tow MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class WAGON 2012 W212 Owner's Manual

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 22At a glance ........................................... 27Safety ................................................... 37Opening/closing ................................. 73Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....97Lights and windshield wipers ..........113Climate control ................................. 129Driving and parking ..........................143On-board computer and displays ....213Stowing and features .......................273Maintenance and care ......................307Breakdown assistance .....................321Wheels and tires ............................... 345Technical data ................................... 379
Contents3

ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)Activating/deactivating ...................72
Function ........................................... 72
Switching off the alarm ....................72
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................225
Display message ............................ 249
Function/notes ............................. 199
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 221
Audio system see separate operating instructions
Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 245
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 149
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 149
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 116
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............157
Changing gear ............................... 155
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................153
Display message ............................ 257
Driving tips .................................... 155
Emergency running mode ..............160
Kickdown ....................................... 156
Manual drive program ....................158
Problem (malfunction) ...................160
Program selector button ................156
Pulling away ................................... 147
Selector lever ................................ 152
Shift ranges ................................... 157
Starting the engine ........................147
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......157
Transmission position display ........153
Transmission positions ..................155
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 160
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Bag hook ............................................ 282
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 64
Basic settings
see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 64
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 78
Important safety notes ....................78
Replacing ......................................... 78
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 337
Display message ............................ 247
Important safety notes ..................335
Jump starting ................................. 338
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................225
Notes/function .............................. 203
see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC (DEF) .................................... 387
Bottle holder ...................................... 290
Brake Assist System see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 237
Notes ............................................. 388
Brake fluid level ................................ 312
Brake lamps Display message ............................ 243
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 64
BAS .................................................. 64
BAS PLUS ........................................ 64
Brake fluid (notes) .........................388
Display message ............................ 235
Driving tips .................................... 171
High-performance brake system ....173
Important safety notes ..................171
Maintenance .................................. 172
Parking brake ................................ 169
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs Index5

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

SocketsCenter console .............................. 294
Luggage compartment ...................295
Points to observe before use .........294
Rear compartment .........................294
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 373
Storage location ............................ 324
Stowing .......................................... 325
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 25
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 219
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 215
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 226
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 67
Warning lamp ................................. 265
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 238
Introduction ..................................... 38
Warning lamp ................................. 266
Warning lamp (function) ................... 38
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 123
Display message ............................ 244
Switching on/off ........................... 114
Starting (engine) ................................ 146
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 259
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................107
Button overview ............................... 31
Buttons (on-board
computer) ...................................... 215
Important safety notes ..................107
Paddle shifters ............................... 157
Steering wheel heating ..................107
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 111Steering wheel (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 319
Steering wheel heating Problem (malfunction) ...................107
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 157
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 231
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 275
Cup holders ................................... 289
Eyeglasses compartment ...............275
Glove box ....................................... 274
Important safety information .........274
Parcel net ...................................... 277
Rear ............................................... 276
Stowage space
Center console .............................. 275
Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 286
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 348
Sun visor ............................................ 290
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 227
Suspension tuning AIRMATIC ...................................... 190
AMG adaptive sport suspension
system ........................................... 191
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........230
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 139
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 72
T
Tachometer ........................................ 215
Tailgate Display message ............................ 258
Emergency unlocking .......................89
Important safety notes ....................84
Limiting the opening angle ...............88
Opening/closing .............................. 85
Index17

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

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

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe through our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
24Introduction

Center console, lower sectionFunctionPageGStowage compartment274Ashtray292Cigarette lighter293Cup holder289He Sets the suspension
tuning
190
FunctionPageIÉ Sets the vehicle level189JStowage compartment274KÛ Selects the drive
program
156
LAudio/COMAND controllerCenter console33At a glance

Center console, lower section - AMG vehiclesFunctionPageGAshtray292Cigarette lighter293HEngages parking position P168ISelector lever152JCup holder289KStowage compartment274LAudio/COMAND controllerFunctionPageMß Calls up/saves the
suspension tuning
191
Nà Sets the suspension
tuning
191
Oå ESP®67PDrive program selector15634Center consoleAt a glance

XTo raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various
positions.XTo lower: press and hold belt sash guide
release :.XSlide the belt sash guide downwards.XRelease belt sash guide release : and
make sure that the belt sash guide has
engaged.
Using the rear center seat belt
If the left-hand rear seat backrest is folded
down and back up again, the rear center seat
belt may lock. The seat belt can then not be
pulled out.
XTo release the rear center seat belt: pull
out the seat belt by the belt outlet on the
backrest approximately 1 in (25 mm) and
release it again.
The seat belt is retracted and released.
Releasing seat belts
XPress release button ?(Y page 53) and
guide belt tongue ; back towards belt
sash guide :.
!
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver and front
passenger have fastened their seat belts
already, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
lights up for 6 seconds after every engine
start. It then goes out if the driver and the
front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. The warning tone goes out
after approximately six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
If the driver or front passenger have not
fastened their seat belt after 6 seconds and
the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt
warning lamp lights up.
R until the driver or the front passenger have
fastened their seat belts
R if a vehicle speed of 15 mph(25 km/h) is
exceeded once, a warning tone with
increasing intensity sounds additionally for
a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver
or front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
If the driver or front passenger undo their seat
belts during the journey, the 7 seat belt
warning lamp lights up and the warning tone
sounds again.
The warning tone ceases even if the driver or
front passenger have still not fastened their
seat belt after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt
warning lamp stops flashing but continues to
be lit.
Once the vehicle is stationary, the warning
tone is reactivated and the 7 seat belt
warning lamp starts to flash again if the
vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph(25 km/h)
once.
The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes
out if:
R both the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
or
R the vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
i For more information on the 7 seat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
seat belt" ( Y page 261).Occupant safety55SafetyZ