2015 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CABRIOLET engine

You will find the applicable permissible values,
which must not be exceeded, in the vehicle
documents.
You will find the values approved by the manu-
facturer on the vehicle identification plates and
those for the towing vehicle under "Technical
data" (Y page 344).
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradient-
climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R has a larger turning circle
This can impair the vehicle's handling charac-
teristics. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Maintain a safe distance. Drive carefully.
When towing a trailer, always adjust your speed to the current road and weather conditions. Do
not exceed the maximum permissible speed for
your vehicle/trailer combination. Notes on towing a trailer
General notes The E 500 model cannot be used to tow a trailer.
i When towing a trailer, set the tyre pressure
on the rear axle of the towing vehicle for a
maximum load; see the tyre pressure table in
the fuel filler flap (Y page 324).
Please note that when towing a trailer, the fol-
lowing driving systems have limited availability
or are not available at all.
R PARKTRONIC (Y page 179)
R Active Parking Assist (Y page 183)
R Blind Spot Assist (Y page 200)
i The height of the ball coupling changes with
the load of the vehicle. If necessary, use a
trailer with a height-adjustable drawbar.
You will find fitting dimensions and loads under "Technical data" (Y page 343). Driving tips i
Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabilisa-
tion (Y page 68).
The maximum permissible speed for vehicle/
trailer combinations depends on the type of
trailer. Before beginning the journey, check the
trailer's documents to see what the maximum
permitted speed is. Observe the legally prescri-
bed maximum speed in the relevant country.
For certain Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the maxi-
mum permissible rear axle load is increased
when towing a trailer. See the "Technical data"
section to find out whether this applies to your
vehicle (Y page 344). If you utilise any of the
added maximum rear axle load when towing a
trailer, the vehicle/trailer combination may not
exceed a maximum speed of 100 km/h for rea-
sons concerning the operating permit. This also applies in countries in which the permissible
maximum speed for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions is above 100 km/h.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison to
when driving without a trailer and it will con-
sume more fuel.
Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients.
i This also applies if you have activated cruise
control, SPEEDTRONIC or DISTRONIC PLUS.
This will use the braking effect of the engine, so
less braking will be required to maintain vehicle speed. This relieves the load on the brake sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly. If you need additional
braking, depress the brake pedal repeatedly
rather than continuously.
Driving tips If the trailer swings from side to side:
X Do not accelerate.
X Do not countersteer.
X Brake if necessary.
R Maintain a greater distance to the vehicle in
front than when driving without a trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake gen-
tly at first to allow the trailer to run on. Then,
increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing capa-
bilities from a standstill refer to sea level.
When driving in mountainous areas, note that Towing a trailer
209Driving and parking Z

the power output of the engine, and conse-
quently the vehicle's gradient-climbing capa-
bility, decrease with increasing altitude.
Folding the ball coupling in/out
Folding out the ball coupling G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always engage the ball coupling as described. G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that the ball coupling engages when folding in.
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling. The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot.
Opening the cover:
X Turn handle :around anti-clockwise and
fold cover ;down. Unlocking and folding out the ball coupling:
X Pull out release wheel ?.
X Turn release wheel ?anti-clockwise until the
ball coupling releases and folds out from
under the rear bumper. Indicator lamp =
flashes. X
Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
The trailer power socket is integrated into the ball coupling and swivels out with it.
Indicator lamp =goes out.
The multifunction display shows the
Trailer hitch Check lock mech. Trailer hitch Check lock mech. mes-
sage until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective covering from the ball
coupling and store it in a safe place.
X Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling is
clean and greased.
HYBRID vehicles : make sure that you read the
"HYBRID" Supplement included in the vehicle
literature. Otherwise, you may not recognise
dangers. 210
Towing a trailerDriving an
d parking

Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Operating the integrated information systems and communications equipment in the vehicle
while driving will distract you from traffic con-
ditions. You could then lose control of the
vehicle. There is a risk of an accident.
Only operate these devices if road traffic con-
ditions permit. If you are unsure about the
surrounding conditions, pull over to a safe
location and make entries only while the vehi-
cle is stationary.
You must observe the legal requirements for the country in which you are currently driving whenoperating the on-board computer. G
WARNING
If the instrument cluster has failed or mal-
functioned, you may not recognise function
restrictions relevant to safety. The operating
safety of your vehicle may be impaired. There is a risk of an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have the vehicle checked
at a qualified specialist workshop immedi-
ately.
The on-board computer only shows messages or warnings from certain systems in the multifunc-tion display. You should therefore make sure
your vehicle is operating safely at all times.
If the operating safety of your vehicle is
impaired, park the vehicle safely as soon as pos- sible. Contact a qualified specialist workshop.
For an overview; see the instrument cluster illus-
tration (Y page 31). Displays and operation
Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated (Y page 163):
The segments light up from the stored speed to the type-tested maximum speed.
R Variable SPEEDTRONIC activated
(Y page 165): The segments light up from the start of the
scale to the selected limit speed.
R DISTRONIC PLUS activated (Y page 168):
One or two segments in the set speed range
light up.
R DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front:
The segments between the speed of the vehi-
cle in front and the stored speed light up. Rev counter
! Do not drive in the overrevving range. Doing
so will damage the engine.
The red band in the rev counter indicates the
engine's overrevving range.
The fuel supply is interrupted to protect the
engine when the red band is reached. Outside temperature display
You should pay special attention to road condi-
tions when temperatures are around freezing
point.
Bear in mind that the outside temperature dis-
play indicates the measured air temperature
and not the road surface temperature.
The outside temperature display is in the multi-
function display (Y page 215).
The multifunction display shows changes in the
outside temperature with a delay. Coolant temperature gauge
G
WARNING
If you open the bonnet while the engine is
overheating or while there is a fire in the
engine compartment, you could come into
contact with hot gases or other leaking ser-
vice products. There is a danger of injury.
Allow an overheating engine to cool down
before opening the bonnet. If there is a fire in the engine compartment, leave the bonnet
closed and notify the fire brigade.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the instru-
ment cluster on the left-hand side (Y page 31). Displays and operation
213On-board computer and displays Z

The assistance graphic shows you the status
and further information on the following driv-
ing systems or driving safety systems:
R Traffic Sign Assist (Y page 197)
R DISTRONIC PLUS (Y page 168)
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 69)
R COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
(Y page 64)
R ATTENTION ASSIST (Y page 196)
R Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 202)
R Active Lane Keeping Assist (Y page 206)
X Press :to display the ATTENTION ASSIST
assessment.
Traffic Sign Assist You can activate or deactivate the warning func-
tion of Traffic Sign Assist in the Traffic
Traffic Sign Sign
Assist
Assist menu. When the message function is
activated, detected traffic signs and information appear in the multifunction display for five sec-
onds.
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Assist.
Assist.menu.
X Using 9or:, select Traffic Sign
Traffic Sign
Assist
Assist.
X Press ato confirm.
The current selection appears.
X To activate/deactivate the message func-
tion: press aagain.
Further information about Traffic Sign Assist
(Y page 197).
Deactivating/activating ESP ®i
Observe the important safety notes on ESP ®
(Y page 67). G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer sta-
bilises the vehicle. There is an increased risk
of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations descri-
bed in the following.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the follow-
ing situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel For further information about ESP
®
, see
(Y page 67).
X Start the engine.
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Assist.
Assist. menu.
X Press 9or: to select ESP ESP.
X Press ato confirm.
The current selection appears.
X To activate/deactivate: pressaagain.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the åwarning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up continuously
when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the åwarning
lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not available
due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 256).
Observe the information on display messages
(Y page 230).
Activating/deactivating PRE-SAFE ®
Brake PRE
‑SAFE ®
Brake is only available for vehicles
with the Driving Assistance package.
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Assist. Assist.menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select PRE-
PRE-
SAFE Brake
SAFE Brake.
X Press ato confirm.
The current selection appears.
X To activate/deactivate: press theabut-
ton again.
When PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is deactivated, the
assistance graphic shows the æsymbol in
the multifunction display.
For more information on PRE ‑SAFE®
Brake, see
(Y page 69).
Activating/deactivating COLLISION
PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS X
Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Assist. Assist.menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select Col‐
Col‐
lision Prevent.
lision Prevent.. Menus and submenus
221On-board computer and displays Z

the extended range foglamps are unavailable.
These are only deactivated if the setting for driv-
ing on the left/right is set opposite to your vehi- cle's country version.
A qualified specialist workshop can set the
dipped-beam headlamps for driving on the left/
right.
Activating/deactivating the surround
lighting and exterior lighting delayed
switch-off
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Settings
Settings menu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Lights Lights submenu.
X Press ato confirm.
X Using :or9, select the Surround
Surround
lighting
lighting function.
If the Surround
Surround lighting
lightingfunction is activa-
ted, the light cone and the area around the
vehicle are displayed in orange in the multi-
function display.
X Press the abutton to save the setting.
Deactivating delayed switch-off of the exterior
lighting temporarily:
X Before leaving the vehicle, turn the key to
position 0in the ignition lock.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition lock.
The exterior lighting delayed switch-off is
deactivated.
Delayed switch-off of the exterior lighting is
reactivated the next time you start the engine.
If you have activated the Surround lighting
Surround lighting
function and the light switch is set to the Ã
position, the following functions are activated
when it is dark:
R surround lighting: the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 second s after unlocking
with the key. If you start the engine, the sur-
round lighting is switched off and automatic
headlamp mode is activated (Y page 114).
R exterior lighting delayed switch-off: the
exterior lighting remains lit for 60 seconds
after the engine is switched off. If you close all
the doors and the boot lid, the exterior lighting
goes off after 15 seconds.
i Depending on your vehicle's equipment,
when the surround lighting and delayed
switch-off exterior lighting are on, the follow- ing light up: R
Side lamps
R Surround lighting in the exterior mirrors
Activating/deactivating the interior light-
ing delayed switch-off
If you activate the Lighting
Lighting delayed delayedsw.-off
sw.-off
function, the interior lighting remains on for
20 seconds after you remove the key from the
ignition lock.
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Settings Settingsmenu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Lights
Lights submenu.
X Press ato confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Lighting delayed sw.-off
Lighting delayed sw.-off function.
When the Lighting
Lighting delayed
delayedsw.-off
sw.-offfunc-
tion is activated, the vehicle interior is dis-
played in orange in the multifunction display.
X Press the abutton to save the setting.
Vehicle Setting permanent SPEEDTRONIC
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Settings Settingsmenu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Vehicle
Vehicle submenu.
X Press ato confirm.
X Press :or9 to select the Limit
Limit
speed (winter tyres):
speed (winter tyres): function.
The current setting appears.
X Press ato confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to adjust per-
manent SPEEDTRONIC in increments of ten
(240 km/h 240 km/h to160 km/h
160 km/h). The Off
Offsetting
switches permanent SPEEDTRONIC off.
X Press the abutton to store the entry.
Observe the additional information on perma-
nent SPEEDTRONIC (Y page 168).
Activating/deactivating the automatic
locking feature
X Press the =or; button on the steering
wheel to select the Settings
Settings menu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Vehicle Vehicle submenu.
X Press ato confirm. Menus and submenus
225On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions ÷
inoperative inoperative
See
SeeOwn‐
Own‐
er's Manual
er's Manual ESP
®
is faulty.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be faulty.
In addition, the ÷andå warning lamps light up in the instru-
ment cluster.
The self-diagnosis function, for example, may not be complete.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above.
The braking distance may thus increase in an emergency braking sit-
uation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. T!
÷
inoperative inoperative See SeeOwn‐
Own‐
er's Manual
er's Manual EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ABS and ESP
®
are faulty.
Other driving and driving safety systems may also be faulty.
In addition, the ÷,åand! warning lamps light up in the
instrument cluster and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore lock, for example, if you brake hard.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely affected.The braking distance may increase in an emergency braking situation.
If ESP ®
is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilise the vehicle.
There is an increased danger of skidding and risk of an accident.
X Drive on carefully.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. J
Brake immediately Brake immediately A malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function is active.
or
With the HOLD function activated, you have:
R opened the driver's door and released the seat belt or
R switched off the engine
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. If you attempt to lock the
vehicle, the tone becomes louder.
You cannot start the engine.
X Paying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message disappears.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 157).
You can restart the engine. Display
messages
231On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions J
Release parking Release parking
brake brake You are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone also
sounds.
X Release the parking brake. J
Check brake fluid Check brake fluid
level level There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
In addition, the red Jwarning lamp lights up in the instrument
cluster and a warning tone sounds.
G WARNING
Braking efficiency may be impaired.
There is a risk of an accident.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 157).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
X Do not top up the brake fluid. This does not correct the fault. #
Check Check
brake
brakepad
padwear
wear The brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. G
Inoperative
Inoperative One or more main features of the Mercedes-Benz Contact system are
malfunctioning.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Collision Preven‐
Collision Preven‐
tion Assist Plus tion Assist Plus
currently unavaila‐ currently unavaila‐
ble ble
See
SeeOwner's
Owner's Man‐
Man‐
ual
ual COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes:
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to elec-
tromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stations or
other sources of electromagnetic radiation
R the system is outside the operating temperature range
R the on-board voltage is too low
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
goes out.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 157).
X Restart the engine. Collision Preven‐ Collision Preven‐
tion Assist Plus tion Assist Plus
inoperative inoperative COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is temporarily inoperative due
to a malfunction. Adaptive Brake Assist may also have failed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. 232
Display
messagesOn-board computer and displays

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
M
MSolutions PRE-SAFE
PRE-SAFE
inoperative inoperative
See
SeeOwn‐
Own‐
er's Man.
er's Man. Important PRE-SAFE
®
functions have failed. All other occupant safety
systems, e.g. airbags, remain available.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. PRE-SAFE
PRE-SAFE
Functions Functions
currently
currently
limited
limited See
See Owner's
Owner's
Manual
Manual PRE
‑SAFE ®
PLUS or PRE‑ SAFE®
Brake is temporarily inoperative.
Possible causes:
R the function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to elec-
tromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio stations or
other sources of electromagnetic radiation
R the system is outside the operating temperature range
R the on-board voltage is too low
Once the causes listed above no longer apply, the display message
goes out.
PRE ‑SAFE ®
PLUS and PRE ‑SAFE®
Brake are operational again.
If the display message does not disappear:
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Safeguard the vehicle against rolling away (Y page 157).
X Restart the engine. PRE-SAFE PRE-SAFE
Functions limited Functions limited
See Owner's Manual See Owner's Manual
PRE
‑SAFE ®
PLUS or PRE‑ SAFE®
Brake is unavailable due to a mal-
function. BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist may also have failed.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Display
messages
233On-board computer and displays Z