service interval MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN 2012 W212 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 295
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 192
4MATIC off-road system ................... 192
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 235
Function/notes ................................ 64
Important safety notes ....................64
Warning lamp ................................. 264
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 134
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 225
Function/information ....................207
Active Driving Assistance package . 206
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 225
Display message ............................ 250
Function/information ....................210
Active Light System
Display message ............................ 244
Active multicontour seat .................. 102
Active service system PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 69
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 245
Function/notes ............................. 118
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 227
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 388
Air bags Display message ............................ 241
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 41
Important safety notes ....................40
Knee bag .......................................... 42
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 44
Pelvis air bag ................................... 43
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Side impact air bag ..........................42
Window curtain air bag ....................44
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air filter (display message) .............. 248
AIRMATIC Display message ............................ 249
Function/notes ............................. 189
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 141
Important safety notes ..................140
Rear ............................................... 141
Setting ........................................... 140
Setting the center air vents ...........141
Setting the side air vents ...............141
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 227
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ................................................ 190
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 230
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........72
Ashtray ............................................... 292
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 224
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display 4Index

Hiding (on-board computer) ...........234
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 259
Lights ............................................. 242
Safety systems .............................. 235
Service interval display ..................312
SmartKey ....................................... 259
Tires ............................................... 254
Vehicle ........................................... 257
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 224
Distance recorder ............................. 219
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 270
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 184
Display message ............................ 252
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 183
Driving tips .................................... 185
Function/notes ............................. 177
Important safety notes ..................177
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 183
Warning lamp ................................. 270
Doors
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 228
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 83
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 74
Control panel ................................... 36
Display message ............................ 258
Emergency locking ........................... 84
Emergency unlocking .......................83
Important safety notes ....................82
Opening (from inside) ......................82
Drinking and driving ......................... 170
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 157
Display ........................................... 153
Display (DIRECT SELECT lever) ......153
Manual ........................................... 158
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........230
Drive program selector ..................... 156Driver's door
see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................313
Symmetrical low beam ..................114
Driving on flooded roads .................. 173
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......64
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 69
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............64
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 64
Electronic brake force distribution ...69
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 66
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 66
Important safety information ...........63
Overview .......................................... 63
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 69
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................207
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 206
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............210
AIRMATIC ...................................... 189
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 190
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................199
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 203
Cruise control ................................ 175
Display message ............................ 249
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 177
HOLD function ............................... 187
Lane Keeping Assist ......................205
Lane Tracking package ..................203
Night View Assist Plus ...................200
Parking Guidance ........................... 195
PARKTRONIC ................................. 192
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........188
Rear view camera .......................... 198
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes .....................173
Automatic transmission .................155
Brakes ........................................... 1718Index

Key positionsKEYLESS-GO .................................. 145
SmartKey ....................................... 145
Kickdown
Driving tips .................................... 156
Manual drive program ....................159
Knee bag .............................................. 42
L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane-change assistant
see Blind Spot Assist
Lane detection (automatic)
see Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating .................225
Display message ............................ 250
Function/information ....................205
Lane Tracking package ..................... 203
Lap time (RACETIMER) ...................... 231
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 59
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 243
Lighting see Lights
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off . 228
Automatic headlamp mode ............116
Cornering light function .................118
Display message ............................ 242
Driving abroad ............................... 114
Fog lamps ...................................... 116
Hazard warning lamps ...................118
High beam flasher .......................... 117
High-beam headlamps ...................117
Light switch ................................... 114
Low-beam headlamps ....................115
Parking lamps ................................ 114
Rear fog lamp ................................ 116
Setting the brightness of the
ambient lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 227
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 227
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 227
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................115
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 227
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........227
Turn signals ................................... 117
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 245
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 176
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 180
Loading guidelines ............................ 274
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 83
Emergency locking ........................... 84
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 82
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 228
Low-beam headlamps Changing bulbs .............................. 122
Display message ............................ 242
Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 114
Switching on/off ........................... 115
Luggage holder (EASY-PACK load-
securing kit) ....................................... 285
Lumbar support Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support .......................................... 103
Luxury head restraints ..................... 101
M
M+S tires ................................... 174, 348
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
12Index

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

Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or change of
ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in
contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
Introduction23

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).
Overview of climate control systems
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Severe conditions (e.g. strong air pollution)
may require replacement of the filter before
its scheduled replacement interval. A clogged
filter will reduce the air volume to the interior
and the windows could fog up, impairing
visibility and endangering you and others.
Have a blocked filter replaced at a Mercedes-
Benz Center as soon as possible.
GWARNING
Follow the recommended settings for heating
and cooling given on the following pages.
Otherwise, the windows could fog up,
impairing visibility and endangering you and
others.
The automatic climate control adjusts the
temperature and the humidity of the vehicle
interior and filters undesired substances from
the air.
The automatic climate control is only
operational when the engine is running. 15
Optimum operation is only achieved if you
drive with the side windows and sliding
sunroof/panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel closed.
i Ventilate the vehicle for a brief period
during warm weather, e.g. using the
convenience opening feature ( Y page 91).
This will speed up the cooling process and
the desired vehicle interior temperature
will be reached more quickly.
i The integrated filter can filter out most
particles of dust and completely filters out
pollen. A clogged filter reduces the amount
of air supplied to the vehicle interior. For
this reason, you should always observe the
interval for replacing the filter, which is
specified in the Service Booklet. As it
depends on environmental conditions, e.g.
heavy air pollution, the interval may be
shorter than stated in the Service Booklet.
i It is possible that the residual heat
function may be activated automatically an
hour after the SmartKey is removed. The
vehicle is then ventilated for 30 minutes to
dry the air-conditioning system.15 Automatic climate control: the residual heat function can only be activated/deactivated when the ignition
is switched off.130Overview of climate control systemsClimate control

ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The engine will not
start.The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run
completely dry.XRefuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 liters) of diesel.XTurn the ignition on for at least 10 seconds ( Y page 145).XStart the engine continuously for up to 10 seconds until it runs
smoothly.
orXStart the engine via the touch-start function. To do this, turn the
SmartKey to position 3 (Y page 145) in the ignition lock and
then release it immediately.
If the engine does not start:
XTurn the ignition on again for approximately 10 seconds
( Y page 145).XStart the engine again continuously for up to 10 seconds until
it runs smoothly.
orXStart the engine again via the touch-start function.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.DEF
Important notes on use
To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas
aftertreatment must be operated with the
reducing agent DEF. Adding DEF is one of the
tasks performed during maintenance. Under
normal operating conditions, a tank of DEF
lasts until the next service due date.
When the DEF supply has almost run out, the
Check Additive See Operator's
Manual message is shown in the
multifunction display.
When the DEF supply sinks to a minimum
level, the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display.
When the Remaining Starts: 16 message
is shown in the multifunction display, you can
start the engine 16 more times. If DEF is not
added, it is then not possible to start the
engine again. Fill the DEF tank with about
1 gal (3.8 l) DEF or have the DEF tank refilled
at a qualified specialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when filling
between maintenance intervals. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center with any
questions or, if necessary, contact Roadside
Assistance ( Y page 23).
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust
gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Refueling165Driving and parkingZ

when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h).
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.XRemove unnecessary loads.XRemove roof racks when they are not
needed.XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Service Booklet or by the service interval
display.
Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure that the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers,
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
Rolling with the engine switched offGWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Exhaust check
GWARNING
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such
as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are
entering the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Certain engine systems are designed to keep
the level of poisonous components in exhaust
fumes within legal limits.
These systems only work at peak efficiency
when they are maintained exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. For this reason, all work on the
engine must be carried out only by qualified
and authorized Mercedes-Benz technicians.
The engine settings must not be changed in
any circumstances. Furthermore, all specific
service work must be carried out at regular
intervals and in accordance with the
170Driving tipsDriving and parking

Menus and submenus
Menu overview
The number of menus shown depends on the optional equipment in the vehicle.
Function:Trip menu ( Y page 219);Navi menu (navigation instructions) ( Y page 220)=Audio menu ( Y page 221)?Tel menu (telephone) ( Y page 222)ADriveAssist. menu (assistance) ( Y page 224)BServ. menu ( Y page 226)
R calls up display messages ( Y page 234)
R tire pressure loss warning system (Canada only) ( Y page 353)
R tire pressure monitor ( Y page 355)
R ASSYST PLUS service interval display ( Y page 312)CSett. menu ( Y page 226)DAMG menu in AMG vehicles ( Y page 230)218Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays

Service menu
In the Serv. menu you can:
R call up display messages ( Y page 234)
R restart the tire pressure loss warning
system (Canada only) ( Y page 353)
R check the tire pressure electronically
( Y page 355)
R call up the service due date ( Y page 312)
Settings menu
Introduction
The Sett. menu can be used for:
R changing the instrument cluster settings
R changing the light settings
R changing the vehicle settings
R changing the convenience settings
R restoring the factory settings
Instrument cluster
Selecting the unit of measurement for
distance
The Display Unit Speed-/Odometer:
function allows you to choose whether
certain displays appear in kilometers or miles.
The selected unit of measurement for
distance applies to:
R the digital speedometer in the Trip menu
R the odometer and the trip odometer
R the trip computer
R the current consumption and the range
R the navigation instruction in the Navi menu
R DISTRONIC PLUS
R ASSYST PLUS service interval displayXPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Instr. cluster submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Display Unit Speed-/Odometer
function.
You will see the selected setting: km or
miles .XPress the a button to save the setting.
Selecting the permanent display function
The Permanent Display: function allows
you to choose whether the multifunction
display always shows the outside
temperature or the speed in km/h (USA) or
mph (Canada).
XPress the = or ; button on the
steering wheel to select the Settings
menu.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Instr. cluster submenu.XPress the a button to confirm.XPress the : or 9 button to select the
Permanent display function.
You will see the selected setting Outside
Temperature or Speedometer [km/h]: .XPress the a button to save the setting.226Menus and submenusOn-board computer and displays