maintenance 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

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

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

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
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. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
22Introduction

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

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

Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the service booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R alterations, installation work and
modifications
R work on electronic components
Proper use
GWARNING
There are various warning stickers affixed to
your vehicle. Their purpose is to alert you and
others to various dangers. Therefore, do not
remove any warning stickers unless the
sticker clearly states that you may do so.
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail to recognize certain dangers
and be injured.
The proper use of the vehicle requires that
you familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or
contact us at one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting malfunctions relevant to
safety
For the USA only:
The following text is reproduced as required
of all manufacturers according to Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Introduction25Z

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

Adding DEFGWARNING
Make sure
R DEF does not come into contact with skin,
eyes, or clothing
R to keep DEF out of the reach of children
If you and/or others have come into contact
with DEF:
R If DEF has gotten into contact with eyes,
flush with plenty of water immediately and
seek medical help.
R Clean affected skin immediately with plenty
of water.
R If DEF was swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Consult a physician.
GWARNING
If you open the DEF tank cap at high
temperatures, ammonia vapors can be
released.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to:
R skin
R mucous membranes
R eyes
You may experience a burning sensation in
your eyes, nose and throat, as well as
coughing and watering of the eyes.
Do not inhale any ammonia vapors that may
be released. Only refill the DEF tank in well
ventilated areas.
! Only use DEF that complies with
ISO 22241. Do not add any special
additives to DEF and do not thin DEF with
water. This could destroy the BlueTEC
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
If the outside temperature is lower than
Ò 11 †, damage may occur when topping up.
If DEF is frozen and there is an active warning
indicator, topping up may not be possible.
Park the vehicle in a warmer place, e.g. in a
garage, until DEF has become fluid again.
Filling is then possible again. Alternatively,
have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified
specialist workshop.
! Rinse surfaces that have come into
contact with DEF immediately with water or
remove DEF using a damp cloth and cold
water. If the DEF has already crystallized,
use a sponge and cold water to clean it. DEF
residues crystallize after time and
contaminate the affected surfaces.
! DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to
the fuel tank, this can lead to engine
damage.
i If you are adding between maintenance
intervals, add approximately 1 gallon (3.8 l)
of DEF to the DEF tank. One gallon (3.8 l)
of DEF is approximately 2 DEF refill bottles.
Then, have the DEF supply checked and
filled completely if necessary. For this
purpose, Mercedes-Benz recommends a
qualified specialist workshop.
Further information on DEF ( Y page 387).
The DEF filler neck is under the trunk floor.XSwitch off the ignition.XOpen the trunk.XLift up the trunk floor ( Y page 286).XTurn DEF cap : counter-clockwise and
remove it.166RefuelingDriving and parking