2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE brake

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
You have lost the emer-
gency key element. X
Report the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.
X If necessary, have the locks changed as well. The engine cannot be
started using the key. the on-board voltage is too low.
X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 369).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 370).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Only vehicles without a
DIRECT SELECT lever:
The engine cannot be
started using the key. The steering lock is mechanically blocked.
X
Remove the key and reinsert it into the ignition lock. While doing
this, turn the steering wheel in both directions. The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The key is in the
vehicle. Ad
oor is open. Therefore, the key cannot be detected as easily.
X Close the door and try to start the vehicle again. There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
X
Start your vehicle with the key in the ignition lock. Doors
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only for the United Kingdom: if the vehicle
has been locked with the key or with KEY-
LESS-GO, the double lock function is activa-
ted as standard. It is then not possible to open
the doors from inside the vehicle.
Therefore, do not leave any people behind in
the vehicle, particularly children, elderly peo-
ple or people requiring special assistance. As
a result, they may not be able to free them-
selves in the event of an emergency. They
could be seriously or even fatally injured by
prolonged exposure to extremely high or low
temperatures, for example. In this case, res- cuing people from outside the vehicle is diffi-
cult.
Deactivate the interior motion sensor before
you lock the vehicle. The doors can then be
opened from the inside after the vehicle has
been locked from the outside.
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open a door from inside the vehicle at any
time, even if it has been locked
R start the vehicle using akey which has been
left in the vehicle
R release the parking brake 88
DoorsOpening and closing

only the turn signal lamp on the corre-
sponding side of the vehicle will flash.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an airbag is deployed.
R the vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 70 km/ha nd comes to
a standstill.
The hazard warning lamps switch off auto-
matically if the vehicle reaches a speed of
over 10 km/h again after a full brake appli-
cation.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washe rfluid" function is oper-
ated five times (Y page 137) while the lights
are on and the engine is running. When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic head-
lamp cleaning system is reset and counting is
resumed from 0. Intelligent Light System
General notes The Intelligent Light System is a system that
adjusts the headlamps automatically to suit
the prevailing driving and weathe
rconditions.
It offers advanced functions for improved illu-
mination of the road surface, e.g. depending
on the vehicle speed or weather conditions.
The system includes the active light function,
cornering light function, motorway mode and
extended range foglamps. The system is only
active when it is dark.
You can activate or deactivate the "Intelligent
Light System" using the on-board computer
(Y page 259). Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the steer-
ing movements of the front wheels. In this
way, relevant areas remain illuminated while
driving. This allows you to recognise pedes-
trians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
Cornering light function The cornering light function improves the illu-
mination of the road over a wide angle in the
direction you are turning, enabling better vis-
ibility in tight bends, for example. It can only
be activated when the dipped-beam head-
lamps are switched on.
Active:
if you are driving at speeds below
40 km/ha nd switch on the tur nsignal or turn
the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
40 km/h or switch off the turn signal or turn
the steering wheel to the straight-ahead posi-
tion. 130
Exterior lightingLights 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). Running-in notes
Important safety notes
New and replaced brake pads and discs only
reach their optimum braking effec tafter sev-
eral hundred kilometres of driving. Compen-
sate for this by applying greater force to the
brake pedal. The first 1,500 km
If you treat the engine with sufficient care
from the very start, you will be rewarded with
excellent performance for the remainder of
the engine's life.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1,500 km.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gea ringood time, before the rev
counter needle is Ôof the way to the red
area of the rev counter.
R Do not shift down a gear manually in order
to brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
R Try to avoid depressing the accelerator
pedal beyond the point of resistance (kick-
down).
R The shift ranges 3,2or 1should only be
engaged when driving slowly, e.g. when
driving in mountainous terrain. After 1500 km, you may gradually accelerate
the vehicle to full road and engine speeds.
Additional running-in notes for AMG vehicles:
R
Do not drive at speeds above 140 km/h for
the first 1500 km.
R Only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4500 rpm briefly.
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. AMG vehicles with rear axle differen-
tial lock
Your vehicle is equipped with aself-locking
differential on the rear axle. Change the oil
after a running-in period of 3000 km to
improve protection of the rear axle differen-
tial. This oil change will lengthen the service
life of the differential. Have the oil change
carried out at a qualified specialist workshop. Driving
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict the
pedal travel or obstruct adepressed pedal.
The operating and road safety of the vehicle
is jeopardised. There is a risk of an accident.
Make sure that all objects in the vehicle are
stowed correctly, and that they cannot enter
the driver's footwell. Fit the floormats
securely and as specified in order to ensure
sufficien tclearance for the pedals. Do not use
loose floormats. G
WARNING
Unsuitable footwear can hinde rcorrect usage
of the pedals, e.g.:
R shoes with thick soles
R shoes with high heels
R slippers 160
DrivingDriving and parking

There is a risk of an accident.
Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals.
G
WARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevan tfunctions are only available
with limitations, or no tatall. This could affect,
for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect .You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving. G
WARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
R overheat and cause a fire
R lose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident .Release
the parking brake fully before driving off. G
WARNING
Vehicles with HYBRID :ensure tha tyou read
the "HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise
fail to recognise dangers.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only set the automatic transmission to the
respective drive positions when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. Otherwise, you could damage the
drive train.
! AMG vehicles: at low engine oil temper-
atures (below +20 †), the maximum
engine speed is restricted in order to pro-
tect the engine. To protect the engine and
maintain smooth engine operation, avoid
driving at full throttle when the engine is
cold. Key positions
Key g
To remove the key
1 Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windscreen wipers
2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3 To start the engine
i If the key does not belong to the vehicle,
it can still be turned in the ignition lock.
However, the ignition will not be switched
on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO General notes
R
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key together
with:
- electronic devices, e.g. a mobile phone
or another key
- metallic objects, e.g. coins or metal film
R Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key together
in metallic objects, e.g. a metal case.
This can affect the functionality of KEY-
LESS-GO.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a key featuring an integrated KEYLESS-GO
start function and a detachable Start/Stop
button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the key must be in the vehi-
cle. Driving
161Driving and parking Z

Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts immedi-
ately.
Key positions with KEYLESS-GO
Switching on the power supply
X
Position 0: if Start/Stop button :has not
yet been pressed, this corresponds to the
key being removed from the ignition.
X Position 1: press Start/Stop button :.
The power supply is switched on. You can
now activate the windscreen wipers, for
example.
i If you then open the driver's door when in
this position, the power supply is deactiva-
ted.
Switching on the ignition
X Position 2(ignition): press Start/Stop but-
ton :twice.
The ignition is switched on.
i The ignition is switched off if:
R the driver's door is open and
R you press Start/Stop button :once
when in this position. Removing the Start/Stop button
X
Remove Start/Stop button :from ignition
lock ;.
You can remove the Start/Stop button from
the ignition lock and start the vehicle as nor-
mal using the key.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle.
i When you insert Start/Stop button :
into ignition lock ;, the system needs
approximately two seconds recognition
time. You can then use Start/Stop but-
ton :. Starting the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases such as carbon monoxide. Inhaling
these exhaust gases leads to poisoning. There
is a risk of fatal injury. Therefore never leave
the engine running in enclosed spaces with-
out sufficient ventilation.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
General notes i
Vehicles with apetrol engine: the cat-
alytic converter is preheated for up to 162
DrivingDriving and parking

30seconds after a cold start. The sound of
the engine may change during this time.
Manual transmission X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to neutral N.
i You can only start the engine whe nthe
clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Automatic transmission X
Shift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position displayint he
multifunction display shows P.
i You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the key i
To start the engine using the key instead
of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/Stop button
out of the ignition lock.
X To start a petrol engine: turn the key to
position 3in the ignition lock
(Y page 161) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
X To startad iesel engine: turn the key to
position 2in the ignition lock
(Y page 161).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrumen tcluster lights up.
X When the %erlischt, den Schlüssel auf
Stellung 3(Ypage 161) and release it as
soon as the engine is running.
i You can start the engine without preglow
if the engine is warm.
i Vehicles with automatic transmis-
sion: you can also use the touch-star tfunc-
tion .To do this, turn the key to position
3(Y page 161) and release it immediately.
The engine then starts automatically. Using KEYLESS-GO to startt
he engine G
WARNING
You rvehicle can be started using a valid KEY-
LESS-GO key. For this reason, children should
never be left unsupervised in the vehicle.
Always take the key with you when leaving the
vehicle, even if you are only leaving it for a
short time.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle manually without inserting
the key into the ignition lock. The key must
be in the vehicle and the Start/Stop button
must be inserted in the ignition lock. This
mode for starting the engine operates inde-
pendently of the ECO start/stop automatic
engine start function.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X To star tapetrol engine: press the Start/
Stop button (Y page 161) once.
The engine starts.
X To start adiesel engine: press the Start/
Stop button (Y page 161) once.
Preglow is activated and the engine starts. Pulling away
Manual transmission !
Change gear in good time and avoid spin-
ning the wheels. Otherwise, you could dam-
age the vehicle.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Fully depress the clutch pedal.
X Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.
X Release the parking brake (Y page 184).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Slowly release the clutch pedal and gently
depress the accelerato rpedal.
i Follow the shift recommendations in the
multifunction display for an economical
driving style (Y page 170). Driving
163Driving and parking Z

i
The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away.T he locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic lock-
ing feature (Y page 261).
Automatic transmission G
WARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor
R, the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There
is a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do
not simultaneously accelerate.
X Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
X Shift the transmission to position Dor R.
X Release the parking brake (Y page 184).
X Release the brake pedal.
X Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.
i It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position Pto the desired position if
you depress the brake pedal. Only then is
the selector lever lock/parking lock
released
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away.T he locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic lock-
ing feature (Y page 261).
i Upshifts take place at higher engine
speeds after a cold start. This helps the
catalytic converter to reach its operating
temperature more quickly. Hill starta
ssist G
WARNING
After a short time, hill start assist will no lon-
ger brake your vehicle and it could roll away.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, quickly move your foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Never
leave the vehicle when it is held by hill start
assist.
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away
forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient.
It holds the vehicle for a short time after you
have removed your foot from the brake pedal.
This gives you enough time to move your foot
from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal
and depress it before the vehicle begins to
roll.
X Take your foot off the brake pedal.
The vehicle is then held for about a second.
X Pull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R on vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is in position N.
R the parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning. ECO start/stop function
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the engine is switched off automatically and
you exit the vehicle, the engine is restarted
automatically. The vehicle may begin moving.
There is a risk of accident and injury.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the ignition and secure the vehicle against
rolling away. 164
DrivingDriving and parking

Vehicles with manual transmission
The ECO start/stop function switches off the
engine automatically at low speeds.
X Brake the vehicle until it comes to a stand-
still.
X Engage neutral N(Ypage 170) (follow
gearshift instruction :to engage neutral
N, if necessary).
X Release the clutch pedal.
The engine is switched off automatically.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
If the vehicle is braked to a standstill in trans-
mission position Dor Nand the brake
remains depressed, the ECO start/stop func-
tion switches off the engine automatically.
i You can also activate the HOLD function
when the vehicle is stationary if the engine
has been switched off automatically. It is
then not necessary to continue applying
the brakes during the automatic stop
phase. Whe nyou depress the accelerator
pedal, the engine starts automatically and
the braking effect of the HOLD function is
deactivated. Depress the accelerator pedal
gently, as the engine must be started first.
Automatic engine start Vehicles with manual transmission
!
Only engage gear when the clutch pedal
is depressed. The engine is started automatically if:
R
you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
R you fully depress the clutch pedal.
R you switch to drive program S,S+ orM
(AMG vehicles).
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door.
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range.
R the system detects moisture on the wind-
screen when the air-conditioning system is
switched on.
R the battery's charge status is too low.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine is started automatically if:
R you switch off the ECO start/stop function
by pressing the ECO button.
R you release the brakes when in transmis-
sion position Dor N, when the HOLD func-
tion is not active.
R you depress the accelerator pedal.
R you engage reverse gear R.
R you move the transmission out of position
P.
R you switch to drive program S,S+ orM
(AMG vehicles).
R you unfasten your seat belt or open the
driver's door.
R the vehicle starts to roll.
R the brake system requires this.
R the temperature in the vehicle interior devi-
ates from the set range.
R the system detects moisture on the wind-
screen when the air-conditioning system is
switched on.
R the battery's charge status is too low.
i Shifting the transmission to position P
does not start the engine. Driving
167Driving and parking Z