check engine MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CABRIOLET 2012 Owner's Guide

Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick Example
:vehicles with a petrol engine
X Pull oil dipstick :out of the oil dipstick
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
= or below, add 1.0 litre of engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
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. H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
! Only use engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles with a
service system. You can obtain a list of the
engine oils and oil filters tested and
approved in accordance with the
Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service
Products at any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre. Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R
using engine oils and oil filters that have
not been specifically approved for the
service system
R changing the engine oil and oil filter after
missing the change interval required by
the service system
R using engine oil additives
! Do not add too much oil. Topping up with
too much engine oil can result in damage
to the engine or to the catalytic converter.
Have excess engine oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil filler cap
X
Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up the engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick, add 1.0 litre of engine
oil.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Make sure that the cap locks securely into
place.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (Y page 309).
For further information on engine oil, see
(Y page 375). Engine compartment
309Maintenance and care Z

Other service products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
The cooling system is pressurised. Therefore,
only unscrew the cap once the engine has
cooled down. The coolant temperature gauge
must display less than 70 †.Otherwise, you
could be scalded if hot coolant escapes. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level if the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has
cooled down.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock (Y page 159).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 159).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
70 †.
X Turn the key to position 0(Y page 159) in
the ignition lock.
X Slowly tur ncap : half a turn anti-clock-
wise to allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the fille rneck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately
1.5 cm above marker bar =in the filler neckw
hen warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 376).
Topping up the windscreen washer sys-
tem/headlampc leaning system G
WARNING
Windscreen washer fluid/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Avoid spilling windscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze on hot engine components as
it can ignite and burn. Severe burns could be
the result. X
To open: pull cap:upwards by the tab.
X Top up with the premixed washer fluid.
X To close: press cap :onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windscreen washer syste mand the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further informatio nonwindscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze (Y page 377).310
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

The vehicle tool kit contains:
R
Cabriolet: straps for emergency release of
the soft top
R Foldable wheel chock
R Fuse allocation chart
R Jack
R Centring pin
R One pair of gloves
R wheel wrench
R Towing eye Flat tyre
Preparing the vehicle
Information on changing a wheel/fitting
(Y page 346).
Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi-
cles with MOExtended tyres.
Your vehicle may be equipped with:
R MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat char-
acteristics) (Y page 324)
R a TIREFIT kit (Y page 325)
R an emergency spare wheel (only for certain
countries) (Y page 363)
X Stop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.
X Switch on the hazard warning lamps.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Bring the frontw heels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine.
X Vehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the key from the ignition lock.
X Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the key having been
removed. X
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
(Y page 159).
X All occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.
X Make sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed. Any-
one who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.
X Get out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traf-
fic conditions when doing so.
X Close the driver's door.
X Place the warning triangle a suitable dis-
tance away (Y page 322). Observe legal
requirements. MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics)
G
WARNING
When driving in emergency mode, the driving
characteristics deteriorate, e.g. when corner-
ing, accelerating quickly and when braking.
There is a risk of accident.
Do not exceed the stated maximum speed.
Avoid abrupt steering and driving manoeu-
vres, and driving over obstacles (kerbs, pot-
holes, off-road). This applies in particular to a
laden vehicle.
Stop driving in emergency mode if:
R you hear banging noises.
R the vehicle starts to shake.
R you see smoke and smell rubber.
R ESP ®
is intervening constantly.
R there are tears in the sidewalls of the tyre.
After driving in emergency mode, have the
wheel rims checked at a qualified specialist
workshop with regard to their further use. The
faulty tyre must be replaced.
With MOExtended tyres (tyres with run-flat
characteristics), you can continue to drive 324
Flat tyreBreakdown assistance

G
WARNING
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use batteries which have
been tested and approved for yourv ehicle by
Mercedes-Benz .These batteries provide
increased impact protection to prevent vehi-
cle occupants from suffering acid burns
should the battery be damaged in the event
of an accident.
To prevent acid burns, observe the following
safety notes when handling batteries:
R do not lean over the battery.
R do not place any metal objects on a battery.
Otherwise, you could cause a short circuit
and the battery's gas mixture could ignite.
R make sure that you do not create an elec-
trostatic charge, e.g. by wearing synthetic
clothing or as a result of friction on fabrics.
Therefore, you should not pull or slide the
battery over carpets or other synthetic
materials.
R never touch the battery first. To discharge
a possible electrostatic charge, step out of
the vehicle first and touch the bodywork.
R do not wipe the battery using a cloth. The
battery may explode as a result of electro-
static charge or due to flying sparks. H
Environmental note Batteries contain pollutants.
It is illegal to dispose of them
with the household rubbish.
They must be collected sep-
arately and disposed of in an
environmentally responsible
recycling system.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally responsible
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or to a col-
lection point for used batter-
ies.
! Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop. Observe the service intervals in the Service
Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
! You should have all work involving the
battery carried out at aqualified specialist
workshop. In the exceptional case that it is
necessary for you to disconnect the battery
yourself, make sure that:
R you switch off the engine and remove the
key. On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO,
ensure that the ignition is switched off.
Chec kthat all the indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster are off. Otherwise,
electronic components, such as the
alternator, may be damaged.
R you first remove the negative terminal
clamp and then the positive terminal
clamp. Never swap the terminal clamps.
Otherwise, the vehicle's electronic sys-
tem may be damaged.
R in vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission is locked in position P
after disconnecting the battery. The vehi-
cle is secured against rolling away.Y ou
can then no longer move the vehicle.
The battery and the cover of the positive
terminal clamp must be fitted securely dur-
ing operation.
In order for the battery to achieve the maxi-
mum possible service life, it must always be
sufficiently charged.
The vehicle battery, like other batteries, can
discharge over time if you do not use the
vehicle. In such cases, have the battery dis-
connected at a qualified specialist workshop.
You can also charge the battery with a
charger recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
For more information, please contact a quali-
fied specialist workshop.
Have the battery charge checked more fre-
quently if you use the vehicle mainly for short
trips or if you leave it standing idle for a
lengthy period. Consult a qualified specialist
workshop if you wish to leave your vehicle
parked up for a long period of time. Battery (vehicle)
329Breakdown assistance Z

Position number
Bidentifies the charged battery of the other vehicle or an equivalent jump-
starting device. X
Slide cover :of positive terminal ;in the direction of the arrow.
X Connec tpositive terminal ;on your vehicle to positive terminal =of donor battery B
using the jump lead. Always begin with positive terminal ;on your own vehicle first.
X Start the engine of the donor vehicle and run it at idling speed.
X Connect negative terminal ?of donor battery Bto earth point Aof your vehicle using
the jump lead, connectingt he jump lead to donor battery Bfirst.
X Start the engine.
X Before disconnecting the jump leads, let the engines run for several minutes.
X First, remove the jump leads from earth point Aand negative terminal ?, then from pos-
itive terminal ;and positive terminal =, each time beginning at the contacts on your own
vehicle first.
X Close cover :of positive terminal ;after removing the jump leads.
X Have the battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
i Jump-starting is not considered to be a normal operating condition.
i Jump-starting cables and further information regarding jump starting can be obtained at
any qualified specialist workshop. 332
Jump-startingBreakdown assistance

!
When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses. X
To open: pull out cover :slightly at the
bottom in the direction of arrow =.
X Pull cover :outwards in the direction of
arrow ;and remove it.
X To close: clip in cover :on the front of
the dashboard.
X Fold cover :inwards until it engages. Fuse box in the engine compartment
G
WARNING
Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
turned off and the key is pulled out of the igni-
tion lock before you open the cover of the fuse
box. Otherwise, the windscreen wipers and
the wiper rods above the cover could be set
in motion. This could lead to you or others
being injured by the wiper rods.
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses.
X Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off.
X Open the bonnet. X
Remove any existing moisture from the
fuse box using a dry cloth.
X To open: take lines ;from the guides.
X Move aside lines ;.Route the lines behind
connection =to do this.
X Open clamps :.
X Remove the fuse box cover forwards.
X To close: check whether the rubber seal is
lying correctly in the cover.
X Insert the cover at the rear of the fuse box
into the retainer.
X Fold down cover and close clamps :.
X Secure lines ;in the guides.
X Close the bonnet. Fuse box in the boot
! Make sure that no moisture can enter the
fuse box when the cover is open.
! When closing the cover, make sure that it
is lying correctly on the fuse box. Moisture
seeping in or dirt could otherwise impair
the operation of the fuses.
X Open the boot lid. Electrical fuses
337Breakdown assistance Z

Changing
awheel Flat tyre
You can find information on wha tto do in the
event of a flat tyre in the "Breakdown assis-
tance" section (Y page 324). You will also find
information on driving with MOExtended
tyres in the event of a flat tyre.
You can find information on what to do in the
event of a flat tyre in the "Breakdown assis-
tance" section (Y page 324). You will also find
information on driving with MOExtended
tyres in the event of a flat tyre. Interchanging the wheels
G
WARNING
Interchanging the front and rear wheels may
severely impair the driving characteristics if
the wheels or tyres have different dimensions.
The wheel brakes or suspension components
may also be damaged. There is a risk of acci-
dent.
Interchange front and rear wheels only if the
wheels and tyres are of the same dimensions.
Interchanging the front and rear wheels of
differing dimensions can render the general
operating permit invalid.
Observe the instructions and safety notes in
the "Fitting a wheel" section (Y page 346).
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear
pattern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres
typically wear more on the shoulders and the
rear tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels, you can interchange the wheels
every 5000km to 10,000 km depending on
the degree of tyre wear. Maintain the direc-
tion of tyre rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and, if necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system. Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation. Storing wheels
Store wheels that are not being used in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place. Protec tthe
tyres against oil, grease, petrol and diesel. Cleaning the wheels
G
WARNING
The water jet of circular-jet nozzles (dirt grind-
ers) can cause damage not visible from the
outside to tyres or chassis components. Com-
ponents damaged in this way can unexpect-
edly fail. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have dam-
aged tyres or chassis components replaced
immediately. Fitting
awheel
Preparing the vehicle X
Stop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Bring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Switch off the engine. 346
Changing
awheelWheels and tyres

If antifreeze comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any antifreeze on hot
engine parts.
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be
found in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications
for Service Products, MB Specifications for
Service Products 310.1, e.g. on the Inter-
net at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
Or contact a qualified specialist workshop.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
! The engine cooling system is filled with
coolant, which must be renewed after
15 years or after 250,000 kilometres at the
latest.
The coolant is a mixture of water and anti-
freeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs the
following tasks:
R anti-corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
If antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor is present in
the correct concentration, the boiling point of
the coolant during operation will be around
130 †.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentra-
tion in the engine cooling system should:
R be at least 50 %. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
around -37 †.
R not exceed 55 % (antifreeze protection
down to -45 †). Hea twill otherwise not be
dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, top it up with
equal amounts of water and antifreeze/cor- rosio
ninhibitor. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends an antifreeze/corrosion inhibito rcon-
centrate in accordance with MB Specifica-
tions for Service Products 310.1.
The coolant is checked at every maintenance
interval at a qualified specialist workshop.
i When the vehicle is first delivered, it is fil-
led with a coolant mixture that ensures
adequate antifreeze and corrosion protec-
tion. Windscreen and headlam
pcleaning
system
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Windscreen washer fluid/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Avoid spilling windscreen washer
fluid/antifreeze on hot engine components as
it can ignite and burn. Severe burns could be
the result.
! Only use washer fluid that is suitable for
plastic lamp lenses, e.g. MB SummerFit or
MB WinterFit. Unsuitable washer fluid
could damage the plastic lense softhe
headlamps.
! Do not use distilled or de-ionised water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
! Only the washer fluids SummerFit and
WinterFit can be mixed. Otherwise, the
spraying nozzles could become blocked.
At temperatures above freezing:
X Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mixture
of water and washer fluid, e.g. MB Sum-
merFit.
Mix 1 part MB SummerFit to 100 parts water. Service products and capacities
377Technical data Z