
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
The red coolant
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 331).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
under
248 ‡ (120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. ?
The red coolant
warning
lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds. The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow
to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do
not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).284
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsX
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 331).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.
A warning tone
also sounds. You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
X
Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 185).
Further information on PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 72). Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
285
On-board computer and displays Z

Tires
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutionsh
USA only:
The
yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) is lit.
Canada only:
The yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss) is lit. The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
G WARNING
With tire pressures which are too low, there is a risk of the
following hazards:
R they may burst, especially as the load and vehicle speed
increase.
R they
may wear excessively and/or unevenly, which may greatly
impair tire traction.
R the driving characteristics, as well as steering and braking, may
be greatly impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Stop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers.
Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Y page 344).
X Check the tire pressure (Y page 370).
X If necessary, correct the tire pressure. h
USA only:
The
yellow tire pressure
monitor warning lamp
(pressure loss/
malfunction) flashes for
approximately one
minute and then
remains lit. The tire pressure monitor is faulty.
G WARNING
The system is possibly unable to recognize or register low tire
pressure.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop.286
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 25).Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
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-downs. pad sharp edges
for protection. Stowage space
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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 accident288
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

Stowage net in the rear
:
Stowage net
Stowage pockets G
WARNING
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking,
or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
The stowage pockets are on the back of the
driver's and front-passenger's seats. Stowage nets
G
WARNING
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 G
WARNING
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. X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X Press release catches ;
together and fold
down cover :. X
Pull skibag : into the vehicle interior and
unfold it.
X Open the trunk lid. Stowage areas
291
Stowage and features Z

X
Press release catch :.
The flap opens downwards.
X Slide the skis into the skibag from the
trunk. X
Pull strap : tight by the loose end until the
skis are held firmly inside the skibag. X
Engage hook : in securing ring ;.
X Pull the strap tight by the loose end. Removing the skis and folding up the
skibag
X
Loosen the two straps.
X Remove hook : from securing ring ;.
X Take the skis out of the skibag.
X Close the flap in the trunk.
X Smooth out the skibag and fold it up.
X Put the skibag into the backrest.
X Fold 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 G
WARNING
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.292
Stowage areas
Stowage and features

X
Open the trunk lid.
X Press release catch :.
Flap ; folds down.
X Press catch = in and pull out frame ?
containing the skibag. Through-loading facility in the rear
compartment
G
WARNING
Do not transport any unsecured items in the
through-loading area. The through-loading facility is opened from
the trunk.
X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X Press release catch :.
The flap opens downwards. Through-loading facility in the rear
bench seat (Sedan)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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.
X Vehicles without memory function: if
necessary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.
X Open the trunk.
X Pull right-hand or left-hand rear seat
backrest release handle :.
The corresponding rear seat backrest is
released.
The rear seat head restraints are lowered. Stowage areas
293
Stowage and features Z

X
Fold rear seat backrest ; forwards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding the seat backrest back G
WARNING
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.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged. X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Fold rear seat backrest : back until it
engages.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 105).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. 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. EASY-PACK through-loading facility in
the rear bench seat (Wagon)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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 !
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. 294
Stowage areas
Stowage and features