2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN automatic

If indicator lamp ; does not light up,
consult the section on malfunctions.XTo turn off: disconnect the plug from 115 V
power socket :.
Ensure that you do not pull on the cord.XClose flap =.
Possible causes of malfunction:
R the on-board power supply is not within a
permissible volt range.
R the temperature of the DC/AC converter is
temporarily too high.
R some small electronic devices have a
constant nominal power of less than
150 W, but a very high inrush current.
These devices will not work. If you connect
such a device, 115 V power socket : will
not supply it with power.
If indicator lamp ; still does not light up,
contact a specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
mbrace
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Ensure that
your system is activated and ready for use,
and press the ï MB Info call button to
register. If any of the steps mentioned is
not carried out, the system may not be
activated.
If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
assistance services:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or 1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
Shortly after successfully registering with the
mbrace service, a user ID and password will
be sent to you by post. You can use this
password to log in to the mbrace section
under "Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 24
.
The mbrace system is available if:
R it has been activated and is operational.
R the corresponding mobile phone network
is available for transmitting data to the
Customer Center.
R a service subscription is available.
R the starter battery is sufficiently charged.
i Determining the location of the vehicle on
a map is only possible if there is sufficient
GPS reception and the vehicle position can
be forwarded to the Customer Center.
The mbrace system
The mbrace system provides different
services, e.g.:
R automatic and manual emergency call
R Roadside Assistance call
R MB Info call
To adjust the volume during an mbrace call,
proceed as follows:
XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XUse the volume controller of COMAND.
You can find further information and a
description of all available features under
"Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 25
.
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
24 USA only.
25 USA only.296FeaturesStowing and features

GWARNING
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if one of the following conditions
occurs:
R the indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not light up during the system self-
diagnosis.
R the indicator lamp in the F Roadside
Assistance button does not light up during
the system self-diagnosis.
R The indicator lamp in the ï information
button does not light up during self-
diagnosis of the system.
R the indicator lamp in the SOS button,
F Roadside Assistance button or ï
information button continues to be lit red
after the system self-diagnosis.
R The Tele Aid Inoperative or Tele Aid
Not Activated message appears in the
multifunction display after the system self-
test.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above,
the system may not operate as expected. In
the event of an emergency, assistance must
be summoned by other means.
Have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or contact
the following service hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center under
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
or 1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
Emergency call
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Ensure that
your system is activated and ready for use,
and press the ï MB Info call button to
register. If any of the steps mentioned is
not carried out, the system may not be
activated.
If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
assistance services:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or 1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
An emergency call is dialed automatically if
an air bag or Emergency Tensioning Device is
triggered.
i An mbrace emergency call that has been
initiated automatically cannot be
terminated by the customer.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually.
As soon as the emergency call has been
initiated, the indicator lamp in the SOS button
flashes. The Connecting Call message
appears on the multifunction display.
The audio output is muted.
Once a connection has been established, the
Call Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
All important information on the emergency
is transmitted, for example:
R current location of the vehicle (as
determined by the GPS system)
R vehicle identification number
R information on the type of emergency
Shortly after the emergency call has been
initiated, a voice connection is automatically
established between the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center and the vehicle
occupants. If the vehicle occupants respond,
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center attempts to get more information on
the emergency.
i If no vehicle occupant answers, an
ambulance is immediately sent to the
vehicle.Features297Stowing and featuresZ

GWARNING
If the indicator lamp in the SOS button is
flashing continuously and no voice
connection to the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center was established, then the
mbrace system could not initiate an
emergency call (e.g. the relevant cellular
phone network is not available).
The message Call Failed appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
10 seconds.
Should this occur, assistance must be
summoned by other means.
Making an emergency call
XTo initiate an emergency call
manually: press cover : briefly to open
it.XPress SOS button ; briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button ;
flashes until the emergency call is
concluded.XWait for a voice connection to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center.XAfter the emergency call is ended, close
cover :.GWARNING
If you feel in any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle,
vehicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
pressed the SOS button. Carefully leave the
vehicle and move to a safe location. The
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
will automatically contact local emergency
officials with the vehicle's approximate
location if they receive an automatic SOS
signal and cannot make voice contact with the
vehicle occupants.
Roadside Assistance buttonXPress and hold Roadside Assistance
button : for more than two seconds.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center. The indicator
lamp in Roadside Assistance button :
flashes while the call is active. The
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display. The audio output is
muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a cellular phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. During the call, you
can change to the navigation menu by
pressing the NAVI button on COMAND, for
example.
Voice output is not available.
298FeaturesStowing and features

available, the vehicle can be opened by a
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center.
The vehicle can be opened remotely up to four
days after the ignition was last switched off.XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your password.XReturn to your vehicle at the time agreed
upon with the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center.XPull the trunk handle/tailgate handle for at
least 20 seconds until the indicator lamp in
the SOS button ( Y page 297) flashes.
The Connecting Call message appears
on the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be opened
via the Internet or an iPhone in the "Owners
Online" section using your ID number and
password 27
.
i Vehicle remote unlocking is only possible
if the corresponding mobile phone network
is accessible.
The SOS button flashes and the
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display to confirm that the
command for vehicle remote unlocking has
been received.
If you pull the trunk handle for more than
20 seconds before receiving authorization
for remote unlocking, you must wait 15
minutes before you can pull the trunk lid
handle again.
Vehicle remote closing
If you forget to lock your vehicle but are no
longer in the vicinity of the vehicle, it can be
locked for you by the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The vehicle can be locked remotely up to four
days after the ignition was last switched off.XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your PIN.
The next time you are in your vehicle and
switch on the ignition, the Tele Aid Doors
locked by remote control message
appears in the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be locked
via the Internet or an iPhone in the "Owners
Online" section using your ID number and
password.
i The vehicle valet locking feature is
available when the relevant mobile phone
network is available and data connection is
possible.
Service for recovering a stolen vehicle
If your vehicle has been stolen:
XNotify the police.
The police will issue a numbered incident
report.XThis number will be forwarded to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center together with your PIN.
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center then attempts to locate the mbrace
system. The Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center contacts you and the
local law enforcement agency if the vehicle
is located. However, only the law
enforcement agency is informed of the
location of the vehicle.
i If the anti-theft alarm system is active for
longer than 30 seconds, mbrace
automatically informs the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
27 USA only.Features301Stowing and featuresZ

XPull release lever : for the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XReach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle ; up and lift the hood.
Once you have lifted the hood about
15 inches (40 cm), it is automatically
opened the rest of the way and held open
by the gas-filled struts.
Closing the hood
GWARNING
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Radiator
i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, for example with a
winter front or bug cover. Otherwise, the
readings of the on-board-diagnostic
system may be inaccurate. Some of these
readings are required by law and must be
accurate at all times.
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts. (0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
Example: vehicles with a gasoline engine
Engine compartment309Maintenance and careZ

GWARNING
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the
particular container. Always open your
vehicle's doors or windows when cleaning the
inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not
designed for cleaning your vehicle.
Always lock away cleaning products and keep
them out of reach of children.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film.
HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after
cleaning. Braking heats the brake discs and
the brake pads/linings, thus drying them.
The vehicle can then be parked.
Exterior care
Automatic car washGWARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, you must drive particularly
carefully after washing the vehicle until the
brakes have dried.
GWARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate the HOLD function and DISTRONIC
PLUS before the vehicle is washed in an
automatic car wash.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
! Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! In car washes with a towing mechanism,
make sure that the automatic transmission
is in transmission position N, otherwise the
vehicle could be damaged.
R Vehicles with a SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the
ignition lock. Do not open the driver's
door or front-passenger door when the
engine is switched off. Otherwise, the
automatic transmission selects park
position P automatically and locks the
wheels. You can prevent this by shifting
the automatic transmission to N
beforehand.
R Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
Do not open the driver's door or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission selects park position P
automatically and locks the wheels.
314CareMaintenance and care

Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N:XMake sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.XTurn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 145) in the ignition lock.
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.XDepress and hold the brake pedal.XShift the automatic transmission to
position N.XRelease the brake pedal.XRelease the parking brake.XSwitch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and the sliding sunroof
are fully closed.
R the ventilation/heating is switched off
(the OFF button has been pressed).
R the windshield wiper switch is in position
0 .
Otherwise, the vehicle might be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Also, clean the insides of the wheels when
washing the underbody of the vehicle.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.XUse a soft car sponge for cleaning.XUse a gentle cleaning agent, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz approved car shampoo.XWash down the vehicle with a gentle water
jet.XDo not point the water jet directly at the air
inlets.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
frequently.XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
it thoroughly with a chamois.XDo not allow the cleaning agent to dry on
the paintwork.
Power washers
GWARNING
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
11.8 in (30 cm) between the vehicle and the
power washer nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tires
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels
! Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
Care315Maintenance and careZ

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid
towing bar if:
R the engine is not running.
R there is a brake system malfunction.
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will need more
force to steer and brake, you may have to
depress the brake pedal with maximum force.
Before towing away, make sure that the
steering can be moved and is not locked.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum
permissible gross vehicle weight of your
vehicle.
GWARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
! You may only tow the vehicle a maximum
distance of 30 miles (50 km). A towing
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be
exceeded.
For towing distances over 30 miles
(50 km), the vehicle must loaded onto a
transporter.
! Only secure the tow rope or tow bar at the
towing eyes. Otherwise, the vehicle could
be damaged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
as this could damage the vehicle. If in
doubt, recover the vehicle with a crane.
! When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high,
the vehicles could be damaged.
! Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage the vehicle.
! When towing vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
use the key instead of the Start/Stop
button. Otherwise, the automatic
transmission may shift to position P when
the driver's or front-passenger door are
opened, which could lead to damage to the
transmission.
The automatic transmission must be in
position N when the vehicle is being towed.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
R cannot turn the SmartKey to position 2 in
the ignition lock
R cannot shift the automatic transmission to
position N
i Before the vehicle is towed, switch off the
automatic locking feature (Y page 83). You
could otherwise be locked out when
pushing or towing the vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
XRemove the towing eye from the vehicle
tool kit ( Y page 322).GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be hot. You could
burn yourself if you touch the tail pipe. Be
particularly careful when removing the rear
cover.
The mountings for the removable towing eyes
are located in the bumpers. They are at the
front and at the rear, under the covers.
340Towing and tow-startingBreakdown assistance