sensor MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class WAGON 2013 W212 Owner's Guide

The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R
remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0.
Automatic headlamp mode G
WARNING
If the light switch is set to Ã
and it is foggy,
snowing or there is poor visibility, the low-
beam headlamps will not come on
automatically. This could endanger you and
others. In such situations turn the light switch
to L.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times. 1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
BR Rear fog lamp
CN Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps) Ã is the favored light switch setting. The
light setting is automatically selected
according to the brightness of the ambient
light

(exception: poor visibility due to weather
conditions such as fog, snow or spray):
R SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
R With the engine running: if you have
activated the daytime running lamps
function via the on-board computer, the
daytime running lamps or the low-beam
headlamps and parking lamps are switched
on or off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
X To switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to Ã.
Only for Canada:
The daytime running lamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. The
daytime

running lamps function is required by
law in Canada. It cannot therefore be
deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T, you turn on the daytime running
lamps and parking lamps.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
USA only:
The daytime running lamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. To do
this, the daytime running lamps function must
be switched on using the on-board computer
(Y page 239).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L, the manual settings Exterior lighting
121
Lights and windshield wipers Z

take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
i
In
the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
Low-beam headlamps G
WARNING
If the light switch is set to Ã
and it is foggy,
snowing or there is poor visibility, the low-
beam headlamps will not come on
automatically. This could endanger you and
others. In such situations turn the light switch
to L.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times. 1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
BR Rear fog lamp
CN Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps)
Even if the light sensor does not detect that
is dark, the parking lamps and low-beam
headlamps switch on when the SmartKey is
inserted into the ignition lock and the light
switch is set to the L position. This is a
particularly

useful function in the event of rain
and fog. X
To switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to L.
The green L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
Front fog lamps 1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
BR Rear fog lamp
CN Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps)
In conditions where visibility is poor due to
fog, snow or rain, the fog lamps improve
visibility as well as making it easier for other
road users to see you. They can be operated
together with the parking lamps or together
with the parking lamps and low-beam
headlamps.
X To switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the

SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to L or Ã.122
Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

X
Press the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switch off the front fog lamps: press
the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
fog lamps function.
Rear fog lamp 1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
BR Rear fog lamp
CN Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps)
The rear fog lamp improves visibility of your
vehicle for the traffic behind in the event of
heavy fog. Please take note of the country-
specific regulations for the use of rear fog
lamps.
X To switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to L or Ã.X
Press the R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Parking lamps
! If the battery has been excessively
discharged, the parking lamps or standing
lamps are automatically switched off to
enable the next engine start. Always park
your vehicle safely and sufficiently lit
according to legal standards. Avoid the
continuous use of the T parking lamps
for

several hours. If possible, switch on the
X right or the W left standing lamp. 1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
BR Rear fog lamp
CN Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps)
X To switch on: turn light switch to T. Exterior lighting
123
Lights and windshield wipers Z

Standing lamps
1W
Left-hand standing lamps
2X Right-hand standing lamps
3T Parking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting
4Ã Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
5L Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
BR Rear fog lamp
CN Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps)
Switching on the parking lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is
illuminated.
X To switch on the standing lamps: the
SmartKey is not in the ignition lock or it is
in position 0.
X Turn the light switch to W (left-hand side
of the vehicle) or X (right-hand side of
the vehicle). Combination switch
Turn signals :
High-beam headlamps
; Turn signal, right
= High-beam flasher
? Turn signal, left
X To indicate briefly: press
the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press
the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps :
High-beam headlamps
; Turn signal, right
= High-beam flasher
? Turn signal, left124
Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the
direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active: if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes. Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active:
when the lights are switched on. Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Important safety notes G
WARNING
The Adaptive Highbeam Assist is only an aid
intended to support you while driving. The
driver is and remains responsible for proper
vehicle lighting in accordance with the
prevailing light, sight and traffic conditions.
The system may be impaired or unavailable
when
R visibility

is poor, e.g. due to snow, rain, fog,
or heavy spray
R the optical sensor area of the windshield is
dirty, fogged up, or covered by a sticker for
example
The system cannot recognize the following
road users:
R Road users without a lighting system of
their own, e.g. pedestrians
R Road users with dim lighting of their own,
e.g. cyclists
R Road users whose lighting is obstructed,
e.g. road users behind a guardrail
R In some seldom cases, even road users with
a lighting system of their own may be
recognized too late or not at all.
The automatic high-beam headlamps will then
not be deactivated or it will be activated in
spite of preceding or oncoming road users.
This could endanger you and/or others and
cause an accident. Always pay close attention
to the traffic situation and switch off the high
beam manually if necessary. 126
Exterior lighting
Lights and windshield wipers

You can use this function to set the
headlamps
to change between low beam and
high beam automatically. The system
recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either
approaching from the opposite direction or
traveling in front of your vehicle, and
consequently switches the headlamps from
high beam to low beam.
The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel. Switching Adaptive Highbeam Assist
on/off :
High-beam headlamps
; Turn signal, right
= High-beam flasher
? Turn signal, left
X To activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist function using the on-
board computer ( Y page 239).
X Turn the light switch to Ã.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow : .
The _ indicator lamp in the
multifunction display lights up if it is dark
and

the light sensor activates the low-beam
headlamps.
If you drive at speeds above approximately
28 mph (45 km/h):
the headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and no
other road users have been detected:
the high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The K indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
If you drive at speeds below approximately
30 mph (45 km/h) or if other road users
are identified or if the roads are sufficiently
illuminated:
the high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The K indicator lamp in Exterior lighting
127
Lights and windshield wipers Z

!
Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch
the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operating the
windshield wipers.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
! Intermittent wiping with rain sensor: due
to optical influences and the windshield
becoming dirty in dry weather conditions,
the windshield wipers may be activated
inadvertently. This could then damage the
windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather. Combination switch
1
$ Windshield wipers off
2 Ä Intermittent wipe, low (rain sensor
set to low sensitivity)
3 Å
Intermittent wipe, high (rain sensor
set to high sensitivity)
4 ° Continuous wipe, slow 5
¯ Continuous wipe, fast
B í Single wipe/ î To wipe the
windshield using washer fluid
X Switch on the ignition.
X Turn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
In the Ä
or Å position, the appropriate
wiping frequency is set automatically
according to the intensity of the rain. In
the Å position, the rain sensor is more
sensitive than in the Ä position, causing
the windshield wipers to wipe more
frequently. Switching the rear window wiper on/
off
Combination switch
:
è Switch
2 ô To wipe with washer fluid
3 I To switch on intermittent wiping
4 0 To switch off intermittent wiping
5 ô To wipe with washer fluid
X Turn the SmartKey to position 1
or 2 in the
ignition lock.
X Turn switch : on the combination switch
to the corresponding position.
When

the rear window wiper is switched on,
the icon appears in the instrument cluster. Windshield wipers
133
Lights and windshield wipers Z

G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS requires familiarity with
its operational characteristics. We strongly
recommend that you review the following
information carefully before operating the
system. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS is a convenience
system. Its speed adjustment reduction
capability is intended to make cruise control
more
effective and usable when traffic speeds
vary. It is not however, intended to, nor does
it, replace the need for extreme care.
The responsibility for the vehicle's speed,
distance to the preceding vehicle and, most
importantly, brake operation to ensure a safe
stopping distance, always remains with the
driver.
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take street and
traffic conditions into account.
Complex driving situations are not always
fully recognized by the DISTRONIC PLUS. This
could result in wrong or missing distance
warnings. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS distance is not a substitute
for
the active intervention of the driver. It does
not detect pedestrians or stationary objects,
nor can it detect, recognize or predict the
road's course or the movements of vehicles
in front. DISTRONIC PLUS can only brake the
vehicle using 40% of the vehicle's maximum
available brake force.
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving in the lane beyond the lane
next to your vehicle, especially if the vehicles
are not driving on the middle of their lane.
The driver must always pay careful attention
to the road, weather and traffic conditions.
The driver must drive, steer and brake in a
manner which will allow him to always have
control of the vehicle. Sources of high-frequency radio waves, such
as toll stations, speed-measuring radar, etc.,
can cause DISTRONIC PLUS to fail
temporarily.
G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed. G
WARNING
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse

sight and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take weather
conditions into account. Switch off the
DISTRONIC PLUS or do not switch it on if:
R roads

are slippery or covered with snow or
ice. The wheels could lose traction while
braking or accelerating, and the vehicle
could skid.
R the DISTRONIC PLUS system sensor covers
are dirty or visibility is diminished due to
snow, rain or fog, for example. The distance
control system functionality could be
impaired.
Always pay attention to surrounding traffic
conditions even while the DISTRONIC PLUS is
switched on. Otherwise, you may not be able
to recognize dangerous situations until it is
too late. This could cause an accident in which
you and/or others could be injured. G
WARNING
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the 186
Driving systems
Driving and parking

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

or if the vehicle in front is no longer
detected.
R ESP ®
intervenes or you deactivate ESP ®
.
R the
transmission is in the P, R or N position.
R you switch off the radar sensor system
(Y page 241).
R you pull the cruise control lever towards
you in order to pull away and the front-
passenger door or one of the rear doors is
open.
R the vehicle has skidded.
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will
hear a warning tone. You will see the
DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the
multifunction display for approximately five
seconds.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the
speed
selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
R Your vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
R While in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC
PLUS could lose sight of the preceding
vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate
to the previously selected speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the
distance between your vehicle and those
directly ahead of it. It may not register
stationary objects in the road, e.g.:
R a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
R a disabled vehicle
R an oncoming vehicle The driver must always be alert, observe all
traffic

and intercede as required by means of
steering or braking the vehicle. G
WARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in
snowy or icy road conditions.
The

following contains descriptions of certain
road and traffic conditions in which you must
be particularly attentive. In such situations,
brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then
deactivated.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect
vehicles when cornering is limited. Your
vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.
Vehicles traveling on a different line
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles
traveling on a different line. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short. Driving systems
195
Driving and parking Z