engine MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-Class 2012 W218 Owner's Manual

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
defective.
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.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster249On-board computer and displaysZ

ProblemPossible 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.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.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 coolant (Y page 282). Observe
the warning notes.XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid 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.
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.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 coolant (Y page 282). Observe
the warning notes.XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.250Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays

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.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
The warning is issued if you approach a stationary vehicle or a
vehicle driving ahead of you at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 157) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 67).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster251On-board computer and displaysZ

Make sure any children traveling with you do
not injure themselves or start a fire with the
hot cigarette lighter.
All vehicles (except AMG)
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo open: slide cover : forwards until it
engages.XPress in cigarette lighter ;.
Cigarette lighter ; will pop out
automatically when the heating element is
red-hot.
AMG vehicles
XTo open: press on trim :.
The stowage compartment opens.
You can now see the cigarette lighter.XPress in cigarette lighter.
The cigarette lighter will pop out
automatically when the heating element is
red-hot.12 V sockets
Points to observe before use
! If you are using all sockets in the vehicle,
make sure that you do not exceed the
maximum current draw of 55 A. Otherwise,
you will overload the fuses.
The sockets can be used for accessories, e.g.
lamps or mobile phone chargers with a
maximum current draw of 180 W (15 A).
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the battery may
discharge.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock.
i An emergency cut-out ensures that the
on-board voltage does not drop too low. If
the on-board voltage is too low, the power
to the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
Socket under the armrest
XOpen the stowage space under the armrest
( Y page 257).XLift up the cover of socket :.
On vehicles without ashtrays or lighters, there
is an additional socket in the center console.
266FeaturesStowing and features

operator, make sure people and objects are
out of the way of the device to prevent
potential harm or damage. When
programming a garage door opener, the door
moves up or down. When programming a gate
operator, the gate opens or closes.
Do not use the integrated remote control with
any garage door opener that lacks safety stop
and reverse features as required by U.S.
federal safety standards (this includes any
garage door opener model manufactured
before April 1, 1982). A garage door that
cannot detect an object - signaling the door
to stop and reverse - does not meet current
U.S. federal safety standards.
When programming a garage door opener,
park vehicle outside the garage.
Do not run the engine while programming the
integrated remote control. Inhalation of
exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All
exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO),
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness
and possible death. All exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can
cause unconsciousness and possible death.
i USA only:
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Programming the integrated garage
door opener on the rear-view mirror
Programming
Integrated garage door opener on the rear-view
mirror
Garage door remote control A is not part of
the integrated garage door opener.
i To achieve the best result, insert new
batteries in garage door remote control
A before programming.
XThe first time before programming, clear
the integrated garage door opener memory
( Y page 276).XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress and hold one of transmitter
buttons ; to ? on the integrated garage
door opener.
After a short time, indicator lamp : will
start flashing. It flashes approximately
once per second.
i Indicator lamp : flashes immediately
the first time that the transmitter button is
programmed. If the transmitter button is
already programmed, indicator lamp :
274FeaturesStowing and features

Useful information ............................280
Engine compartment ........................280
Maintenance ...................................... 284
Care .................................................... 285279Maintenance and care

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 Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 22).
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
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.
GWARNING
To help prevent personal 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 30 seconds or may even
restart after the engine has been turned off.
Stay clear of fan blades.
GWARNING
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
XMake sure that the windshield wipers are
switched off.GWARNING
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.
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 cluster.
280Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

XPull release lever : on the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XReach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle ; up and lift the hood.
Once you have lifted the hood about
15 inches (40 cm), it is automatically
opened the rest of the way and held open
by the gas-filled struts.
Closing the hood
GWARNING
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.
XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).XCheck 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.Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts. (0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
Depending on the engine, the oil dipstick may
be installed at 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.
XPull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.XWipe off oil dipstick :.XSlowly slide oil dipstick : into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
The oil level is correct if the level is between
MIN mark = and MAX mark ;.XAdd oil if necessary.Engine compartment281Maintenance and careZ

Adding engine oilHEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
GWARNING
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.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
called up by visiting http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). More
information about tested and approved
engine oils and oil filters is available from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives.
Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap : counter-clockwise and remove
it.XAdd the amount of oil required.
Fill carefully to the maximum mark on the oil
dipstick.
i Depending on the engine, the difference
in quantity between the MIN mark and the
MAX mark on the dipstick is approximately
1.6 to 2.1 US qt (1.5 to 2 l).
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
For further information on engine oil, see
( Y page 349).
XReplace cap : on the filler neck and
tighten clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 132) in the ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice ( Y page 133).XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).GWARNING
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
282Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

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.XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.XTurn 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 is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
( Y page 350).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
i Vehicle components and their service
products must match. You should,
therefore, only use products that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved
products can be obtained at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
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 reservoir with a mix of
water and windshield washer concentrate
(e.g. MB WinterFit). 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
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round.
Engine compartment283Maintenance and careZ