2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN reverse

R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ............. 188
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 231
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating .................229
Display message ............................ 250
Radiator cover ................................... 309
Radio Selecting a station .........................221
see separate operating instructions
Reading lamp ..................................... 120
Rear axle level control (AMG
adaptive sport suspension
system) .............................................. 191
Rear compartment Setting the airflow .........................137
Setting the air vents ......................141
Setting the temperature ................136
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 244
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Rear seat
Display message ............................ 258
Folding the backrest forwards/
back ............................................... 279
Rear sill protector ............................. 287
Rear view camera Cleaning instructions .....................318
Function/notes ............................. 198
Rear-view mirror
Anti-glare (manual) ........................109
Dipping (automatic) .......................110
Rear window blind ............................ 292
Rear window defroster Problem (malfunction) ...................139
Rear window heating
Switching on/off ........................... 139
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 126
Switching on/off ........................... 125
Refueling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................160
Refueling process ..........................162
see Fuel
Remote control
Garage door opener .......................302Reporting
Malfunctions relevant to safety ........ 25
Reserve (fuel tank)
see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 248
Warning lamp ................................. 267
see Fuel
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 140
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Retaining hook .................................. 282
Reverse gear Engaging (automatic
transmission) ................................. 152
Reversing lamps (display
message) ............................................ 244
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 23
Roller blind see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ..................................... 95
Rear side windows .........................291
Rear window .................................. 292
Roof carrier ........................................ 288
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 320
Roof load (maximum) ........................ 390
Route see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 220
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................56
Child restraint systems ....................56
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 44
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 38
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Index15

PRE-SAFE®
(preventative occupant
protection)GWARNING
The PRE-SAFE ®
system reduces the impact of
an accident on vehicle occupants, as long as
their seat belts have been fastened correctly.
Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE-
SAFE ®
system, the possibility of injury in the
event of an accident cannot be ruled out. You
should therefore always drive carefully and
adapt your driving style to the prevailing road,
weather and traffic conditions.
PRE-SAFE ®
takes preemptive measures to
protect occupants in certain hazardous
situations.
PRE-SAFE ®
intervenes:
R in emergency braking situations, e.g. if BAS
is activated or, in vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS, BAS PLUS intervenes powerfully
R if the radar sensor system detects an
imminent danger of collision in certain
situations (on vehicles with DISTRONIC
PLUS)
R in critical driving situations, e.g. when
physical limits are exceed and the vehicle
understeers or oversteers severely
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation
detected:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R it adjusts the front-passenger seat if it is in
an unfavorable position.
R the air pressure in the side bolsters of the
seat cushion and seat backrest of the front
active multicontour seats is increased.
R if the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof/
panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel and the side windows are closed so
that only a small gap remains.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pretensioning. The air pressure in the
side bolsters on the active multicontour seat
is reduced again. All settings made by PRE-
SAFE ®
can then be reversed.
If the seat belts are not released:XMove the backrest or seat back slightly, but
only when the vehicle is stationary.
The belt pretensioning is reduced and the
locking mechanism is released.GWARNING
Make sure that nobody can become trapped
as you adjust the seat.
! Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell or behind the seats when resetting
the seats. There is a risk that the seats
and/or the objects could be damaged.
More information about seat-belt
adjustment, a convenience function
integrated into PRE-SAFE ®
, can be found in
the "Seat-belt adjustment" section
( Y page 54).
NECK-PRO head restraints
The NECK-PRO head restraints increase
protection to the driver's and front
passenger's head and neck. To this end, the
NECK-PRO head restraints on the driver's and
front-passenger seats are moved forwards
and upwards in the event of a rear-end
collision of a certain severity. This provides
better head support.
GWARNING
Do not secure any objects (e.g. coat hangers)
on the NECK-PRO head restraints. Otherwise,
the NECK-PRO head restraints may not
function properly, or in the event of a rear-end
collision may not be able offer the level of
protection they are designed to provide.
GWARNING
Seat or head restraint covers can cause a
malfunction when the NECK-PRO head
restraints are activated or when the side
impact air bags or pelvis air bags are
50Occupant safetySafety

Setting the exterior mirrors
This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
If the battery has been disconnected or
completely discharged, the exterior mirrors
must be reset. The exterior mirrors will
otherwise not fold in when you select the
"Fold in mirrors when locking" function in the
on-board computer ( Y page 230).
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 1 in the ignition lock.XBriefly press button :.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
automatically
This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
If the "Fold in mirrors when locking" function
is activated in the on-board computer
( Y page 230):
R the exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
R the exterior mirrors fold out again
automatically as soon as you unlock the
vehicle and then open the driver's or front-
passenger door.
i The mirrors do not fold out if they have
been folded in manually.
Exterior mirror out of position
If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows:
XVehicles without electrically folding
exterior mirrors: move the exterior mirror
into the correct position manually.XVehicles with electronically folding
mirrors 9
: press the mirror-folding button( Y page 109) repeatedly until you hear the
mirror engage in position.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
( Y page 109).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
GWARNING
If incident light from headlamps is prevented
from striking the sensor in the rear-view
mirror, for instance, by luggage piled too high
in the vehicle, the mirror's automatic anti-
glare function will not operate.
Incident light could then blind you. This may
distract you from the traffic conditions and,
as a result, you may cause an accident.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the ignition is switched on and
incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting
is switched on.
Parking position for the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
engage reverse gear. You can store this
position.
9 Canada only110MirrorsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress button ; for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the preset parking position.XUse adjustment button = to adjust the
exterior mirror to a position that allows you
to see the rear wheel and the curb.
The parking position is stored.
i If you shift the transmission to another
position, the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side returns to the driving
position.
i You can also store the parking position
using memory button M ? .
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.XWith the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side activated, use
adjustment button = to adjust the
exterior mirror to a position which
allows you to see the rear wheel and
the curb.XPress memory button M ? and one of
the arrows on adjustment button =
within three seconds.
The parking position is stored if the
exterior mirror does not move.
If the mirror moves out of position, repeat
the steps.
Calling up a stored parking position
settingXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XAdjust the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side with the corresponding
button ( Y page 109).XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the stored parking position.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves back to its original position:
R as soon as you exceed a speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h)
R about ten seconds after you have
disengaged reverse gear
R if you press button : for the exterior
mirror on the driver's side
Memory function
Storing settings
With the memory function, you can store up
to three different settings, e.g. for three
different people.
The following settings are stored as a single
memory preset:
R position of the seat, backrest and head
restraint
R active multicontour seat: dynamic function
level
R driver's side: steering wheel position
R driver's side: position of the exterior
mirrors on the driver's and front-passenger
sides
GWARNING
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function while
driving could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle.
Memory function111Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to
the desired drive position when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. You could otherwise damage the
drive train.
! AMG vehicles: at low engine oil
temperatures (below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the
maximum engine speed is restricted in
order to protect the engine. To protect the
engine and maintain smooth engine
operation, avoid driving at full throttle when
the engine is cold.
SmartKey positions
SmartKeygTo remove the SmartKey(shift the transmission to position P)1Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windshield wipers2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position3To start the engine
If the SmartKey is in position 0 in the ignition
lock for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the ignition lock. The
steering is then locked. To unlock, remove the
SmartKey and reinsert it into the ignition lock.
The steering is locked when you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
i The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
General information
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a SmartKey featuring an integrated KEYLESS-
GO function and a detachable Start/Stop
button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted into
the ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in
the vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
Driving145Driving and parkingZ

Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
! Do not depress the accelerator pedal
when starting the engine.
i Vehicles with a gasoline engine: the
catalytic converter is preheated for up to
30 seconds after a cold start. The sound of
the engine may change during this time.
Automatic transmissionXShift the transmission to position P.
The transmission position display in the
multifunction display shows P.
i
You can also start the engine when the
transmission is in position N.
Starting procedure with the SmartKey
i To start the engine using the SmartKey
instead of KEYLESS-GO, pull the Start/
Stop button out of the ignition lock.
XTo start a gasoline engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 3 in the ignition lock
( Y page 145) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.XTo start a diesel engine: turn the
SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock
( Y page 145).
The % preglow indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XWhen the % preglow indicator lamp
goes out, turn the SmartKey to position 3
( Y page 145) and release it as soon as the
engine is running.
i You can start the engine without preglow
if the engine is warm.
Using KEYLESS-GO to start the engineGWARNING
As long as the SmartKey is in your vehicle, the
vehicle can be started. Therefore, never leave
children unattended in the vehicle, as they
could otherwise accidentally start the engine.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do
not leave children unattended in the vehicle,
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.
i The Start/Stop button can be used to
start the vehicle manually without inserting
the SmartKey into the ignition lock. The
Start/Stop button must be inserted into
the ignition lock and the SmartKey must be
in the vehicle. This mode for starting the
engine operates independently of the ECO
start/stop automatic engine start function.
XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XTo start a gasoline engine: press the
Start/Stop button ( Y page 145) once.
The engine starts.XTo start a diesel engine: press the Start/
Stop button ( Y page 145) once.
Preglow is activated and the engine starts.
i If the engine is warm, the preglow time is
shortened.
Pulling away
Automatic transmission
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
Driving147Driving and parkingZ

someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
i It is only possible to shift the transmission
from position P to the desired position if
you depress the brake pedal. Only then is
the parking lock released. If you do not
depress the brake pedal, you can move the
DIRECT SELECT lever but the parking lock
remains engaged.XDepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.XShift the transmission to position D or R.XRelease the parking brake ( Y page 169).XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
!
If a warning tone sounds and the
Release Park. Brake message appears
in the multifunction display, the parking
brake is still applied. Release the parking
brake.
i The vehicle locks centrally once you have
pulled away. The locking knobs in the doors
drop down.
You can open the doors from the inside at
any time.
You can also deactivate the automatic
locking feature ( Y page 228).
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 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.
GWARNING
Never leave the vehicle when it is held by hill
start assist. After approximately one second,
hill start assist will no longer brake your
vehicle and it could roll away.
XTake your foot off the brake pedal.
i Once you have taken your foot off the
brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around
one second.
XPull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
R you are pulling away on a level road or a
downhill gradient.
R the transmission is in position N.
R the parking brake is applied.
R ESP ®
is malfunctioning.
ECO start/stop function
General information
The ECO start/stop function is only available
for the E 63 AMG.
The ECO start/stop function is only available
in drive program C.
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving.
The engine starts automatically when the
driver wants to pull away again. The ECO
start/stop function thereby helps you to
reduce the fuel consumption and emissions
of your vehicle.
The ECO start/stop function is activated each
time the engine is switched on. If all the
requirements are fulfilled for automatic
engine switch-off ( Y page 149), the green
¤ ECO symbol is shown in the
multifunction display and Stop/Start
active appears. If not all of the requirements
are fulfilled, the ¤ ECO symbol is shown
in yellow and Stop/Start inactive
appears.
148DrivingDriving and parking

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsVehicles with a
gasoline engine:
The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.XCheck the coolant level ( Y page 311). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
GWARNING
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Selector lever
Overview of transmission positions
Selector lever in AMG vehicles with P button
PPark position with parking lockRReverse gearNNeutralDDrive152Automatic transmissionDriving and parking