light MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE 2009 Owners Manual

Because of this, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all circum-
stances. An aggressive driving style will lead
to high wear.
Tyre grip
G
Risk of accident
While the vehicle can be fully controlled at a
certain speed on dry roads, you must reduce
your speed on wet or icy roads to achieve the
same road safety. Otherwise, you could cause
an accident.
Pay particular attention to the road conditions
at temperatures around freezing point.
If ice has formed on the road surface (e.g.
from fog), a thin film of water rapidly forms on
the ice when you brake, considerably reduc-
ing tyre grip. Drive with particular care in such
weather conditions. Driving on wet roads
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts, and
brake carefully. Driving on flooded roads
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permitted still water depth is
25 cm.
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result
in damage to the engine, electrical systems
and transmission. Driving abroad
Points to remember
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" chapter of the Service
Booklet.
Only low-octane fuel is available in certain
countries.
You can find further information about fuel
grades on (Y page 216). Symmetrical dipped beam
If your journey takes you to countries where
vehicles are driven on the opposite side of the
road to the country in which the vehicle is
registered, your headlamps must be switched
to symmetrical dipped beam. This prevents
oncoming traffic from being dazzled.
Have the headlamps converted as close as
possible to the border before driving in these
countries. When using symmetrical lights, the
edge of the carriageway is not illuminated as
widely and as far ahead as normal. Driving abroad
233Operation
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 233 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:58; WK

i
On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Driving tips G
Risk of accident
If the Check trailer hitch locking
mechanism message appears in the multi-
function display while the vehicle is in motion,
pull over immediately and check whether the
ball coupling is correctly engaged.
i Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 60).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. G
Risk of accident
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients you
must select a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission*, select
shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. 236
Trailer towingOperation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 236
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:59; WK

X
Grasp release wheel ;with your hand
such that the thumb is in the thumb rest
and turn it anti-clockwise.
The ball coupling unlocks and lowers. Indi-
cator lamp :flashes. X
Press the ball coupling in the direction of
the arrow until it engages behind the
bumper.
Indicator lamp :goes out and the mes-
sage in the multi-function display disap-
pears. Trailer power supply
When it leaves the factory, your vehicle's
trailer socket outlet is equipped with a per-
manent power supply and a power supply that
is switched on via the ignition lock.
The permanent power supply is supplied via
trailer socket pin 9.
The power supply that is switched on via the
ignition lock is supplied via trailer socket
pin 10.
! You can connect consumers with a power
rating of up to 240 W to the permanent
power supply and up to 180 W to the power
supply that is switched on via the ignition
lock.
You must not charge a trailer battery using
the power supply.
The trailer's permanent power supply is
switched off in the event of low vehicle supply
voltage and after six hours at the latest. You can obtain further information about
installing the trailer electrics from a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
X
To switch the connected power supply
on or off: turn the key in the ignition lock
to position 2or 0, respectively. Bulb failure indicator for LEDs
i If LED lamps are fitted in the trailer, an
error message may appear in the multi-
function display – even if there is no fault –
if the corresponding LED chain's current
draw drops below 50 milliamperes (mA).
To ensure reliable operation of the bulb failure
indicator, a minimum current of 50 mA must
be guaranteed by the manufacturer of each
LED chain in the trailer lighting. Trailer with 7-pin connector
If your trailer has a 7-pin connector, you can
connect it to the 13-pin socket on the ball
coupling using an adapter or, if necessary, an
adapter cable. Both of these can be obtained
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. at a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Fitting the adapter 238
Trailer towingOperation
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 238
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:01; WK

If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic car wash is
suitable for the size of the vehicle. Fold in
the exterior mirrors before the vehicle is
washed. There is otherwise a risk of dam-
age to the exterior mirrors.
! When washing your vehicle in a tow-
through car wash, make sure that the auto-
matic transmission* is in position N. The
vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
R Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever and
key:
Do not remove the key from the ignition
lock. Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this automatically shifts
the automatic transmission to park posi-
tion Pand locks the wheels, unless you
have previously shifted the automatic
transmission to N.
R Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever and
KEYLESS GO*:
Do not open the driver's or front-
passenger door when the engine is
switched off, as this shifts the automatic
transmission to park position Pand locks
the wheels.
! Make sure that the side windows are
closed completely, that the blower for the
ventilation/heating is switched off and that
the windscreen wiper switch is in position
0. The rain/light sensor could otherwise be
activated and thereby cause unintentional
wiping. This could result in damage to the
vehicle.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax and drying agents from the windscreen
and the wiper blades. This will prevent smears
and reduce wiping noises caused by residue
on the windscreen. High-pressure cleaners G
Risk of accident
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.
! Observe the instructions issued by the
equipment manufacturer concerning the
distance to be maintained between the
nozzle of the high-pressure cleaner and the
vehicle (at least 30 cm).
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle.
Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R tyres
R door joint
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 failures or leaks.
Care and treatment of matt paint-
work* Your vehicle has a clear matt finish. For this
reason, you should make sure that you
adhere to the following instructions to avoid
damage to paintwork due to improper treat-
ment.
!
Under no circumstances should you pol-
ish the vehicle. Polishing will make the
paintwork shine.
! When caring for your paintwork, do not
use paint cleaner, grinding or polishing Care
241Operation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 241 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:01; WK

products, or gloss preservers such as wax.
These products are only suitable for high-
gloss finishes. Using them on a vehicle with
a matt finish results in serious damage to
the surface (gleaming, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
i From the range of available Mercedes-
Benz care products, use only the insect
remover and the car shampoo.
Cleaning 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 immediately, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
X Remove the following types of dirt immedi-
ately, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
Soak:
R insect remains with insect remover
R bird droppings with water
and rinse off the treated surface after-
wards.
Remove:
R tree resin, oils, fuels and greases by rub-
bing gently with a cloth soaked in petro-
leum ether or lighter fluid.
R tar stain with tar remover
R wax with silicone remover
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. Otherwise, you could
damage the paintwork. Cleaning the wheels !
Do not use acidic wheel cleaners to
remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
Cleaning the windows X
Clean the inside and outside of the win-
dows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
product approved and recommended by
Mercedes-Benz.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windscreen and the rear window at regular
intervals. Under certain circumstances,
deposits such as leaves, petals and pollen
may prevent water from draining away
leading to corrosion damage.
Cleaning the wiper blades G
Risk of injury
Before cleaning the windscreen or wiper
blades, turn the key to position 0in the igni-
tion lock or press the Start/Stop button* until
all indicator lamps have gone out in the instru-
ment cluster. The windscreen wipers could
otherwise move and cause injury.
! Do not clean the wiper blades too often
and do not rub them too hard, as this will
result in damage to the graphite coating.
This could cause wiper noise.
X Fold the wiper arms away from the wind-
screen.
X Clean the wiper blades carefully with a
damp cloth.
X Fold the wiper arms back again before
switching on the ignition.
Cleaning the headlamps X
Clean the plastic lenses of the headlamps
with a wet sponge and windscreen washer
fluid or cleaning cloths. 242
CareOperation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 242
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:01; WK

!
Only use washer fluid or cleaning cloths
suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid or cleaning cloths could
scratch or damage the plastic lenses of the
headlamps.
Cleaning the sensors* Saloon (example)
X
Clean sensors :for the driving systems
with water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.
! If you clean the sensors using a high-pres-
sure cleaner or steam cleaner, observe the
manufacturer's information on maintaining
the correct distance between the vehicle
and the high-pressure cleaner.
Cleaning the reversing camera* Saloon (example) X
Use clear water and a soft cloth to clean
camera lens :.
! Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the reversing camera with a high-
pressure cleaner.
Cleaning the exhaust tail pipes Impurities combined with the effects of road
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. Reg-
ular care of the exhaust tail pipes will ensure
that their original shine is restored.
!
Do not clean the exhaust tail pipes with
alkaline-based cleaning agents such as
wheel cleaner.
X Clean the exhaust tail pipes with a chrome
care product approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Trailer coupling* The ball coupling must be cleaned if it
becomes dirty or corroded.
X
Remove any rust using a wire brush.
X Remove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or
a brush.
! Do not clean the ball coupling with a high-
pressure cleaner. Do not use solvents. Saloon (example)
X
After cleaning, lightly oil or grease ball cou-
pling :.
X Check that the vehicle's trailer coupling is
working properly. Care
243Operation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 243 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:02; WK

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions HOLD Off The HOLD function is deactivated. The vehicle has skidded or
a condition for activating SBC HOLD is no longer met when
the brake pedal is firmly depressed. A warning tone also
sounds.
X
Reactivate the HOLD function later. Intell.
Light Sys‐
tem inopera‐
tive Tourist mode is active. The headlamps are set to symmetrical
dipped beam (
Ypage 133).
X If you drive in countries in which traffic drives on the oppo-
site side of the road to the country where the vehicle is
registered: the headlamps are set to symmetrical dipped
beam, in order not to dazzle oncoming traffic.
X If you drive in countries in which traffic drives on the same
side of the road as the country where the vehicle is regis-
tered: visit a qualified specialist workshop. Parking
Guidance inopera‐
tive
PARKTRONIC* is inoperative.
X
Observe the notes on PARKTRONIC* in the
"Troubleshooting" section (Y page 293).Parking
Guidance cancelled
Parking Guidance
*is deactivated, because:
R the vehicle is skidding.
R the sensors in the bumpers are dirty.
R a malfunction has occurred.
A warning tone also sounds.
X Reactivate Parking Guidance* later.
If the parking space symbol does not appear in the multi-
function display at speeds below 30 km/h:
X Clean the bumpers (Y page 243).
or
X Restart the engine.
or
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Parking Guidance* is deactivated, because you have left the
lane.
X
Park again, and while doing so, observe the display mes-
sages in the multi-function display (Y page 161).Parking
Guidance finished The vehicle is parked. A warning tone also sounds.
The display message disappears automatically. Display messages
257Practical advice
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 257 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:08; WK

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions J ABS and
ESP cur‐
rently
unavaila‐
ble See
Owner's
Manual G
Risk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function,
hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are temporarily
unavailable. The on-board voltage may, for example, be insuf-
ficient. BAS PLUS* (Brake Assist PLUS) and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake* may be inoperative as well. In addition, the ä,
å and! warning lamps light up in the instrument clus-
ter.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above. ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. J ABS and
ESP inop‐
erative
See Own‐
er's Man‐
ual
G
Risk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start
assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to a
malfunction. BAS PLUS* and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake* may also
have failed. In addition, the ä,åand! warning
lamps light up in the instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above. ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. ÷ ESP inop‐
erative
See Own‐
er's Man‐
ual
G
Risk of accident
ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist
and ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to a mal-
function. BAS PLUS* and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake* may also have
failed. In addition, the äandå warning lamps light up
in the instrument cluster.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above. ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. 264
Display
messagesPractical advice
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 264
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:09; WK

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions J Check
brake
fluid
level
G
Risk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir. In
addition, the Jwarning lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up and a warning tone sounds.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not con-
tinue driving under any circumstances.
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not top up the brake fluid. This will not rectify the fault. J Release
parking
brake You are driving with the parking brake applied. A warning tone
also sounds.
X
Release the parking brake. J EBD, ABS
and ESP
inopera‐
tive See
Owner's
Manual
G
Risk of accident
EBV (electronic brake force distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS,
PRE-SAFE ®
, the HOLD function, hill start assist and ESP ®
trailer stabilisation are unavailable due to a malfunction. In
addition, the ä,åand! warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up and a warning tone sounds.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without
the functions listed above. ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
X Drive on carefully.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop immediately. 266
Display
messagesPractical advice
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 266
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:09; WK

Display messages
Possible causes/consequences and
X
X Solutions J Brake
immedi‐
ately A malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or Dis-
tronic Plus* is active.
or
Vehicles with manual transmission: with the HOLD function
activated, you have either:
R
opened the driver's door and released the seat belt or
R switched off the engine or
R opened the bonnet
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. The tone becomes
louder if you attempt to lock the vehicle.
You cannot start the engine.
X Paying attention to the traffic situation, immediately
depress the brake pedal firmly and hold until the display
message disappears.
X Prevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
(Y page 107).
You can restart the engine. ? Coolant
Stop vehi‐
cle
Switch
engine off The coolant is too hot. In addition, the
?warning lamp in
the instrument cluster lights up and a warning tone sounds.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the
engine, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Make sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked,
e.g. by slush.
X Wait until the display message disappears before restarting
the engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.
X Observe the coolant temperature gauge.
X If the coolant temperature increases again, visit a qualified
specialist workshop immediately. The poly-V-belt may have torn. A warning tone also sounds.
X
Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the
engine, paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Check the poly-V-belt.
X If the poly-V-belt is not damaged: do not start the engine
again until the display message goes out. Otherwise, there
is a risk of engine damage.
X If the poly-V-belt is torn: do not continue driving. Consult
a qualified specialist workshop. Display
messages
267Practical advice
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa
,V ersion: 2.11.8.1
2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 267 Z
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:17:10; WK