check engine oil MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN 2012 W212 Owner's Manual

Break-in period .............................. 144
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 185
Downhill gradient ........................... 171
Drinking and driving .......................170
Driving abroad ............................... 114
Driving on flooded roads ................173
Driving on wet roads ......................173
Exhaust check ............................... 170
Fuel ................................................ 170
General .......................................... 169
Hydroplaning ................................. 173
Icy road surfaces ........................... 175
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 171
Pedals ............................................ 170
Snow chains .......................... 174, 349
Symmetrical low beam ..................114
Wet road surface ........................... 171
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 222
DVD-Video (on-board computer) ...... 222
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................229
Function/notes ............................. 108
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 108
Function/notes ............................. 108
Switching on/off ........................... 229
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................ 284
EASY-PACK folding luggage-
compartment floor ............................ 286
EASY-PACK load-securing kit ........... 284
EASY-PACK rear sill protector .......... 287
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 236
Function/notes ................................ 69
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating .................150
General information .......................148
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 83
Fuel filler flap ................................. 163
Trunk ............................................... 89
Vehicle ............................................. 83
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 324
Stowing .......................................... 325
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 56
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 89
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....22
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 267
Display message ............................ 245
ECO start/stop function ................148
Emergency starting ........................342
Engine number ............................... 382
Irregular running ............................ 151
Starting problems ..........................151
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 147
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............147
Switching off .................................. 168
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................151
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 310
Additives ........................................ 388
Checking the oil level ..................... 309
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 309
Display message ............................ 247
Filling capacity ............................... 384
Notes about oil grades ................... 387
Notes on oil level/consumption ....309
Temperature (on-board computer) . 230
Viscosity ........................................ 388Index9

Seat beltsAdjusting the driver's and front-
passenger seat belt .........................54
Adjusting the height ......................... 54
Belt force limiters ............................ 56
center rear-compartment seat .........55
Cleaning ......................................... 320
Correct usage .................................. 52
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 56
Fastening ......................................... 53
Important safety guidelines .............51
Releasing ......................................... 55
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Special seat belt retractor ...............59
Switching belt adjustment on/off
(on-board computer) ......................229
Warning lamp ................................. 261
Warning lamp (function) ................... 55
Seats
Active multicontour seat ................102
Adjusting (electrically) ...................100
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 103
Adjusting the head restraint ..........100
Cleaning the cover .........................320
Correct driver's seat position ........... 98
Folding the backrest (rear
compartment) forwards/back .......280
Important safety notes ....................99
Seat heating problem ....................106
Seat ventilation problem ................106
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111
Switching seat heating on/off .......105
Switching seat ventilation on/off ..106
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 317
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........313
Hiding service messages ...............313
Notes ............................................. 313
Service messages ..........................312
Service menu (on-board computer) . 226
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 388
Capacities ...................................... 384Coolant (engine) ............................ 389
DEF special additives .....................387
Engine oil ....................................... 387
Fuel ................................................ 385
Important safety notes ..................382
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 388
Washer fluid ................................... 389
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........230
On-board computer .......................226
Setting the air distribution ............... 137
Setting the airflow ............................ 137
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 230
Side impact air bag ............................. 42
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 244
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............91
Convenience opening feature ..........91
Important safety information ...........90
Opening/closing .............................. 90
Problem (malfunction) .....................92
Resetting ......................................... 92
Skibag ................................................ 277
Sliding sunroof Important safety notes ....................93
Opening/closing .............................. 94
Problem (malfunction) .....................96
Resetting ......................................... 94
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................78
Changing the programming .............77
Checking the battery .......................78
Convenience closing feature ............91
Convenience opening feature ..........91
Display message ............................ 259
Door central locking/unlocking .......74
Important safety notes ....................74
Loss ................................................. 80
Mechanical key ................................ 77
Positions (ignition lock) .................145
Problem (malfunction) .....................80
Starting the engine ........................147
Snow chains .............................. 174, 34916Index

Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 87
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 86
Tail lamps
Display message ............................ 243
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 380
Tires/wheels ................................. 371
Vehicle data ................................... 390
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 300
Display message ............................ 237
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 300
Emergency call .............................. 297
Important safety notes ..................296
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............301
MB info call button ........................299
Remote vehicle locking ..................301
Roadside Assistance button ..........298
Search & Send ............................... 300
Self-test ......................................... 296
System .......................................... 296
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............300
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 223
Display message ............................ 259
Menu (on-board computer) ............222
Number from the phone book ........ 223
Redialing ........................................ 223
Rejecting/ending a call .................223
Telescopic rod (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 286
Temperature Coolant .......................................... 214
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 230
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 230
Outside temperature ...................... 215
Setting (climate control) ................136
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 71
Through-loading ................................ 278
Through-loading feature ................... 279Tilt/sliding sunroof
see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 231
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 326
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....355
Checking manually ........................353
Display message ............................ 254
Maximum ....................................... 352
Notes ............................................. 351
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................327
Pressure loss warning ....................353
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................328
Recommended ............................... 349
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 355
Restarting ...................................... 357
Warning lamp ................................. 271
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................369
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................368
Bar (definition) ............................... 367
Characteristics .............................. 367
Checking ........................................ 347
Definition of terms .........................367
Direction of rotation ......................371
Display message ............................ 254
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................370
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 366
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............367
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 368
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 368
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................368
Important safety notes ..................346
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......368
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........369
Labeling (overview) ........................363
Load bearing index (definition) ......37018Index

Problems with the transmissionProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.XStop the vehicle.XShift the transmission to position P.XSwitch off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.XShift the transmission to position D or R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.Transfer case
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always
transmitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
this purpose.
! To prevent ESP ®
from intervening, the
ignition must be switched off (SmartKey or
the Start/Stop button in position 0 or 1) if:
R the parking brake is being tested on a
brake dynamometer.
R the vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles
with 4MATIC).The brake system could otherwise be
damaged.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Gasoline and diesel fuels are highly flammable
and poisonous. They burn violently and can
cause serious injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline or diesel fuel!
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline or diesel
fuel, avoid inhaling fumes and any skin or
clothing contact. Extinguish all smoking
materials.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging your
health.
160RefuelingDriving and parking

GWARNING
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gasoline
to spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
GWARNING
Do not fill diesel tanks with gasoline. Do not
mix diesel fuel with gasoline. Otherwise the
fuel system and engine could be damaged. In
addition, the vehicle could catch fire.
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Do not use diesel to refuel
vehicles with a gasoline engine. Even a
small quantity of the wrong fuel will
damage the fuel system and engine.
! Do not switch on the ignition if you
accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel lines.
Notify a qualified specialist workshop and
have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
Gasoline
Fuel grade
! You should only refuel with unleaded
premium-grade gasoline as this avoids
damaging the catalytic converter.
If engine running problems are apparent,
have the cause checked immediately and
repaired. Excess unburned fuel can
otherwise enter the catalytic converter,
leading to overheating and possibly
causing a fire.
! Use a filter when refueling from a fuel can.
Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or injection
system could be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
i Only refuel with premium-grade unleaded
gasoline with a specified minimum octane
number of 91 (average value of 96 RON/
86 MON).
You will usually find information about the
fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot find
the label on the pump, ask the staff for
assistance.
You can find more information under "Fuel"
( Y page 385), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Diesel
Fuel grade
! Only refuel with ULTRA-LOW SULFUR
DIESEL FUEL (ULSD, 15 ppm SULFUR
MAXIMUM). Using other diesel fuels could
result in increased wear and damage to the
engine and/or exhaust system.
Never refuel with marine diesel or heating
oil.
Do not mix these fuels with diesel fuels and
do not use any special additives, as this
may result in damage.
! Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel
can. Otherwise, the fuel lines and/or the
fuel injection system could be blocked by
particles from the fuel can.
i Usually, you will find information about
the fuel grade on the pump. If you cannot
find the label on the gasoline pump, ask the
gas station staff.
You can find more information under “Fuel”
( Y page 385), or by contacting an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Service Center
or visiting http://www.mbusa.com (USA
only).
Low outside temperatures
! Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with
a diesel engine. Never mix diesel with
gasoline or kerosene, as this may result in
damage to the engine or fuel system.
Refueling161Driving and parkingZ

Diesel fuel with improved cold flow properties
is available during the winter months. Further
information on fuel properties can be
obtained from oil companies, e.g. at gas
stations.
Refueling
Fuel filler flap
The fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you open or close the
vehicle with the SmartKey or using KEYLESS-
GO.
The position of the fuel filler cap is displayed
in the instrument cluster 8. The arrow
next to the filling pump indicates the side of
the vehicle.
Example: Sedan
:To open the fuel filler flap;To insert the fuel filler cap=Tire pressure table?Fuel type
Opening
XSwitch off the engine.XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
KEYLESS-GO: open the driver’s door. This
switches the ignition to position 0, which
corresponds to having removed theSmartKey. The driver’s door can be closed
again.XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap opens slightly.XOpen the fuel filler flap.XTurn the fuel filler cap counter-clockwise
and remove it.XSedan: insert the fuel filler cap into the
bracket on the inside of fuel filler flap ;.
or
XWagon: insert the fuel filler cap into the
recesses in the fuel filler flap hinge arm
horizontally from above.XCompletely insert the pump nozzle into the
filler neck and refuel.XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off.
! Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
Closing
XReplace the fuel filler cap and turn it
clockwise. The fuel filler cap audibly
engages.XPress the fuel filler flap closed until it
engages audibly.
i If you drive with the fuel filler cap open,
reserve fuel warning lamp 8 flashes. In
addition, the ; Check Engine warning
lamp may light up. A message appears in
the multifunction display ( Y page 248).
For further information on warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
see ( Y page 267).
i Close the fuel filler flap before locking the
vehicle. A locking pin otherwise prevents
the fuel filler flap from closing after the
vehicle has been locked.
162RefuelingDriving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is defective.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 † ), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next RefuelingThe engine oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the engine oil level at the latest when next refueling
( Y page 309).XIf necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 310).XIf engine oil needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
Display messages247On-board computer and displaysZ

XPull release lever : for the hood.
The hood is released.
! Make sure that the windshield wipers are
not folded away from the windshield. You
could otherwise damage the windshield
wipers or the hood.
XReach into the gap, pull hood catch
handle ; up and lift the hood.
Once you have lifted the hood about
15 inches (40 cm), it is automatically
opened the rest of the way and held open
by the gas-filled struts.
Closing the hood
GWARNING
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers. Be careful that
you do not close the hood on anyone.
Make sure the hood is securely engaged
before driving off. Do not continue driving if
the hood can no longer engage after an
accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.XLower the hood and let it fall from a height
of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).XCheck that the hood has engaged properly.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force.
Radiator
i Vehicles with a diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator, for example with a
winter front or bug cover. Otherwise, the
readings of the on-board-diagnostic
system may be inaccurate. Some of these
readings are required by law and must be
accurate at all times.
Engine oil
Notes on the oil level
Depending on the driving style, the vehicle
consumes up to 0.9 US qts. (0.8 l) of oil over
a distance of 600 miles (1000 km). The oil
consumption may be higher than this when
the vehicle is new or if you frequently drive at
high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil
dipstick
Example: vehicles with a gasoline engine
Engine compartment309Maintenance and careZ

Example: vehicles with a diesel engine
XPark the vehicle on a level surface.
To check the oil level with the engine at
operating temperature, switch the engine
off and wait for approximately five minutes.XPull oil dipstick : out of the dipstick guide
tube.XWipe off oil dipstick :.XSlowly slide oil dipstick : into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark = and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.XIf the fuel level has sunk to MIN mark = or
below, add 0.55 to 1.1 US qt (0.5 to 1.0 l)
engine oil.
Adding engine oil
GWARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any engine oil on hot
engine parts.
HEnvironmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful
to the environment.
! Use only engine oils and oil filters that
have been approved for vehicles equipped
with a service system. A list of the engine
oils and oil filters tested and approved in
accordance with the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products can be
called up by visiting http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only). More
information about tested and approved
engine oils and oil filters is available from
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Damage to the engine or exhaust system is
caused by the following:
R using engine oils and oil filters which
have not been specifically approved for
the service system.
R replacing the engine oil or oil filter after
the replacement interval required by the
service system has elapsed
R using engine oil additives.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic
converter. Have excess oil siphoned off.
Example: engine oil cap
XTurn cap : counterclockwise and remove
it.XAdd engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the oil dipstick,
add 0.55 to 1.1 US qt (0.5 to 1.0 l) engine
oil.XReplace cap : on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.XCheck the oil level again with the oil
dipstick ( Y page 309).310Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

Further information on engine oil
( Y page 387).
Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level
Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
XTurn the SmartKey to position
2 (Y page 145) in the ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice ( Y page 145).XCheck the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡ (70 †).GWARNING
In order to avoid any potentially serious burns:
R use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system, or
if the coolant temperature display indicates
that the coolant is overheated.
R do not remove the pressure cap on the
coolant reservoir if the coolant temperature
is above 158 ‡ (70 †). Allow the engine to
cool down before removing the cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.
XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.XTurn cap : further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
( Y page 389).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
i Vehicle components and their service
products must match. You should,
therefore, only use products that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved
products can be obtained at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
Engine compartment311Maintenance and careZ