towing MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE 2011 Owners Manual

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction
......................................... 23 At
ag lance ........................................... 27 Safety
................................................... 41 Opening and closing
...........................81 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
..103 Lights and windscreen wipers
.........121 Climate control
................................. 135 Driving and parking
..........................153 On-board computer and displays
....229 Stowing and features
.......................289 Maintenance and care
......................319 Breakdown assistance
.....................335 Wheels and tyres
.............................. 361 Technical data
................................... 379 Contents
3

1, 2, 3 ...
12 Vsocket
see Socket
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tionS ystem)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 200
4MATIC off-road system ...................200 A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 254
Function/notes ................................ 70
Important safety notes ....................70
Warning lamp ................................. 282
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode .................................... 144
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification .................139
Active Blin dSpot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 242
Display message ............................ 269
Function/notes ............................. 216
Towing atrailer .............................. 218
Active Driving Assistance package .215
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 242
Display message ............................ 268
Function/notes ............................. 218
Towing atrailer .............................. 221
Active light function .........................126
Active multicontour seat ..................109
Active Service Syste mPLUS
see ASSYS TPLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE .................................75
Adaptive brake lamps .........................71
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 262
Function/notes ............................. 127
Adaptive Main-beam Assist
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 245AdBlue
®
Display message ............................ 265
Service indicator ............................ 326
AdBlue ®
service indicator ................326
Additional speedometer ...................243
Additives (engine oil) ........................390
Adjusting the headlamp range .........124
Airbags Front airbag (driver, front
passenger )....................................... 45
Important safety guidelines .............44
Kneebag .......................................... .46
Pelvis airbag .................................... 47
Sidebag ............................................ 46
Triggering ......................................... 43
Windowba g...................................... 47
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Airf ilter (white display message) ....264
AIRMATIC Display message ............................ 266
Function/notes ............................. 197
Air pressure
see Tyre pressure
Airv ents
Glove compartmen t....................... 150
Important safety notes ..................149
Rea r............................................... 150
Setting ........................................... 149
Setting the centre air vents ...........150
Setting the side air vents ...............150
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lighting (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .245
AMG menu (on-board computer) .....249
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports sus-
pension ............................................... 198
Anti-glare film .................................... 318
Anti-loc kBraking System
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Aquaplaning ....................................... 180
Ashtray ............................................... 3104
Index

Assistance men
u(on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 240
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYS TPLUS service interval
display
ASSYST PLUS service interval dis-
play
Displaying service messages .........325
Hiding service messages ...............325
Notes ............................................. 325
Service messages ..........................325
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................77
Function .......................................... .77
Interior motion sensor .....................78
Switching off the alarm ....................77
Tow-away protection ........................ 78
ATTENTIO NASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................242
Display message ............................ 266
Function/notes ............................. 207
Audio menu (on-board computer) ....237
Authorised workshop see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 262
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 160
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) ..........................159
Automatic headlamp mode ..............123
Automatic transmission Accelerator pedal position .............168
Automatic drive program ...............169
Changing gea r............................... 167
DIRECT SELECT leve r..................... 165
Display message ............................ 275
Drive position (ECO start/stop
function) ........................................ 166
Drive program displa y.................... 166
Driving tips .................................... 168
Emergency running mode ..............172
Engaging drive position .................. 166
Engaging neutra l............................ 166
Engaging revers egear ................... 166
Engaging the par kposition ............ 166
Kickdow n....................................... 168Manual drive program
....................170
Neutral (ECO start/stop function) .166
Problem (fault) ............................... 172
Progra mselecto rbutton ................ 168
Pulling away ................................... 158
Releasing the parking lock man-
ually ............................................... 172
Selector leve r................................ 165
Shift range s................................... 169
Starting the engine ........................157
Steering wheel gearshift paddle s... 169
Trailer towing ................................. 168
Transmissio nposition dis-
play ........................................1 65, 166
Transmissio npositions .................. 167
Automatic transmission emer-
gency running mode .........................172
Auxiliary heating Activating/deactivating .................146
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console ).............................. 146
Display message ............................ 277
Important safety notes ..................145
Problem (display message) ............149
Remote control .............................. 146
Setting ........................................... 247
Setting the departur etime ............ .147
Auxiliary ventilation
Activating/deactivating .................146
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console ).............................. 146
Problem (display message) ............149
Remote control .............................. 146
Axle load, permissible (traile rtow-
ing) ...................................................... 397 B
Bag hook ............................................ 299
Ball coupling Folding in ....................................... 225
Folding out ..................................... 223
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................70
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 70 Index
5

Battery (key)
Checking .......................................... 85
Important safety notes ....................84
Replacing ......................................... 85
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 352
Connecting .................................... 352
Disconnecting ................................ 352
Display message ............................ 264
Important safety notes ..................350
Jump starting ................................. 354
Location ......................................... 351
Removing/fitting ........................... 352
Belt
see Seat belt
Belt force limiters (activation) ...........43
Belt tensioner Activation ......................................... 43
Function .......................................... .53
Blind Spo tAssist
Activating/deactivating .................242
Display message ............................ 269
Notes/function .............................. 212
Trailer towing ................................. 214
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC (AdBlue ®
) ............................. 388
Bonnet Active bonnet (pedestrian protec-
tion) ............................................... 320
Closing .......................................... .322
Display message ............................ 276
Opening ......................................... 321
Boot
Emergency release ..........................94
Important safety notes ....................91
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 93
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 92
Boot lid
Display message ............................ 276
Opening/closing .............................. 91
Opening dimensions ......................394
Bottle holder ...................................... 309
Box (boot) .......................................... .302
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System) Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 256
Notes ............................................. 390
Brake lamps
Adaptive .......................................... .71
Display message ............................ 260
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 70
BAS .................................................. 70
BAS PLUS ........................................ 70
Brake fluid (notes) .........................390
Display message ............................ 254
Driving tips .................................... 178
High-performance brake system ....179
Important safety notes ..................178
Parking brake ................................ 177
Warning lamp ................................. 281
Breakdown
see Flat tyre
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs C
Calling up a fault see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Automatic car wash .......................327
Carpets .......................................... 333
Display ........................................... 331
Exterior lighting ............................. 329
Gea rors electo rlever .................... 332
High-pressure cleaner .................... 328
Interior ........................................... 331
Matt paintwork .............................. 328
Nigh tView Assist Plus ...................331
Notes ............................................. 326
Paint .............................................. 328
Plastic trim .................................... 331
Reversing camera ..........................330
Roof lining ...................................... 333
Seat bel t........................................ 332
Seat cover ..................................... 3326
Index

Automatic transmission
.................168
Brakes ........................................... 178
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 193
Downhill gradient ........................... 178
Driving abroad ............................... 122
Driving in winter ............................ .180
Driving on flooded road s................ 180
Driving on wet road s...................... 180
General .......................................... 178
Icy road surfaces ........................... 180
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted road s....................................... 179
New brake pads/linings ................179
Running-in tips ............................... 154
Snow chains .................................. 365
Symmetrical dipped bea m............. 122
Towing atrailer .............................. 221
Tyr egrip ........................................ 180
Wet road surface ........................... 179
DVD audio (on-board computer) ......238 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................248
Function/notes ............................. 115
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 116
Function/notes ............................. 115
Switching on/off ........................... 248
EASY-PACK convenience box ...........302
EASY-PACK folding luggage-com-
partment floor ................................... 305
EASY-PACK loading sill protector ....306
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ...........303
EASY-PACK luggage compartment
management system ........................303
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 255
Function/notes ................................ 75
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................160
General information .......................158
Electrical fuses
see Fuses Electronic Brake force Distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electroni cStability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tionS ystem)
Emergency key
Unlocking the driver's door ..............90
Emergency key element
Function/notes ................................ 84
Locking vehicle ................................ 90
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 90
Fuel filler fla p................................. 174
Emergency spare wheel
Inflating the collapsible spare
wheel ............................................. 348
Notes/data .................................... 373
Storage location ............................ 339
Stowing .......................................... 340
Emergency unlocking
Boot ................................................. 94
Tailgate ............................................ 95
Vehicle ............................................. 90
Engine
Display message ............................ 263
ECO start/stop function ................158
Engine number ............................... 383
Jump-starting ................................. 354
Running irregularl y......................... 162
Starting problems ..........................162
Starting the engine with the key ....157
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............157
Stopping ........................................ 176
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 358
Warning lamp (engine diagnos-
tics) ............................................... 285
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 381
Problem (fault) ............................... 162
Engine oil
Additives ........................................ 390
Checking the oil level ..................... 322
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 32310
Index

Park Assist
Parking Guidance ........................... 203
Parking ............................................... 176
Important safety notes ..................176
Parking brake ................................ 177
Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 118
Reversing camera ..........................206
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake .................................... 177
Display message ............................ 255
Notes/function .............................. 177
Parking Guidance
Display message ............................ 269
Important safety notes ..................203
Trailer towing ................................. 206
Parking lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 131
Display message ............................ 261
Switching on/off ........................... 122
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ......131
PARKTRONIC Deactivating/activating .................202
Driving system ............................... 200
Function/notes ............................. 200
Important safety notes ..................200
Problem (fault) ............................... 203
Sensor range ................................. 200
Trailer towing ................................. 202
Warning displa y............................. 201
PASSENGE RAIRBAG OFF warning
lamp ...................................................... 56
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC (permanen tfour-
wheel drive)
Petrol .................................................. 385
Plastic hooks ..................................... 298
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) .331
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(preventive occupant
safety system) Display message ............................ 256
Operation ........................................ .48PRE-SAFE
®
Brake
Activating/deactivating .................241
Display message ............................ 257
Function/notes ................................ 75
Warning lamp ................................. 287
Preventive occupant safety sys-
tem
see PRE-SAFE ®
(preventive occu-
pant safety system)
Program selector button ..................168
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................158
Manual transmission ..................... .157 Q
Qualifie dspecialis tworkshop ...........25 R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) .............196
RACETIMER (on-board computer) ....250
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating .................247
Country overview ........................... 398
Display message ............................ 268
Radiator cover ................................... 322
Radio Selecting astation ......................... 237
see separate operating instructions
Rain closing feature
Panorama sliding sunroo f.............. 100
Sliding sunroo f................................. 99
Reading lamp ..................................... 128
Rear bench seat Folding the backres tforwards/
back ............................................... 295
Rear compartment
Setting the airflow .........................142
Setting the airv ents...................... 150
Setting the temperature ................141
Rear-compartment seat belt sta-
tus indicator ........................................ 52
Rear foglamp Display message ............................ 261
Switching on/off ........................... 123
Rear seat
Display message ............................ 27716
Index

Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 230
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 249
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 249
Outside temperature ..................... .230
Setting (climate control) ................141
TEMPOMAT
Function/notes ............................. 181
Theft-deterrent system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........77
Immobiliser ...................................... 77
Through-loading ................................ 295
Through-loading feature ...................295
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Time (on-board computer) ................244
Timing (RACETIMER) .........................250
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 341
Top Tether ............................................ 58
Total distance recorder ....................235
Tow-away protection ..........................78
Towing Important safety notes ..................355
With the rear axle raised ................357
Towing atrailer
Activ eBlind Spot Assist .................218
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............221
Axle load, permissible ....................397
Bulb failure indicator for LED
lamps ............................................. 226
Trailer tow hitch display message ..277
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye. ...................356
Removing the towing eye. ..............357
With both axles on the ground .......357
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............358
Fitting the towing eye. ...................356
Important safety notes ..................355
Removing the towing eye. ..............357
Trailer coupling
see Towing atrailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connector ............................. 226
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 214
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 330
Coupling up atrailer ...................... 224Decoupling
atrailer ....................... 225
Driving tips .................................... 221
ESP ®
................................................ 75
Folding in the ball coupling ............225
Folding out the ball coupling ..........223
Important safety notes ..................221
Lights displa ymessage .................. 259
Mounting dimensions ....................395
Parking Guidance ........................... 206
Parktroni c...................................... 202
Power supply ................................. 226
Shift range ..................................... 168
Trailer loads ................................... 396
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transmission position display .........166
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECTl ever)...................... 166
Transporting the vehicle ..................358
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .332
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .235
Trip meter Calling up ....................................... 235
Resetting (on-board computer) ......236
Trip odometer
see Trip meter
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................132
Switching on/off ........................... 124
TV
Operating (on-board computer) .....238
see Separate operating instructions
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 381
Installatio n..................................... 381
Transmission output (maximum) .... 381
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....368
Display message ............................ 272
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................343
Pressure loss warning ....................367
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................343
Recommended ............................... 365 20
Index

Tyre pressure monitor
Function/note s............................. 368
Restarting ...................................... 369
Warning lamp ................................. 287
Tyres
Checking ........................................ 363
Direction of rotatio n...................... 371
Display message ............................ 272
Grip ................................................ 180
Important safety notes ..................362
Replacing ....................................... 370
Service life ..................................... 363
Storing ........................................... 371
Tyr esize (data) .............................. 371
Tyr etread ...................................... 363
see Flat tyre U
Unladen weight ................................. 392
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................90
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 89 V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) ..............309
Variable SPEEDTRONIC see SPEEDTRONIC
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 25
Data acquisition ............................... 26
Display message ............................ 275
Electronics ..................................... 381
Emergency unlocking .......................90
Equipment ....................................... 23
Implied warranty .............................. 26
Individua lsettings .......................... 243
Leaving parked up .........................177
Locking (in an emergency) ...............90
Locking (key )................................... 82
Lowering ........................................ 348
Pulling away ................................... 157
Raising ........................................... 345
Registration ..................................... 25
Towing away .................................. 355
Tow-starting ................................... 355
Transporting .................................. 358Unlocking (in an emergency)
...........90
Unlocking (key )................................ 82
Vehicle data ................................... 392
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 392
Vehicle dimensions ...........................392
Vehicle emergency locking ................90
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............382
Vehicle level AIRMATIC ...................................... 197
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports sus-
pension .......................................... 199
Vehicle level (display message) .......266
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 337
Vehicle weights ................................. 392
Vents see Air vents
Video (DVD) ........................................ 238
Video DVD (on-board computer) ......238
VIN ...................................................... 382 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 282
Brakes ........................................... 281
Distance warning signa l................. 287
ESP ®
.............................................. 283
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 283
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 181
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................186
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) .........183
Overview .......................................... 32
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................56
Reserve fuel ................................... 285
Seat bel t........................................ 280
SRS ................................................ 284
Tyr ep ressure monitor ...................287
Warning triangle ................................ 336
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 278
Wheel bol ttightening torque ...........348
Wheel chock ...................................... 344 Index
21

Folding bench seat in the luggage
compartment (Estate)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The rear seat backrests must be locked in the
upright position if you are using the folding
bench seat in the luggage compartment.
Do no tpull away unless th ehead restraint in
the folding bench seat is fitted correctly.
Make sure that the centre of the head
restraint supports the seat occupant's head
at about eye level. This can reduce the risk of
injury to a child in the event of an accident.
Ensure that the seat belt is routed correctly
across the body and the seat belt buckle is
engaged.
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle. This applies even if they are secured in a
child restraint system.
Secure children as recommended; see the
"Children in the vehicle" section. G
WARNING
Only replace damaged covers with genuine
covers.
Make sure that items of luggage and other
objects in the luggage compartment are well
secured.
Otherwise, the load could cause injury in the
event of sharp braking, a sudden change in
direction or an accident.
The folding bench seat in the luggage com-
partmen tis only suitable for persons no more
than 1.40 m tall and weighing a maximum of
50 kg.
The maximum permissible weight may be
reduced by:
R extensive optional extras
R vehicle load
R trailer towing
Observe the maximum gross vehicle weight
and the permissible axle load, which can be found on the vehicle identification plate
(Y
page 382).
The combined luggage cover and net must be
fitted if you are using the folding bench seat
(Y page 300).
Folding out the folding benchs eat X
Make sure that the backrests of the rear
bench seat are locked in the uprigh tposi-
tion.
X Move the handle for the combined luggage
cover and net upwards (Y page 300).
X Pull release handle :and fold the back-
rest of the folding bench seat upwards. X
Hook the seat belts into retainers =.
X Pull release handle ;and fold the folding
bench seat cushion into the sitting posi-
tion.
X Push down the seat cushion until the back-
rest engages fully.
X Fold the head restraints upwards. Seats
111Seats, steering wheel and mirrors Z

X
Press the Rbutton.
The yellow Rindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switch off the rear foglamp: press the
R button.
The yellow Rindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Vehicles with frontf oglamps: when the light
switch is in the Tposition, the rear fog-
lamp can only be switched on if the foglamps
(without dipped-beam headlamps) are
switched on.
i If you switch the engine off (key in posi-
tion 1in the ignition lock) and then restart
it, the previous rear foglamp settings are
restored.
Adjusting the headlam prange (halogen
headlamps) The headlamp range control allows you to
adjust the cone of light from the headlamps
to sui tthe vehicle load. g
Driver's seat and front-passenger seat
occupied
1 Driver's seat, front-passenger seat and
rear seats occupied
2 Driver's seat, front-passenger seat and
rear seats occupied, boot laden
3 Driver's and front-passenger seats occu-
pied and maximum permissible rear axle
load utilised, e.g. when towing a trailer X
Start the engine.
X Turn headlamp range control to the posi-
tion which corresponds to the load in your
vehicle.
Headlampc leaning system If the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times (Y
page 132) while the
lights are on and the engine is running, the
headlamps are cleaned automatically. When
you switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning syste mis reset and count-
ing is resumed from 0. Combination switch
Turn signals :
Main-beam headlamps
; Turn signal, right
= Headlamp flasher
? Turn signal, left
X To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ;or?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ;or?. 124
Exterior lightingLights and windscreen wipers