2012 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class WAGON power steering

C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................23
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 320
Car wash ........................................ 314
Display ........................................... 318
Exterior lights ................................ 317
Gear or selector lever ....................319
Matte finish ................................... 316
Night View Assist Plus ...................318
Notes ............................................. 313
Paint .............................................. 316
Plastic trim .................................... 319
Power washer ................................ 315
Rear view camera .......................... 318
Roof lining ...................................... 320
Seat belt ........................................ 320
Seat cover ..................................... 320
Sensors ......................................... 317
Steering wheel ............................... 319
Tail pipes ....................................... 318
Trim pieces .................................... 319
Washing by hand ........................... 315
Wheels ........................................... 315
Windows ........................................ 317
Wiper blades .................................. 317
Wooden trim .................................. 319
Cargo compartment cover ............... 282
Cargo compartment enlargement ... 280
Cargo compartment floor ................. 286
Cargo net ........................................... 284
Attaching ....................................... 284
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 281
Car wash (care) ................................. 314
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 222
Cell phone see Mobile phone Center console
Lower section .................................. 33
Lower section (AMG vehicles) ..........34
Upper section .................................. 32
Central locking
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 228
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........74
Changing bulbs
High-beam headlamps ...................123
Important safety notes ..................121
Infrared lamp ................................. 123
Low-beam headlamps ....................122
Overview of bulb types ..................122
Parking lamps ................................ 123
Standing lamps (front) ...................123
Turn signals (front) ......................... 124
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes ....................61
Rear doors ....................................... 61
Children
In the vehicle ................................... 56
Restraint systems ............................ 56
Child seat
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 59
Special seat belt retractor ...............59
Top Tether ....................................... 60
Cigarette lighter ................................ 293
Climate control Automatic climate control (3-
zone) .............................................. 133
Controlling automatically ...............135
Cooling with air dehumidification ..134
Defrosting the windows .................138
Defrosting the windshield ..............138
Dual-zone automatic climate
control ........................................... 131
Important safety notes ..................130
Indicator lamp ................................ 135
Maximum cooling .......................... 138
Notes on using automatic climate
control ................................... 132, 134
Overview of systems ......................130
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 135
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 1396Index

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsYou have lost the
mechanical key.XReport the loss immediately to the vehicle insurers.XIf necessary, have the locks changed as well.The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey.The on-board voltage is too low.XSwitch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
XCheck the starter battery and charge it if necessary
( Y page 335).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 338).
or
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine cannot be
started using the
SmartKey.The steering lock is mechanically blocked 3
.XRemove the SmartKey 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 SmartKey is in
the vehicle.A door is open. Therefore, the SmartKey cannot be detected as
easily.XClose the door and try to start the vehicle again.There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.XStart your vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock.3 Not on vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever.SmartKey81Opening/closingZ

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

Unintended vehicle movement can cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R keep your right foot on the brake pedal.
R engage the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission to park
position P.
R slowly release the brake pedal.
R when parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock, or press the KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
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.
Vehicles with manual transmissionXShift to either first gear or reverse gear R.XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.XApply the parking brake firmly.
Vehicles with automatic transmission
XShift the transmission to position P.
Using the SmartKey
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.XApply the parking brake firmly.
i If you turn off the engine with the
SmartKey and then remove it from the
ignition lock or open a front door, the
automatic transmission shifts to P
automatically.
Using KEYLESS-GO
XPress the Start/Stop button (Y page 145).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrument cluster go out.XApply the parking brake firmly.
i If you use the Start/Stop button to switch
off the engine, the automatic transmission
shifts to N automatically. If you then open
the driver's or front-passenger door, the
automatic transmission shifts to P.
i In an emergency, the engine can be
turned off while the vehicle is in motion by
pressing and holding the Start/Stop button
for three seconds.
If you have started the engine with the Start/
Stop button and it cannot be switched off as
described:
Xremove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.Xinsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
The engine switches off. The ignition is in
position 0.168ParkingDriving and parking

when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h).
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.XRemove unnecessary loads.XRemove roof racks when they are not
needed.XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Service Booklet or by the service interval
display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched offGWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust check
GWARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
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.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency
when they are maintained exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. For this reason, all work on the
engine must be carried out only by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
170Driving tipsDriving and parking

If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you,
the radar sensor system must be activated
( Y page 229) and operational.
If there is no vehicle driving in front of you,
DISTRONIC PLUS functions like cruise
control at a speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph
(Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in
front of you, it functions at a speed range
between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph
(Canada: 200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual if
there are any questions concerning this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It does not react to pedestrians
or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize
or predict the curvature and lane layout or the
movement of preceding vehicles. The
DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum
of 40% of the vehicle's braking power.
The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such
as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver's responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. Additionally, the driver must
provide the steering, braking and other driving
inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
speed measuring systems etc. can cause the
DISTRONIC PLUS system to temporarily
cease functioning.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed.
GWARNING
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet.
GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
R roads are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to
snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance
control system functionality could be
impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured.
178Driving systemsDriving and parking

If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
transmission is shifted automatically to
position P if:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off.
R the hood is opened.
R a system malfunction occurs.
R the power supply is not sufficient.
i If the engine has been switched off, it
cannot be started again until the HOLD
function has been deactivated.
If there is a malfunction in the system or
power supply while the HOLD function is
activated, the Brake immediately message
is shown in the multifunction display.
Immediately depress the brake firmly until
the warning message in the multifunction
display goes out.
RACE START
Important safety notes
i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. The precondition for
this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
GWARNING
RACE START is only available when SPORT
handling mode is activated. SPORT handling
mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited
extent in the event of swerving or wheelspin.
RACE START should only be used on specially
designated roads. Always adapt your speed
and driving style to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.
Conditions for activation
RACE START can be activated when:
R the doors are closed.
R the engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
176 ‡ (80 †). This is the case when the
engine oil temperature in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
R SPORT handling mode is activated.
( Y page 67)
R the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
R the vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
R the transmission is in position D.
Activating RACE START
XDepress the brake pedal with your left foot,
and keep it depressed.XTurn the drive program selector clockwise
( Y page 156) until the RS lamp lights up.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START Confirm: Paddle UP Cancel:
Paddle DOWN message.
i
If the conditions for activation are no
longer fulfilled, RACE START is canceled.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START canceled message.
XTo cancel: pull the left steering wheel shift
paddle ( Y page 157).
or
XTo confirm: pull the right steering wheel
shift paddle ( Y page 157).
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START available Depress
accelerator message.
i
If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START is canceled. The multifunction
display shows the RACE START not
possible See Operator's Manual
message.
188Driving systemsDriving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsD
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
The power steering is malfunctioning.
You will need to use more force to steer.
A warning tone also sounds.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.Phone No ServiceYour vehicle is outside the network provider's transmitter/
receiver range.XWait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol
appears in the multifunction display.¥
Check Washer FluidThe washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 311).
SmartKey
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Key Does Not
Belong to VehicleYou have put the wrong SmartKey in the ignition lock.XUse the correct SmartKey.+
Take Your Key from
IgnitionThe SmartKey is in the ignition lock.XRemove the SmartKey.+
Obtain a New KeyThe SmartKey needs to be replaced.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.+
Replace Key BatteryThe batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.XChange the batteries ( Y page 78).Display messages259On-board computer and displaysZ