2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN starting

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)Activating/deactivating ...................72
Function ........................................... 72
Switching off the alarm ....................72
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................225
Display message ............................ 249
Function/notes ............................. 199
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 221
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 245
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 149
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 149
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 116
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............157
Changing gear ............................... 155
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................153
Display message ............................ 257
Driving tips .................................... 155
Emergency running mode ..............160
Kickdown ....................................... 156
Manual drive program ....................158
Problem (malfunction) ...................160
Program selector button ................156
Pulling away ................................... 147
Selector lever ................................ 152
Shift ranges ................................... 157
Starting the engine ........................147
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......157
Transmission position display ........153
Transmission positions ..................155
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 160
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Bag hook ............................................ 282
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 64
Basic settings
see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 64
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 78
Important safety notes ....................78
Replacing ......................................... 78
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 337
Display message ............................ 247
Important safety notes ..................335
Jump starting ................................. 338
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................225
Notes/function .............................. 203
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 387
Bottle holder ...................................... 290
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 237
Notes ............................................. 388
Brake fluid level ................................ 312
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 243
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 64
BAS .................................................. 64
BAS PLUS ........................................ 64
Brake fluid (notes) .........................388
Display message ............................ 235
Driving tips .................................... 171
High-performance brake system ....173
Important safety notes ..................171
Maintenance .................................. 172
Parking brake ................................ 169
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs Index5

Break-in period .............................. 144
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 185
Downhill gradient ........................... 171
Drinking and driving .......................170
Driving abroad ............................... 114
Driving on flooded roads ................173
Driving on wet roads ......................173
Exhaust check ............................... 170
Fuel ................................................ 170
General .......................................... 169
Hydroplaning ................................. 173
Icy road surfaces ........................... 175
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 171
Pedals ............................................ 170
Snow chains .......................... 174, 349
Symmetrical low beam ..................114
Wet road surface ........................... 171
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 222
DVD-Video (on-board computer) ...... 222
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................229
Function/notes ............................. 108
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 108
Function/notes ............................. 108
Switching on/off ........................... 229
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................ 284
EASY-PACK folding luggage-
compartment floor ............................ 286
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ........... 284
EASY-PACK rear sill protector .......... 287
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 236
Function/notes ................................ 69
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................150
General information .......................148
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 83
Fuel filler flap ................................. 163
Trunk ............................................... 89
Vehicle ............................................. 83
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 324
Stowing .......................................... 325
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 56
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 89
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....22
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 267
Display message ............................ 245
ECO start/stop function ................148
Emergency starting ........................342
Engine number ............................... 382
Irregular running ............................ 151
Starting problems ..........................151
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 147
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............147
Switching off .................................. 168
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................151
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 310
Additives ........................................ 388
Checking the oil level ..................... 309
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 309
Display message ............................ 247
Filling capacity ............................... 384
Notes about oil grades ................... 387
Notes on oil level/consumption ....309
Temperature (on-board computer) . 230
Viscosity ........................................ 388Index9

Opening/closing the garage door ..304
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 302
Gasoline ............................................. 161
Gear indicator (on-board
computer) .......................................... 230
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 319
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 380
Glove box ........................................... 274
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 118
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 389
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....311
Cleaning system (function) ............117
Fogging up ..................................... 120
see Automatic headlamp mode
Head restraints
Adjusting ....................................... 100
Adjusting (angle) ............................ 100
Adjusting (electrically) ...................101
Adjusting (rear) .............................. 101
Installing/removing (rear) ..............102
Luxury ............................................ 101
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 123
Display message ............................ 243
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 118
Switching on/off ........................... 117
Hill start assist .................................. 148
HOLD function Display message ............................ 250
Function/notes ............................. 187
Hood
Closing ........................................... 309
Display message ............................ 258
Opening ......................................... 308
Hydroplaning ..................................... 173
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 71
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Infrared lamps (changing bulbs) ...... 123
Insect protection on the radiator .... 309
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 29
Settings ......................................... 226
Warning and indicator lamps ...........30
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 29
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting
Automatic control ..........................120
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 228
Emergency lighting ........................121
Manual control ............................... 121
Overview ........................................ 120
Reading lamp ................................. 120
Setting the brightness of the
ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 227
see Interior lighting
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 322
Using ............................................. 330
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 338
K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............92
Display message ............................ 259
Locking ............................................ 75
Start/Stop button .......................... 145
Starting the engine ........................147
Unlocking ......................................... 75
Index11

Seat beltsAdjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................54
Adjusting the height ......................... 54
Belt force limiters ............................ 56
center rear-compartment seat .........55
Cleaning ......................................... 320
Correct usage .................................. 52
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 56
Fastening ......................................... 53
Important safety guidelines .............51
Releasing ......................................... 55
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Special seat belt retractor ...............59
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................229
Warning lamp ................................. 261
Warning lamp (function) ................... 55
Seats
Active multicontour seat ................102
Adjusting (electrically) ...................100
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 103
Adjusting the head restraint ..........100
Cleaning the cover .........................320
Correct driver's seat position ........... 98
Folding the backrest (rear
compartment) forwards/back .......280
Important safety notes ....................99
Seat heating problem ....................106
Seat ventilation problem ................106
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111
Switching seat heating on/off .......105
Switching seat ventilation on/off ..106
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 317
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........313
Hiding service messages ...............313
Notes ............................................. 313
Service messages ..........................312
Service menu (on-board computer) . 226
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 388
Capacities ...................................... 384Coolant (engine) ............................ 389
DEF special additives .....................387
Engine oil ....................................... 387
Fuel ................................................ 385
Important safety notes ..................382
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 388
Washer fluid ................................... 389
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........230
On-board computer .......................226
Setting the air distribution ............... 137
Setting the airflow ............................ 137
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 230
Side impact air bag ............................. 42
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 244
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............91
Convenience opening feature ..........91
Important safety information ...........90
Opening/closing .............................. 90
Problem (malfunction) .....................92
Resetting ......................................... 92
Skibag ................................................ 277
Sliding sunroof Important safety notes ....................93
Opening/closing .............................. 94
Problem (malfunction) .....................96
Resetting ......................................... 94
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................78
Changing the programming .............77
Checking the battery .......................78
Convenience closing feature ............91
Convenience opening feature ..........91
Display message ............................ 259
Door central locking/unlocking .......74
Important safety notes ....................74
Loss ................................................. 80
Mechanical key ................................ 77
Positions (ignition lock) .................145
Problem (malfunction) .....................80
Starting the engine ........................147
Snow chains .............................. 174, 34916Index

SocketsCenter console .............................. 294
Luggage compartment ...................295
Points to observe before use .........294
Rear compartment .........................294
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 373
Storage location ............................ 324
Stowing .......................................... 325
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 25
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 219
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 215
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 226
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 67
Warning lamp ................................. 265
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 238
Introduction ..................................... 38
Warning lamp ................................. 266
Warning lamp (function) ................... 38
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 123
Display message ............................ 244
Switching on/off ........................... 114
Starting (engine) ................................ 146
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 259
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................107
Button overview ............................... 31
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 215
Important safety notes ..................107
Paddle shifters ............................... 157
Steering wheel heating ..................107
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 319
Steering wheel heating Problem (malfunction) ...................107
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 157
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 231
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 275
Cup holders ................................... 289
Eyeglasses compartment ...............275
Glove box ....................................... 274
Important safety information .........274
Parcel net ...................................... 277
Rear ............................................... 276
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 275
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 286
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 348
Sun visor ............................................ 290
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 227
Suspension tuning AIRMATIC ...................................... 190
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 191
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........230
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 139
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 72
T
Tachometer ........................................ 215
Tailgate Display message ............................ 258
Emergency unlocking .......................89
Important safety notes ....................84
Limiting the opening angle ...............88
Opening/closing .............................. 85
Index17

Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 87
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 86
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 243
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 380
Tires/wheels ................................. 371
Vehicle data ................................... 390
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 300
Display message ............................ 237
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 300
Emergency call .............................. 297
Important safety notes ..................296
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............301
MB info call button ........................299
Remote vehicle locking ..................301
Roadside Assistance button ..........298
Search & Send ............................... 300
Self-test ......................................... 296
System .......................................... 296
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............300
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 223
Display message ............................ 259
Menu (on-board computer) ............222
Number from the phone book ........ 223
Redialing ........................................ 223
Rejecting/ending a call .................223
Telescopic rod (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 286
Temperature Coolant .......................................... 214
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 230
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 230
Outside temperature ...................... 215
Setting (climate control) ................136
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 71
Through-loading ................................ 278
Through-loading feature ................... 279Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 231
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 326
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....355
Checking manually ........................353
Display message ............................ 254
Maximum ....................................... 352
Notes ............................................. 351
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................327
Pressure loss warning ....................353
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................328
Recommended ............................... 349
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 355
Restarting ...................................... 357
Warning lamp ................................. 271
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................369
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................368
Bar (definition) ............................... 367
Characteristics .............................. 367
Checking ........................................ 347
Definition of terms .........................367
Direction of rotation ......................371
Display message ............................ 254
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................370
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 366
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............367
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 368
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 368
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................368
Important safety notes ..................346
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......368
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........369
Labeling (overview) ........................363
Load bearing index (definition) ......37018Index

Load index ..................................... 366
Load index (definition) ...................369
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 368
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 369
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 369
Maximum tire load .........................361
Maximum tire load (definition) .......369
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 369
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 369
Replacing ....................................... 370
Service life ..................................... 347
Sidewall (definition) .......................369
Speed rating (definition) ................368
Storing ........................................... 371
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 367
Temperature .................................. 363
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 370
Tire bead (definition) ......................369
Tire pressure (definition) ................369
Tire pressures (recommended) ......368
Tire size (data) ............................... 371
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 364
Tire tread ....................................... 347
Tire tread (definition) .....................369
Total load limit (definition) .............370
Traction ......................................... 362
Traction (definition) .......................370
Tread wear ..................................... 362
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 362
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................368
Unladen weight (definition) ............369
Wear indicator (definition) .............370
Wheel rim (definition) ....................368
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 60
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........340
Installing the towing eye ................340Removing the towing eye ...............341
With the rear axle raised ................341
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......341
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............342
Important safety notes ..................340
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 342
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 319
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 219
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 219
Resetting (on-board computer) ......220
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................89
Important safety guidelines .............84
Locking separately ...........................88
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 87
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 86
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 258
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................124
Display message ............................ 242
Switching on/off ........................... 117
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................83
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 82
Index19

Otherwise, ESP®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited 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.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.XTo deactivate: (Y page 224).
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
XTo activate: (Y page 224).
The å ESP®
OFF 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.
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
GWARNING
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.
Driving safety systems67SafetyZ