2013 MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN maintenance

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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 25).Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood G
WARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This

could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others. G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers. G
WARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running. Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual

and observe the relevant safety notes. G
WARNING
To avoid injury, stay clear of moving parts
when the hood is open and the engine is
running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30seconds

or may even restart
after the engine has been switched off. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. G
WARNING
Vehicles with gasoline engine:
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually G
WARNING
Vehicles with diesel engine:
The engine is equipped with a high-voltage
electronic control unit for the injection
system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components of the
injection system (injectors, electrical wires)
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on G
WARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage. 328
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Make sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off. Remove the SmartKey or make
sure that no ignition position has been
selected with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator
lamps must be off in the instrument panel.
! Make
sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood. X
Make sure that the windshield wipers are
turned off.
X Pull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle ; up and lift the hood.
If you lift the hood approximately
15 inches

(40 cm), the hood is opened and
held open automatically by the gas-filled
struts. Closing the hood G
WARNING
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.
X Lower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately

8 inches (20cm).
X Check 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
Vehicles
with a diesel engine: do not cover
the radiator, for example with a winter front
or bug cover. The readings of the on-board-
diagnostic system may otherwise be
inaccurate. Some of these readings are
required by law and must be accurate at all
times. Engine oil
General notes G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers.
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qt

(0.8 liters) of oil
over a distance of 600 miles (1,000 km). The
oil consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds. Engine compartment
329
Maintenance and care Z

Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be in a different location.
When checking the oil level:
R
park the vehicle on a level surface.
R the engine should be switched off for
approximately five minutes if the engine is
at normal operating temperature.
R if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature, e.g. if the engine was only
started briefly: wait about
30 minutes
before carrying out the measurement.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick Example: vehicles with a gasoline engine
Example: vehicles with a diesel engine
X
Pull oil dipstick :
out of the dipstick guide
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :. X
Slowly slide oil dipstick : into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark = and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
= or below, add

1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) of
engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine
parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any engine oil on hot
engine parts. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service

system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R replacing engine oil and oil filters after
the interval for replacement specified by
the service system has been exceeded
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off. 330
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap : counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on

the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
X Replace cap : on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil
dipstick (Y page 330).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 410). Additional service products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant

leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure. R
using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot

fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle

is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 153).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice

(Y page 154).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡

(70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0 (Y page 153) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap :
further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler Engine compartment
331
Maintenance and care Z

neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank
;.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 412).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
system G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze

on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned. X
To open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close:
press cap : onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield
washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze ( Y page 413). Maintenance
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information

on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
i The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level ( Y page 329).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Next Service A in .. days
Service A Due
Service A Exceeded by ... days
The letter A or B, possibly in connection with
a number or another letter, shows the type of
service. A stands for a minor service and B for
a major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is
disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before
disconnecting the battery.
or
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the

battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display. 332
Maintenance
Maintenance and care

Hiding a service message
X
Press the % or a button on the
steering wheel.
Displaying service messages X
Switch on the ignition.
X Press the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Serv. menu.
X Press the 9 or : button to select the
ASSYST PLUS submenu and confirm with
a.
The service due date appears in the
multifunction display.
Information about Service Resetting the ASSYST PLUS service
interval display
!
If the ASSYST PLUS service interval
display has been inadvertently reset, this
setting can be corrected at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Have

service work carried out as described
in the Maintenance Booklet. This may
otherwise lead to increased wear and
damage to the major assemblies or the
vehicle.
A qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, will reset
the ASSYST PLUS service interval display
after the service work has been carried out.
You can also obtain further information on
maintenance work, for example.
Special service requirements
Arduous operating conditions or increased
loads on the vehicle will require some service
work to be performed more often than for a
vehicle in normal use. Such arduous
conditions include regular city driving with
frequent intermediate stops and use in
mountainous terrain or on poor road
surfaces.
For example, if the vehicle is used under
arduous operating conditions, have air filters, engine oil and oil filters changed frequently
and check the wheels often. Further
information can be obtained at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Driving abroad
An

extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. You can
obtain further information from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. Care
General notes
G
WARNING
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. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! 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. Care
333
Maintenance and care Z

!
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.
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents
recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Washing the vehicle and cleaning the
paintwork
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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.
! 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.
! 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.
! 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.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in position N:
X Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the
ignition is switched off.
X Turn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 153) in the ignition lock.
Use the SmartKey instead of the Start/
Stop

button on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
X Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X Shift the automatic transmission to
position N.
X Release the brake pedal.
X Release the parking brake.
X Switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start. 334
Care
Maintenance and care

If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
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
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in all
countries concerned.
X
Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
Power washers G
WARNING
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
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches,

corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by
inadequate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Remove dirt immediately, where possible,
while avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards.
X Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighter fluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
If water no longer forms "beads" on the paint
surface, use the paint care products
recommended and approved by Mercedes- Care
335
Maintenance and care Z