towing MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class SEDAN 2013 W212 Owner's Manual

Lane Tracking package ..................
214
Night View Assist Plus ...................211
Parking Guidance
........................... 205
PARKTRONIC ................................. 202
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........198
Rear view camera .......................... 208
Driving tips
AMG ceramic brakes ..................... 181
Automatic transmission ................. 164
Brakes ........................................... 180
Break-in period .............................. 152
Downhill gradient ........................... 180
Drinking and driving .......................178
Driving abroad ............................... 120
Driving in winter ............................. 182
Driving on flooded roads ................182
Driving on wet roads ...................... 182
Exhaust check ............................... 178
Fuel ................................................ 177
General .......................................... 177
Hydroplaning ................................. 182
Icy road surfaces ........................... 183
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 180
Pedals ............................................ 178
Snow chains .................................. 365
Symmetrical low beam .................. 120
Wet road surface ........................... 180
Drowsiness detection assistance
system
see ATTENTION ASSIST
DVD audio
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 234
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 234E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating

.................241
Function/notes ............................. 112
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 113
Function/notes ............................. 112
Switching on/off ........................... 241
EASY-PACK cargo compartment
management system ........................300EASY-PACK folding floor
Important safety notes
..................302
EASY-PACK folding luggage-
compartment floor
Opening and closing ...................... 302
EASY-PACK load-securing kit
Components and storage .............. 300
Inserting the brackets into the
loading rail ..................................... 300
EASY-PACK rear sill protector ..........303
EASY-PACK trunk box .......................299
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Display message ............................ 248
Function/notes ................................ 72
ECO display
Function/notes ............................. 178
On-board computer ....................... 231
ECO start/stop function
Deactivating/activating ................. 157
General information ....................... 157
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 86
Fuel filler flap ................................. 171
Trunk ............................................... 92
Vehicle ............................................. 86
Emergency spare wheel
Important safety notes .................. 398
Points to remember .......................398
Removing ....................................... 399
Storage location ............................ 399
Stowing .......................................... 400
Technical data ............................... 402
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 59
Safety guidelines ............................. 42
Emergency unlocking
Tailgate ............................................ 92
Emissions control
Service and warranty information .... 22 Index
9

Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................96
Opening/closing .............................. 97
Problem (malfunction) ...................100
Resetting ......................................... 97
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery ....................... 81
Changing the programming ............. 80
Checking the battery ....................... 81
Convenience closing feature ............ 94
Convenience opening feature .......... 94
Display message ............................ 274
Door central locking/unlocking ....... 79
Important safety notes .................... 78
Loss ................................................. 83
Mechanical key ................................ 80
Positions (ignition lock) ................. 153
Problem (malfunction) .....................83
Starting the engine ........................ 155
Snow chains ...................................... 365
Sockets Center console .............................. 310
General notes ................................ 309
Luggage compartment ................... 310
Rear compartment ......................... 310
Spare wheel
Stowing .......................................... 400
Specialist workshop ............................ 25
Special seat belt retractor .................. 63
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 231
In the Instrument cluster ......... 31, 227
Segments ...................................... 228
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 238
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 70
Warning lamp ................................. 280
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Display message ............................ 250
Introduction ..................................... 41Warning lamp ................................. 281
Warning lamp (function) ...................
41
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 132
Display message ............................ 256
Switching on/off ........................... 124
Starting (engine) ................................ 155
Steering (display message) ..............273
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................112
Button overview ............................... 33
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 228
Cleaning ......................................... 339
Important safety notes .................. 111
Paddle shifters ............................... 166
Steering wheel heating .................. 112
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 116
Steering wheel heating
Problem (malfunction) ...................112
Switching on/off ........................... 112
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........166
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 243
Stowage areas ................................... 288
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 290
Center console .............................. 289
Cup holders ................................... 305
Eyeglasses compartment ............... 289
Glove box ....................................... 289
Important safety information ......... 288
Rear ............................................... 290
Stowage net ................................... 291
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 290
Stowage net ....................................... 291
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 301
Summer tires ..................................... 364
Sun visor ............................................ 306
Supplement Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 239 Index
17

Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) ................. 383
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 382
Bar (definition) ............................... 382
Changing a wheel
.......................... 384
Characteristics .............................. 382
Checking ........................................ 363
Definition of terms ......................... 382
Direction of rotation ......................385
Display message ............................ 268
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) .................... 384
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 381
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............ 382
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 382
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 383
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................383
Important safety notes .................. 362
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ...... 382
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ........... 383
Labeling (overview) ........................ 378
Load bearing index (definition) ...... 384
Load index ..................................... 381
Load index (definition) ...................383
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 383
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 383
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 383
Maximum tire load ......................... 381
Maximum tire load (definition) .......383
MOExtended tires .......................... 364
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 384
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 383
Replacing ....................................... 384
Service life ..................................... 364
Sidewall (definition) .......................384
Speed rating (definition) ................ 383Storing
........................................... 385
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 382
Temperature .................................. 378
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 384
Tire bead (definition)
...................... 384
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 383
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 382
Tire size (data) ............................... 389
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 378
Tire tread ....................................... 363
Tire tread (definition) .....................384
Total load limit (definition) ............. 384
Traction ......................................... 377
Traction (definition) ....................... 384
Tread wear ..................................... 377
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 377
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 382
Unladen weight (definition) ............ 383
Wear indicator (definition) .............384
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 382
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........354
Installing the towing eye ................ 355
Removing the towing eye ...............355
With the rear axle raised ................ 355
Towing away
With both axles on the ground ....... 356
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 357
Important safety notes .................. 354
Transfer case ..................................... 169
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display .........162
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ......................162
Transporting the vehicle .................. 356
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 339
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 231 Index
19

Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 230
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 232
Trunk
Emergency release .......................... 91
Locking separately ...........................91
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 272
Opening dimensions ...................... 414
Trunk load (maximum) ...................... 414
Turn signals Changing bulbs (front) ................... 132
Display message ............................ 254
Switching on/off ........................... 124
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................86
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 85V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........

306
Vehicle Data acquisition ............................... 26
Display message ............................ 271
Equipment ....................................... 22
Individual settings ..........................238
Limited Warranty ............................. 26
Loading .......................................... 373
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 86
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 79
Lowering ........................................ 389
Maintenance .................................... 23
Parking for a long period ................ 177
Pulling away ................................... 156
Raising ........................................... 386
Reporting problems .........................25
Securing from rolling away ............386
Towing away .................................. 354
Transporting .................................. 356
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 86
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................79
Vehicle data ................................... 414Vehicle data .......................................
414
Vehicle dimensions ...........................414
Vehicle emergency locking ................86
Vehicle identification number see VIN


Vehicle identification plate ..............405
Vehicle level AIRMATIC ...................................... 199
Vehicle level (display message) .......261
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 342
Video Operating the DVD ......................... 234
VIN ...................................................... 405 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS

................................................ 278
Brakes ........................................... 277
Check Engine ................................. 282
Coolant .......................................... 283
Distance warning ........................... 285
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 285
ESP ®
.............................................. 279
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 279
Fuel tank ........................................ 282
Overview .................................. 32, 275
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 48
Reserve fuel ................................... 282
Seat belt ........................................ 276
SPORT handling mode ................... 280
SRS ................................................ 281
Tire pressure monitor .................... 286
Warranty ............................................ 405
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 273
Wheel bolt tightening torque ...........389
Wheel chock ...................................... 386
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 384
Checking ........................................ 363
Cleaning ......................................... 336
Cleaning (warning) .........................385
Emergency spare wheel ................. 398
Important safety notes .................. 362
Interchanging/changing ................384
Mounting a new wheel ................... 38820
Index

G
WARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R when cornering
As
a result, BAS PLUS may not intervene in all
critical situations. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic
situation and be ready to brake.
Following damage to the front end of the
vehicle, have the configuration and operation
of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, altering or
tampering with the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use the
device in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment. ESP
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 67). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases

the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop. !
Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: when towing your
vehicle with the rear axle raised, it is
important that you observe the notes on
ESP ®
(Y page 355).
ESP ®


is deactivated if the å warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engine is running.
If the ÷ warning lamp and the å
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 279) and display messages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 247).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. The engine output is also modified to
keep the vehicle on the desired course within
physical limits. ESP ®
assists the driver when
pulling away on wet or slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly. Driving safety systems
69
Safety Z

Engaging park position P in AMG
vehicles
X
When the vehicle is stationary, press P
button :.
Engaging reverse gear R !
Only shift the automatic transmission to
R when the vehicle is stationary.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up past the
first point of resistance.
Shifting to neutral N G
WARNING
When leaving the SmartKey in the starter
switch, do not leave children unattended in
the
vehicle. It is possible for children to switch
on the ignition which could result in
unsupervised use of vehicle equipment.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment could
result in an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
X When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down
to the first point of resistance.
If the engine has been switched off, the
automatic transmission automatically shifts
to N.
If the automatic transmission is to remain in
neutral N, e.g. for washing the vehicle in car washes with a towing device, please observe
the following instructions:
Using the SmartKey:
R
make

sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if the parking brake is engaged, release it.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Using KEYLESS-GO:
R make sure that the ignition is switched on.
R when the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal and keep it depressed.
R engage park position P.
R release the brake pedal.
R remove the Start/Stop button from the
ignition lock.
R insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
R switch on the ignition.
R depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if the parking brake is engaged, release it.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
When the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.
X Push the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance. Automatic transmission
163
Driving and parking Z

to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle
in front.
If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you,
the radar sensor system must be activated
(Y page 241) and operational.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between 20 mph
(Canada:
30 km/h) and120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of
you, it operates in the speed range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
the device in any non-approved way. Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Cruise control lever :
To store the current speed or a higher
speed
; To store the current speed or a lower
speed
= To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
? To store the current speed or calling up
the last stored speed
A To set the specified minimum distance
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
PLUS
is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or
by towing).
Activation conditions
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
R the parking brake must be released.
R ESP ®
must be active, but not intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the hood must be closed.188
Driving systems
Driving and parking

R
the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the parking brake is released.
R the hood is closed.
R the transmission is in position D, R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
Activating the HOLD function G
WARNING
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate

the HOLD function if the vehicle is
to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a
car wash or by towing).
X Make sure that the activation conditions
are met.
X Depress the brake pedal.
X Quickly depress the brake pedal further
until ë appears in the multifunction
display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
Deactivating the HOLD function G
WARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD
function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated
or

deactivated by a passenger or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
parking brake and must not be used for
parking. The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
R
the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you depress the brake pedal again with a
certain amount of pressure until ë
disappears from the multifunction display.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
When the HOLD function is activated, the
transmission is shifted automatically to
position P if:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off, unless it is
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.
R the hood is opened.
R a system malfunction occurs.
R the power supply is not sufficient.
i If the engine has been switched off, it
cannot be started again until the HOLD
function has been deactivated.
If there is a malfunction in the system or
power supply while the HOLD function is
activated, the Brake ImmediatelyBrake
Immediately message is shown in the Driving systems
197
Driving and parking Z

4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
G
WARNING
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
4MATIC cannot prevent accidents resulting
from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised.
This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip. PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver. G
WARNING
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
PARKTRONIC

is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift the transmission to position D, R or N
R release the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
Range of the sensors General notes
!
When

parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detect such objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damage the vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain. 202
Driving systems
Driving and parking

X
To initiate an emergency call
manually: press cover : briefly to open.
X Press SOS button ; briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button ;
flashes until the emergency call is
concluded.
X Wait for a voice connection to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center.
X After the emergency call, close cover :.
Roadside Assistance button X
Press Roadside Assistance button :.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer
Assistance Center. The indicator
lamp in Roadside Assistance button :
flashes while the call is active. The
Connecting Call message appears on
the multifunction display. The audio output
is muted.
If a connection can be made, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a cellular phone network is available and
there

is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
i The COMAND display shows that an
mbrace call is active. During the call, you
can change to the navigation menu by pressing the NAVI button on COMAND, for
example.
Voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.
From the vehicle remote malfunction
diagnosis, the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance

center can ascertain the nature of
the problem ( Y page 318).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes-
Benz technician or organizes for your vehicle
to be transported to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You may be charged
for services such as repair work and/or
towing. Further details are available in your
mbrace manual.
i The mbrace system failed to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call if:
R the indicator lamp for Roadside
Assistance call button : is flashing
continuously
R no voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established
This may be because the corresponding
mobile phone network is not available.
The Call Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
X To end a call:
press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
X Press the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on COMAND.314
Features
Stowage and features