load capacity 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

Load index ..................................... 366
Load index (definition) ...................369
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 368
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 369
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 369
Maximum tire load .........................361
Maximum tire load (definition) .......369
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 369
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 369
Replacing ....................................... 370
Service life ..................................... 347
Sidewall (definition) .......................369
Speed rating (definition) ................368
Storing ........................................... 371
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 367
Temperature .................................. 363
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 370
Tire bead (definition) ......................369
Tire pressure (definition) ................369
Tire pressures (recommended) ......368
Tire size (data) ............................... 371
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 364
Tire tread ....................................... 347
Tire tread (definition) .....................369
Total load limit (definition) .............370
Traction ......................................... 362
Traction (definition) .......................370
Tread wear ..................................... 362
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 362
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................368
Unladen weight (definition) ............369
Wear indicator (definition) .............370
Wheel rim (definition) ....................368
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 60
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........340
Installing the towing eye ................340Removing the towing eye ...............341
With the rear axle raised ................341
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......341
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............342
Important safety notes ..................340
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 342
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 319
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 219
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 219
Resetting (on-board computer) ......220
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................89
Important safety guidelines .............84
Locking separately ...........................88
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 87
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 86
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 258
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ...................124
Display message ............................ 242
Switching on/off ........................... 117
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................83
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 82
Index19

Through-loading facility in the rear
bench seat (Sedan)
Important safety notesGWARNING
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fold the seat backrests fully forward.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded down separately to
increase the trunk capacity.
Folding the seat backrest forward
i Vehicles with memory function: when you
fold one or both parts of the rear seat
backrest forwards, the respective front
seat moves forward slightly, when
necessary, in order to avoid contact.
XVehicles without memory function: if
necessary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.XOpen the trunk.XPull right-hand or left-hand rear seat
backrest release handle :.
The corresponding rear seat backrest is
released and the rear seat head restraints
are lowered.XFold rear seat backrest ; forwards.XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding the seat backrest back
XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged.
XFold rear seat backrest : back until it
engages.Stowage areas279Stowing and featuresZ

GWARNING
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
occupied, or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo.
i You should always engage the rear seat
backrests if you do not need the through-
loading feature. This will prevent
unauthorized access to the trunk from the
vehicle interior.
XAdjust the head restraints if necessary
( Y page 101).XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
EASY-PACK through-loading facility in
the rear bench seat (Wagon)
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Never drive a vehicle with the tailgate open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
Folding the rear seat backrest forward
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded forwards separately
to increase the cargo compartment capacity.
The combined cargo cover and net can
remain installed.
! When folding the rear seat backrest
forwards, ensure that there are no items
lying on the seat cushions. These items
could otherwise be damaged or could
themselves damage the rear seats.
i When you fold one or both parts of the
rear seat backrests forwards, the
headrests are also lowered if necessary. In
the case of vehicles with memory function,
the respective front seat is moved forwards
slightly to avoid contact with the seat
behind it.XVehicles without memory function: if
necessary, move the driver's or front-
passenger seat forwards.XPull the left-hand or right-hand release
handle at the rear in cargo
compartment : or at the side beside
backrests ;.
The corresponding backrest folds
forwards.XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.280Stowage areasStowing and features

XFold both plates upwards :.XFold out lower plate ;.XGuide the lugs on the lower plate fully into
the openings in base plate =.
Securing the vehicle on level ground (example:
Sedan)
XOn level ground: place chocks or other
suitable items under the front and rear of
the wheel that is diagonally opposite the
wheel you wish to change.
Securing the vehicle on slight downhill gradients
(example: Sedan)
XOn downhill gradients: place chocks or
other suitable items in front of the wheels
of the front and rear axle.
Raising the vehicle
GWARNING
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jacking points built into both
sides of the vehicle. The jack saddle must be
placed centrally under the jacking point. The
jack must always be vertical when in use,
especially on inclines or declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always firmly engage the parking brake and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizable objects before raising the vehicle with
the jack. Do not disengage the parking brake
while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.330Flat tireBreakdown assistance

Number of seats
i The specifications shown on the Tire and
Loading Information placard in the
illustration are examples. The number of
seats is vehicle-specific and can differ from
the details shown. The number of seats in
your vehicle can be found on the Tire and
Loading Information placard.
Maximum number of seats : determines the
maximum number of occupants allowed to
travel in the vehicle. This information can be
found on the Tire and Loading Information
placard.
Determining the correct load limit
Step-by-step instructions
The following steps have been developed as
required of all manufacturers under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
XStep 1: Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information
placard.XStep 2: Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.XStep 3: Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kilograms or XXX lbs.XStep 4: The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs and there will be five
150 lbs passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs).X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4.XStep 6 (if applicable): If your vehicle will
be towing a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle ( Y page 361).Loading the vehicle359Wheels and tiresZ

the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.GWARNING
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will
be substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with
extreme caution.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum tire
tread depth of 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) for all four winter
tires ( Y page 174) to maintain normal driving
characteristics in winter. Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow covered
surfaces in comparison to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with ice or snow. Take
appropriate care when driving.
! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train.
Temperature
GWARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C. These represent the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Tire labeling
Tire labeling overview
The following markings are on the tire in
addition to the tire name (sales designation)
and the manufacturer's name:
:Uniform tire Quality Grading Standard
( Y page 368);DOT, Tire Identification Number
( Y page 366)=Maximum tire load ( Y page 361)?Maximum tire pressure ( Y page 352)AManufacturerBTire material ( Y page 367)CTire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating ( Y page 364)Tire labeling363Wheels and tiresZ

DLoad index (Y page 366)ETire name
i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed rating
:Tire width;Nominal aspect ratio in %=Tire code?Rim diameterALoad bearing indexBSpeed rating
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter that precedes the size description.
If there is no letter preceding the size
description (as shown above): these are
passenger vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
If "P" precedes the size description: these are
passenger vehicle tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "LT" precedes the size description: these
are light truck tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "T" precedes the size description: these are
compact emergency spare wheels at high tire
pressure, to be used only temporarily in an
emergency.
Tire width: tire width : shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Nominal aspect ratio: aspect ratio ; is the
size ratio between the tire height and the tire
width and is shown in percent. The aspect
ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height.
Tire code: tire code = specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph(240 km/h) may have "ZR" in
the size description depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
Rim diameter: rim diameter ? is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter
of the rim flange. The rim diameter is
specified in inches (in).
Load bearing index: load bearing index A
is a numerical code which specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire.GWARNING
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
sudden tire failure may be the result which
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with rims and
tires having the same specifications
(designation, manufacturer and type) as
shown on the original part.
GWARNING
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
364Tire labelingWheels and tires

Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa is the
equivalent of 1 psi. Another unit for tire
pressure is bar. There are 100 kilopascals
(kPa) to 1 bar.
Load index
In addition to the load bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifies the load bearing
capacity more precisely.
Curb weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-
conditioning system and optional equipment
if these are installed in the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load rating in kilograms or
pounds is the maximum weight for which a
tire is approved.
Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
A standard unit of measure for tire pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent.
Tire pressure
This is pressure inside the tire applying an
outward force to each square inch of the tire's
surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold.
Tire pressure of cold tires
The tires are cold:
R if the vehicle has been parked without
direct sunlight on the tires for at least three
hours and
R if the vehicle has not been driven more than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
part and more than 2.3 kilograms (5 lbs).
Definition of terms for tires and loading369Wheels and tiresZ

These optional extras, such as high-
performance brakes, level control, a roof rack
or a high-performance battery, are not
included in the curb weight and accessory
weight.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
This is a unique identifier which can be used
by a tire manufacturer to identify tires, for
example for a product recall, and thus identify
the purchasers. The TIN is made up of the
manufacturer's identity code, tire size, tire
type code and the manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
Treadwear indicators
Narrow bars (tread wear bars) that are
distributed over the tire tread. If the tire tread
is level with the bars, the wear limit of 1
/ 16 in
(1.6 mm) has been reached.
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle at
their designated seating positions.
Total load limit
Rated cargo and luggage load plus
68 kilograms (150 lbs) times the vehicle's
designated seating capacity.
Changing a wheel
Flat tire
The "Breakdown assistance" section
( Y page 325) contains information and notes
on how to deal with a flat tire. It also provides
instructions on changing a wheel or mounting
the spare wheel/emergency spare wheel.
Interchanging the wheels
GWARNING
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.
GWARNING
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle's rims.
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If this is not
available, the tires should then be replaced
every 3000 to 6000 miles
( 5000 to 10,000 km), or earlier if the tire wear
requires this. Do not change the direction of
wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is interchanged. Check the tire pressures.
Information on changing a wheel and
mounting the spare wheel ( Y page 329).
370Changing a wheelWheels and tires