2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class COUPE Drive mode

function in the on-board computer
( Y page 209).XTurn the light switch to c or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c or
à .
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 6
or the low-beam headlamps
are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
If the light switch is set to c or à , the
low-beam headlamps will not come on
automatically if it is foggy. This could
endanger you and others. Therefore, turn the
light switch to L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
fog lamps function.
GWARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or c or
à .XPress the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
i If you switch the engine off (SmartKey in
position 1 in the ignition lock) and then
restart it, the previous fog lamp settings are
restored.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or c or
à .
If the light switch is set to c or à ,
the rear fog lamp only lights up if the low-
beam headlamps are on.XPress the R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
i If you switch the engine off (SmartKey in
position 1 in the ignition lock) and then
6
Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.118Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

CTo switch the rear window defroster on/off (Y page 138)DTo switch climate control on/off ( Y page 134)ETo set the temperature, right ( Y page 136)FTo set the air distribution ( Y page 136)GTo set the airflow ( Y page 137)HTo set the temperature, left ( Y page 136)IDisplayNotes on using dual-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains notes and
recommendations on optimum use of dual-
zone automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the à and
¿ buttons. The indicator lamps above
the à and ¿ buttons light up.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the ZONE function to adopt the
temperature settings on the driver's side
for the front-passenger side as well. The
indicator lamp above the á button goes
out.132Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

Notes on using 3-zone automatic
climate control
The following contains instructions and
recommendations to enable you to get the
most out of your automatic climate control.
R Activate climate control using the à and
¿ buttons. The indicator lamps above
the à and ¿ buttons light up. You
can also set the airflow and air distribution
of the automatic climate control to one of
three levels (FOCUS/MEDIUM/DIFFUSE).
You can set the desired level using button
G . The MEDIUM level is recommended.
R Set the temperature to 72 ‡ (22 †).
R Only use the "defrosting" function briefly
until the windshield is clear again.
R Only use "air-recirculation" mode briefly,
e.g. if there are unpleasant outside odors
or when in a tunnel. The windows could
otherwise fog up as, in air-recirculation
mode, no fresh air is drawn into the vehicle.
R Use the ZONE function to adopt the
temperature settings on the driver's side
for the front-passenger side and the rear
compartment as well. The indicator lamp
above the á button goes out.
R Use the residual heat function if you want
to heat or ventilate the vehicle interior
when the ignition is switched off. The
"residual heat" function can only be
activated or deactivated with the ignition
switched off.
Operating the climate control system
Activating/deactivating climate
control
Important information
GWARNING
When the climate control system is
deactivated, the outside air supply and
circulation are also deactivated. Only choose
this setting for a short time. Otherwise the
windows could fog up, impairing visibility and
endangering you and others.
i Switch on climate control primarily using
the à button ( Y page 135).
Activating/deactivatingXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo switch on: press the à button.
The indicator lamp above the à button
lights up. Airflow and air distribution are set
to automatic mode.
or
XPress the ^ button.
The indicator lamp above the ^ button
goes out. The previously selected settings
come into effect again.XTo switch off: press the ^ button.
The indicator lamp above the ^ button
lights up.
Activating/deactivating cooling with
the air dehumidification function
Important information
The cooling with air dehumidification function
is only available when the engine is running.
The air inside the vehicle is cooled and
dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
134Operating the climate control systemClimate control

Dual-zone automatic climate controlXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress switch F up or down repeatedly until
the desired symbol appears in the display
( Y page 131).
3-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress switch I up or down repeatedly until
the desired symbol appears in the display
( Y page 133).
Setting the airflow
Dual-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press button G up
or down ( Y page 131).
3-zone automatic climate control
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo increase/reduce: press button H up
or down ( Y page 133).
Switching the ZONE function on/off
XTo switch on: press the á button.
The indicator lamp above the á button
lights up.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
not adopted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
not adopted for the front-passenger side
and the rear compartment.When the buttons for temperature, airflow or
air distribution are activated, the temperature
setting for the driver's side is not adopted for
the other climate control zones.XTo switch off: press the á button.
The indicator lamp above the á button
goes out.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
adopted for the front-passenger side.
3-zone automatic climate control: the
temperature setting for the driver's side is
adopted for the front-passenger side and
the rear compartment.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the
windshield or to defrost the inside of the
windshield and the side windows.
i You should only select the defrosting
function until the windshield is clear again.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo activate: press the ¬ button.
The indicator lamp above the ¬ button
lights up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
R cooling with air dehumidification on
R high airflow 13
R high temperature 13
R air distribution to the windshield and
front side windows
R air-recirculation mode offXTo switch off: press the ¬ button.
The indicator lamp above the ¬ button
goes out. The previously selected settings
come into effect again. The cooling with air
dehumidification function remains on. Air-
recirculation mode remains deactivated.
or
13 Depending on the outside temperature.Operating the climate control system137Climate controlZ

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 23).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed.
i You should also observe these notes on
running in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
144DrivingDriving and parking

Problems with the transmissionProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.XStop the vehicle.XShift the transmission to position P.XSwitch off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.XShift the transmission to position D or R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.Releasing the parking lock manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is
possible to release the selector lever lock
manually to move it out of position P, e.g. if
you wish to tow the vehicle away.
! Do not use any sharp-edged objects to
remove the selector lever gaiter from the
center console. This could damage the
selector lever gaiter.
XApply the parking brake.XPry off selector lever gaiter : with a flat,
blunt object, (e.g. a screwdriver wrapped in
cloth) from the right-hand edge, pulling it
up and out.XPress release buttons ; down and
simultaneously move the selector lever out
of position P.
The selector lever can now be moved freely
until it is returned to position P.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Refueling155Driving and parkingZ

Wet roadsGWARNING
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake components, the
first braking action may be somewhat
reduced. You have to depress the brake pedal
more firmly. Maintain a safe distance from
vehicles in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the
vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying
attention to the traffic conditions. This will
warm up the brake discs, thereby drying them
more quickly and protecting them against
corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
GWARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. This work
should be carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.GWARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
system must be switched off (SmartKey in
position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/
Stop button in position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal
at high speeds. This improves the grip of the
brake pads.
162Driving tipsDriving and parking

suspension to the respective driving
situation.
The calibration of the suspension depends
on:
R your driving style
R the road surface conditions
R your individual selection; see the following
description
The dynamic handling package with sports
mode also contains steering wheel paddle
shifters ( Y page 152) with a manual drive
program ( Y page 154).
Example: position of dynamic handling package
with sports mode button
XStart the engine.
Sports tuning
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures even better contact
with the road. Select this mode when
employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads.
Your selection remains stored until you
switch off the engine.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : lights up. Sports
suspension tuning is selected. Depending
on the engine output, the accelerator pedal
is more responsive. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, drive program S is
selected.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 : goes out. Comfortable
suspension tuning is selected. On vehicles
with automatic transmission, drive
program E is selected.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
R the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the parking brake is not applied.
R the hood is closed.
R the transmission is in position D, R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
176Driving systemsDriving and parking