traction control MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN 2013 W212 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ......................................
310
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 202
4MATIC off-road system ................... 202A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message

............................ 247
Function/notes ................................ 67
Important safety notes .................... 67
Warning lamp ................................. 278
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 143
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 237
Display message ............................ 264
Function/information .................... 218
Active Driving Assistance package . 218
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 237
Display message ............................ 263
Function/information .................... 222
Active light function .........................126
Active multicontour seat ..................107
Active Service System see ASSYST PLUS
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 72
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 257
Function/notes ............................. 126
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 239
Additives (engine oil) ........................411
Air bags Display message ............................ 253
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 44
Important safety notes .................... 43Knee bag .......................................... 45
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp
.................................. 48
Pelvis air bag

................................... 46
Safety guidelines ............................. 42
Side impact air bag .......................... 45
Window curtain air bag ....................47
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (display message) ..............260
AIRMATIC Display message ............................ 261
Function/notes ............................. 199
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 149
Important safety notes .................. 148
Rear ............................................... 149
Setting ........................................... 148
Setting the center air vents ...........148
Setting the side air vents ............... 148
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 239
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 200
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-theft alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 308
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 236
ASSYST PLUS Displaying a service message ........ 333
Hiding a service message .............. 333
Notes ............................................. 332
Resetting the service interval
display ........................................... 333
Service message ............................ 332
Special service requirements ......... 333
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 75
Function ........................................... 75
Switching off the alarm .................... 754
Index

Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 239
Interior lighting .............................. 240
Diagnostics connection ......................25
Diesel particle filter ..........................180
Digital speedometer .........................231
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission

Display message
ASSYST PLUS ................................ 332
Display messages
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 246
Driving systems ............................. 261
Engine ............................................ 258
General notes ................................ 246
Hiding (on-board computer) ........... 246
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 274
Lights ............................................. 254
Safety systems .............................. 247
SmartKey ....................................... 274
Tires ............................................... 268
Vehicle ........................................... 271
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 236
Distance recorder see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) ....285
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 194
Display message ............................ 265
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 193
Function/notes ............................. 185
Important safety notes .................. 185
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 193
Warning lamp ................................. 285
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 240
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 86
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 79
Control panel ................................... 37
Display message ............................ 273
Emergency locking ........................... 86
Emergency unlocking .......................86Important safety notes ....................
85
Opening (from inside) ......................85
Drinking and driving .........................178
Drinks holder see Cup holder

Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 166
Display ........................................... 161
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ...... 162
Manual ........................................... 167
SETUP (on-board computer) .......... 243
Drive program selector ..................... 165
Driver's door see Doors
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................333
Symmetrical low beam .................. 120
Driving on flooded roads ..................182
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ....... 67
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 72
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............67
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 68
Electronic brake force distribution ... 72
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 69
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 70
Important safety information ........... 67
Overview .......................................... 66
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 72
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 218
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 218
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 221
AIRMATIC ...................................... 199
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 200
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 210
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 214
Cruise control ................................ 183
Display message ............................ 261
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 185
HOLD function ............................... 196
Lane Keeping Assist ...................... 2168
Index

Lane Tracking package ..................
214
Night View Assist Plus ...................211
Parking Guidance
........................... 205
PARKTRONIC ................................. 202
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........198
Rear view camera .......................... 208
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 181
Automatic transmission ................. 164
Brakes ........................................... 180
Break-in period .............................. 152
Downhill gradient ........................... 180
Drinking and driving .......................178
Driving abroad ............................... 120
Driving in winter ............................. 182
Driving on flooded roads ................182
Driving on wet roads ...................... 182
Exhaust check ............................... 178
Fuel ................................................ 177
General .......................................... 177
Hydroplaning ................................. 182
Icy road surfaces ........................... 183
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 180
Pedals ............................................ 178
Snow chains .................................. 365
Symmetrical low beam .................. 120
Wet road surface ........................... 180
Drowsiness detection assistance
system
see ATTENTION ASSIST
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 234
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 234E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating

.................241
Function/notes ............................. 112
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 113
Function/notes ............................. 112
Switching on/off ........................... 241
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................300EASY-PACK folding floor
Important safety notes
..................302
EASY-PACK folding luggage-
compartment floor
Opening and closing ...................... 302
EASY-PACK load-securing kit
Components and storage .............. 300
Inserting the brackets into the
loading rail ..................................... 300
EASY-PACK rear sill protector ..........303
EASY-PACK trunk box .......................299
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 248
Function/notes ................................ 72
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 178
On-board computer ....................... 231
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating ................. 157
General information ....................... 157
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 86
Fuel filler flap ................................. 171
Trunk ............................................... 92
Vehicle ............................................. 86
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes .................. 398
Points to remember .......................398
Removing ....................................... 399
Storage location ............................ 399
Stowing .......................................... 400
Technical data ............................... 402
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 59
Safety guidelines ............................. 42
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 92
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 22 Index
9

ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Traction control is part of ESP
®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull
away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles) G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You

could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
X To deactivate: (Y page 236).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To activate: (Y page 236).
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
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. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example: if ESP ®
was
deactivated before the engine was switched
off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
If

ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP
®


will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is not limited and the drive
wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles) Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
G
WARNING
When SPORT handling mode is activated,
there is a greater risk of skidding and
accidents.
Only activate SPORT handling mode in the
situations described in the following. X
To activate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
The SPORT handling mode message
appears in the multifunction display. 70
Driving safety systems
Safety

SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on designated roads when the
vehicle's own oversteering and
understeering characteristics are desired.
Driving in SPORT handling mode requires
an extremely qualified and experienced
driver
who is able to cope with these critical
driving conditions.
X To deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode warning
lamp in the instrument cluster goes out.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If

SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ÷ ESP ®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
R engine torque is only restricted to a limited
degree, and the drive wheels are able to
spin. The spinning wheels produce a
cutting effect for better traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again. Deactivating/activating ESP
® G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You

could otherwise damage the drivetrain. X
To deactivate: press button : until the
å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster.
The ÷OFF message appears in the
multifunction display.
Deactivate ESP ®
when driving on
designated roads when the vehicle's own
oversteering and understeering
characteristics

are desired. Driving without
ESP ®
requires an extremely qualified and
experienced driver who is able to cope with
these critical driving conditions.
X To activate: briefly press button :.
The å ESP ®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out. The ÷ON
message appears in the multifunction
display.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
If

ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in Driving safety systems
71
Safety Z

the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP
®

will not stabilize the vehicle.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R traction control is still activated.
R PRE-SAFE ®
is no longer available, nor is it
activated if you brake firmly and ESP ®
intervenes.
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available; it
is also not activated if you brake firmly and
ESP ®
intervenes.
R ABS still provides support when you brake.
R engine torque is no longer limited and the
drive wheels are able to spin. The spinning
wheels produce a cutting effect for better
traction.
Vehicles with ECO start/stop function: the
ECO start/stop function switches the engine
off automatically when the vehicle comes to
a stop. The engine starts automatically when
the driver wants to pull away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously selected status.
Example: if ESP ®
was deactivated before the
engine was switched off, ESP ®
remains
deactivated when the engine is switched on
again. EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 67).G
WARNING
If EBD has malfunctioned, the rear wheels can
still lock, e.g. under full braking. This
increases

the risk of skidding and an accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
to the different handling characteristics. Have the brake system checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Observe information regarding indicator and
warning lamps ( Y page 278) as well as
display messages

(Y page 248).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking. ADAPTIVE BRAKE
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also has the HOLD function
(Y page 196) and hill start assist
(Y page 156). PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 67).
PRE-SAFE ®


Brake is only available in vehicles
with DISTRONIC PLUS.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can help you to minimize
the risk of a collision with a vehicle ahead or
reduce the effects of such a collision. If PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake detects a risk of collision, you
will be warned visually and acoustically as
well as by automatic braking. PRE-SAFE ®
Brake cannot prevent a collision without your
intervention.
Above a speed of around 4 mph (7 km/h), this
function warns you if you are very quickly
approaching a vehicle in front. An
intermittent warning tone will then sound and
the · distance warning lamp will light up
in the instrument cluster.
X Brake immediately in order to increase the
distance from the vehicle in front.
or
X Take evasive action provided it is safe to do
so.72
Driving safety systems
Safety

Slippery road surfaces
G
WARNING
If you shift down on a slippery road surface in
an attempt to increase the engine's braking
effect, the drive wheels could lose their grip.
There is an increased danger of skidding and
accidents.
Do not shift down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. G
WARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing
point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
X Shift the transmission to position N.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces.
Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use the cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
i For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 365).Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only

use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed. R
The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic

because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed. G
WARNING
The cruise control brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.
General notes Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed

for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1, 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
store any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h). Driving systems
183
Driving and parking Z

G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with
its operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience
system. Its speed adjustment reduction
capability is intended to make cruise control
more
effective and usable when traffic speeds
vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does
it, replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle's speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and
traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS distance is not a substitute
for
the active intervention of the driver. It does
not detect pedestrians or stationary objects,
nor can it detect, recognize or predict the
road's course or the movements of vehicles
in front. DISTRONIC PLUS can only brake the
vehicle using 40% of the vehicle's maximum
available brake force.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving in the lane beyond the lane
next to your vehicle, especially if the vehicles
are not driving on the middle of their lane.
The driver must always pay careful attention
to the road, weather and traffic conditions.
The driver must drive, steer and brake in a
manner which will allow him to always have
control of the vehicle. Sources of high-frequency radio waves, such
as toll stations, speed-measuring radar, etc.,
can cause DISTRONIC PLUS to fail
temporarily.
G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
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. G
WARNING
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the 186
Driving systems
Driving and parking

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsTire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel Sensors The wheels mounted do not have a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitor is deactivated.
X
Mount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The
tire pressure monitor is activated automatically after driving
for a few minutes. Check
Tire Press. The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
A warning tone also sounds.
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 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. Warning
Tire Malfunction The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is shown in the multifunction display.
G WARNING
If you drive with a flat tire, there is a risk of the following hazards:
R A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
R You could lose control of the vehicle.
R Continued

driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
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 If there is a flat tire, inspect the tires ( Y page 344). Display messages
269
On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
äå!
The red brake warning
lamp, the yellow ESP
®
and ESP ®
OFF warning
lamps and the yellow
ABS warning lamp are
lit while the engine is
running. ABS and ESP
®
are not available due to a malfunction. Therefore,
BAS, BAS PLUS, EBD, PRE-SAFE ®
, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake, the HOLD
function
and hill start assist, for example, are not available either.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
G WARNING
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The front and rear wheels could therefore
lock if you brake hard, for example.
The steerability and braking characteristics may be severely
affected. The braking distance in an emergency braking situation
can increase.
If ESP ®


is not operational, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ä
The yellow ESP
®
warning lamp flashes
while the vehicle is in
motion. ESP
®

or traction control has intervened because there is a risk of
skidding or at least one wheel has started to spin.
Cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
X When pulling away, only depress the accelerator pedal as far as
necessary.
X Ease off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is in motion.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 69).å
The yellow ESP
®
OFF
warning

lamp is lit while
the engine is running. ESP
®
is deactivated.
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is switched off, ESP ®
is unable to stabilize the vehicle.
There is an increased risk of skidding and an accident.
X Reactivate ESP ®
.
For exceptions, see: ( Y page 69).
X Adapt your driving style to suit the road and weather conditions.
If ESP ®
cannot be activated:
X Drive on carefully.
X Have ESP ®
checked at a qualified specialist workshop. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
279
On-board computer and displays Z