tow MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CABRIOLET 2012 Manual Online

!
Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
Wash off excess dirt before cleaning the vehi-
cle in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements for each indi-
vidual country.
X Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicle with a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposits carefully and as
soon as possible.
High-pressure cleaning equipment G
WARNING
Do not use high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in particular the tyres. You could oth-
erwise damage the tyres and cause an acci-
dent.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
30 cm between the vehicle and the high-
pressure cleaner nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door gaps, joints etc.
R soft top (Cabriolet)
R wind deflector net (Cabriolet)
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the paintwork !
Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similari tems
to painted surfaces .You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
X Remove impurities immediately, where
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards. Care
313Maintenance and care Z

Mercedes-Ben
zcar shampoo or cleaning
cloths.
Cleaning the sensors !
If you clean the sensors with a high-pres-
sure cleaner, make sure that you keep a
distance of at least 30 cm between the
vehicle and the high-pressure cleane rnoz-
zle. Information about the correct distance
is available from the equipment manufac-
turer. X
Clean sensors :of the driving systems
with water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.
Cleaning the reversing camera !
Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the reversing camera with a high-
pressure cleaner. X
Use clear water and a soft cloth to clean
camera lens :.
Cleaning the exhaust tail pipes !
Do not clean the exhaust pipe with alka-
line-based cleaning agents, such as wheel
cleaner.
Impurities combined with the effects of road
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. You
can restore the original shine of the exhaust
pipe by cleaning it regularly, especially in win-
ter and after washing.
X Clean the exhaust pipe with a chrome care
product tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch H
Environmental note
Dispose of oily and greasy cloths in an envi-
ronmentally-responsible manner.
! Do not clean the ball coupling with a high-
pressure cleaner. Do not use solvents.
! Observe the note on care provided by the
trailer manufacturer. The ball coupling must be cleaned if it
becomes dirty or corroded.
X
Remove rust, e.g. with a wire brush.
X Remove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or
a brush. Care
317Maintenance and care Z

X
After cleaning, lightly oil or grease ball cou-
pling :.
X Check tha tthe vehicle's trailer tow hitch is
working properly.
i You can also have the maintenance work
on the ball coupling and the trailer tow hitch
carried out by a qualified specialist work-
shop. Interior care
Cleaning the display !
For cleaning, do not use any of the fol-
lowing:
R alcohol-based thinner or petrol
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household clean-
ing agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to irrepara-
ble damage to the display.
X Before cleaning the display, make sure that
it is switched off and has cooled down.
X Cleant he display surface using a commer-
cially available microfibre cloth and TFT/
LCD display cleaner.
X Dry the display surface using a dry micro-
fibre cloth.
Cleaning the plastic trim G
WARNING
When cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or
cleaning agents containing solvents. Cleaning
agents containing solvents cause the surface
to become porous, and as aresult plastic
parts may break away and be thrown around
the interior when an airbag is deployed, which
may result in severe injuries. !
Do not affix the following to plastic surfa-
ces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You could otherwise damage the plastic.
! Do not allow cosmetics, insect repellent
or sunscreen to come in contact with the
plastic trim .This maintains the high-quality
look of the surfaces.
X Wipe the plastic trim with a damp, lint-free
cloth, e.g. a microfibre cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
The surface may change colour tempora-
rily. Wait until the surface is dry again.
Cleaning the steering wheel and gear or
selector lever X
Thoroughly wipe with a damp cloth or use
leather care agents that have been recom-
mended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning wooden trim and trim ele-
ments !
Do not use solvent-based cleaning agents
such as tar remover, wheel cleaners, pol-
ishes or waxes. There is otherwise a risk of
damaging the surface.
X Wipe the wooden trim and trim elements
with a damp, lint-free cloth, e.g. a microfi-
bre cloth.
X Heavy soiling: use car care and cleaning
products recommended and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the seat covers !
Observe the following when cleaning:
R clean genuine leather covers carefully
with a damp cloth and then wipe the cov-
ers down with a dry cloth. Make sure that 318
CareMaintenance and care

Useful information
............................322
Where will I find...? ...........................322
Flat tyre ............................................. 324
Batter y(vehicle) ................................ 328
Jump-starting .................................... 331
Towing and tow-starting ..................333
Electrical fuses ................................. 336 321Breakdown assistance

Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguishe ris located underneath
the front of the driver's seat. X
Pull tab :upwards.
X Remove fire extinguisher ;.
i Have fire extinguisher ;refilled after
each use and checked every one to two
years. It may otherwise fail in an emer-
gency.
Observe the legal requirements for each
individual country. Vehicle tool kit
General notes The vehicle tool kit can be found in the stow-
age well under the boot floor.
i
Apart from certain country-specific varia-
tions, vehicles are not equipped with a tyre-
change tool kit. Some tools for changing a
wheel are specific to the vehicle. For more
information on which tools are required to
perform a wheel change on your vehicle,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Necessary wheel-changing tools can
include, for example:
R jack
R wheel chock
R wheel wrench Vehicles with
aTIREFIT kit :
Centring pin
; Jack
= One pair of gloves
? Cabriolet: straps for emergency release
of the soft top
A Tyre sealan tfiller bottle
B Tyre inflation compressor
C Towing eye
D Folding wheel chock
E wheel wrench
X Open the boot lid.
X Lift the boot floor upwards ( Ypage 290).
Vehicles with a"Minispare" emergency
spare wheel :
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel
; Vehicle tool kit tray
= Stowage tray
X Open the boot lid.
X Lift the boot floor upwards (Y page 290). Where will I find...?
323Breakdown assistance

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

TIREFIT sticker, 2-part
X
Do not remove any foreign objects which
have penetrated the tyre, e.g. screws or
nails.
X Remove the tyre sealant bottle, the accom-
panying TIREFIT sticker and the tyre infla-
tion compressor from the stowage well
underneath the boot floor (Y page 323).
X Affix part :of the TIREFIT sticker within
the driver's field of vision.
X Affix part ;of the TIREFIT sticker near the
valve on the wheel with the defective tyre. X
Pull plug ?with the cable and hose Aout
of the housing.
X Screw hose Aonto flange Bof tyre seal-
ant bottle :.
X Place tyre sealant bottle :head down-
wards into recess ;of the tyre inflation
compressor. X
Remove the cap from valve Con the faulty
tyre.
X Screw filler hose Donto valve C.
X Insert connector ?into a 12 V socket
(Y page 295) in your vehicle.
Observe the notes on sockets
(Y page 295).
X Turn the key to position 1in the ignition
lock (Y page 159).
X Press on/offs witch=on the tyre inflation
compressor to I.
The tyre inflatio ncompressor is switched
on. The tyre is inflated.
i First, tyre sealant is pumped into the tyre.
The pressure can briefly rise to approx-
imately 500 kPa (5 bar/73 psi).
Do not switch off the tyre inflation com-
pressor during this phase.
X Let the tyre inflation compressor run for
five minutes. The tyre should then have
attained a pressure of at least 180 kPa
(1.8 bar/26 psi).
If a tyre pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi) has been attained after five minutes:
(Y page 327).
If a tyre pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi) has not been attained after five
minutes: (Y page 327).
i If the tyre sealant leaks out, allow it to dry.
It can then be removed like a layer of film.
If you get tyre sealant on your clothing,
have it cleaned as soon as possible with
perchloroethylene. 326
Flat tyreBreakdown assistance

Tyre pressure not reached
If
ap ressure of 180 kPa (1.8 ba r/26 psi) has
not bee nachieved afte rfive minutes:
X Switch off the tyre inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose fro mthe valve of
the faulty tyre.
X Very slowly drive forwards or reverse
approximately 10 m.
X Pump up the tyre again.
After a maximum of five minutes the tyre
pressure must be at least 180 kPa (1.8 bar/
26 psi). G
WARNING
If the required tyre pressure is not reached
after the specified time, the tyre is too badly
damaged. The tyre sealant cannot repair the
tyre in this instance. Damaged tyres and a tyre
pressure that is too low can significantly
impair the vehicle's braking and driving char-
acteristics. There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
Tyre pressure reached G
WARNING
At yre temporarily sealed with tyre sealant
impairs the driving characteristics and is not
suitable for higher speeds .There is a risk of
accident.
You should therefore adapt your driving style
accordingly and drive carefully. Do not exceed
the specified maximum speed with a tyre that
has been repaired using tyre sealant.
! After use, excess tyre sealant may run out
of the filler hose. This could cause stains.
Therefore, place the filler hose in the plastic
bag which contained the TIREFIT kit. H
Environmental note
Have the used tyre sealant bottle disposed of
professionally, e.g. at aqualified specialist
workshop. If a tyre pressure of 18
0kPa (1.8 bar/26 psi)
has been attained after five minutes:
X Switch off the tyre inflation compressor.
X Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of
the faulty tyre.
X Stow the tyre sealant bottle, the tyre infla-
tion compressor and the warning triangle.
X Pull away immediately.
The maximum speed for a tyre sealed with
tyre sealant is 80 km/h. The upper part of
the TIREFIT sticker must be affixed to the
instrument cluster in the driver's field of
vision.
X Stop after driving for approximately ten
minutes and check the tyre pressure with
the tyre inflation compressor.
The tyre pressure must now be at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi). G
WARNING
If the required tyre pressure is not reached
after driving for a short period, the tyre is too
badly damaged. The tyre sealant cannot
repair the tyre in this instance. Damaged tyres
and a tyre pressure that is too low can signif-
icantly impair the vehicle's braking and driv-
ing characteristics .There is a risk of accident.
Do not continue driving. Contact a qualified
specialist workshop.
X Correct the tyre pressure if it is still at least
130 kPa (1.3 bar/19 psi) (see the fuel filler
flap for values).
X To increase the tyre pressure: switch on
the tyre inflation compressor. Flat tyre
327Breakdown assistance Z

X
To reduce the tyre pressure: depress
pressure release button Enext to pres-
sure gauge F.
X If the tyre pressure is correct, unscrew the
fille rhose from the valve of the repaired
tyre.
X Screw the valve cap onto the valve of the
repaired tyre.
X Pull the tyre sealant bottle out of the tyre
inflation compressor.
The filler hose stays on the tyre sealant
bottle.
X Stow the tyre sealant bottle, the tyre infla-
tion compressor and the warning triangle.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist
workshop and have the tyre changed there.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle replaced as
soon as possible at a qualified specialist
workshop.
X Have the tyre sealant bottle replaced every
four years at a qualified specialist work-
shop.
i In your vehicle, you will find a sticker with
the Mercedes-Benz Service24h telephone
number, e.g. on the B-pillar on the driver's
side. Battery (vehicle)
Important safety notes
Work on the battery, e.g. removing or instal-
ling, requires specialist knowledge and the
use of special tools. Therefore, always have
work on the battery carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Work carried out incorrectly on the battery
can, for example, lead to a short circuit and
damage your vehicle's electronic system. This
can disrupt driving safety systems such as
ABS (anti-lock braking system) or ESP ®
(Elec-
tronic Stability Program). R
If ABS malfunctions, the wheels can lock
during braking. This limits the steerability
of the vehicle when braking and the braking
distance may increase. There is a risk of
accident.
R If ESP ®
malfunctions, the vehicle will not be
stabilised if it starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin. There is a risk of accident.
You should therefore have all work involving
the battery carried out at a qualified specialist
workshop. G
WARNING
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries. Risk of explosion
Fire, naked flames and
smoking are prohibited
when handling the battery.
Avoid creating sparks.
Battery acid is caustic.
Avoid contact with the skin,
eyes or clothing.
Wear suitable protective
clothing, in particular
gloves, an apron and a face
mask.
Immediately rinse acid
splashes off with clean
water. Consult a doctor if
necessary.
Wear eye protection.
Keep children away.
Observe this Owner's Man-
ual.328
Battery (vehicle)Breakdown assistance

Towing and tow-starting
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid
towing ba rif:
R the engine is not running.
R there is a brake system malfunction.
R there is a malfunction in the power supply
or the vehicle's electrical system.
The power assistance for the steering and the
brake force booster do not work when the
engine is not running. You will need more
force to steer and brake, you may have to
depress the brake pedal with maximu mforce.
Before towing away, make sure that the steer-
ing can be moved and is not locked.
If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximum per-
missible gross vehicle weight of your vehicle. G
WARNING
The vehicle is braked when the HOLD function
or DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. Therefore,
deactivate HOLD and DISTRONIC PLUS if the
vehicle is to be towed.
! Only secure the tow rope or towing bar to
the towing eyes. The vehicle may otherwise
be damaged.
! Observe the following points when towing
with a tow rope:
R secure the tow rope on the same side on
both vehicles.
R the tow rope must not be longer than is
legally permitted. It should be marked in
the middle, e.g. with a white cloth
(30 x30c m) so thatothe rroad users are
aware that a vehicle is being towed.
R the tow rope may only be attached to the
towing eyes.
R observe the brake lamps of the towing
vehicle while driving. Always maintain a distance so that the tow rope does not
sag.
R do not use steel cables or chains to tow
your vehicle. The vehicle could be dam-
aged.
! Do not use the towing eye for recovery,
this could damage the vehicle. If in doubt,
recover the vehicle with acrane.
! Pull away smoothly when towing away or
tow-starting a vehicle. If the tractive power
is too high, the vehicles could be damaged.
! On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, use the
key instead of the Start/Stop button. Turn
the key to position 2in the ignitio nlock and
shift the automatic transmission to N.
Then, turn the key back to 0and leave it in
the ignition lock.
! You may tow the vehicle for a maximum
of 50km. A towing speed of 50 km/h must
not be exceeded.
For towing distances over 50 km, the entire
vehicle must be lifted up and transported.
! If you tow or tow-start another vehicle, its
weight must not exceed the maximu mper-
missible gross vehicle weight of your vehi-
cle.
Information on your vehicle's gross vehicle
weight rating can be found on the vehicle
identification plate (Y page 371).
Observe the legal requirement sfor the rele-
vant countries when towing and tow-starting.
It is better to have the vehicle transported
than to have it towed.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission dam-
age, have it transported on a transporter or
trailer.
When towing a vehicle with an automatic
transmission, the transmission must be in
position N. Towing and tow-starting
333Breakdown assistance Z