeds above approximately
75 mph (120 km/h)
R drive about 3 minutes at speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h)
The "Raised Level" setting remains saved
when you are not driving within these speed
ranges.
Setting normal level
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If indicator lamp ; is lit:XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; goes out. The vehicle is
adjusted to normal level.
Suspension tuning
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection, i.e. sports or
comfort
Your selection remains stored even if you
remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
Sports tuning
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
XPress button :.
Indicator lamp ; lights up. You have
selected the suspension for a sporty driving
style.
The AIRMATIC SPORT message appears in
the multifunction display.
Comfort tuning
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. highways.XPress button :.
Indicator lamp = lights up. You have
selected the suspension for a comfortable
driving style.
The AIRMATIC COMFORT message appears
in the multifunction display.
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports
suspension
General notes
i AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension
is available for the E 63 AMG model.
Rear axle level control
The vehicle automatically sets the vehicle
level at the rear axle. Rear axle self-leveling
ensures the best possible suspension and
ensures that the ground clearance remains
constant, even when the vehicle is loaded.
This improves driving safety and fuel
consumption.
Suspension tuning
The electronically controlled damping system
works continuously. This improves driving
safety and ride comfort.
The damping is tuned individually to each
wheel and depends on:
R your driving style, e.g. sporty
R the road surface condition, e.g. bumps
R your individual selection of Sport, Sport +
or Comfort
If you select Sport or Sport + mode and
restart the engine, the suspension setting
reverts to Comfort mode.
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Driving systemsDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsÀ
Attention Assist
Drowsiness
DetectedBased on specific criteria, ATTENTION ASSIST has determined
tiredness or a decrease in attention. A warning tone also sounds.XIf necessary, take a break.
During long journeys, take regular breaks in good time so you get
enough rest.
À
Attention Assist
InoperativeATTENTION ASSIST has failed.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.¨
Vehicle RisingYour vehicle is adjusting to the level you have selected. ¨
Vehicle Rising
Please WaitThe vehicle level is too low when the vehicle is stationary. A
warning tone also sounds.XDo not pull away.
When the display message goes out, the vehicle level is set.¨
Pull Over Car Too
LowYou have pulled away while the vehicle level is still too low.
AIRMATIC sets the vehicle to the selected level after a short
period.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the parking brake.XWait until the display message disappears before pulling away.GRisk of accident
AIRMATIC is faulty. A warning tone also sounds.
XDrive no faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XMake only slight steering movements. The front fender or the
tires could otherwise be damaged when the steering movement
is too large.XListen for scraping sounds.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely, paying attention to road
and traffic conditions, and select a higher vehicle level.
Depending on the malfunction, it may be possible to raise the
vehicle.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.250Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions¨
MalfunctionGRisk of accident
The AIRMATIC function is restricted. The vehicle's handling
characteristics may be affected.
XDrive no faster than 50 mph (80 km/h).XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.HOLD
OffThe HOLD function is deactivated. The vehicle is skidding.
A warning tone also sounds.XReactivate the HOLD function later.A condition for activation is no longer met when the brake pedal
is firmly depressed.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the activation conditions for the HOLD function
( Y page 188).Radar Sensors
Deactivated See
Operator's ManualThe radar sensor system is deactivated.XCheck whether or not the radar sensor system may be activated
( Y page 232).XSwitch on the radar sensor system ( Y page 232).Lane Keeping
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's Manual
or
Active Lane
Keeping Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualLane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is deactivated
and temporarily inoperative if:
R the windshield is dirty in the camera's field of vision.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.
R there are no lane markings for a longer period.
R the lane markings are worn, dark or covered, for example by dirt
or snow.
Lane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is operational
again and the display message disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the camera is fully operational again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the windshield.Lane Keeping
Assist Inoperative
or
Active Lane
Keeping Assist
InoperativeLane Keeping Assist or Active Lane Keeping Assist is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Display messages251On-board computer and displaysBA 212 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 5, en-USdimargiVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T13:33:46+02:00 - Seite 251Z

recommended that you additionally equip
your vehicle with the TIREFIT kit if you
mount tires that do not feature run-flat
properties, e.g. winter tires. You can obtain
a TIREFIT kit from an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center, for example.
XVehicles with AIRMATIC: make sure that
"normal" level is selected (Y page 191).
XStop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XFirmly depress the parking brake.XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
XMove the selector lever/DIRECT SELECT
lever to P.
XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the key from the ignition lock.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the key having been
removed.
XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 150).
XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they get out of the vehicle.
XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area whilst a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.TIREFIT kit
Using the TIREFIT kit
You can use the TIREFIT kit to seal small
punctures, particularly those in the tire tread.
You can use TIREFIT at outside temperatures
down to -4 ‡ (-20 †).
GWarning
TIREFIT is a limited repair device. TIREFIT
cannot be used for cuts or punctures larger
than approximately 0.16 in (4 mm) and tire
damage caused by driving with extremely low
tire inflation pressure, or on a flat tire, or a
damaged wheel.
Do not drive the vehicle under such
circumstances.
Contact the nearest authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for assistance or call roadside
assistance.
XDo not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tire, e.g. screws or
nails.
XRemove the TIREFIT kit, the accompanying
"max. 80 km/h" sticker and the electric air
pump from the stowage well underneath
the trunk/trunk floor (Y page 324).
XAffix part : of the sticker within the
driver's field of vision.
XAffix part ; of the sticker near the valve
on the wheel with the defective tire.
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