2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN trunk

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsService Required
Do Not Shift Gears
Visit DealerYou cannot change the transmission position due to a malfunction.
A warning tone also sounds.
If transmission position D is selected:XDrive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from position D.
If transmission position R, N or P is selected:
XNotify a qualified specialist workshop or breakdown service.Only Shift
to 'P' when
Vehicle is
StationaryThe vehicle is moving.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XShift the transmission to position P.NSedan: the trunk lid is open.XClose the trunk lid.AWagon: the tailgate is open.XClose the tailgate.M or?GRisk of accident
The hood is open.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the parking brake.XClose the hood.CAt least one door is open.XClose all the doors._
Rear Left Backrest
Not Latched orRear
Right Backrest Not
LatchedGRisk of injury
Sedan with through-loading feature in the rear bench seat:
The backrest in the rear is not engaged on the left-hand and/or
right-hand side.
XPush the backrest back until it engages.258Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

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 25).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible. Use cargo tie-down rings and
fastening materials appropriate for the weight
and size of the load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the gross axle weight rating of the
vehicle (including occupants). The values
are specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the B-pillar of the driver's door.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk/
cargo compartment as possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i The glove box can be ventilated
( Y page 141).
274Stowage areasStowing and features

Parcel netsGWARNING
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the left and right-hand sides
of the trunk/cargo compartment.
Skibag
Unfolding the skibag and loading skis
GWARNING
The skibag is designed for up to four pairs of
skis. Do not load the skibag with any other
objects.
Always fasten the skibag securely. In an
accident, an unfastened ski bag can cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
XFold down the rear seat armrest.XPress release catches ; together and fold
down cover :.XPull skibag : into the vehicle interior and
unfold it.XOpen the trunk lid.XPress release button :.
The flap opens downwards.XSlide the skis into the skibag from the
trunk.XPull strap : tight by the loose end until the
skis are held firmly inside the skibag.Stowage areas277Stowing and featuresZ

XEngage hook : in securing ring ;.XPull the strap tight by the loose end.
Removing the skis and folding up the
skibag
XLoosen the two straps.XRemove hook : from securing ring ;.XTake the skis out of the skibag.XClose the flap in the trunk.XSmooth out the skibag and fold it up.XPut the skibag into the backrest.XFold the cover back up.
i
You should always close the flap in the
trunk if you do not require the skibag. This
will prevent unauthorized access to the
trunk from the vehicle interior.
Removing the skibag
GWARNING
When the skibag has been removed, always
drive with the trunk lid closed. Exhaust fumes
could otherwise enter the vehicle interior.
The skibag can be removed for cleaning or
drying.
XOpen the trunk lid.XPress release catch :.
Flap ; folds down.XPress catch = in and pull out frame ?
containing the skibag.
Through-loading facility in the rear
compartment
GWARNING
Do not transport any unsecured items in the
through-loading area.
The through-loading facility is opened from
the trunk.
XFold down the rear seat armrest.XPress release button :.
The flap opens downwards.278Stowage areasStowing and features

Through-loading facility in the rear
bench seat (Sedan)
Important safety notesGWARNING
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fold the seat backrests fully forward.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded down separately to
increase the trunk capacity.
Folding the seat backrest forward
i Vehicles with memory function: when you
fold one or both parts of the rear seat
backrest forwards, the respective front
seat moves forward slightly, when
necessary, in order to avoid contact.
XVehicles without memory function: if
necessary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.XOpen the trunk.XPull right-hand or left-hand rear seat
backrest release handle :.
The corresponding rear seat backrest is
released and the rear seat head restraints
are lowered.XFold rear seat backrest ; forwards.XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding the seat backrest back
XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged.
XFold rear seat backrest : back until it
engages.Stowage areas279Stowing and featuresZ

GWARNING
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied, or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo.
i You should always engage the rear seat
backrests if you do not need the through-
loading feature. This will prevent
unauthorized access to the trunk from the
vehicle interior.
XAdjust the head restraints if necessary
( Y page 101).XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
EASY-PACK through-loading facility in
the rear bench seat (Wagon)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Folding the rear seat backrest forward
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded forwards separately
to increase the cargo compartment capacity.
The combined cargo cover and net can
remain installed.
! When folding the rear seat backrest
forwards, ensure that there are no items
lying on the seat cushions. These items
could otherwise be damaged or could
themselves damage the rear seats.
i When you fold one or both parts of the
rear seat backrests forwards, the
headrests are also lowered if necessary. In
the case of vehicles with memory function,
the respective front seat is moved forwards
slightly to avoid contact with the seat
behind it.XVehicles without memory function: if
necessary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.XPull the left-hand or right-hand release
handle at the rear in cargo
compartment : or at the side beside
backrests ;.
The corresponding backrest folds
forwards.XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.280Stowage areasStowing and features

Folding the rear seat backrest backXMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged.
XFold seat backrest : back until it engages.GWARNING
Make sure that the rear seat backrest is
correctly engaged. Otherwise, vehicle
occupants could be injured by objects being
thrown around if you
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
If the rear seat backrest is not engaged, this
will be shown in the multifunction display in
the instrument cluster.
XAdjust the head restraints if necessary
( Y page 101).XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Securing cargo
Plastic hooks (Sedan)
On vehicles without a through-loading feature
in the rear bench seat, six plastic hooks are
installed to the trunk floor.
Cargo tie-down rings
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
R secure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
R do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
R do not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
R pad sharp edges for protection.
There are six cargo tie down rings in the
trunk/cargo compartment.
Sedan
:Cargo tie down ringsStowage areas281Stowing and featuresZ

Wagon
:Cargo tie down rings
Bag hooks in the trunk/cargo
compartment
Important safety notes
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load
of 6.6 lbs (3 kg). Do not use it to secure a
load.
Sedan
XPull bag hook ; down by tab :.
Wagon
XTo open: press bag hook : (arrow).
Bag hook : slides out.XTo close: press bag hook : until it
engages.
EASY-PACK cargo compartment cover
Important safety notes
! When loading the vehicle, make sure that
you do not stack the load in the cargo
compartment higher than the lower edge of
the side windows. Do not place heavy
objects on top of the cargo compartment
cover.
The cargo compartment cover and the cargo
net are attached to anchorages on the right
and left in the cargo compartment as a
combined cargo cover and net.
When the tailgate is opened, the cargo
compartment cover is automatically raised to
make loading easier. It is automatically
lowered again when the tailgate is closed.
When the cargo compartment cover is
clipped in, there should be no objects
obstructing the downwards movement of the
cover in the cargo compartment when the
tailgate is closed. The cargo compartment
cover will otherwise be raised again.
Extending and retracting the cargo
compartment cover
282Stowage areasStowing and features