engine coolant MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN 2013 W212 User Guide

Engine
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions+
Check Coolant
Level See
Operator's Manual The coolant level is too low.
!
Avoid
making long journeys with too little coolant in the engine
cooling system. The engine will otherwise be damaged.
X Add coolant, observing the warning notes before doing so
(Y page 331).
X If coolant needs to be added more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked at a qualified specialist
workshop. ? The fan motor is faulty.
X
At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡(120 †),
drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. ?
Coolant Too Hot
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine Off The coolant is too hot.
A warning tone also sounds.
G WARNING
Do not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the display message goes out
and the coolant temperature is under 248 ‡ (120

†).
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Pay attention to the coolant temperature display.
X If the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Under normal operating conditions and with the specified coolant
level, the coolant temperature may rise to
248 ‡ (120 †).258
Display messages
On-board computer and displays

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsÂ
Key Not Detected 
(white display
message) The KEYLESS-GO key cannot be detected at present.
X
Change the location of the SmartKey with the KEYLESS-GO
functions in the vehicle.
If the KEYLESS-GO key is still not detected:
X Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in the ignition lock. Â
Key Detected in
Vehicle The KEYLESS-GO key has been detected inside the vehicle during
locking.
X
Remove the KEYLESS-GO key from the vehicle. Â
Remove 'Start'
Button and Insert
Key The KEYLESS-GO key can continuously not be detected.
KEYLESS-GO is temporarily malfunctioning or is defective. A
warning tone also sounds.
X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock and turn it to the
desired position.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Â
Close Doors to
Lock Vehicle At least one door is open. A warning tone also sounds.
X
Close all doors and lock the vehicle again. Indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster
Warning and indicator lamps
overview
L Low-beam headlamps
(Y page 122)
T Parking lamps (Y page 123)
K High-beam headlamps
(Y page 124)
#! Turn signals (Y page 124)
ü Seat belts (Y page 276)
$ (USA) Brakes (Y page 277)
J (Canada) Brakes (Y page 277)
! ABS (Y page 278)
ä ESP®
(Y page 279)
å ESP®
OFF (Y page 279)
M SPORT handling mode in
AMG vehicles (Y page 280) 6
SRS (Y page 281)
; Check Engine (Y page 282)
8 Reserve fuel (Y page 282)
? Coolant (Y page 283)
· Distance warning signal
(Y page 285)
h Tire pressure monitor
(Y page 286) Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
275On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions?
The red coolant
warning lamp lights up
while the engine is
running
and the coolant
temperature gauge is
at the start of the scale. The temperature sensor for the coolant temperature gauge is
defective.
The
coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. There is a
risk of engine damage if the coolant temperature is too high.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying

attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue
driving under any circumstances.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
283
On-board computer and displays Z

Problem Possible 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.
X
Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).
X Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 331).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X Do not start the engine again until the coolant temperature is
under

248 ‡ (120 †). Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
X Drive to the nearest qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid 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.
G WARNING
The engine is not being cooled sufficiently and may be damaged.
Do
not drive when your engine is overheated. This can cause some
fluids which may have leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire.
Steam from the overheated engine can also cause serious burns
which can occur just by opening the hood.
There is a risk of injury.
X Observe the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
X Pull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.
X Secure the vehicle against rolling away ( Y page 175).284
Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
On-board computer and displays

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M SolutionsX
Leave the vehicle and keep a safe distance from the vehicle until
the engine has cooled down.
X Check the coolant level and add coolant, observing the warning
notes ( Y page 331).
X If you need to add coolant more often than usual, have the
engine coolant system checked.
X Make sure that the air supply to the engine radiator is not
blocked, e.g. by snow, slush or ice.
X At coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 †), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.
X Avoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic. Driving systems
Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion.

A warning tone
also sounds. You are approaching a vehicle or a stationary obstacle in your line
of travel at too high a speed.
X
Be prepared to brake immediately.
X Pay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
Further information on DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 185).
Further information on PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (Y page 72). Indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster
285
On-board computer and displays Z

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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: ( Y page 25).Engine compartment
Hood
Opening the hood G
WARNING
Do not pull the release lever while the vehicle
is in motion. Otherwise, the hood could be
forced open by passing air flow.
This

could cause the hood to come loose and
injure you and/or others. G
WARNING
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to read the "HYBRID"
supplement. Otherwise, you could fail to
recognize dangers. G
WARNING
Do not open the hood when the engine is
overheated. You could be seriously injured.
Observe the coolant temperature gauge to
determine whether the engine may be
overheated. If you see flames or smoke
coming from the engine compartment, move
away from the vehicle. Wait until the engine
has cooled. If necessary, call the fire
department. G
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if the hood is open,
even if the engine is not running. Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Operator's
Manual

and observe the relevant safety notes. G
WARNING
To avoid injury, stay clear of moving parts
when the hood is open and the engine is
running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30seconds

or may even restart
after the engine has been switched off. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. G
WARNING
Vehicles with gasoline engine:
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on and the
engine is turned manually G
WARNING
Vehicles with diesel engine:
The engine is equipped with a high-voltage
electronic control unit for the injection
system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components of the
injection system (injectors, electrical wires)
R with the engine running
R while starting the engine
R when the ignition is switched on G
WARNING
The windshield wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the hood is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage. 328
Engine compartment
Maintenance and care

Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap : counter-clockwise and remove
it.
X Add engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on

the oil dipstick, add 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter)
of engine oil.
X Replace cap : on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Ensure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil
dipstick (Y page 330).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 410). Additional service products
Checking the coolant level G
WARNING
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. X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Only check the coolant level when the
vehicle

is on a level surface and the engine
has cooled down.
X Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock ( Y page 153).
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice

(Y page 154).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster.
The coolant temperature must be below
158 ‡

(70 †).
X Turn the SmartKey to position
0 (Y page 153) in the ignition lock.
X Slowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn 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 level is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler Engine compartment
331
Maintenance and care Z

neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank
;.
X If necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Replace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 412).
Adding washer fluid to the windshield
washer system/headlamp cleaning
system G
WARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze

on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned. X
To open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.
X Add the premixed washer fluid.
X To close:
press cap : onto the filler neck
until it engages.
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield
washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
Further information on windshield washer
fluid/antifreeze ( Y page 413). Maintenance
ASSYST PLUS
Service messages The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
informs you of the next service due date.
Information

on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
i The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not show any information on the
engine oil level. Observe the notes on the
engine oil level ( Y page 329).
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Next Service A in .. days
Service A Due
Service A Exceeded by ... days
The letter A or B, possibly in connection with
a number or another letter, shows the type of
service. A stands for a minor service and B for
a major service.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The ASSYST PLUS service interval display
does not take into account any periods of
time during which the battery is
disconnected.
Maintaining the time-dependent service
schedule:
X Note down the service due date displayed
in the multifunction display before
disconnecting the battery.
or
X After reconnecting the battery, subtract
the

battery disconnection periods from the
service date shown on the display. 332
Maintenance
Maintenance and care

R
Lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R Coolant
R Brake fluid
R Windshield washer fluid
R Climate control system refrigerant
Components and service products must be
matched. 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 an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
You can recognize service products approved
by Mercedes-Benz by the following
inscription on the containers:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 229.51)
R MB Approval (e.g. MB Approval 229.51)
Other designations or recommendations
indicate a level of quality or a specification in
accordance with an MB Sheet number (e.g.
MB 229.5). They have not necessarily been
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Fuel
Important safety notes G
WARNING
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. Tank capacity Model Total
capacity All models
21.1 US gal
(80.0 l) Model Of which
reserve All models (except E 63
AMG)
Approx.
2.4 US gal (9.0 l) E 63 AMG
Approx.
3.7 US gal (14.0 l) Gasoline
Fuel grade
!
Do

not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Even small amounts of the
wrong fuel result in damage to the fuel
system and engine.
! 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.
! To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline may be used.
If there is no premium-grade unleaded
gasoline available and regular unleaded
gasoline must be used, please observe the
following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular unleaded gasoline and fill the rest Service products and filling capacities
407
Technical data Z

therefore strongly recommended that you
carry out regular oil changes using an
approved
engine oil with the appropriate SAE
classification. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air; this lowers its boiling
point.
If

the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change
intervals can be found in the Maintenance
Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz according to MB Approval 331.0.
Information about approved brake fluid can
be obtained at any qualified specialist
workshop or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
i Have the brake fluid renewed regularly at
a qualified specialist workshop. Coolant
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Antifreeze is highly flammable. Fire, open
flames and smoking are prohibited when
handling antifreeze.
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot
engine

parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any antifreeze on hot
engine parts. !
Only
add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection. You
could otherwise damage the engine.
Further information on coolants can be
found in the Mercedes-Benz Specifications
for Service Products, MB Specifications for
Service Products 310.1, e.g. on the
Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com. Or
contact a qualified specialist workshop.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to -35 ‡ (-37 †), the boiling point of the
coolant during operation is approximately
266 ‡ (130 †).
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 †).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection
down to -49 ‡ [-45 †]). Otherwise, heat
will not be dissipated as effectively.
If the vehicle has lost coolant, add equal
amounts of water and antifreeze/corrosion
inhibitor. Mercedes-Benz recommends an
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor concentrate in
accordance with MB Specifications for
Service Products 310.1.
The coolant is checked with every
maintenance interval at a qualified specialist
workshop. 412
Service products and filling capacities
Technical data