tires MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class COUPE 2011 C207 User Guide

Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tires have adequate tread depth
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
R Lower your speed
R Avoid ruts
R Brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
General information
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of
winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 171).
Winter tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires also bearing the i
snowflake symbol next to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions. Only these tires will allow driving
safety systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to
function optimally in winter, as these tires
have been designed specifically for driving on
snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.GWarning
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1
/ 6
inch (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once you have installed the winter tires:
XCheck the tire pressures ( Y page 309).XRestart the tire pressure monitor
( Y page 311).GWarning
If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may very
well impair turning stability and that overall
driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your
driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular
road wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
which have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under "Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
170Driving tipsDriving and parking
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 170

ROnly use snow chains when driving on an
area completely covered by snow. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you are no
longer driving on snow-covered roads.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R you may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations; see the "Tires and
wheels" section in the "Technical data"
chapter.
R mount snow chains only in pairs and only
on the rear wheels. Observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind
against the bodywork or components of the
chassis. This could result in damage to the
vehicle or the tires.
! Vehicles with steel wheels
If you wish to mount snow chains to steel
wheels, make sure that you remove the
respective wheels' hubcaps first. The
hubcaps may otherwise be damaged.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 66) when pulling away with
snow chains installed. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
Slippery road surfacesGWarning
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.GWarning!
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.
GWarning
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
You should drive particularly carefully on
slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden
acceleration, steering and braking
maneuvers. Do not use cruise control or
DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position N.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 170).
GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Service24h" section of the Service
Booklet.
Driving tips171Driving and parkingBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 171Z

GWarning!
The system cannot detect objects located
above the area that the sensors scan. These
objects, e.g. protruding load, overhang, or
truck tail lifts, will be ignored when computing
the parking procedure. The Parking Guidance
might therefore provide untimely steering
instructions. This could cause a collision.
Thus, do not use the Parking Guidance in such
situations.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in the
area in which you are maneuvering. You could
otherwise injure them.
! Pay particular attention to low objects or
objects with flat surfaces, such as trailer
drawbars, posts, cross beams and curbs.
These types of objects cannot be detected
by Parking Guidance and may damage the
vehicle.
When PARKTRONIC is deactivated, Parking
Guidance is also unavailable.
Use Parking Guidance for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, i.e.
not on the pavement, for example. Parking
Guidance may not detect flat curbs
Parking tips:
R On narrow roads, drive as close to the
parking space as possible.
R Parking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
R Snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R Pay attention to the PARKTRONIC warning
messages during the parking procedure
( Y page 187).
R When transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you must not use Parking
Guidance.
R Never use Parking Guidance with snow
chains or an emergency spare wheel
installed.
R Make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct effect on
the steering instructions.
R The way your vehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parking is dependent
on various factors. These include the
position and shape of the vehicles parked
in front and behind it and the conditions of
the location. In some cases, Parking
Guidance may guide you too far or not far
enough into a parking space. In some
cases, it may also lead you across or onto
the curb. If necessary, cancel the parking
procedure with Parking Guidance.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at
a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Detecting a parking space:Detected parking space on the left;Parking symbol=Detected parking space on the right
Parking Guidance is automatically activated
when you drive forwards. The system is
operational at speeds of up to approximately
22 mph (35 km/h). While in operation, the
system independently locates and measures
parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle.
When driving at speeds below 19 mph
( 30 km/h), you will see parking symbol ; as
a status indicator in the instrument cluster.
When a parking space has been detected, an
arrow towards the right = or the left : also
appears. Parking Guidance only displays
190Driving systemsDriving and parking
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 190

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCruise Control
InoperativeCruise control is faulty.
A warning tone also sounds.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Cruise Control
--- mphA condition for activating cruise control has not been met.
You attempted to save a speed of less than 20 mph (30 km/h).XIf the situation allows, drive faster than 20 mph ( 30 km/h) and
save the speed.XCheck the activation conditions for cruise control
( Y page 172).
Tires
GWarning
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may
lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up
and possibly a fire.
GWarning
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely affect
handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can adversely affect handling and ride comfort, wear
unevenly, increase stopping distance, and result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are
more likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.
Display messages233On-board computer and displaysBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 233Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
Tire Pressure SoonGRisk of accident
The tire pressure loss warning system has detected a significant
loss in pressure.
A warning tone also sounds.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel
( Y page 320).XCheck the tire pressures and, if necessary, set to the correct
tire pressure.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system when the tire
pressure is correct ( Y page 309).Check Tire Pressure
Then Restart Run
Flat IndicatorA display message from the tire pressure loss warning system was
shown and the system has not been restarted since.XSet the correct tire pressure in all four tires.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system ( Y page 309).Run Flat Indicator
InoperativeThe tire pressure loss warning system is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire pressures
will be displayed
after driving a
few minutesThe tire pressure monitor is measuring the tire pressure.XDrive on.
The tire pressures appear in the multifunction display after you
have been driving for a few minutes.Tire Press. Monitor
InoperativeThe TPMS is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel SensorsThe wheels mounted do not have a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitor is deactivated.XMount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The TPMS is activated automatically after driving for a few
minutes.Check
TiresGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XCorrect the tire pressure ( Y page 311).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 320).234Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 234

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCaution
Tire MalfunctionGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly. The
wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 320).Correct
Tire PressureThe tire pressure is insufficient in at least one of the tires or the
tire pressure difference between the wheels is too great.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 311).XRestart the tire pressure monitor ( Y page 313).Tire Press.
Sensor(s)MissingThere is no signal from the tire pressure sensor of one or several
wheels. The pressure of the affected tire is not displayed in the
multifunction display.XHave the faulty tire pressure sensor replaced at a qualified
specialist workshop.Tire Press. Monitor
Currently
UnavailableNo signals are being received from the tire pressure sensors due
to radio interference. The tire pressure monitor is temporarily
malfunctioning.XDrive on.
The TPMS restarts automatically as soon as the problem has
been solved.h
Tire Press.
Warning Caution
Tire MalfunctionGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped suddenly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 320).Display messages235On-board computer and displaysBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 235Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
Check Tire PressureGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 320).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 311).h
Correct Tire
PressureThe tire pressure is insufficient in at least one of the tires or the
tire pressure difference between the wheels is too great.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 311).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsShift to 'P' or 'N'
to Start EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position R or D. XShift the transmission to position P or N.P
Shift to 'P'You turned off the engine with the Start/Stop button and opened
the driver's door while the transmission was in position N.
or
You have attempted to turn off the engine with the Start/Stop
button while the transmission was in position R or D.XShift the transmission to position P.While the HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is active, you have:
R opened the driver's door and released the seat belt or
R switched off the engine or
R opened the hood
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. The tone becomes
louder if you attempt to lock the vehicle.
You cannot start the engine.XShift the transmission to position P.
You can restart the engine.NThe trunk lid is open. XClose the trunk lid.236Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 236

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
A warning is issued if:
R you are approaching a vehicle in front at too great a speed
R DISTRONIC PLUS or PRE-SAFE ®
Brake has detected a stationary
obstacle in your line of travel
XBe prepared to brake immediately.XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Tires
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
USA only:
The yellow combination
low tire pressure
warning lamp/TPMS
malfunction warning
lamp is lit.GRisk of accident
The tire pressure monitor has detected a loss of pressure in at
least one of the tires.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 311).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 320).h
USA only:
The yellow combination
low tire pressure
warning lamp/TPMS
malfunction warning
lamp flashes for sixty
seconds and then
remains lit.The tire pressure monitor is faulty.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster247On-board computer and displaysBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 247Z

GWarning
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked every other week when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's door B-pillar or, if available, the tire inflation pressure
label on the inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the Tire and Loading Information placard or, if available, the tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure warning lamp when one or more of your tires
are significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure warning lamp illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability. Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure warning lamp.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure warning lamp. When the system detects a malfunction, the warning lamp will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is lit, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of incompatible
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction warning lamp after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
248Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument clusterOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 248

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.
! It is preferable to use car washes with
adjustable 26
high-pressure precleaning. In
car washes that use high water pressures,
there is a risk that a small amount of water
may leak into the vehicle.
! Cabriolet: do not treat the vehicle with
hot wax under any circumstances.
! Cabriolet: pull the SmartKey out of the
ignition lock when washing the vehicle. This
ensures that the wind deflector on the
windshield is retracted. The wind deflector
may otherwise be damaged.
! 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.
! Make sure that the side windows are
completely closed, that the ventilation/
heating is switched off and that the
windshield wiper switch is set to 0.
Otherwise, the rain/light sensor could be
activated, triggering unintended wiper
movements. This can cause damage to the
vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windshield and the wiper
blades. This will prevent smears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the
windshield.
Washing by hand
Carefully remove all deposits of road salt as
soon as possible when driving in winter.
Also, clean the insides of the wheels when
washing the underbody of the vehicle.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.XUse a soft car sponge for cleaning.XUse a gentle cleaning agent, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz approved car shampoo.XWash down the vehicle with a gentle water
jet.XDo not point the water jet directly at the air
inlets.XUse plenty of water and rinse the sponge
frequently.XRinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
it thoroughly with a chamois.XDo not allow the cleaning agent to dry on
the paintwork.
Power washers
GWarning!
Do not use power washers with circular-jet
nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your vehicle, in
particular the tires. You could otherwise
damage the tires and cause an accident.
! Maintain the distance between the
vehicle and the nozzle of the power washer
at 11.8 in (30 cm). Information about the
correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the power washer nozzle around
when cleaning your vehicle.
26 Corresponds to the specification for the Cabriolet program.278CareMaintenance and care
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 278