coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN 2012 W212 Owner's Manual

Rear control panel .........................133
Refrigerant ..................................... 388
Setting the air distribution .............137
Setting the airflow .........................137
Setting the air vents ......................140
Setting the climate mode ............... 136
Setting the temperature ................136
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 139
Switching on/off ........................... 134
Switching residual heat on/off ......140
Switching the rear window
heating on/off ............................... 139
Switching the ZONE function on/
off .................................................. 137
Coat hooks ......................................... 284
Cockpit Overview .......................................... 28
see Instrument cluster
Collapsible spare wheel
Inflating ......................................... 332
see Emergency spare wheel
COMAND
see separate operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 117
Combined cargo cover and net ........ 283
Compass Calibrating ..................................... 306
Calling up ....................................... 305
Setting ........................................... 305
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 219
Convenience closing feature .............. 91
Convenience opening feature ............ 91
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................311
Display message ............................ 245
Notes ............................................. 389
Temperature (on-board computer) . 230
Temperature gauge ........................ 214
Warning lamp ................................. 268
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light function
Display message ............................ 242
Function/notes ............................. 118
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 121Cruise control
Cruise control lever .......................176
Deactivating ................................... 177
Display message ............................ 254
Driving system ............................... 175
Function/notes ............................. 175
Important safety notes ..................175
LIM indicator lamp .........................176
Setting a speed .............................. 176
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 176
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 289
Important safety notes ..................289
Rear compartment .........................290
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 25
Customer Relations Department ....... 25
D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamp mode
see Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 244
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 227
Switching on/off (switch) ..............115
DEF
Adding ........................................... 165
Display message ............................ 248
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 227
Interior lighting .............................. 228
Diesel particle filter .......................... 171
Digital speedometer ......................... 219
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 318
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....234
Driving systems ............................. 249
Engine ............................................ 245
General notes ................................ 234
Index7

V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 291
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 25
Data acquisition ............................... 26
Display message ............................ 257
Equipment ....................................... 22
Individual settings ..........................226
Limited Warranty ............................. 26
Loading .......................................... 358
Locking (in an emergency) ...............84
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 75
Lowering ........................................ 333
Maintenance .................................... 23
Parking for a long period ................ 169
Pulling away ................................... 147
Raising ........................................... 330
Reporting problems .........................25
Towing away .................................. 340
Transporting .................................. 342
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........83
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................75
Vehicle data ................................... 390
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 390
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 390
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 84
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 381
Vehicle level AIRMATIC ...................................... 189
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 249
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 322
Video (DVD) ........................................ 222
VIN ...................................................... 381
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 264
Brakes ........................................... 263
Check Engine ................................. 267
Coolant .......................................... 268
Cruise control ................................ 176
Distance warning ........................... 270
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 270
ESP ®
.............................................. 264
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 265
Fuel tank ........................................ 267
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................180
Overview .......................................... 30
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 44
Reserve fuel ................................... 267
Seat belt ........................................ 261
SPORT handling mode ...................265
SRS ................................................ 266
Tire pressure monitor ....................271
Warranty ............................................ 381
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 259
see Windshield washer system
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 333
Wheel chock ...................................... 329
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 329
Checking ........................................ 347
Cleaning ......................................... 315
Important safety notes ..................346
Interchanging/changing ................370
Mounting a wheel .......................... 332
Removing a wheel ..........................331
Storing ........................................... 371
Tightening torque ........................... 333
Wheel size/tire size .......................371
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 239
Operation ......................................... 44
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 317
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 138
Windshield washer system .............. 311
Notes ............................................. 389
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................126
Rear window wiper ........................125
Replacing the wiper blades ............125
Switching on/off ........................... 12420Index

dehumidified according to the temperature
selected.GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
Condensation may drip from the underside of
the vehicle when it is in cooling mode. This is
normal and not a sign that there is a
malfunction.
i The cooling with air dehumidification
function uses refrigerant R134a. This
coolant does not contain
chlorofluorocarbons, and therefore does
not damage the ozone layer.
Activating/deactivating
XTo activate: press the ¿ button.
The indicator lamp above the ¿ button
lights up.XTo switch off: press the ¿ button.
The indicator lamp above the ¿ button
goes out. The cooling with air
dehumidification function has a delayed
switch-off feature.
Problems with the cooling with air
dehumidification function
When you press the ¿ button, the
indicator lamp in the button flashes three
times or remains off. You can no longer switch
on the cooling with air dehumidification
function.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting climate control to automatic
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the
vehicle will not be cooled when weather
conditions are warm. The windows can fog up
more quickly. Window fogging may impair
visibility and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is
maintained automatically at a constant level.
The system automatically regulates the
temperature of the dispensed air, the airflow
and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal
operation if cooling with air dehumidification
is also activated. If desired, cooling with air
dehumidification can be deactivated.XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XSet the desired temperature.XTo activate: press the à button.
The indicator lamp above the à button
lights up. Automatic air distribution and
airflow are activated.
i 3-zone automatic climate control: when
automatic mode is activated, you can
select a climate mode setting
( Y page 136).
XTo deactivate: press the air distribution
button.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: press
button F(Y page 131).
3-zone automatic climate control: press
button I(Y page 133).
The indicator lamp above the à button
goes out.
or
XPress the airflow button.
Dual-zone automatic climate control: press
button G(Y page 131).
3-zone automatic climate control: press
button H(Y page 133).
The indicator lamp above the à button
goes out.Operating the climate control system135Climate controlZ

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsVehicles with a
gasoline engine:
The engine is not
running smoothly and
is misfiring.There is a malfunction in the engine electronics or a mechanical
component of the engine management system.XOnly depress the accelerator pedal slightly.XHave the cause rectified immediately at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Otherwise, non-combusted fuel may get into the catalytic
converter and damage it.The coolant
temperature gauge
shows a value above
248 ‡ (120 †).The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine
is no longer being cooled sufficiently.XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant
to cool down.XCheck the coolant level ( Y page 311). Observe the warning
notes as you do so and add coolant if necessary.Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
It is dangerous to shift the automatic
transmission out of parking position P or
neutral position N if the engine speed is
higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly
on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and hit
someone or something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling normally and when
your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
GWARNING
Keep in mind that turning off the engine alone
only will shift the automatic transmission into
neutral position N automatically.
Always shift the automatic transmission into
park position P before turning off the engine.
Otherwise the vehicle could roll away which
could result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Selector lever
Overview of transmission positions
Selector lever in AMG vehicles with P button
PPark position with parking lockRReverse gearNNeutralDDrive152Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 25).
Important safety notes
You will find an illustration of the instrument
cluster in the "At a glance" section
( Y page 29).
GWARNING
A driver's attention to the road and traffic
conditions must always be his/her primary
focus when driving.
For your safety and the safety of others,
selecting features through the multifunction
steering wheel should only be done by the
driver when traffic and road conditions permit
it to be done safely.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h ), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet (approximately
14 m) every second.
GWARNING
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction
display is inoperative.
As a result, you will not be able to see
information about your driving conditions,
such as
R speed
R outside temperature
R warning/indicator lamps
Rmalfunction/warning messages
R failure of any systems
Driving characteristics may be impaired.
If you must continue to drive, do so with added
caution. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.GWARNING
Malfunction and warning messages are only
indicated for certain systems and are
intentionally not very detailed. The
malfunction and warning messages are
simply a reminder with respect to the
operation of certain systems. They do not
replace the owner's and/or driver's
responsibility to maintain the vehicle's
operating safety. Have all required
maintenance and safety checks performed on
the vehicle. Bring the vehicle to an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to address the
malfunction and warning messages.
Displays and operation
Coolant temperature display
GWARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into
the engine compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns which can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from
other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
The coolant temperature gauge is in the
instrument cluster on the right-hand side.
Under normal operating conditions and with
the specified coolant level, the coolant
temperature may rise to 248 ‡ (120 †).
214Displays and operationOn-board computer and displays

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsb
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualThe exterior lighting is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
AUTO Lamp Function
InoperativeThe light sensor is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.b
Switch Off LightsThe lights are still switched on when you leave the vehicle. A
warning tone also sounds.XTurn the light switch to c or à .Adaptive Highbeam
Assist InoperativeAdaptive Highbeam Assist is defective.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Adaptive Highbeam
Assist Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualAdaptive Highbeam Assist is deactivated and temporarily
inoperative, if:
R the windshield is dirty in the camera's field of vision.
R visibility is impaired due to heavy rain, snow or fog.XClean the windshield.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is available again, if:
R the dirt (e.g. slush) drops away while the vehicle is in motion.
R the system recognizes that the camera is fully operational again.
The display message Adaptive Highbeam Assist Now
Available is shown.
Engine
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's ManualThe coolant level is too low.XAdd coolant, observing the warning notes when doing so
( Y page 311).XIf coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop.GWARNING
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn
if it comes into contact with hot engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
Display messages245On-board computer and displaysZ

! The coolant level is too low. Avoid making long journeys with too little coolant in the cooling
system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the coolant level is
too low must not be ignored.Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Level Low
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull 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:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. Otherwise, there is a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
246Display messagesOn-board computer and displays

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

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
The red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running.The coolant level is too low.
If the coolant level is correct, the airflow to the engine radiator
may be blocked or the electric engine radiator fan may be
malfunctioning.
The coolant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled
sufficiently.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant (Y page 311). Observe
the warning notes.XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.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 red coolant
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.The coolant temperature has exceeded 248 ‡ (120 † ). The
airflow to the engine radiator may be blocked or the coolant level
may be too low.
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XAllow the engine and coolant to cool.XCheck the coolant level and add coolant (Y page 311). Observe
the warning notes.XIf you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.XMake sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.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.Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster269On-board computer and displaysZ

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