brakes MERCEDES-BENZ E350 4MATIC 2011 W212 Owner's Manual

Ashtray ............................................... 291
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 227
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................74
Function ........................................... 74
Switching off the alarm ....................74
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Display message ............................ 250
Function/notes ............................. 201
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 225
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 314
Automatic lane recognition
system see Lane Keeping Assist ................229
Automatic transmission
DIRECT SELECT lever .....................155
Display message ............................ 258
Driving tips .................................... 157
Emergency running mode ..............162
Kickdown ....................................... 158
Malfunction .................................... 162
Program selector button ................158
Pulling away ................................... 151
Selector lever ................................ 154
Starting .......................................... 151
B
Backrest (display message) ............. 259
Bag hook ............................................ 281
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 66
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
Plus*) .................................................... 66
Battery Charging ........................................ 340
Checking (SmartKey) .......................80
Display message ............................ 248
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 80
Jump-starting ................................. 341
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................80
Safety notes .................................. 338
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Display message ............................ 252
Function/notes ............................. 205
BlueTEC
AdBlue ®
......................................... 390
Adding AdBlue ®
............................. 167
Bottle holder ...................................... 289
Brake fluid Notes ............................................. 392
Brake fluid level ................................ 312
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 244
Brakes ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 66
BAS PLUS ........................................ 66
Brake fluid (notes) .........................392
Display message ............................ 242
High-performance brake system ....174
Important safety notes ..................173
Maintenance .................................. 174
Parking brake ................................ 170
Warning lamp ................................. 263
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulb
Infrared light .................................. 127
Bulbs
High-beam headlamps ...................126
Low-beam headlamps ....................126
Overview ........................................ 125
Parking lamps ................................ 126
Standing lamps (front) ...................126
Turn signals (front) ......................... 127
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........23
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
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Switching the residual heat
function on/off .............................. 143
Switching the ZONE function on/
off .................................................. 141
Coat hooks ......................................... 283
Cockpit ................................................. 27
Collapsible spare wheel Inflating ......................................... 335
see Emergency spare wheel
Combination switch .......................... 120
Combined cargo cover and net ........ 282
Compass ............................................ 303
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 220
Convenience closing feature .............. 93
Convenience opening feature ............ 93
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................311
Display message ............................ 246
Notes ............................................. 392
Temperature (on-board computer) . 221
Temperature gauge ........................ 216
Warning lamp ................................. 269
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light (display message) ... 243
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 124
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................178
Display message ............................ 255
Function/notes ............................. 177
Cup holder ......................................... 288
Center console .............................. 288
Rear compartment .........................288
Current fuel consumption (on-
board computer) ............................... 220
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ............................................... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 245
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 230
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 231
Interior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 231
Diesel particle filter .......................... 173
Digital speedometer ......................... 220
DIRECT SELECT lever see Automatic transmission
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 318
Display messages Brakes ........................................... 241
Calling up (on-board computer) .....234
Clearing (on-board computer) ........234
Driving systems ............................. 250
Engine ............................................ 246
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 260
Lamps ............................................ 243
Safety systems .............................. 235
Service interval display ..................313
SmartKey ....................................... 260
Tires ............................................... 255
Vehicle ........................................... 258
Distance recorder ............................. 220
Distance warning lamp ..................... 270
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 186
Display message ............................ 254
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 185
Driving tips .................................... 187
Function/notes ............................. 179
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 185
Warning lamp ................................. 270
Door
Automatic locking ............................ 85
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 231
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TrunkAutomatic opening ..................... 88, 89
Emergency release ....................90, 91
Locking separately ...........................90
Trunk/tailgate
Important safety guidelines .............86
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 259
Turn signal (display message) ......... 243
Turn signals ....................................... 120
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................85
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 84
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 290
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 24
Emergency unlocking ................. 85, 86
Equipment ....................................... 20
Exterior view .................................... 26
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 229
Loading .......................................... 360
Lowering ........................................ 337
Maintenance .................................... 21
Parking up ..................................... 171
Raising ........................................... 333
Reporting problems .........................23
Towing away .................................. 343
Tow-starting ................................... 343
Transporting .................................. 345
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 385
Vehicle level ...................................... 191
Vehicle level (display message) ....... 250
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 324
Video (DVD) ........................................ 226
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 226
VIN ...................................................... 385
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 265
Brakes ........................................... 263
Check Engine ................................. 268
Coolant .......................................... 269
ESP ®
.............................................. 265
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 266
Fuel tank ........................................ 268
Overview .......................................... 29
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................43
Reserve fuel ................................... 268
Seat belt ........................................ 264
SPORT handling mode ...................266
SRS ................................................ 267
Tire pressure monitor ....................271
Warranty ............................................ 384
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 337
Wheel chock ...................................... 332
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................367
Changing a wheel .......................... 331
Checking ........................................ 351
Cleaning ......................................... 315
Guidelines to be observed .............351
Mounting a wheel .......................... 335
Removing a wheel ..........................334
Tightening torque ........................... 337
Wheel size/tire size .......................374
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 237
Operation ......................................... 43
Windows
see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 316
Windshield Defrosting ...................................... 141
Windshield washer fluid (display
message) ............................................ 260
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Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:Diesel engine: preglow151;Fog lamp120=Rear fog lamp120?Turn signal120AESP®265BDistance warning lamp270CTurn signal120DSeat belt264ESRS267FEngine diagnostics268GBrakes (Canada only)263FunctionPageHTire pressure monitor271ICoolant269JBrakes (USA only)263KABS265LHigh beam120MLow beam119NSPORT handling mode in
AMG vehicles
266
OReserve fuel268PESP ®
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This device complies with the RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS ( Brake Assist System Plus*)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake-power Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS)
Important safety notes
GWarning
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 65).
GWarning
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
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The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 65).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWarning
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 65).
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you
when braking in hazardous situations and
uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the
traffic conditions.
GWarning!
BAS PLUS is a convenience system designed
to assist the driver during vehicle operation.
The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including
most importantly brake operation to assure
safe stopping distance, always remains with
the driver.
Always pay attention to traffic conditions
even while BAS PLUS is switched on.
Otherwise, you may not be able to recognize
dangerous situations until it is too late and
could cause an accident. Personal or fatal
injury to you or others may be the result.
i This equipment has been approved by the
FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor system 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 the device in any
way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
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BAS PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time. Should you approach a detected
obstacle quickly, BAS PLUS calculates the
braking force necessary to avoid a rear-end
collision. Should you additionally apply the
brakes, BAS PLUS will automatically increase
the braking force to a level suitable for the
traffic conditions.
If BAS PLUS demands particularly high
braking force, PRE-SAFE ®
is activated
simultaneously.XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again when:
R you release the brake pedal
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example, stopped or
parked vehicles.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational. You can check this by activating
DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 179) or via the
"radar sensor" function in the on-board
computer( Y page 232).
GWarning!
BAS PLUS will only respond with brake
assistance if it has clearly detected an object.
Detection can be impeded by
R dirty or covered sensors
R snowfall or heavy rain
R disturbance from other radar sources
R strong radar reflection such as in parking
garages
BAS PLUS uses radar signals that are not
reflected well by narrow objects and
absorptive materials. For this reason BAS
PLUS will not react to persons, animals, and
approaching traffic or cross-traffic.
BAS PLUS may not detect narrow vehicles
driving in front of you, such as motorcycles
and vehicles driving offset from your vehicle
center.
Following a collision or accident-related
damage to the front end of the vehicle, have
the configuration and operation of the radar
sensors checked at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
If BAS PLUS is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full
brake boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 65).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ä warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
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GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp ä flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front/
rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 65).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles)GWarning!
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP when a spare wheel
is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
GWarning!
Switch on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the ESP will not stabilize
the vehicle when it is starting to skid or a
wheel is spinning.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ä warning lamp in the
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motorcycles and vehicles driving offset from
your vehicle center.GWarning
Depending on the vehicle speed, PRE-SAFE ®
Brake brakes your vehicle with a maximum of
13 ft/s 2
(4 m/s 2
) before a possible hard stop.
This corresponds to about 40 % of the
maximum deceleration ability of your vehicle.
The driver must apply the brakes additionally
in order to prevent a collision. The self-acting
hard stop will be initiated when the imminent
danger of a collision exists, e.g. when an
evasive maneuver cannot avoid an accident.
In order to maintain the appropriate distance
to the vehicle in front and thus prevent a
collision, you must apply the brakes yourself.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), PRE-SAFE ®
Brake can
also detect stationary obstacles, for example
stopped or parked vehicles.
GWarning!
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals, the PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may
R not have recognized the collision risk
R have been deactivated
R be malfunctioning
Apply the brakes yourself to avoid a collision.
XTo activate: activate PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in
the on-board computer ( Y page 228).
The Ä symbol appears in the lower
multifunction display, as long as the HOLD
function is not activated ( Y page 188).
On vehicles with parking guidance, the P
gear must be engaged for the icon to be
displayed.
For PRE-SAFE ®
Brake to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be
switched on and operational.
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake does not always detect
complex traffic situations properly. You can
terminate the braking action of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake in a non-critical driving situation at any
time if:
R an acoustic and visual warning occurs
R the vehicle brakes
To end this, you can either depress the
accelerator pedal further, activate kickdown
or release the brake pedal.
The braking action of PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is
ended automatically if:
R you maneuver to avoid the obstacle
R you drive slower than approximately
9 mph (15 km/h)
R there is no longer an obstacle detected in
front of your vehicle
R there is no longer any danger of a collision
Following a collision or accident-related
damage to the front end of the vehicle, have
the configuration and operation of the radar
sensors checked. Choose a qualified
specialist workshop for this which has the
necessary specialist knowledge and tools for
the work required. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose.
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. The
engine can be started by anyone with a valid
key that is left inside the vehicle.
XTo activate with the SmartKey: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XTo activate with KEYLESS-GO: switch the
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Rdepress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed.
R shift to neutral N.
R release the brake pedal.
R if applied, release the parking brake.
R switch off the ignition and leave the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
Shifting to transmission position DXWhen the vehicle is stationary, depress the
brake pedal.XPush the DIRECT SELECT lever down past
the first point of resistance.
Transmission positions
BPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P unless the vehicle is
stationary. The parking lock should
not be used as a brake when
parking. In addition to engaging the
parking lock, you must always
apply the parking brake to secure
the vehicle.
The SmartKey can only be removed
if the transmission is in position P.
If the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock, the selector lever
is locked.
In the event of a fault in the vehicle
electronics, the transmission can
be locked in position P.
Have the vehicle electronics
checked immediately at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.CReverse
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Driving in neutral N can
damage the drive train.7Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Gearshifting
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program
E/S or M (AMG vehicles) ( Y page 158)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Driving tips
AMG vehicles
When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch
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