winter tyres MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON 2009 Owners Manual

Windscreen wipers
.............................99
Malfunction ................................... .295
Replacing the wiper blades ............308
Winter diesel ..................................... 218
Winter driving ............................ 230, 231
Winter tyres ....................................... 230
Limiting the speed (on-board com-
puter) ............................................. 150
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 242
Replacing ....................................... 308
Wooden trim
Cleaning ......................................... 245 18
Index 212_AKB; 2; 4, en-GB
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X
To activate: press button ;.
Indicator lamp :lights up. The rear side
windows can only be operated using the
switches on the driver's door.
X To deactivate: press button;.
Indicator lamp :goes out. You can oper-
ate the rear side windows using the
switches in the rear compartment. Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS* ( Brake Assist System Plus*)
R Adaptive brake lamps
R ESP ®
( Electronic Stability Program)
R EBV (electronic brake-power distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE Brake* (vehicles with Distronic
Plus*)
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tyres (M+S tyres) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the driv-
ing safety systems described in this section
work as effectively as possible. G
Risk of accident
The risk of an accident is significantly
increased by driving too fast. This is particu-
larly the case when cornering as well as on
wet or slippery roads or when driving too close
to the vehicle in front.
The driving safety systems described in this
section can neither reduce this risk nor over-
ride the laws of physics.
For this reason, always adapt your driving
style to suit prevailing road and weather con-
ditions. Maintain sufficient distance from
other road users and objects on the road. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the vehi-
cle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 8 km/h
upwards, regardless of road-surface condi-
tions. ABS works on slippery surfaces, even
when you only brake gently. G
Risk of accident
Do not depress the brake pedal several times
in quick succession (pumping). Depress the
brake firmly and evenly. Pumping the brake
pedal reduces the braking effect.
Braking If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
the brake pedal pulsating.
X
If ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking sit-
uation is over.
X To make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force. G
Risk of accident
If ABS is faulty, the wheels could lock when
braking. This limits the steerability of the vehi- 58
Driving safety systemsSafety
* optional
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X
Press the :or9 button to set the
brightness.
or
X Press the :button to switch off the
ambient lighting.
X Press the aor% button to save the
setting.
Activating or deactivating the surround
lighting and exterior lighting delayed
switch-off
The Surround lighting: function allows
you to set whether the exterior lighting should
come on when it is dark:
R for 40 seconds after unlocking the vehicle
with the key.
The exterior lighting switches off when you
open the driver’s door.
R for 15 seconds after switching off the
engine and closing the doors.
If the engine is switched off and then none
of the doors are opened, or if an open door
is not closed, the exterior lighting goes out
after 60 seconds.
If you activate the Surround lighting:
function, the following light up:
R the side lamps
R the dipped-beam headlamps 34
R the front foglamps*
R the licence plate lighting
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settingsmenu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Light submenu.
X Press the abutton to confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Surround lighting: function.
You will see the selected setting: onor
off.
X Press the abutton to save the setting. Deactivating the delayed switch-off tempora-
rily:
X
Before leaving the vehicle, turn the key to
position 0in the ignition lock.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock and back to position 0.
The delayed switch-off is deactivated.
Delayed switch-off is reactivated the next
time you start the engine.
Activating/deactivating the interior light-
ing delayed switch-off
When you activate the Interior lighting
delay sw. off: function and remove the
key from the ignition lock, the interior lighting
remains on for around 20 seconds if it is dark.
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settingsmenu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Light submenu.
X Press the abutton to confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Interior lighting delay sw. off:
function.
You will see the selected setting: onor
off.
X Press the abutton to save the setting.
Vehicle Set permanent Speedtronic with
Limit
speed (winter tyres): (Ypage 150).
Activating/deactivating automatic door
locking
If you select the Automatic door locks:
function, the vehicle is centrally locked above
a speed of around 15 km/h.
For more information on the automatic door
locking feature, see (Y page 72).
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settingsmenu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Vehicle submenu.
34 Only for vehicles without front foglamps*. 134
On-board computerControls
* optional
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X
Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settingsmenu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Convenience submenu.
X Press the abutton to confirm.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Fold in mirrors when locking: func-
tion.
You will see the selected setting: onor
off.
X Press the abutton to save the setting.
Restoring the factory settings For safety reasons, not all functions are reset:
the Limit Speed (winter tyres): func-
tion in permanent Speedtronic can only be set
in the Vehicle submenu. If you want to reset
the Daytime driving lamps: in theLight
submenu, you must turn the key in the igni-
tion lock to position 1.
X Press the =or; button on the steer-
ing wheel to select the Settingsmenu.
X Press the :or9 button to select the
Factory setting submenu.
X Press the abutton to confirm.
The Reset all settings? message
appears.
X Press the :or9 button to select
Yes orNo.
X Press the abutton to confirm the selec-
tion.
If you have selected Yes, the multi-function
display shows a confirmation message. Driving systems
Overview of driving systems
The vehicle's driving systems are described
on the following pages:
R cruise control, Distronic Plus* and Speed-
tronic, which are used to control the speed
of the vehicle
R HOLD function, which makes pulling away
easier, particularly on steep uphill gradi-
ents
R RACE START (E 63 AMG), which makes pull-
ing away on race tracks easier
R AIRMATIC* (except E 63 AMG), which is
used to adjust the vehicle's suspension
system
R AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension
(E 63 AMG), which is used to adjust the
vehicle's suspension system
R 4MATIC* (permanent four-wheel drive), for
optimum traction
R PARKTRONIC* and Parking Guidance*,
which assist you in finding a parking space,
as well as when manoeuvring and parking
R reversing camera*, which assists you when
parking and manoeuvring
R ATTENTION ASSIST, which helps you
detect tiredness or increasing lapses in
concentration
R Speed Limit Assist*, which shows you
speed limits that are detected in the multi-
function display
R Night View Assist Plus*, which assists you
when driving in the dark
R lane package*, which assists you with Blind
Spot Assist when changing lanes and warns
you against leaving your lane unintention-
ally with Lane Keeping Assist
The ABS, BAS, BAS PLUS*, adaptive brake
lights, ESP ®
, EBV and ADAPTIVE BRAKE driv-
ing safety systems and the PRE-SAFE ® Driving systems
137Controls
* optional
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of its narrow width. The distance to the vehi-
cle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles Distronic Plus does not brake for obstacles or
stationary vehicles. For example, if the detec-
ted vehicle turns a corner and reveals an
obstacle or stationary vehicle, Distronic Plus
will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles Distronic Plus may detect vehicles that are
crossing your lane by mistake. Activating Dis-
tronic Plus at traffic lights with crossing traf-
fic, for example, could cause your vehicle to
pull away unintentionally. 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 3on vehicles with auto- matic 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 addi-
tional 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. 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 150) 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 Plus* and variable
Speedtronic.148
Driving systemsControls
* optional
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Making adjustments in 1 km/h incre-
ments X
Briefly press the cruise control lever to the
pressure point, up :for a higher speed or
down ?for a lower speed.
or
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed to the
pressure point until the desired speed is
set. Press the cruise control lever, up :
for a higher speed or down ?for a lower
speed.
Adjustment in 10 km/h increments X
Briefly press the cruise control lever
beyond the pressure point, up :for a
higher speed or down ?for a lower speed.
or
X Keep the cruise control lever pressed
beyond the pressure point until the desired
speed is set. Press the cruise control lever,
up : for a higher speed or down ?for a
lower speed.
Deactivating variable Speedtronic There are several ways to deactivate variable
Speedtronic:
X
Briefly press the cruise control lever for-
wards B.
or
X Briefly press the cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow A.
LIM indicator lamp ;in the cruise control
lever goes out. Variable Speedtronic is
deactivated.
Cruise control or Distronic Plus* is selec-
ted.
Variable Speedtronic is automatically deacti-
vated:
R when you depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point (kickdown) but
only if your current speed does not differ by
more than 20 km/h from the stored speed. You will hear a warning tone if this is the
case.
R on vehicles with manual transmission, if
you shift to a higher gear and as a result the
engine speed is too low. G
Risk of accident
It is not possible to deactivate variable Speed-
tronic by braking.
i The last speed stored is cleared when you
switch off the engine.
Permanent Speedtronic i
Permanent Speedtronic is only available
in certain countries.
You can use the on-board computer to limit
the speed permanently to a value between
160 km/h (e.g. for driving with winter tyres)
and the maximum speed.
Just before the stored speed is reached, it
appears in the multi-function display.
Permanent Speedtronic remains active, even
if variable Speedtronic is deactivated.
You cannot exceed the stored limit speed,
even if you depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point (kickdown).
Setting permanent Speedtronic
X Press =or; to select the Set‐
tings menu.
X Press :or9 to highlight the Vehi‐
cle submenu and select with a.
X Press :or9 to select the Limit
speed (winter tyres): function.
You can see the current setting.
X To change this, press a.150
Driving systemsControls
* optional
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i
In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tyres (M+S tyres), with snow
chains if necessary. PARKTRONIC*
G
Risk of accident
PARKTRONIC is only an aid and may not
detect all obstacles. This system does not
relieve you of the need to pay attention.
You are always responsible for safety and
must continue to pay attention to your imme-
diate surroundings when parking and
manoeuvring. You could otherwise endanger
yourself and others. G
Risk of injury
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the manoeuvring range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasound. It indicates visually and audibly
the distance between your vehicle and an
object.
PARKTRONIC is automatically activated when
you switch on the ignition and release the
handbrake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
18 km/h. It is reactivated at lower speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper. :
Example: sensors in the front bumper,
left-hand side
Range of the sensors The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush; otherwise, they may not function cor-
rectly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them.
Side view: Saloon shown as an example
Top view: Saloon shown as an example Driving systems
157Controls
* optional
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Running-in notes
............................... 216
Refuelling ........................................... 216
Engine compartment ........................219
Tyres and wheels .............................. 223
Winter driving ................................... 230
Driving tips ........................................ 231
Driving abroad ................................... 233
Trailer towing .................................... 234
Service ............................................... 239
Care .................................................... 240 215Operation
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res, tears, bulges on tyres and deformation,
cracks or severe corrosion on wheels), at
least every 14 days, as well as after driving
off-road or on rough roads. Damaged
wheels can cause a loss of tyre pressure.
R Regularly check the tyre tread depth and
the condition of the tread across the whole
width of the tyre (Y page 224). If neces-
sary, turn the front wheels to full lock in
order to inspect the inner side of the tyre
surface.
R All wheels must have a valve cap to protect
the valve against dirt and moisture. Do not
fit anything onto the valve (such as tyre
pressure monitoring systems) other than
the standard valve cap or other valve caps
approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehi-
cle.
R Regularly check the pressure of all the tyres
including the spare tyre*, particularly prior
to long trips, and correct the pressure as
necessary.
Notes on driving R
While driving, pay attention to vibrations,
noises and unusual handling characteris-
tics, e.g. pulling to one side. This may indi-
cate that the wheels or tyres are damaged.
If you suspect that a tyre is defective,
reduce your speed and stop the vehicle as
soon as possible to check the wheels and
tyres for damage. Hidden tyre damage
could also be causing the unusual handling
characteristics. If you find no signs of dam-
age, have the wheels and tyres examined
at a specialist workshop, for example at a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tyres do not get deformed by the kerb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over kerbs, speed humps or similar eleva-
tions, try to do so slowly and at an obtuse
angle. Otherwise, the tyres, particularly the
sidewalls, can get damaged. Direction of rotation
Tyres with a specified direction of rotation
have additional benefits, e.g. if there is a risk
of aquaplaning. You will only gain these ben-
efits if the correct direction of rotation is
observed.
An arrow on the sidewall of the tyre indicates
its correct direction of rotation. MOExtended run-flat system*
The MOExtended run-flat system allows you
to continue driving the vehicle even when one
or more tyres lose all air pressure.
The MOExtended run-flat system may only be
used in conjunction with the tyre pressure
loss warning system or with the tyre pressure
monitor* and on wheels specifically tested by
Mercedes-Benz.
i Vehicles with the MOExtended run-flat
system are not equipped with the TIREFIT
kit. 38
It is therefore recommended to additionally
equip your vehicle with the TIREFIT kit when
fitting tyres that do not feature run-flat
properties, e.g. winter tyres.
i A TIREFIT kit is available from any quali-
fied specialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-
Benz Service Centre.
You will find notes on driving with a flat tyre
in the "Practical advice" section
(Y page 318). Tyre tread
G
Risk of accident
Bear in mind that:
R tyre grip decreases rapidly on wet roads
when the tread depth is less than 3 mm.
38 Only for certain countries. 224
Tyres and wheelsOperation
* optional
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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
225Operation
* optional
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