2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE lights

the instrument cluste
rflashes. In such situa-
tions, ESP ®
will not stabilise the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the fol-
lowing situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin .The spinning of the
wheels results in a cutting action for better
traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles) Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode G
WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and acci-
dents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the sit-
uations described in the following. X
To activate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrumentc luster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display. handling mode is designed for driving on
designated roads when the vehicle's own
oversteering and understeerin
gcharacter-
istics are desired. Driving in SPORT han-
dling mode requires an extremely qualified
and experienced driver who is able to cope
with these critical driving conditions.
X To deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M handling mode warning lamp in
the instrumentc luster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
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 gravel
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes .ESP ®
only stabilises the vehicle to a
limited degree.
If SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is restricte dto a limited
degree and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinning of the wheels results in
a cutting action for better traction.
Vehicles with the ECO start/stop function:
the ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
comes to a stop. When pulling away again, the
engine starts automatically. ESP ®
remains in
its previously selected status. Example: if
ESP ®
was deactivated before the engine was
switched off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when
the engine is switched on again. 74
Driving safety systemsSafety

trailer combination by depressing the brake
firmly.
In this situation, ESP
®
assists you and can
detect if the vehicle/traile rcombination
begins to lurch. ESP ®
slows the vehicle down
by braking and limiting the engine output until
the vehicle/trailer combination has stabi-
lised.
Trailer stabilisation is active above speeds of
about 65 km/h.
Trailer stabilisation does not work if ESP ®
is
deactivated or disabled because of a mal-
function. EBD (electronic brake force distribu-
tion)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 70). G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This increa-
ses the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have
the brake system checked at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps (Y page 301) as well as dis-
play messages (Y page 271).
EBD monitors and controls the brake pres-
sure on the rear wheels to improve driving
stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In addi-
tion to the braking function, ADAPTIVE BRAKE
also has the HOLD function (Y page 205) and
hill start assist (Y page 164). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion (Y page 70).
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimise
the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead or
reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake detects a risk of collision, you
will be warned visually and acoustically as
well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a collision without your
intervention.
This function will issue a warning if:
R at speeds of around 30 km/ho rmore, over
several seconds, the distance maintained
to the vehicle travelling in front is insuffi-
cient.
The · distance warning lamp then lights
up in the instrument cluster.
R at a speed of approximately 7km/h or
higher, you very quickly approach a vehicle
in front.
An intermittent warning tone will then
sound and the ·distance warning lamp
will light up in the instrument cluster.
X Brake immediately in order to increase the
distance from the vehicle in front.
or
X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.
From a speed of approximately 7km/h, if the
driver and passengers have fastened their
seat belts, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can brake the
vehicle automatically at speeds up to approx-
imatel y200 km/h.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated driving conditions may cause
unnecessary warnings or the unnecessary
intervention of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake. 76
Driving safety systemsSafety

X
To turn the alarm off with the key: press
the % or& button on the key.
The alar mis switched off.
or
X Insert the key into the ignition lock.
The alarm is switched off.
X To stop the alarm using KEYLESS-GO:
grasp the outside door handle. The key
must be outside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
or
X Press the Start/Stop button on the dash-
board. The key must be inside the vehicle.
The alarm is switched off.
The alarm is not switched off, even if you
close the open door that has triggered it, for
example. Tow-away protection
Function An audible and visual alarm is triggered if your
vehicle's angle of inclination is altered while
tow-away protection is primed. This can occur
if the vehicle is jacked up on one side, for
example.
Activating X
Make sure that:
R
the doors are closed.
R the boot lid/tailgate is closed.
Only then is the tow-away protection
primed.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
Tow-away protection is primed after
approximately 30 seconds.
To deactivate X
To switch off: unlock the vehicle with the
key or KEYLESS-GO.
Tow-away protection is switched off auto-
matically. Deactivating
X
Remove the key from the ignition lock.
X Press button :.
Indicator lamp ;lights up briefly.
X Lock the vehicle with the key or KEYLESS-
GO.
Tow-away protection is deactivated.
Tow-away protection remains deactivated
until:
R the vehicle is unlocked againa nd
R a door is opened and closed agai nand
R the vehicle is locked again
To prevent a false alarm, deactivate the tow-
away protection if you lock your vehicle and
it:
R is being transported
R is being loaded onto a ferry or car trans-
porter, for example
R is parked on a movable surface, e.g .ina
split-level garage Interior motion sensor
Function When the interior motion sensor is primed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered if move-
ment is detected in the vehicle interior. This
can occur if someone reaches into the vehicle
interior, for example. Anti-theft systems
79Safety Z

X
Push release catch :in the direction of
the arrow and at the same time, remove
emergency key element ;from the key. Battery of the key
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Batteries are toxic and contain caustic sub-
stances. For this reason, keep batteries out of
the reach of children.
If a battery has been swallowed, visit a doctor
immediately. H
Environmental note Batteries contain pollutants.
It is illegal to dispose of them
with the household rubbish.
They must be collected sep-
arately and disposed of in an
environmentally responsible
recycling system.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally responsible
manner
.Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialis tworkshop or to a col-
lection point for used batter-
ies.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
the batteries replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop. Checking the battery X
Press the &or% button.
The battery is working properly if battery
check lamp :lights up briefly.
The battery is discharged if battery check
lamp :does not light up briefly.
X Change the battery (Y page 85).
i If the key battery is checked within the
signal reception range of the vehicle, press-
ing the &or% button:
R locks or
R unlocks the vehicle
i You can get a battery in any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Replacing the battery You require a CR 2025 3 V cell battery.
X
Take the emergency key element out of the
key (Y page 84). :
Battery compartment cover
; Emergency key element Key
85Opening and closing Z

Steering wheel
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the steering wheel adjustment
feature locked could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment fea-
ture can be operated at any time. Therefore,
do not leave children unattended in the vehi-
cle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. A
child's unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury. Adjusting the steering wheel man-
ually
:
Release lever
; To adjust the steering wheel height
= To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
X Push release lever :down completely.
The steering column is unlocked.
X Adjust the steering wheel to the desired
position.
X Push release lever :up completely.
The steering column is locked.
X Check if the steering column is locked.
When doing so, try to push the steering
wheel up or down or try to move it in the
fore-and-aft direction. Adjusting the steering wheel electri-
cally
:
To adjust the steering wheel height
; To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
i Further related subjects:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
(Y page 118)
R Storing settings (Y page 121) Steering wheel heating
Switching on/off X
Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
X To switch on/off: turn the lever in the
direction of arrow :or;.
Indicator lamp =lights up or goes out.
Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: when you
remove the key from the ignition lock, the
steering wheel heating is switched off. Steering wheel
117Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z

opened. This occurs irrespective of the posi-
tion of the key in the ignition lock. This makes
it easier to exit the vehicle and rescue the
occupants.
The crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
only operational if the EASY-EXIT/ENTRY fea-
ture is activated in the on-board computer. Mirrors
Rear-view mirror
X
Anti-dazzle mode: flick anti-dazzle
switch :forwards or back. Exterior mirrors
Adjusting the exterior mirrors G
WARNING
The exterior mirrors reduce the size of the
image. Objects are actually closer than they
appear. You could misjudge the distance from
vehicles driving behind and cause an acci-
dent, e.g. when changing lane. For this rea-
son, make sure of the actual distance from the
vehicle driving behind by glancing over your
shoulder. X
Make sure that the key is in position 1or
2 in the ignition lock.
X Press button :for the left-hand exterior
mirror or button ;for the right-hand exte-
rior mirror.
The indicator lamp in the corresponding
button lights up in red.
The indicator lamp goes out again after
some time. You can adjust the selected
mirror using adjustment button =as long
as the indicator lamp is lit.
X Press adjustmen tbutton =up, down, or
to the left or right until you have adjusted
the exterior mirror to the correct position.
You should have a good overview of traffic
conditions.
The convex exterio rmirrors provide a larger
field of vision.
The exterior mirrors are automatically heated
if the rear window heatin gis switched on and
the outside temperature is low.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
electrically Mirrors
119Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z

Useful information
............................124
Exterior lighting ................................ 124
Interior lighting ................................. 133
Replacing bulbs ................................. 135
Windscreen wipers ...........................137 123Lights and windscreen wipers

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 25). Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you drive with the lights switched
on even during the daytime. In some coun-
tries, operation of the headlamps varies due
to legal requirements and self-imposed obli-
gations. Driving abroad
General notes If your journey takes you to countries where
vehicles are driven on the opposite side of the
road to the country in which the vehicle is
registered, your headlamps must be switched
to symmetrical dipped beam as soon as pos-
sible after crossing the border. This prevents
oncoming traffic from being dazzled. Sym-
metrical lights do not illuminate as large an
area of the edge of the carriageway. Vehicles with halogen headlamps X
Switch off the lights.
X Open the bonnet.
X Turn housing cover :anti-clockwise and
pull it out.
X Push switchover lever ;down.
X Insert housing cover :and turn it clock-
wise.
Conver tthe headlamps back to asymmetrical
dipped beam as soon as possible after return-
ing across the border.
Vehicles with Intelligent Light System X
Before crossing the border, set the head-
lamps to symmetrical dipped beam and
when returning to asymmetrical dipped-
beam using the "Dipped-beam headlamps
for driving on the right or left" function on
the on-board computer (Y page 260).
If the headlamps are converted to symmetri-
cal dipped beam, the "motorway mode" and
"extended range foglamps" functions are not
available. Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using the:
R
light switch
R beam control (only vehicles with halogen
headlamps) (Y page 128)124
Exterior lightingLights and windscreen wipers