towing MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE 2012 Owners Manual

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction
......................................... 23 At
ag lance ........................................... 29 Safety
................................................... 41 Opening and closing
...........................81 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
..105 Lights and windscreen wipers
.........123 Climate control
................................. 141 Driving and parking
..........................159 On-board computer and displays
....243 Stowing and features
.......................309 Maintenance and care
......................343 Breakdown assistance
.....................359 Wheels and tyres
.............................. 379 Technical data
................................... 431 Contents
3

1, 2, 3 ...
12 Vsocket
see Socket
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tionS ystem)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 211
4MATIC off-road system ...................211 A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 269
Function/notes ................................ 70
Important safety notes ....................70
Warning lamp ................................. 301
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode .................................... 149
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification .................145
Active Blin dSpot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 257
Display message ............................ 285
Function/notes ............................. 229
Towing atrailer .............................. 232
Active Driving Assistance package .229
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 257
Display message ............................ 284
Function/notes ............................. 232
Towing atrailer .............................. 234
Active light function .........................130
Active multicontour seat ..................112
Active Service System see ASSYST PLUS
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 76
Adaptive brake lamps .........................72
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 278
Function/notes ............................. 131
Adaptive Main-beam Assist
Switching on/off (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 260AdBlue
®
Display message ............................ 281
Filling capacity ............................... 440
Notes ............................................. 440
Service indicator ............................ 350
AdBlue ®
service indicator ................350
Additional speedometer ...................258
Additives (engine oil) ........................442
Adjusting the headlamp range .........128
Airbags Front airbag (driver, front
passenger )....................................... 46
Important safety guidelines .............44
Kneebag .......................................... .46
Pelvis airbag .................................... 47
Sidebag ............................................ 47
Triggering ......................................... 43
Windowba g...................................... 48
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Airf ilter (white display message) ....281
AIRMATIC Display message ............................ 282
Function/notes ............................. 208
Air pressure
see Tyre pressure
Airv ents
Glove compartmen t....................... 156
Important safety notes ..................155
Rea r............................................... 156
Setting ........................................... 155
Setting the centre air vents ...........156
Setting the side air vents ...............156
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ambient lighting
Setting the brightness (on-board
computer) ...................................... 260
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports sus-
pension ............................................... 209
Anti-glare film .................................... 341
Anti-loc kBraking System
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Aquaplaning ....................................... 188
Ashtray ............................................... 3314
Index

Assistance men
u(on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 255
ASSYST PLUS Displaying a service message ........349
Hiding a service message ..............349
Notes ............................................. 349
Resetting the service interval dis-
pla y................................................ 350
Service message ............................ 349
Special service requirements ......... 350
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................78
Function .......................................... .78
Interior motion sensor .....................79
Switching off the alarm ....................78
Tow-away protection ........................ 79
ATTENTIO NASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................257
Display message ............................ 282
Function/notes ............................. 220
Authorised workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 278
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 167
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) ..........................166
Automatic headlamp mode ..............125
Automatic transmission Accelerator pedal position .............174
Automatic drive program ...............175
Changing gea r............................... 173
DIRECT SELECT leve r..................... 171
Display message ............................ 293
Drive position (ECO start/stop
function) ........................................ 172
Drive program displa y.................... 172
Driving tips .................................... 174
Emergency running mode ..............179
Engaging drive position .................. 173
Engaging neutra l............................ 172
Engaging revers egear ................... 172
Engaging the par kposition ............ 172
Kickdow n....................................... 174
Manual drive program ....................177
Neutral (ECO start/stop function) .172 Overview
........................................ 170
Problem (fault) ............................... 179
Progra mselecto rbutton ................ 174
Pulling away ................................... 164
Releasing the parking lock man-
ually ............................................... 179
Selector leve r................................ 171
Shift range s................................... 176
Starting the engine ........................163
Steering wheel gearshift paddle s... 175
Trailer towing ................................. 174
Transmissio nposition display ........171
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ................... 172
Transmission positions ..................173
Automatic transmission emer-
gency running mode .........................179
Auxiliary heating Activating/deactivating .................151
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console ).............................. 152
Display message ............................ 295
Important safety notes ..................151
Problem (display message) ............155
Remote control .............................. 152
Setting ........................................... 262
Setting the departur etime ............ .153
Auxiliary ventilation
Activating/deactivating .................151
Activating/deactivating (on the
centre console ).............................. 152
Problem (display message) ............155
Remote control .............................. 152
Axle load, permissible (traile rtow-
ing) ...................................................... 450 B
Bag hook ............................................ 319
Ball coupling Folding in ....................................... 239
Folding out ..................................... 237
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................71
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 71 Index
5

Battery (key)
Checking .......................................... 85
Important safety notes ....................85
Replacing ......................................... 85
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 369
Display message ............................ 280
Important safety notes ..................367
Jump starting ................................. 370
Belt
see Seat belt
Belt force limiters (activation) ...........43
Belt tensioner Activation ......................................... 43
Function .......................................... .54
Blind Spo tAssist
Activating/deactivating .................257
Display message ............................ 285
Notes/function .............................. 225
Trailer towing ................................. 227
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC (AdBlue ®
) ............................. 440
Bluetooth ®
SAP V3 telephone mod-
ule see Separate operating instructions
Bonnet
Active bonnet (pedestrian protec-
tion) ............................................... 344
Closing .......................................... .346
Display message ............................ 295
Opening ......................................... 345
Boot
Emergency release ..........................94
Boot lid
Display message ............................ 294
Opening dimensions ......................444
Boot load (maximum) ........................ 444
Bottle holders .................................... 329
Box (boot) .......................................... .322
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 272
Notes ............................................. 442
Brake lamps
Adaptive .......................................... .72
Display message ............................ 276Brakes
ABS .................................................. 70
BAS .................................................. 71
BAS PLUS ........................................ 71
Brake fluid (notes) .........................442
Display message ............................ 269
Driving tips .................................... 186
High-performance brake system ....188
Important safety notes ..................186
Parking brake ................................ 184
Warning lamp ................................. 300
Breakdown
see Flat tyre
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs C
Calling up a fault see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Automatic car wash .......................351
Carpets .......................................... 357
Display ........................................... 355
Exterior lighting ............................. 354
Gea rors electo rlever .................... 356
High-pressure cleaner .................... 352
Interior ........................................... 355
Matt paintwork .............................. 353
Nigh tView Assist Plus ...................355
Notes ............................................. 350
Paint .............................................. 352
Plastic trim .................................... 356
Reversing camera ..........................354
Roof lining ...................................... 357
Seat bel t........................................ 357
Seat cover ..................................... 356
Sensors ......................................... 354
Steering wheel ............................... 356
Tai lpipes ....................................... 355
Trim pieces .................................... 356
Washing by hand ........................... 352
Wheels ........................................... 353
Windows ........................................ 353
Wiper blades .................................. 353
Wooden trim .................................. 3566
Index

Important safety notes
..................195
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 201
Warning lamp ................................. 307
Door
Automatic locking (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 261
Automatic locking (switch) .............. .90
Central locking/unlocking (key) ......83
Control pane l................................... 40
Display message ............................ 295
Emergency locking ........................... 90
Emergency unlocking .......................90
Important safety notes ....................88
Opening (from the inside) ................89
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 175
Display ........................................... 171
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......172
Manual .......................................... .177
Drive program selector .....................175
Driver's door see Door
Drive system
Active Blind Spot Assist .................229
Driving abroad
Service24h .................................... 350
Symmetrical dipped bea m............. 124
Driving on flooded roads ..................188
Driving safety system BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .............................................. .71
Electronic Brake-force Distribu-
tio n.................................................. 76
ESP ®
(Electroni cStability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 72
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 73
Important safety guidelines .............70
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......70
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 76
Adaptive brake lamps ......................72
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............71
Overview .......................................... 70
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................ .76Driving system
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............232
Driving systems
Active Driving Assistance pack-
age ................................................. 229
AIRMATIC ...................................... 208
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports sus-
pension .......................................... 209
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................220
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 225
Cruise control ................................ 189
Display message ............................ 282
Distronic Plu s................................ 195
HOLD function ............................... 205
Lane Keeping Assist ......................227
Lane package ................................ 225
Nigh tView Assist Plus ...................222
Parking Guidance ........................... 215
PARKTRONI C................................. 211
RAC ESTART (AMG vehicles) ..........207
Reversing camera ..........................218
Speed Limi tAssist ......................... 221
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 192
Driving tips
AMG cerami cbrakes ..................... 188
Aquaplaning ................................... 188
Automatic transmission .................174
Brakes ........................................... 186
Downhill gradient ........................... 187
Driving abroad ............................... 124
Driving in winter ............................ .188
Driving on flooded road s................ 188
Driving on wet road s...................... 188
General .......................................... 185
Icy road surfaces ........................... 189
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted road s....................................... 187
New brake pads/linings ................187
Running-in tips ............................... 160
Snow chains .................................. 383
Symmetrical dipped bea m............. 124
Towing atrailer .............................. 236
Wet road surface ........................... 187
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) .....253
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) .....253 Index
9

E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................263
Function/notes ............................. 118
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 118
Function/notes ............................. 118
Switching on/off ........................... 263
EASY-PACK convenience box ...........322
EASY-PACK folding floor Important safety notes ..................325
EASY-PACK folding luggage-com-
partment floor
Opening and closing ......................326
EASY-PACK loading sill protector ....326
EASY-PACK load-securing kit Components and storag e.............. 323
Inserting the brackets into the
loading rai l..................................... 323
EASY-PACK luggage compartment
management system ........................323
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 271
Function/notes ................................ 76
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 185
On-board computer .......................250
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................165
General information .......................165
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
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................................. 181Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes ..................425
Inflating the collapsible spare
wheel ............................................. 427
Points to remember .......................425
Removing ....................................... 426
Storage location ............................ 426
Stowing .......................................... 427
Technical data ............................... 429
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 95
Vehicle ............................................. 90
Engine
Display message ............................ 279
ECO start/stop function ................164
Engine number ............................... 435
Jump-starting ................................. 370
Running irregularl y......................... 168
Starting problems ..........................168
Starting the engine with the key ....163
Starting with KEYLESS GO .............163
Stopping ........................................ 184
Tow-starting (vehicle) ..................... 375
Warning lamp (engine diagnos-
tics) ............................................... 305
Engine electronics
Notes ............................................. 433
Problem (fault) ............................... 168
Engine oil
Additives ........................................ 442
Checking the oil level ..................... 346
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 347
Display message ............................ 280
Filling capacity ............................... 441
Notes about oil grades ................... 440
Notes on oil level/consumption ....346
Temperature (on-board computer) .264
Topping up ..................................... 347
Viscosity ........................................ 442
Environmental protection
Returning an end-of-life vehicle .......23
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...265
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 7410
Index

Parking Guidance
Display message ............................ 286
Important safety notes ..................215
Trailer towing ................................. 218
Parking lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 137
Display message ............................ 277
Switching on/off ........................... 128
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ......137
PARKTRONIC Deactivating/activating .................213
Driving system ............................... 211
Function/notes ............................. 211
Important safety notes ..................211
Problem (fault) ............................... 215
Sensor range ................................. 211
Trailer towing ................................. 214
Warning displa y............................. 213
PASSENGE RAIRBAG OFF warning
lamp ...................................................... 57
Petrol .................................................. 437
Plastic hooks ..................................... 318
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) .356
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(preventive occupant
safety system) Display message ............................ 272
Operation ........................................ .50
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
Activating/deactivating .................256
Display message ............................ 273
Function/notes ................................ 76
Warning lamp ................................. 307
Product information ............................23
Program selector button ..................174
Protection of the environment General notes .................................. 23
Pulling away
Automatic transmission .................164
Manual transmission ..................... .163 Q
Qualifie dspecialis tworkshop ...........25 R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) .............207
RACETIMER (on-board computer) ....265
Radar sensors Overview ........................................ 451
Radar sensor system
Activating/deactivating .................262
Display message ............................ 283
Radiator cover ................................... 346
Radio Selecting astation ......................... 252
see separate operating instructions
Rain closing feature
Panorama sliding sunroo f.............. 101
Sliding sunroo f............................... 100
Reading lamp ..................................... 133
Rear bench seat Folding the backrest forwards/
back ............................................... 316
Rear compartment
Setting the airflow .........................148
Setting the airv ents...................... 156
Setting the temperature ................147
Rear-compartment seat belt sta-
tus indicator ........................................ 54
Rear foglamp Display message ............................ 277
Switching on/off ........................... 127
Rear seat
Display message ............................ 295
Rear Seat Entertainment System
see Separate operating instructions
Rear-view mirror
Anti-dazzle mode (automatic) ........120
Dipping (manual) ........................... 119
Rear window blind ............................330
Rear window heating Problem (fault) ............................... 149
Switching on/off ........................... 149
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 139
Switching on/off ........................... 138
Refuelling
Fuel gauge ............................... 32, 245
Important safety notes ..................17916
Index

Outside temperature ......................2
47
Setting (climate control) ................147
TEMPOMAT
Function/notes ............................. 189
Theft-deterrent system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........78
Immobiliser ...................................... 78
Through-loading ................................ 315
Through-loading feature ...................315
Time see Separate Owner' smanual
Timing (RACETIMER) .........................265
Tiredness Assist see ATTENTION ASSIST
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 364
Top Tether ............................................ 59
Total distance recorder ....................249
Tow-away protection ..........................79
Towing Important safety notes ..................372
With the rear axle raised ................373
Towing atrailer
Activ eBlind Spot Assist .................232
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............234
Axle load, permissible ....................450
Bulb failure indicator for LED
lamps ............................................. 241
ESP ®
(Electroni cStability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 75
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye. ...................373
Removing the towing eye. ..............373
With both axles on the ground .......374
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............375
Important safety notes ..................372
Removing the towing eye. ..............373
Trailer
Display message ............................ 295
Trailer coupling
see Towing atrailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connector ............................. 241
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 227
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 355
Coupling up atrailer ...................... 238
Decoupling atrailer ....................... 239Driving tips
.................................... 236
Folding in the ball coupling ............239
Folding out the ball coupling ..........237
Important safety notes ..................234
Lights displa ymessage .................. 275
Mounting dimensions ....................447
Parking Guidance ........................... 218
Parktroni c...................................... 214
Power supply ................................. 240
Shift range ..................................... 174
Trailer loads ................................... 448
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transmission position display .........172
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECTl ever)...................... 172
Transporting the vehicle ..................374
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .356
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) ................................................. .249
Trip meter Calling up ....................................... 249
Resetting (on-board computer) ......251
Turn signal
see Turn signals
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................137
Switching on/off ........................... 128
TV
Operating (on-board computer) .....253
see Separate operating instructions
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 433
Installatio n..................................... 433
Transmission output (maximum) .... 433
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....386
Display message ............................ 289
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................366
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................366
Recommended ............................... 383
Tyre pressure loss warning
Important safety notes ..................385
Restarting ...................................... 38520
Index

Tyre pressure monitor
Checking the tyre pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 386
Function/notes ............................. 386
Restarting ...................................... 387
Warning lamp ................................. 308
Warning message .......................... 387
Tyres
Changing awheel .......................... 388
Checking ........................................ 381
Directio nofrotation ...................... 389
Display message ............................ 289
Important safety notes ..................380
MOExtended tyres .........................382
Replacing ....................................... 388
Service life ..................................... 381
Storing ........................................... 389
Tyr esize (data) .............................. 393
Tyr etread ...................................... 381
see Flat tyre U
Unladen weight ................................. 444
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................90
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 89 V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) ..............330
Variable SPEEDTRONIC see SPEEDTRONIC
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 26
Data acquisition ............................... 26
Display message ............................ 293
Electronics ..................................... 433
Equipment ....................................... 24
Implied warranty .............................. 26
Individua lsettings .......................... 258
Leaving parked up .........................185
Locking (in an emergency) ...............90
Locking (key )................................... 83
Lowering ........................................ 393
Pulling away ................................... 163
Raising ........................................... 390
Registration ..................................... 26Securing from rolling away
............389
Towing away .................................. 372
Tow-starting ................................... 372
Transporting .................................. 374
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........90
Unlocking (key )................................ 83
Vehicle data ................................... 444
Vehicle data ....................................... 444
Vehicle dimensions ...........................444
Vehicle emergency locking ................90
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............435
Vehicle level AIRMATIC ...................................... 208
AMG RIDE CONTROL sports sus-
pension .......................................... 210
Vehicle level (display message) .......282
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 361
Vehicle weights ................................. 444
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 253
VIN ...................................................... 435 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 301
Brakes ........................................... 300
Distance warning signa l................. 307
ESP ®
.............................................. 302
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 303
LIM (cruise control) ........................ 190
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................196
LIM (variable SPEEDTRONIC) .........193
Overview .................................. 34, 298
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................57
Reserve fuel ................................... 305
Seat bel t........................................ 299
SRS ................................................ 304
Tyr ep ressure monitor ...................308
Warning triangle ................................ 360
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 296
Wheel bol ttightening torque ...........393
Wheel chock ...................................... 389 Index
21

The maximum permissible weight may be
reduced by:
R
extensive optional extras
R vehicle load
R towing a trailer
The combined luggage cover and net must be
fitted if you are using the folding bench seat
(Y page 320).
Folding out the folding bench seat X
Make sure that the backrests of the rear
bench seat are locked in the upright posi-
tion.
X Move the handle for the combined luggage
cover and net upwards (Y page 320).
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.
Fitting and removing the seat cushion You must remove the seat cushion if you wish
to lift the luggage compartment floor, e.g. if
the vehicle has a flat tyre.
X
To remove: fold seat cushion ;upwards
and remove it from seat cushion
guides :. X
To fit: push seat cushion ;into seat cush-
ion guides :at a slight angle from the rear
=.
X Fold seat cushion ;back into its original
position ?until it engages. 114
SeatsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors