fuel MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON 2009 Owner's Guide

with the climatic specifications of standard
EN 590 can help to prevent operating prob-
lems. If the ambient temperature is unusually
low or if you use fuel that has not been adap-
ted to the climatic specifications (e.g. diesel
fuel from the Mediterranean area), the flow
properties of the fuel may be inadequate.
Flow improver
Flow improvers can be added to improve the
cold resistance of diesel fuel. The effective-
ness of a flow improver is not guaranteed with
every fuel.
Correct dosage and thorough mixing are deci-
sive factors in ensuring improvement in low-
temperature resistance. Under certain cir-
cumstances, an excessive dosage may
actually decrease low-temperature resist-
ance and should therefore be avoided (follow
the manufacturer's dosing instructions).
Mix the additive with the diesel in good time,
before the flow properties of the diesel
become inadequate. Otherwise, malfunctions
can only be rectified by heating the entire fuel
system, e.g. by parking the vehicle in a heated
garage.
Observe the information provided by the man-
ufacturer when using a flow improver. Only
use flow improvers that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. You can obtain
further information from any Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre. Engine compartment
Bonnet
G
Risk of accident
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. The bonnet may otherwise open
and block your view.
Active bonnet (pedestrian protection) The active bonnet can reduce the risk of injury
to pedestrians in certain accident situations.
Raising the bonnet increases the clearance to hard components, such as the engine. Fur-
ther information about the active bonnet
(Y
page 302).
Opening G
Risk of injury
There is a risk of injury if the bonnet is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operating
Instructions and observe the relevant safety
notes. G
Risk of injury
The radiator fan between the radiator and the
engine can start automatically, even if the key
has been removed from the ignition lock.
Keep away from the area of rotation of the fan
blades. Otherwise you could be injured.
Vehicles with a petrol engine:
The electronic ignition system uses high volt-
age. For this reason, you must never touch the
ignition system components (ignition coil,
ignition cable, spark plug connector or test
socket) while:
R the engine is running
R the engine is being started
R the ignition is switched on and the engine
is being cranked by hand
You could otherwise receive an electric shock
and be severely or fatally injured.
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
the electronic injector control operates at
high voltage. For this reason, you must never
touch injection system components while:
R the engine is running
R the engine is being started
R the ignition is switched on
You could otherwise receive an electric shock
and be severely or fatally injured. Engine compartment
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Tyres and wheels
Points to remember
! For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz rec-
ommends that you only use tyres, wheels
and accessories which have been approved
by Mercedes-Benz specifically for your
vehicle. These tyres have been specially
adapted for use with the control systems,
such as ABS or ESP ®
, and are marked as
follows:
R MO = Mercedes-Benz Original
R MOE = Mercedes-Benz Original Exten-
ded* (tyres with run-flat characteristics)
R MO1 = Mercedes-Benz Original (only
specific AMG tyres)
Only use Mercedes-Benz Original Extended
tyres* on wheels that have been specifi-
cally approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you use other tyres, wheels and acces-
sories, Mercedes-Benz cannot accept any
responsibility for damage that may result
from this. Further information about tyres,
wheels and approved combinations can be
obtained from any Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
! If you fit tyres other than those tested and
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, charac-
teristics such as handling, noise levels and
fuel consumption, etc. may be adversely
affected. In addition, when driving with a
load, tyre dimensional variations could
cause the tyres to come into contact with
the bodywork and axle components. This
could result in damage to the tyres or the
vehicle.
! Retreaded tyres are neither tested nor
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be detec-
ted on retreaded tyres. As a result,
Mercedes-Benz cannot guarantee vehicle
safety if retreaded tyres are fitted. Do not
fit used tyres if you have no information
about their previous usage. G
Risk of accident
Tyres, wheels or accessories which have not
been approved by Mercedes-Benz for your
vehicle or are not used as they should be, can
impair driving safety. As a result, you could
cause an accident. Before purchasing and
using them, enquire about their suitability,
legal stipulations and factory recommenda-
tions at a Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
Modification work on the brake system and
wheels is not permitted, nor is the use of
spacer plates or brake dust shields. This inva-
lidates the General Operating Permit for the
vehicle.
Notes on selecting, fitting and replac-
ing tyres R
Only fit tyres and wheels of the same type
and make.
R Only fit tyres of the correct size onto the
wheels.
R After fitting new tyres, run them in at mod-
erate speeds for the first 100 km as they
only reach their full performance after this
distance.
R Fit new tyres on the front wheels first if
tyres of the same size are required on the
front and rear wheels.
R Replace the tyres after six years at the lat-
est, regardless of wear. This also applies to
the spare wheel*.
R Do not drive with tyres which have too little
tread depth, as this significantly reduces
the traction on wet roads (aquaplaning).
! Store tyres that are not being used in a
cool, dry and preferably dark place. Protect
the tyres against oil, grease, petrol and die-
sel.
Notes on regularly inspecting wheels
and tyres R
Regularly check the wheels and tyres of
your vehicle for damage (e.g. cuts, punctu- Tyres and
wheels
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Thus, you should replace tyres that have
insufficient tread.
R winter tyres should be replaced when the
tread depth is 4 mm or less as they will no
longer provide adequate grip.
R the tread on a tyre may not wear evenly.
Thus, you should regularly check the tread
depth and the condition of the tread across
the entire width of all tyres. If necessary,
turn the front wheels to full lock in order to
inspect the tyre tread more easily.
Otherwise, you could lose control of the vehi-
cle and cause an accident due to the reduced
grip of the tyres on the road. Tyre pressures
i You will find a table of tyre pressures for
various operating conditions on the inside
of your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The applicable value for the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel* is stated on the
spare wheel and in the technical data sec-
tion.
The applicable value for the maximum load
during trailer towing is stated on the tyre
pressure information label on the inside of
your vehicle's fuel filler flap.
The load condition "partially laden" or "fully
laden" is defined in the table by the differing
number of passengers and amount of lug-
gage. The actual number of seats may vary
from this – more information can be found on
the vehicle's registration document.
If no other data is stated, the tyre pressures
specified on the fuel filler flap apply for all
tyres approved for this vehicle. If the tyre pressures are preceded by a tyre
size, the tyre pressure specified only applies
to this tyre size.
Instead of the complete tyre size, it may be
that only the rim diameter is stated, e.g.
R 16
or16". Rim diameter
:is part of the tyre size and
can be found on the sidewall of the tyre. G
Risk of accident
Tyre pressure that is either too high or too low
has a negative effect on the vehicle’s driving
safety, which could lead you to cause an acci- Tyres and wheels
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dent. Therefore, you should regularly check
the pressure of all the tyres, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as nec-
essary.
To test tyre pressure, use a suitable pressure
gauge. The outer appearance of a tyre does
not permit any reliable conclusion about the
tyre pressure. On vehicles fitted with the elec-
tronic tyre pressure monitor*, the tyre pres-
sure can be checked in the on-board com-
puter. G
Risk of accident
Do not fit anything else to the tyre valve other
than the standard valve cap. In particular, ret-
rofitted tyre pressure monitors which are
screwed on to the valve may overload it and
cause it to fail. Due to their design, the valve
is kept open continuously, which may lead to
air loss. G
Risk of accident
Should the tyre pressure drop repeatedly:
R check the tyre for foreign bodies.
R check whether the wheel is losing air or the
valve is leaking.
R make sure that only a valve cap approved
by Mercedes-Benz is fitted on the tyre
valve.
Tyre pressures that are too low have a nega-
tive effect on vehicle safety, which could lead
to your causing an accident.
If possible, you should only correct tyre pres-
sures when the tyres are cold. Depending on
the ambient temperature, the speed you are
driving at and the load on the tyres, the tyre
temperature and thus the tyre pressure may
change by approximately 0.1 bar per 10 †.
Take this into account when checking the
pressure of warm tyres and only correct it if
it is too low for the current operating condi-
tions. Driving with tyre pressure that is too high or
too low can:
R
shorten the service life of the tyres
R increase the likelihood of tyre damage
R have a negative effect on handling charac-
teristics (e.g. by causing aquaplaning)
Also check the pressure of the "Minispare"
emergency spare wheel*. H
Environmental note
Check the tyre pressure regularly, at least
every 14 days.
Speeds up to 210 km/h:
Despite the values stated on the tyre pressure
information label (fuel filler flap), for speeds
up to 210 km/h andwith 16" or 17" tyres,
the values stated can be reduced as follows,
without a reduction in safety:
Saloon: -0.3 bar / (-4 psi)
Estate: -0.2 bar (-3 psi)
This does not apply to vehicles towing a
trailer.
This improves the ride comfort of your vehi-
cle; however, the fuel consumption may
increase slightly. Tyre pressure loss warning
While the vehicle is in motion, the tyre pres-
sure loss warning system monitors the set
tyre pressure using the rotational speed of
the wheels. This enables the system to detect
significant pressure loss in a tyre. If the speed
of rotation of a wheel changes as a result of
a loss of pressure, a corresponding warning
message will appear in the multi-function dis-
play. G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not warn you of an incorrectly set tyre pres-
sure. The table on the inside of the fuel filler
flap will help you decide whether the tyre
pressures should be corrected. 226
Tyres and wheelsOperation
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The tyre pressure loss warning system does
not replace the need to regularly check your
vehicle's tyre pressures, since an even loss of
pressure on several tyres at the same time
cannot be detected by the tyre pressure loss
warning system.
The tyre pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tyre is penetrated by a foreign object.
In the event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring
the vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Do
not make any sudden steering movements
when doing so.
The function of the tyre pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are fitted to your vehicle's
tyres.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style (cor-
nering at high speeds or driving with high
rates of acceleration).
R you are towing a very heavy or large trailer.
R you are driving with a heavy load (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tyre pressure loss warn-
ing system Restart the tyre pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R
changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
X Before restarting, consult the table of tyre
pressures on the inside of the fuel filler flap
to ensure that the tyre pressure in all four
tyres is set correctly for the respective
operating conditions.
X Observe the notes in the section on tyre
pressures (Y page 225). G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set the
correct tyre pressure.
If an incorrect tyre pressure is set, these
incorrect values will be monitored.
A tyre with insufficient pressure results in
vehicle instability when driving, thus increas-
ing the risk of an accident.
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
In the multi-function display you will see the
standard display (Y page 119).
X Press the =or; button to select the
Service menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Tyre pressure.
X Press the abutton.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Run Flat Indicator active Restart
with OK
If you wish to confirm the restart:
X Press the abutton.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Tyre press. now OK?
X Press the 9or: button to select
Yes.
X Press the abutton.
You will see the following message in the
multi-function display:
Run Flat Indicator restarted
After a teach-in period, the tyre pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tyre pressures of all four tyres.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
X Press the %button.
or
X When the Tyre press. now OK? message
appears, press 9or: to select
Cancel. Tyres and wheels
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X
Press the abutton.
The tyre pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored. Tyre pressure monitor*
If a tyre pressure monitor system is fitted, the
vehicle's wheels have sensors fitted that
monitor the tyre pressures in all four tyres.
The tyre pressure monitor warns you when
the pressure drops in one or more of the
tyres. The tyre pressure monitor only func-
tions if the correct wheel electronics units are
fitted to all wheels. G
Risk of accident
The tyre pressure monitor does not warn you
of an incorrectly set tyre pressure. The table
on the inside of the fuel filler flap will help you
decide whether the tyre pressures should be
corrected.
The tyre pressure monitor is not able to warn
you of a sudden loss of pressure, e.g. if the
tyre is penetrated by a foreign object. In the
event of a sudden loss of pressure, bring the
vehicle to a halt by braking carefully. Do not
make any sudden steering movements when
doing so.
i The operation of the tyre pressure moni-
tor can be affected by interference from
radio transmitting equipment (e.g. radio
headphones, two-way radios) that may be
being operated in or near the vehicle.
Checking tyre pressure electronically X
Make sure that the key is in posi-
tion 2(Y page 75) in the ignition lock.
X Press the =or; button to select the
Service menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Tyre press.
X Press the abutton.
The current tyre pressure for each wheel will
be displayed in the multi-function display. If the vehicle has been parked for longer than
20 minutes or if you have not driven faster
than 25 km/h since starting the vehicle, the
following message appears:
Tyre pressures will be displayed
after a few minutes of driving
i
The tyre pressure values indicated by the
on-board computer may differ from those
measured at a filling station with a pressure
gauge. The tyre pressures shown by the on-
board computer refer to those measured at
sea level. At high altitudes, the tyre pres-
sure values indicated by a pressure gauge
are higher than those shown by the on-
board computer. In this case, do not reduce
the tyre pressures.
i After a teach-in period, the tyre pressure
monitor automatically recognises new
wheels or new sensors. As long as a clear
allocation of the tyre pressure values to the
individual wheels is not possible, the dis-
play message Tyre pressure monitor
active is shown instead of the tyre pres-
sure display. The tyre pressures are already
being monitored.
Restarting the tyre pressure monitor When you restart the tyre pressure monitor,
all existing warning messages are deleted and
the warning lamps go out. The monitor uses
the currently set tyre pressures as the speci-
fied values for monitoring.
In most cases, the tyre pressure monitor will
automatically detect the new reference val-
ues, e.g. if you have:
R
changed the tyre pressure
R changed the wheels or tyres
R fitted new wheels or tyres
i You will find the menu overview on
(Y page 120).
If you wish to define the new reference values
manually: 228
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X
Use the table on the inside of the fuel filler
flap to ensure that the tyre pressure is set
correctly in all four tyres for the current
operating conditions.
Also observe the notes in the section on
tyre pressures (Y page 225).
X Make sure that the key is in position 2in
the ignition lock.
X Press the =or; button to select the
Service menu.
X Press the 9or: button to select
Tyre press..
X Press the abutton.
The current pressure in each individual tyre
is displayed, or the following message
appears:
Tyre pressures will be displayed
after a few minutes of driving
X Press the :button.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Use current pressures as new ref‐
erence values
X Press the abutton.
The multi-function display shows the mes-
sage:
Tyre press. monitor restarted
After a few minutes of driving, the current
pressures are adopted as the new monitor-
ing values.
Cancelling the restart X
Press the %button.
or
X Press the 9button to leave the menu.
Other messages in the multi-function
display If in multi-function display the following mes-
sage appears:
Please correct tyre pressure
X
Check the tyre pressure on all four wheels
and correct it if necessary. i
If the wheel positions on the vehicle are
interchanged, the tyre pressures may be
displayed for the wrong positions for a
short time. This is rectified after a few
minutes of driving, and the tyre pressures
are displayed for the correct positions. Interchanging the wheels
G
Risk of accident
Interchange the front and rear wheels only if
they have the same dimensions: for example
size, offset, etc.
After a wheel is changed, have the tightening
torque checked at a specialist workshop that
has the necessary specialist knowledge and
tools to carry out the work required.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre for this pur-
pose. In particular, work relevant to safety or
on safety-related systems must be carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop.
The wheels could work loose if they are not
tightened to a torque of 130 Nm.
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends that you only use wheel bolts of the
correct size which have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The wear patterns on the front and rear tyres
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Interchange the wheels before a clear wear
pattern has formed on the tyres. Front tyres
typically wear more on the shoulders and the
rear tyres in the centre.
On vehicles that have the same size front and
rear wheels you can interchange the wheels
every 5,000 km to 10,000 km depending on
the degree of tyre wear. Do not reverse the
direction of tyre rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tyre pressure and,
if necessary, restart the tyre pressure loss
warning system or the tyre pressure moni-
tor*. Tyres and wheels
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Because of this, it is impossible to state a
mileage that will be valid under all circum-
stances. An aggressive driving style will lead
to high wear.
Tyre grip
G
Risk of accident
While the vehicle can be fully controlled at a
certain speed on dry roads, you must reduce
your speed on wet or icy roads to achieve the
same road safety. Otherwise, you could cause
an accident.
Pay particular attention to the road conditions
at temperatures around freezing point.
If ice has formed on the road surface (e.g.
from fog), a thin film of water rapidly forms on
the ice when you brake, considerably reduc-
ing tyre grip. Drive with particular care in such
weather conditions. Driving on wet roads
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of aqua-
planing occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tyres have adequate tread depth
For this reason, do not drive in tyre ruts, and
brake carefully. Driving on flooded roads
If you have to drive on stretches of road on
which water has collected, please bear in
mind that:
R the maximum permitted still water depth is
25 cm.
R you should drive no faster than at walking
pace.
! Bear in mind that vehicles travelling in
front or in the opposite direction create waves. This may cause the maximum per-
missible water depth to be exceeded.
Failure to observe these notes may result
in damage to the engine, electrical systems
and transmission. Driving abroad
Points to remember
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Service24h" chapter of the Service
Booklet.
Only low-octane fuel is available in certain
countries.
You can find further information about fuel
grades on (Y page 216). Symmetrical dipped beam
If your journey takes you to countries where
vehicles are driven on the opposite side of the
road to the country in which the vehicle is
registered, your headlamps must be switched
to symmetrical dipped beam. This prevents
oncoming traffic from being dazzled.
Have the headlamps converted as close as
possible to the border before driving in these
countries. When using symmetrical lights, the
edge of the carriageway is not illuminated as
widely and as far ahead as normal. Driving abroad
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X
Grasp release wheel ;with your hand
such that the thumb is in the thumb rest
and turn it anti-clockwise.
The ball coupling disengages and folds out
from under the rear bumper. Indicator
lamp :flashes. X
Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
Indicator lamp :goes out.
The multi-function display shows the
Trailer hitch Check lock mech. mes-
sage until the ball coupling is engaged.
X Remove the protective cap from the ball
coupling and store it in a safe place.
X Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling
is clean and that, depending on the trailer
specification, it is greased or dry (without
grease) when used.
The power socket is integrated in the ball
coupling. Notes on towing a trailer
G
Risk of accident
When reversing the vehicle towards the
trailer, make sure there is nobody between
the trailer and the vehicle.
Couple and uncouple the trailer carefully. If
you do not couple the trailer to the towing
vehicle correctly, the trailer could become
detached. Make sure that the following values are not
exceeded:
R
the permissible trailer drawbar noseweight
R the permissible trailer load
R the permissible rear axle load of the towing
vehicle
R the maximum permissible gross vehicle
weight of both the towing vehicle and the
trailer
You will find the applicable permissible val-
ues, which must not be exceeded, in the vehi-
cle documents.
You will find the values approved by the man-
ufacturer on the vehicle identification plates
and those for the towing vehicle in the "Tech-
nical data" section.
i When towing a trailer, set the tyre pres-
sure on the rear axle of the towing vehicle
for a maximum load; see the tyre pressure
table in the fuel filler flap.
You will find installation dimensions and loads
in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 356).
The maximum drawbar load of the trailer
drawbar on the ball coupling is 84 kg. How-
ever, the actual noseweight must not exceed
the value given on the trailer coupling or
trailer identification plates. The lowest weight
applies.
! Use a noseweight as close as possible to
the maximum permissible noseweight. Do
not use a noseweight of less than 50 kg,
otherwise the trailer may come loose.
Bear in mind that the payload and the rear
axle load are reduced by the actual nose-
weight.
Please note that when towing a trailer, PARK-
TRONIC* ( Ypage 159), parking guid-
ance* (Y page 162) and Blind Spot
Assist* (Y page 261) are only available with
limitations, or not at all. Trailer towing
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i
On vehicles without level control, the
height of the ball coupling will alter accord-
ing to the load placed on the vehicle. If nec-
essary, use a trailer with a height-adjusta-
ble drawbar.
Coupling up a trailer G
Risk of injury
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer.
X Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
Driving tips G
Risk of accident
If the Check trailer hitch locking
mechanism message appears in the multi-
function display while the vehicle is in motion,
pull over immediately and check whether the
ball coupling is correctly engaged.
i Observe the notes on ESP ®
trailer stabi-
lisation (Y page 60).
In Germany, the maximum permissible speed
for vehicle/trailer combinations depends on
the type of trailer and is either 80 km/h or
100 km/h. Before beginning the journey,
check the trailer's documents to see what the
maximum permitted speed is. G
Risk of accident
Always observe the maximum speed permit-
ted in Germany for vehicle/trailer combina-
tions, even in countries where higher speeds are permitted. This lowers the risk of an acci-
dent.
When towing a trailer, your vehicle's handling
characteristics will be different in comparison
to when driving without a trailer.
The vehicle/trailer combination:
R is heavier
R is restricted in its acceleration and gradi-
ent-climbing capability
R has an increased braking distance
R is affected more by strong crosswinds
R demands more sensitive steering
R consumes more fuel
On long and steep downhill gradients you
must select a lower gear in good time, or on
vehicles with automatic transmission*, select
shift range 1,2or 3.
i This also applies if you have activated
cruise control, Speedtronic or Distronic
Plus*.
This will use the braking effect of the engine,
so less braking will be required to maintain
the speed. This relieves the load on the brake
system and prevents the brakes from over-
heating and wearing too quickly. If you need
additional braking, depress the brake pedal
repeatedly rather than continuously. G
Risk of accident
Never depress the brake pedal continuously
while the vehicle is in motion, e.g. never cause
the brakes to rub by applying constant slight
pedal pressure. This causes the brake system
to overheat, increases the braking distance
and can lead to the brakes failing completely. 236
Trailer towingOperation
* optional
212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
mkalafa,
Version: 2.11.8.1 2009-05-05T14:17:16+02:00 - Seite 236
Dateiname: 6515346702_buchblock.pdf; erzeugt am 07. May 2009 14:16:59; WK