check engine MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class COUPE 2011 C207 Owner's 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

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
( Y page 26).
GWarning
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
GWarning!
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
R malfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.GWarning
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
Displays and operation
Coolant temperature gauge
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.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
! If the coolant temperature is too high a
display message is shown.
198Displays and operationOn-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 198

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsPRE-SAFE
Function Currently
Limited See Oper.
ManualGRisk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is insufficient.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is operational again and the display message
disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 282).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 282).XRestart the engine.XWait until the battery is sufficiently charged.PRE-SAFE
Functions Limited
See Operator's
ManualGRisk of accident
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is faulty. BAS PLUS or the distance warning
signal may also have failed.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.A
Malfunction
Service RequiredGRisk of injury
Cabriolet: the roll bars are defective.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.Check Child Seat
Pos.
See Operator's
ManualGRisk of injury
Vehicles with BabySmart™ (Canada only):
The BabySmart™ child seat is positioned incorrectly.
XInstall the child seat in the correct position.Display messages215On-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 215Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Brake ImmediatelyA malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or
DISTRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. The tone becomes
louder if you attempt to lock the vehicle.
You cannot start the engine.XPaying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message
disappears.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y page 289).
You can restart the engine.$ (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.
Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
222Display 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 222

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Switch Off LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to c.Adaptive Highbeam
Assist
InoperativeAdaptive Highbeam Assist is faulty. XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Adaptive Highbeam
Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualAdaptive Highbeam Assist is deactivated and temporarily
inoperative, if:
R the windshield is dirty in the camera's field of vision.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.XClean the windshield.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is available again, if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the camera is fully operational again.
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist Now Available message is
displayed.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 274).XIf coolant needs adding more often than usual, have the engine
coolant system checked at a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.
226Display 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 226

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Level Low
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.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.
Display messages227On-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 227Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is faulty.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 battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a faulty alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next
Refueling Check
Engine Oil at Next
RefuelingThe engine oil level has dropped to a critical level.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the oil level ( Y page 273).XIf necessary, add the engine oil ( Y page 274).XHave the engine checked for leaks if engine oil has to be added
more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
228Display 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 228

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsRadar Sensors
Deactivated See
Operator's ManualThe radar sensor system is deactivated.XCheck whether or not the radar sensor system may be activated
( Y page 211).XSwitch on the radar sensor system ( Y page 211).Blind Spot Assist
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualBlind Spot Assist is temporarily inoperative if:
R the sensors are dirty.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the radar sensor system is outside the operating temperature
range.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.
Blind Spot Assist is operational again and the display message
disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the radar sensor system is back within the operating
temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the sensors ( Y page 282).XRestart the engine.Blind Spot Assist
InoperativeBlind Spot Assist is faulty.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.orBlind Spot Assist or Active Blind Spot Assist is faulty.
The yellow 9 indicator lamps also light up in the exterior
mirrors.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Parking Guidance
InoperativeParking Guidance is faulty. XRestart the engine.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.230Display 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 230

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsDISTRONIC PLUS
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualDISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and is temporarily inoperative if:
R the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill is dirty.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R the radar sensor system is temporarily inoperative, e.g. due to
electromagnetic radiation emitted by nearby TV or radio
stations or other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
R its function is impaired due to heavy rain or snow.
R the system is outside the operating temperature range.
R the on-board voltage is too low.
A warning tone also sounds.
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational again and the display message
disappears when:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system detects that the sensors are fully available again.
R the system is within the operating temperature range.
If the display message continues to be displayed:XClean the DISTRONIC PLUS cover in the radiator grill
( Y page 282).XClean the bumpers ( Y page 282).XRestart the engine.DISTRONIC PLUS
InoperativeDISTRONIC PLUS is faulty. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
also have failed. A warning tone also sounds.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.DISTRONIC PLUS
OverrideYou have depressed the accelerator pedal. DISTRONIC PLUS is no
longer controlling the speed of the vehicle.XTake your foot off the accelerator pedal.DISTRONIC PLUS
--- mphAn activation condition for DISTRONIC PLUS is not fulfilled.XCheck activation conditions for DISTRONIC PLUS
( Y page 174).232Display 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 232

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