towing MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON 2008 User Guide

Driving sys
tems 152
Narrow vehicles
Distronic has not yet detected the vehicle in
front on the edge of the carriageway, because
of its relatively narrow width. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short. Speedtronic
Speedtronic brakes automatically so that you
do not exceed the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden or towing a trailer, you must
shift to a lower gear in good time or select
shift range 1,2or 3in vehicles with automatic
transmission*. By doing so you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine, which
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating 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 continu-
ously 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. G
Risk of accident
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This
could cause the drive wheels to lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid.
You can set a variable or permanent limit
speed:
R Variable for speed limits, e.g. in built-up
areas
R Permanent for long-term speed restric-
tions, e.g. for driving on winter tyres
(Y page 154) G
Risk of accident
Speedtronic is only an aid designed to
assist driving. You are responsible for the vehicle's speed and for braking in good
time.
i The speed indicated in the speedometer
may differ slightly from the limit speed
stored.
Variable Speedtronic With the cruise control lever, you can operate
cruise control, Distronic* and variable
Speedtronic.
The LIM indicator lamp on the cruise control
lever indicates which system you have selec-
ted:
R LIM indicator lamp off:
cruise control or Distronic* is selected
R LIM indicator lamp lit:
variable Speedtronic is selected
You can use the cruise control lever to limit
the speed to any speed above 30 km/ hwhile
the engine is running. Controls
* optional
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.9.4 2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 152Dateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Driving sys
tems 155
Permanent Speedtronic is deactivated.
R A limit speed between 240 km/hand
160 km/h in increments of 10 km/h.
X To select a different display, press the
j, èorÿ button. HOLD
HOLD relieves the strain on the driver:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when manoeuvring on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is cancelled and HOLD
deactivated when you depress the accelera-
tor pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions You can activate HOLD if:
R
the vehicle is stationary
R the engine is running
R the driver's door is closed
R the parking brake is not applied R
the bonnet is closed
R on vehicles with automatic transmission*,
the selector lever is in position D,Ror N
Activating HOLD X
Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake.
X Depress the brake again quickly until
HOLD appears in the display.
HOLD is activated. You can release the
brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate HOLD, wait briefly
and then try again. G
Risk of accident
The vehicle's brakes are applied when
HOLD is activated. For this reason, deacti-
vate HOLD if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash
or by towing). Deactivating HOLD HOLD is deactivated if:
R
you accelerate. On vehicles with automatic
transmission*, only if the selector lever is
in position Dor R.
R the selector lever is moved to Pon vehicles
with automatic transmission*
R you release the brakes completely and
apply them again with a certain amount of
pressure until the HOLDmessage in the
multi-function display goes out G
Risk of accident
Never get out of the vehicle when HOLD is
activated.
HOLD must never be operated or deactiva-
ted by a passenger or from outside the
vehicle.
HOLD does not replace the parking brake
and must not be used for parking.
The HOLD braking effect is cancelled and
the vehicle can start moving if: Controls
* optional
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa
,V ersion: 2.9.4
2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 155 ZDateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Driving sys
tems 161
i
Parktronic is automatically activated
when you turn the key to position 2in the
ignition lock.
Trailer towing* Parktronic is deactivated for the rear area
when you establish an electrical connection
between your vehicle and the trailer.
!
Fold in the ball coupling if the trailer tow
hitch is not required. Parktronic measures
the minimum detection range to an obsta-
cle from the bumper, not the ball coupling. Controls
* optional
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa
,V ersion: 2.9.4
2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 161 ZDateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
186 Loading and stowing
Cup holder
G
Risk of injury
Keep the cup holder closed while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise, vehicle occu-
pants could be injured by objects being
thrown around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R are involved in an accident
Only use the cup holders for containers of
a suitable size and which have lids. Other-
wise, the drinks could spill.
Cup holders should not be used for hot
drinks. Otherwise, you may scald yourself. Cup holder* in the centre console X
To open: press the marking on the cup
holder lightly.
The cup holder slides out automatically.
i You can remove the cup holder to clean
it. Clean the cup holder with clean, luke-
warm water only. When reinserting the cup
holder, make sure that you insert it into the
guides. Cup holder in the rear seat armrest X
To open: press the front of the cup holder.
The cup holder slides out automatically.
Cup holder in the folding bench seat* Controls
* optional
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.9.4 2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 186Dateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
187
X
To open: press the front of the cup holder.
The cup holder is released.
X Pull the cup holder out to the stop. Roof rack system*
G
Risk of accident and injury
An incorrectly secured roof rack, ski rack
or load could work loose from the vehicle.
These objects may then be thrown around
and can injure you or others or cause an
accident. Follow the roof rack/ski rack
manufacturer's installation instructions
and special instructions for use.
The roof load raises the vehicle's centre of
gravity, thereby affecting vehicle handling.
You must always observe the maximum
roof load of 100 kg. Always adapt your driv-
ing style to the prevailing road, traffic and
weather conditions and drive with particu-
lar care if the roof is laden.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof rack systems which have
been tested and approved for Mercedes-
Benz vehicles. This helps to prevent dam-
age to the vehicle. Position the load on the roof rack in such a
way that the vehicle will not sustain dam-
age even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment,
make sure that you can:
R
raise the sliding/tilting sunroof* fully
R open the panorama sliding sunroof* fully
R open the boot lid or tailgate fully
Estate X
Secure the roof rack to the roof rails.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Saloon 1
Covers
X Fold covers 1upwards.
X Only secure the roof rack to the anchorage
points under covers 1.
Observe the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Controls
* optional
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.9.4 2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 187 ZDateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
188 Skibag*
G
Risk of injury
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.
Unfolding the skibag and loading skis 1
Cover
2 Release catches
X Fold down the rear seat armrest.
X Press release catches 2together and fold
down cover 1. 1
Skibag
X Pull skibag 1into the vehicle interior.
The skibag unfolds.
X Open the boot lid or tailgate. Saloon shown as an example
1
Release button X
Press release button 1.
The flap opens downwards. Skibag
X
Slide the skis into the skibag from the
boot/luggage compartment. 1
Strap Controls
* optional
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.9.4
2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 188 Dateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
189
X
Pull strap 1tight by the loose end until the
skis are held firmly inside the skibag. 1
Hook
2 Securing ring
X Engage hook 1in securing ring 2.
X Pull the strap tight by the loose end.
Removing the skis and folding up the
skibag X
Loosen the two straps.
X Remove the hook from the securing ring.
X Take the skis out of the skibag.
X Close the flap in the boot/luggage com-
partment.
X Smooth out the skibag and fold it up. X
Stow the skibag in the rear seat backrest.
X Fold the cover back up.
i Saloon:
You should always close the flap in the boot
if you do not require the skibag. This will
prevent access to the boot from the vehicle
interior.
Removing the skibag The skibag can be removed for cleaning or
drying.
X
Open the boot lid or tailgate. 1
Button
2 Flap
3 Catch 4
Skibag frame
X Press button 1.
Flap 2folds down.
X Press catch 3in and pull out frame 4
containing the skibag.
i You can remove the skibag even if you
have folded the rear seat backrest for-
wards. G
Risk of poisoning
Saloon:
When the skibag has been removed, always
drive with the boot lid closed. Exhaust
fumes could otherwise enter the vehicle
interior. Controls
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.9.4 2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 189 ZDateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
190 Luggage net in the front-passenger
footwell
G
Risk of injury
Only place lightweight objects in the lug-
gage net. Do not use it to transport heavy,
sharp-edged or fragile objects. The luggage
net cannot secure the objects sufficiently
in the event of an accident. Loading guidelines
G
Risk of injury
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 event of sharp braking, a sudden
change in direction or an accident. This also
applies to seats which have been removed.
You will find further information in the
"Securing 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
Risk of poisoning
Keep the boot lid/tailgate closed while the
vehicle is in operation. Otherwise, exhaust
fumes could enter the vehicle interior and
poison you.
The handling characteristics of a laden vehi-
cle are dependent on the distribution of the
load within the vehicle. You should therefore
load your vehicle as shown in the illustrations. Distribution of the load within the vehicle: Saloon Distribution of the load within the vehicle: Estate
Observe the following notes when transport-
ing 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 and as
low in the boot or luggage compartment as
possible.
R The load must not protrude above the
upper edge of the backrests.
R Always place the load against the front or
rear seat backrests. Controls
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.9.4 2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 190Dateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
191
R
Only load the additional loading floor in the
boot up to a maximum of 20 kg.
R Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant load restraints. Pad sharp
edges for protection.
i Load restraints are available at any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre. R
If the rear seats are not occupied, insert the
belt tongue on the outer seat belts into the
buckle of the opposite seat belt. This
increases the restraining effect of the rear
seat backrests. Securing a load
Plastic hooks (Saloon) On vehicles without a through-loading feature
in the rear bench seat*, four plastic hooks are
fitted to the boot floor. You can use these to
attach the luggage securing feature which is
available as an accessory.
Lashing eyelets*
G
Risk of injury
Load the lashing eyes evenly.
Otherwise, you or others could be injured
by the load transported being thrown
around if you:
R brake sharply
R change direction suddenly
R have an accident
Observe the loading guidelines.
Observe the following points or guidelines
when securing loads:
R Secure the load using the lashing eyelets.
R Do not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load as these are only intended as an anti-
slip protection for light loads. R
Do not route lashing materials across sharp
edges or corners.
R Pad sharp edges for protection.
Boot or luggage compartment
There are four lashing eyelets in the boot or
luggage compartment. Saloon with through-loading feature in the rear
bench seat*
1
Lashing eyelets Controls
* optional
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.9.4 2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 191 ZDateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight

Loading and stowing
192Estate
1
Lashing eyelets Stowage well under the boot floor
(Saloon)
TIREFIT, the vehicle tool kit, etc. are located
in the stowage well. 1
Handle
X To open: pull handle 1and fold up the
boot floor. 1
Locking mechanism
X Fold locking mechanism 1down in the
direction of the arrow. Stowage well under the luggage com-
partment floor (Estate)
G
Risk of injury
Do not carry heavy or hard objects under
the luggage compartment floor if it is open
and the objects are not secured.
Otherwise, you and other vehicle occu-
pants could be injured by objects being
thrown around the vehicle in the event of
sharp braking, a sudden change in direction
or an accident.
Vehicles without a folding bench seat* TIREFIT, the vehicle tool kit, etc. are located
underneath the rear luggage compartment
floor. A loading tray and a folding box are
located under the front luggage compartment
floor.Controls
* optional
211_AKB; 2; 5, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.9.4 2008-02-29T16:57:07+01:00 - Seite 192Dateiname: 6515_3416_02_buchblock.pdf; preflight