tires MERCEDES-BENZ E WAGON 2005 S211 Owner's Manual

ContentsDriving systems ................................. 228
Cruise control............................... 228
Distronic*..................................... 232
Airmatic DC (Dual Control)* ......... 244
Loading .............................................. 247
Split rear bench seat .................... 247
Expanding the cargo
compartment................................ 249
Loading instructions ..................... 250
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 251
Cargo management system*
(Canada only) ............................... 252
Storage box in cargo
compartment (Canada only) ......... 255
Twin roller blind ............................ 256
Useful features .................................. 259
Storage compartments................. 259
Cup holders .................................. 262
Ashtrays ....................................... 265
Cigarette lighter ........................... 266
12-V socket* ................................ 266
Heated steering wheel* ............... 267
Floormats ..................................... 268
Telephone*................................... 268
Tele Aid* ...................................... 269
Garage door opener ..................... 277
Operation......................................... 283
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 284
Driving instructions............................ 285
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 285
Drinking and driving ..................... 285
Pedals .......................................... 285
Power assistance ......................... 286
Brakes .......................................... 286
Driving off .................................... 288
Parking ......................................... 288
Tires ............................................. 288
Hydroplaning ................................ 289
Tire traction.................................. 290
Tire speed rating .......................... 290
Winter driving instructions ........... 291
Standing water ............................. 292
Passenger compartment .............. 293
Driving abroad.............................. 293
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 293
Catalytic converter ....................... 294
Emission control .......................... 294
Coolant temperature .................... 295At the gas station .............................. 296
Refueling ...................................... 296
Check regularly and before a
long trip ....................................... 297
Engine compartment ......................... 299
Hood ............................................ 299
Engine oil ..................................... 300
Transmission fluid level ................ 303
Coolant level ................................ 303
Battery ......................................... 305
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 306
Tires and wheels................................ 307
Important guidelines .................... 307
Tire care and maintenance........... 308
Direction of rotation..................... 310
Loading the vehicle ...................... 310
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 316
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 318
Tire labeling ................................. 323
Load identification ....................... 327
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 327
Maximum tire load ....................... 329
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 329

Contents
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 330
Tire ply material ........................... 332
Tire and loading terminology ........ 332
Rotating tires ............................... 335
Winter driving .................................... 337
Winter tires .................................. 337
Block heater* (Canada only) ........ 338
Snow chains................................. 338
Maintenance...................................... 339
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator........................... 340
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 340
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator........................... 341
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator........................... 341
Setting the date for special
works ........................................... 342
Calling up the maintenance
service data information .............. 343
Vehicle care ....................................... 344
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 344
Practical hints.................................. 351
What to do if … ................................... 352
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 352
Lamp in center console................. 360
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display..................... 362
Where will I find ...? ............................ 401
First aid kit.................................... 401
Vehicle tool kit, jack and
spare wheel .................................. 401
Unlocking / locking in an emergency .. 404
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 404
Locking the vehicle ....................... 405
Fuel filler flap emergency release . 405
Manually unlocking the
gear selector lever ........................ 405
Opening / closing in an emergency ..... 407
Tilt / sliding sunroof*..................... 407
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 408
SmartKey ...................................... 408
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ....... 409
Replacing bulbs .................................. 410
Bulbs ............................................. 410
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 413
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 415Replacing wiper blades ...................... 416
Removing wiper blades ................. 416
Installing wiper blades .................. 417
Flat tire............................................... 418
Preparing the vehicle .................... 418
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 419
Batteries............................................. 424
Disconnecting the battery ............ 426
Removing the battery ................... 426
Charging and reinstalling the
battery .......................................... 427
Reconnecting the battery ............. 427
Jump starting...................................... 428
Towing the vehicle.............................. 430
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 433
Fuses.................................................. 434
Aids for replacing fuses ................ 434
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 435
Fuse box in cargo compartment ... 435

ContentsTechnical data.................................. 437
Parts service ...................................... 438
Warranty coverage ............................. 439
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet...................... 439
Identification labels............................ 440
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 441
E 320 / E 500 ............................... 441
Engine ................................................ 442
Rims and tires .................................... 443
Same size tires ............................. 444
Mixed size tires ............................ 445
Minispare wheel ........................... 446
Electrical system................................ 447
Main dimensions................................ 448
Weights .............................................. 449Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .......... 450
Capacities .................................... 450
Engine oils.................................... 453
Engine oil additives ...................... 453
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 453
Brake fluid .................................... 453
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 454
Gasoline additives ........................ 454
Fuel requirements ........................ 455
Coolants....................................... 455
Windshield and headlamp washer
system ......................................... 458
Technical terms............................... 459Index................................................. 465

16 IntroductionOperating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual


the “Technical data” section in this
manual


traffic rules and regulations


motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
Warning!
G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are in-
terconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other sys-
tems. Electronic malfunctions could seri-
ously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
See your 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 while the
engine is running. You should therefore nev-
er turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!
G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires / wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage to and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden strong vibration or ride disturbance,
or you suspect that damage to your vehicle
has occurred, you should turn on your haz-
ard warning flashers, carefully slow down,
and 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 ve-
hicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or other qualified maintenance or repair fa-
cility for further inspection or repairs.
Warning!
G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself. Re-
moval of any of these labels may cause you
and others to be unaware of certain risks
which may result in an accident and/or per-
sonal injury.

87 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)


SBC (S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)


4MATIC (Four Wheel Electronic
Traction System)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) indepen-
dent of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on when you switch on the
ignition. It goes out when the engine is run-
ning.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the BAS, the
ESP, SBC and 4MATIC is only achieved
with winter tires (M + S tires), or snow
chains as required.Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of ac-
cidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP, SBC and 4MATIC cannot
reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

88 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsBraking
If the ABS activates during braking, the
ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the instru-
ment cluster dial flashes. Because of the
SBC brake system, you will not feel any
pulsation in the brake pedal.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
The ABS/ESP warning lamp v flashes
whenever the ABS is activated which can
be an indication of hazardous road condi-
tions and functions as a reminder to take
extra care while driving.Emergency brake maneuver

Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 353).
Warning!
G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS
and the ESP are also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the brak-
ing distance.
Warning!
G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af-
forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeop-
ardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.

89 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
BAS
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the
brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically
provides full brake boost, thereby poten-
tially reducing the braking distance.
Apply continuous full braking pressure
until the emergency braking situation is
over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
locking.
When you release the brake pedal, the
brakes function again as normal. The BAS
is then deactivated.
ESP
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is
operational as soon as the engine is run-
ning and monitors the vehicle's traction
(force of adhesive friction between the
tires and the road surface) and handling.
The ESP recognizes when a wheel is spin-
ning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By ap-
plying brakes to the appropriate wheel and
by limiting engine output, the ESP works to
stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is especially
useful while driving off and on wet or slip-
pery road surfaces. The ESP also stabilizes
the vehicle during braking maneuvers.
The ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the in-
strument cluster flashes when the ESP is
engaged.
The ABS/ESP warning lamp v in the
instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Warning!
G
If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys-
tem is still functioning normally, but without
the additional brake boost available that
BAS would normally provide in an emergen-
cy braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking
distance may increase.
Warning!
G
The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking efficiency beyond that
afforded by the condition of the vehicle
brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, following another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The ca-
pabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er’s safety or the safety of others.

283 Operation
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

285 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the
Maintenance Booklet and as required
by the Maintenance System. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go
traffic, on short trips and in hilly area.
Drinking and driving
Pedals
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and / or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgement.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.

288 OperationDriving instructionsDriving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a drive wheel to spin for an ex-
tended period with the ESP switched off.
Doing so may cause serious damage to the
drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Parking
Tires
!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
!Set the parking brake whenever park-
ing or leaving the vehicle. In addition,
move gear selector lever to position P.
When parking on hills, always set the
parking brake and turn front wheel
against road curb.Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.


Firmly depress parking brake pedal.


Move the selector lever to positionP.


Slowly release brake pedal.


When parked on an incline, turn front
wheel towards the road curb.


Turn the SmartKey to starter switch
position0 and remove, or press
KEYLESS-GO* start/stop button (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*).


Take the SmartKey or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* with you and lock vehicle
when leaving.
Warning!
G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
ti o n t o an a r ea wh ic h is a s a fe d is ta n c e fr o m
the road.