boot MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE 2012 Owner's Manual

R
Maintain a greater distance from the vehi-
cle in front than when driving without a
trailer.
R Avoid braking abruptly. If possible, brake
gently at first to allow the trailer to run on.
Then, increase the braking force rapidly.
R The values given for gradient-climbing
capabilities from a standstill refer to sea
level. When driving in mountainous areas,
note that the power output of the engine,
and consequently the vehicle's gradient-
climbing capability, decrease with increas-
ing altitude. Folding out the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If the ball coupling is not correctly engaged,
the trailer can detach. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always engage the ball coupling as described. G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing
out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that
the ball coupling engages when folding in. G
WARNING
Vehicles with HYBRID: ensure that you read
the "HYBRID" supplement. You may otherwise
fail to recognise dangers. Saloon
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage
compartment.
To open the cover (Saloon):
X
Slide luggage net ;down.
X Turn handle :anti-clockwise and fold
down cover =. Estate
Before you can tow a trailer with your vehicle,
you must fold out the ball coupling.
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage
compartment.
To open the cover (Estate):
X
Pull handle :in the direction of the arrow
and fold down cover ;. Towing
atrailer
237Driving an d parking Z

Uncoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
If you uncouple a trailer with an engaged over-
ru nb rake, you could trap yourh and between
the vehicle and the trailer drawbar .This poses
a risk of injury.
Do not uncouple a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. G
WARNING
Vehicles with level control:
If you disconnectt he trailer cable, the vehicle
is lowered. This can cause you or others to
become trapped between the vehicle body
and tyres, or underneath the vehicle. This
poses a risk of injury.
Make sure that no-one is in the immediate
vicinity of the wheel arch or underneath the
vehicle when disconnecting the trailer cable.
! 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 Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Folding in the ball coupling
G
WARNING
If you release the ball coupling or it does not
engage correctly when folding in, it will swing
out. Within pivoting range of the ball coupling,
there is an increased risk of an accident and
injury.
Only release the ball coupling if the pivoting
range is unobstructed. Always make sure that
the ball coupling engages when folding in. X
Place the protective covering on the ball
coupling. Saloon
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage
compartment.
To open the cover (Saloon):
X
Slide luggage net ;down.
X Turn handle :anti-clockwise and fold
down cover =. Estate
The release wheel is located behind the left-
hand side trim panel in the boot/luggage
compartment.
To open the cover (Estate):
X
Pull handle :in the direction of the arrow
and fold down cover ;. Towing
atrailer
239Driving an d parking Z

If you have activated the
Surround light‐ing function and the light switch is set to
Ã, the following functions are activated
when it is dark:
R surround lighting: the exterior lighting
remains lit for 40 seconds after unlocking
with the key. If you start the engine, the
surround lighting is switched off and auto-
matic headlamp mode is activated
(Y page 125).
R exterio rlighting delayed switch-off: the
exterior lighting remains lit for
60 seconds afte rthe engine is switched off.
If you close all the doors and the boot lid/
tailgate, the exterior lighting goes off after
5s econds.
i Depending on your vehicle's equipment,
when the surround lighting and delayed
switch-off exterior lighting are on, the fol-
lowing light up:
R side lamps
R foglamps
R dipped-beam headlamps
R daytime driving lights
R surround lighting in the exterior mirrors
Activating/deactivating the interior light-
ing delayed switch-off
If you activate the Lighting delayed sw.- off function, the interior lighting remains on
for 20seconds after you remove the key from
the ignition lock.
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Light submenu.
X Press ato confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Light. delay function.
When the Lighting delayed sw.-off function is activated, the vehicle interior is
displayed in red in the multifunction dis-
play.
X Press the abutton to save the setting. Vehicle Setting permanent SPEEDTRONIC
X
Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Vehicle submenu.
X Press ato confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Limit speed (winter tyres): function.
You will see the curren tsetting.
X Press ato confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to adjust
permanent SPEEDTRONIC in increment sof
ten ( 230 km/h to
160 km/h ). The
Off set-
ting switches permanent SPEEDTRONIC
off.
X Press the abutton to store the entry.
For further information on permanent SPEED-
TRONIC (Y page 195).
Switching the automatic locking feature
on/off
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settings menu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Vehicle submenu.
X Press ato confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Auto. door locks function.
When the Automatic door locks func-
tio nis activated, the vehicle doors are dis-
played in red in the multifunction display.
X Press the abutton to save the setting.
If you activate the Automatic door locks function, the vehicle is centrally locked above
a speed of around 15 km/h.
For further information on the automatic lock-
ing feature, see (Y
page 90). Menus and submenus
261On-board computer and displays Z

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Risk of vehicle
rolling
Transmission not
in P Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever:
The driver's doo
ris open and the transmission is in position R,N
or D.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Ypage 183). Without changing
gear,
consult workshop Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever:
You canno
tchange the transmission position due to a malfunction.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
If transmission position Dis selected:
X Drive to a qualified specialist workshop without shifting the
transmission from position D.
If transmission position R,Nor Pis selected:
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Only select
position P when
vehicle is station‐
ary Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT lever:
The vehicle is moving.
X
Pull ove rand stop the vehicle safely as soo nas possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Shift the transmission to position P.N Saloon: the boot lid is open.
X
Close the boot lid. A Estate: the tailgate is open.
G WARNING
When the engine is running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior if the tailgate is open.
There is a risk of poisoning.
X Close the tailgate. 294
Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos-
sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 25). Stowage areas
Loading guidelines
G
WARNING
Secure and position the load as described in
the loading guidelines.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could
be injured by the load being thrown around in
the even tofsharp braking, a sudden change
in direction or an accident.
You will find further information in the "Secur-
ing a load" section.
Even if you follow all the loading guidelines,
the load will increase the risk of injury in the
event of an accident. G
WARNING
Keep the boot lid/tailgate closed while the
vehicle is in operation. Otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter the vehicle interior and poi-
son you.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle are dependent on the distribution of the
load within the vehicle. For this reason, you
should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight or the permissible axle loads for the vehicle
(including occupants).
R position heavy loads as far forwards as pos-
sible and as low down in the boot/luggage
compartmenta s possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant lashing material. pad sharp
edges for protection.
i Load restraints are available at any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre. Stowage compartments
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The stowage compartments must be closed
when items are stored in them. Luggage nets
are not designed to secure heavy items of
luggage.
You or other vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Sharp-edged and fragile objects must not be
placed in the luggage net.
Do not place hard objects in the map pockets.
Objects must not protrude from the map
pockets. 310
Stowage areasStowing and features

an accident, the luggage net will no
tsecure
the transported goods.
Luggage nets are located in the front-
passenger footwell and on the left and right-
hand sides of the boot/luggage compart-
ment. Skibag
Unfolding the skibag and loading skis G
WARNING
The skibag is designed to carry up to four pairs
of skis. Do not use the skibag to carry any
other type of load.
The skibag must always be secured when
laden. Otherwise, injuries could be caused by
it in the event of an accident. X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X Press release catches ;together and fold
down cover :. X
Pull skibag :into the vehicle interior and
unfold it.
X Open the boot lid. X
Press release catch :.
The flap opens downwards.
X Slide the skis into the skibag from the boot. X
Pull strap :tight by the loose end until the
skis are held firmly inside the skibag. X
Engage hook :in securing ring ;.
X Pull the strap tight by the loose end. 314
Stowage areasStowing and features

Removing the skis and folding up the
skibag
X
Loosen the two straps.
X Remove hook :from securing ring ;.
X Take the skis ou tofthe skibag.
X Close the flap in the boot.
X Smooth out the skibag and fold it up.
X Put the skibag into the backrest.
X Fold the cover back up.
i You should always close the flap in the
boot if you do not require the skibag. This
will prevent unauthorised access to the
boot from the vehicle interior.
Removing the skibag G
WARNING
When the skibag has been removed, always
drive with the boot lid closed. Otherwise,
exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle inte-
rior. The skibag can be removed for cleaning or
drying. X
Open the boot lid.
X Press release catch :.
Flap ;folds down.
X Press catch =in and pull out frame ?
containing the skibag. Through-loading facility in the rear
compartment
The through-loading facility is opened from
the boot.
X
Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X Press release catch :.
The flap opens downwards. Through-loading facility in the rear
bench seat (Saloon)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects inside the
vehicle or in the boot unless they are secured.
Otherwise, you and other vehicle occupants
could be injured by objectsb eing thrown
around the vehicle in the event of sharp brak-
ing, a sudden change in direction or an acci-
dent. G
WARNING
Always drive with the boot lid closed. Exhaust
fumes could otherwise enter the vehicle inte-
rior. Stowage areas
315Stowing and features Z

The left-hand and right-hand rear seat backr-
ests can be folded down separately to
increase the boot capacity.
Folding the seat backrest forwards
!
Before you fold down the rear seat back-
rest, remove the side head restraints for
the integrated child seat; see the "Side
head restraints for integrated child seat"
section. The side head restraints could oth-
erwise be damaged. i
Vehicles with memory function: when you
fold one or both parts of the rear seat back-
rest forwards, the respective fronts eat
moves forward slightly, when necessary, in
order to avoid contact.
X Vehicles without memory function: if nec-
essary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.
X Open the boot.
X Pull right-hand or left-hand rear seat back-
rest release handle :.
The corresponding rear seat backrest is
released.
The head restraints for the seat backrests
in the rear compartment lower. X
Fold rear seat backrest ;forwards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding back the seat backrest G
WARNING
Make sure that the rear seat backrest is cor-
rectly engaged. Otherwise, vehicle occupants
could be injured by objects being thrown
around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
If the rear seat backrest is not engaged, this
will be shown in the multifunction display in
the instrument cluster.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be dam-
aged. 316
Stowage areasStowing and features

X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Fold rear seat backrest :back until it
engages.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 110).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
i You should always engage the rear seat
backrests if you do not need the through-
loading feature. This will prevent unauthor-
ised access to the boot from the vehicle
interior. EASY-PACK through-loading facility in
the rear bench seat (Estate)
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects inside the
vehicle or in the luggage compartmen tunless
they are secured.
Otherwise, you and othe rvehicle occupants
could be injured by objects being thrown
around the vehicle in the event of sharp brak-
ing, a sudden change in direction or an acci-
dent.
When using the enlarged luggage compart-
ment, always clip in the safety net. G
WARNING
Always drive with the tailgate closed. Exhaust
fumes could otherwise enter the vehicle inte-
rior.
Folding the rear seat backrest forward !
Before you fold down the rear seat back-
rest, remove the side head restraints for
the integrated child seat; see the "Side
head restraints for integrated child seat"
section. The side head restraints could oth-
erwise be damaged. !
When folding the rear seat backrest for-
wards, ensure that there are no items lying
on the seat cushions .These items could
otherwise be damaged or could themselves
damage the rear seats. The left-hand and right-hand rear seat backr-
ests can be folded forwards separately to
increase the luggage compartmentc
apacity.
The combined luggage cover and ne tcan
remain installed.
i When you fold one or bot hparts of the
rear seat backrests forwards, the headr-
ests are also lowered if necessary. In the
case of vehicles with memory function, the
respective fron tseat is moved forwards
slightly to avoid contact with the seat
behind it. Stowage areas
317Stowing and features Z

X
Vehicles without memory function: if nec-
essary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.
X Pull the left-hand or right-hand release han-
dle at the rear in load compartment :or
at the side beside backrests ;.
The corresponding backrest folds for-
wards.
X Pull back the left or right release lever in
the luggage compartment :.
The corresponding backrest folds for-
wards.
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding the rear seat backrest back G
WARNING
Make sure that the rear seat backrest is cor-
rectly engaged. Otherwise, vehicle occupants
could be injured by objects being thrown
around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
If the rear seat backrest is not engaged, this
will be shown in the multifunction display in
the instrument cluster.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be dam-
aged. X
Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
X Fold seat backrest :back until it engages.
X Adjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 110).
X Move the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary. Securing
aload
Plastic hooks (Saloon) On vehicles without a through-loading feature
in the rear bench seat, six plastic hooks are
fitted to the boot floor. You can use these to
attach the luggage securing fixture, which is
available as an accessory.
Lashing eyelets General notes
G
WARNING
Distribute the load on the lashing eyelets
evenly.
Otherwise, vehicle occupants could be
injured by objects being thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change directio nsuddenly
R are involved in an accident
Please observe the loading guidelines. 318
Stowage areasStowing and featu
res