brake fluid MERCEDES-BENZ E550 4MATIC 2011 W212 Owner's Manual

Ashtray ............................................... 291
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 227
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................74
Function ........................................... 74
Switching off the alarm ....................74
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Display message ............................ 250
Function/notes ............................. 201
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 225
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 314
Automatic lane recognition
system see Lane Keeping Assist ................229
Automatic transmission
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................155
Display message ............................ 258
Driving tips .................................... 157
Emergency running mode ..............162
Kickdown ....................................... 158
Malfunction .................................... 162
Program selector button ................158
Pulling away ................................... 151
Selector lever ................................ 154
Starting .......................................... 151
B
Backrest (display message) ............. 259
Bag hook ............................................ 281
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 66
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
Plus*) .................................................... 66
Battery Charging ........................................ 340
Checking (SmartKey) .......................80
Display message ............................ 248
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 80
Jump-starting ................................. 341
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................80
Safety notes .................................. 338
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Display message ............................ 252
Function/notes ............................. 205
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
......................................... 390
Adding AdBlue ®
............................. 167
Bottle holder ...................................... 289
Brake fluid Notes ............................................. 392
Brake fluid level ................................ 312
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 244
Brakes ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 66
BAS PLUS ........................................ 66
Brake fluid (notes) .........................392
Display message ............................ 242
High-performance brake system ....174
Important safety notes ..................173
Maintenance .................................. 174
Parking brake ................................ 170
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulb
Infrared light .................................. 127
Bulbs
High-beam headlamps ...................126
Low-beam headlamps ....................126
Overview ........................................ 125
Parking lamps ................................ 126
Standing lamps (front) ...................126
Turn signals (front) ......................... 127
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........23
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
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Service interval display .................... 313
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 313
Service menu (on-board computer) . 229
Service products
AdBlue ®
special additives ..............390
Brake fluid ..................................... 392
Capacities ...................................... 387
Coolant (engine) ............................ 392
Engine oil ....................................... 391
Fuel ................................................ 388
Important safety notes ..................386
Notes ............................................. 386
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 392
Washer fluid ................................... 393
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........233
On-board computer .......................229
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 221
Shift ranges ....................................... 159
Showing the distance display (on-
board computer) ............................... 227
Side impact air bag ............................. 41
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 245
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............93
Convenience opening feature ..........93
Important safety information ...........91
Opening/closing .............................. 92
Resetting ......................................... 94
Troubleshooting ............................... 94
Skibag ................................................ 276
Sliding sunroof Important safety information ...........95
Troubleshooting ............................... 99
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
see Tilt/sliding sunroof
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................80
Changing the programming .............79
Checking the battery .................76, 80
Convenience closing feature ............93
Convenience opening feature ..........93
Display message ............................ 260Important safety notes ....................76
Malfunction ...................................... 82
Starting the engine ........................151
Snow chains ...................................... 176
Socket ................................................ 292
Dashboard ..................................... 293
Rear compartment .........................293
SOS
see mbrace
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 380
Storage location ............................ 325
Stowing .......................................... 326
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 220
Segments ...................................... 217
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 229
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 69
Warning lamp ................................. 266
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 237
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 267
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 220
Starting the engine Important safety notes ..................151
Station
see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 260
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................111
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 217
Cleaning ......................................... 319
Important safety notes ..................111
Memory function (storing
settings) ......................................... 111
Steering wheel heating ..................112
Storing settings (memory
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TrunkAutomatic opening ..................... 88, 89
Emergency release ....................90, 91
Locking separately ...........................90
Trunk/tailgate
Important safety guidelines .............86
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 259
Turn signal (display message) ......... 243
Turn signals ....................................... 120
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................85
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 84
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 290
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 24
Emergency unlocking ................. 85, 86
Equipment ....................................... 20
Exterior view .................................... 26
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 229
Loading .......................................... 360
Lowering ........................................ 337
Maintenance .................................... 21
Parking up ..................................... 171
Raising ........................................... 333
Reporting problems .........................23
Towing away .................................. 343
Tow-starting ................................... 343
Transporting .................................. 345
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 385
Vehicle level ...................................... 191
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 250
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 324
Video (DVD) ........................................ 226
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 226
VIN ...................................................... 385
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 265
Brakes ........................................... 263
Check Engine ................................. 268
Coolant .......................................... 269
ESP ®
.............................................. 265
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 266
Fuel tank ........................................ 268
Overview .......................................... 29
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................43
Reserve fuel ................................... 268
Seat belt ........................................ 264
SPORT handling mode ...................266
SRS ................................................ 267
Tire pressure monitor ....................271
Warranty ............................................ 384
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 337
Wheel chock ...................................... 332
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................367
Changing a wheel .......................... 331
Checking ........................................ 351
Cleaning ......................................... 315
Guidelines to be observed .............351
Mounting a wheel .......................... 335
Removing a wheel ..........................334
Tightening torque ........................... 337
Wheel size/tire size .......................374
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 237
Operation ......................................... 43
Windows
see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 316
Windshield Defrosting ...................................... 141
Windshield washer fluid (display
message) ............................................ 260
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the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
if you are driving at speeds above
approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and no
other road users have been detected:
the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
if you are driving at speeds below
approximately 30 mph (45 km/h) and other
road users have been detected or the roads
are illuminated sufficiently:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The _
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.
XTo deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The _ indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on:
Rif an air bag is deployed
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed above
6 mph (10 km/h) again.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 128). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Cornering light function
122Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers
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remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. This work
should be carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and use brake fluid
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
GWarning
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe
braking is substantially impaired. This could
result in an accident.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: a function or
performance test may only be carried out
on a two-axle dynamometer. If you are
planning to have the vehicle tested on such
a dynamometer, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further
information first. Otherwise, the drive train
or the brake system may suffer damage.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition must be switched off
(SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the ignition
lock or Start/Stop button in position 0 or
1 ) while the parking brake is being tested
on a brake dynamometer.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: as the ESP®
system operates automatically, the engine
and the ignition system must be switched
off (SmartKey in position 0 or 1 in the
ignition lock or Start/Stop button in
position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
one of the axles raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is only subjected to
moderate loads, you should regularly test
your brake system's function by forcefully
depressing the brake pedal when driving at
high speed. This will give the brake pads
better grip.GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
A description of Brake Assist (BAS) can be
found on ( Y page 66) or of BAS PLUS on
( Y page 66).
AMG high-performance brake system
and ceramic brake system
The high-performance and ceramic brake
system is only installed on the E 63 AMG.
174Driving tipsDriving and parking
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
EBD, ABS, and ESC
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-
SAFE ®
, HOLD and hill start assist are unavailable due to a
malfunction. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have
failed. In addition, the ä, å and ! warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up and a warning tone sounds.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Check Brake Pad
WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Release Park. BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged. A warning tone
also sounds.XRelease the parking brake.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.GWarning
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
242Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster
Brakes
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the vehicle is
moving. A warning tone
also sounds.You are driving with the parking brake engaged.XRelease the parking brake.
The warning lamp goes out and the warning tone ceases.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
The brake boosting effect is malfunctioning and the braking
characteristics may be affected.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the fluid reservoir.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the problem.
GWarning
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add brake fluid before checking
the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.
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ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
The red coolant
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running and the coolant
temperature gauge is
at the start of the scale.The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
faulty.
The coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue
driving under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.?
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 radiator may be
blocked or the electric radiator fan may be malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool.XCheck the coolant level and add the coolant ( Y page 311).
Observe the warning notes.XIf the coolant needs adding more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡ (120 †), continue driving
to the next qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-start driving.?
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.The coolant has exceeded a temperature of 248 ‡ (120 †). The
airflow to the radiator may be blocked or the coolant level may be
too low.
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool.GWarning
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
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Windshield washer system/headlamp
cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
GWarning
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.
! At temperatures below freezing, always
fill the washer fluid container with a mix of
windshield washer concentrate and
antifreeze additive. There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
fluid level measuring gauge could be
damaged.
iAdd windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round.
Example: washer fluid reservoir
XMix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.
XAt temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).
XAt temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and MB SummerFit windshield washer
concentrate. For information on the mixing
ratio, see (Y page 393) or use the premixed
windshield washer solution with antifreeze
available in specialist stores.
XTo open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.XAdd the premixed washer fluid.XTo close: press cap : onto the filler neck
until it engages.
Brake fluid level
! If you discover that the brake fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
MIN mark or below, check the brake
system for leaks immediately. Also check
the brake lining thickness. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.
Do not top up the brake fluid. This will not
rectify the malfunction.
Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is stationary and on a level surface.
The brake fluid level is correct if it is between
MIN marking ; and MAX marking : on the
brake fluid reservoir.
312Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
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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.
! 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.HEnvironmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible
manner.
! Do not park the vehicle for an extended
period right 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
brake pads, thus drying them. The vehicle
can then be parked up.
Exterior care
Automatic car wash
GWarning!
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.GRisk of accident
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.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
! 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.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! 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:
314CareMaintenance and care
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