four wheel drive MERCEDES-BENZ E350 4MATIC 2011 W212 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 294
12 V socket ........................................ 292
4ETS see ETS/4ETS
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 193
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 241
Function/notes ................................ 65
Warning lamp ................................. 265
Accident (notes) ................................ 323
Active Blind Spot Assist Display message ............................ 252
Function/information ....................209
Active Driving Assistance package . 208
Active Lane Keeping Assist Display message ............................ 251
Function/information ....................211
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 245
Active multicontour seat .................. 107
Active service system see Service interval display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 71
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 246
Switching on/off ........................... 121
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 230
AdBlue ®
Adding ........................................... 167
Display message ............................ 249
Air bags
Display message ............................ 239
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................43
Pelvis air bag ................................... 42
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................41
Window curtain air bag ....................43
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 138
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 140
Air filter (display message) .............. 249
Airflow Setting ........................................... 141
AIRMATIC
Function/notes ............................. 191
Suspension tuning .........................192
Vehicle level .................................. 191
AIRMATIC (display message) ............ 250
AIRMATIC (E 550 and E 550
4MATIC) .............................................. 191
Air nozzles see Air vents .................................. 144
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................143
Air vents ............................................. 144
Glove box ....................................... 144
Important safety information .........144
Rear ............................................... 145
Setting the center air vents ...........144
Setting the side air vents ...............144
Alarm system
see ATA
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
Ambient lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 230
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 221
AMG Ride Control sports
suspension (E 63 AMG) ..................... 192
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
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P
Paint code number ............................ 385
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 316
Panic alarm .......................................... 64
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing .............................. 97
Resetting ......................................... 98
Parking ............................................... 169
Parking aid Parking Guidance ........................... 197
PARKTRONIC ................................. 194
Rear view camera .......................... 200
Parking brake .................................... 170
Parking Guidance .............................. 197
Display message ............................ 252
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 245
Parking position Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 114
PARKTRONIC
Activating/deactivating .................196
Function/notes ............................. 194
Malfunction .................................... 197
Problem ......................................... 197
Range of the sensors .....................194
Warning display ............................. 195
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only Canada) ............................. 48
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only USA) ................................... 43
Pedals ................................................. 172
Permanent display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 230
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC
Plastic hooks ..................................... 280
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 319
Power washers .................................. 315
Power windows see Side windows
Pre-emptive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
system PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 228
Function/notes ................................ 71
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Display message ............................ 236
Warning lamp ................................. 270
PRE-SAFE ®
system
Display message ............................ 235
Operation ......................................... 51
Product information ............................ 20
Program selector ............................... 158
Program selector button .................. 158
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................151
R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ............. 190
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 222
Radar sensor system Display message ............................ 251
Radar sensor system (on-board
computer) .......................................... 232
Radiator cover ................................... 309
Radio Changing stations (on-board
computer) ...................................... 225
see separate operating instructions
Range (on-board computer) ............. 220
Rear axle level control ...................... 192
Rear compartment Setting the airflow .........................141
Setting the air vents ......................145
Setting the temperature ................140
Rear fog lamp (display message) ..... 244
Rear seat backrest Display message ............................ 259
Folding forwards/back ..................278
Rear seat backrest (display
message) ............................................ 259
Rear sill protector ............................. 286
Rear view camera Function/notes ............................. 200
Rear view camera (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 318
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Sport mode
The firmer suspension tuning in Sport mode
ensures even better contact with the road.
Select this mode when employing a sporty
driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
XPress button : once.
Indicator lamp ? lights up. Sport
suspension mode has been selected.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Sport + mode
The very firm setting of the suspension tuning
in Sport + mode ensures the best possible
contact with the road. Select this mode only
when driving on race circuits.
If indicator lamps = and ? are off:
XPress button : twice.
Both indicator lamps = and ? light up.
Sport + suspension mode has been
selected.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.
If indicator lamp ? lights up:
XPress button : once.
Second indicator lamp = lights up. Sport +
suspension mode has been selected.
The AMG Suspension System SPORT +
message appears in the multifunction
display.Comfort mode
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. highways.XPress button : repeatedly until indicator
lamps = and ? go out.
Comfort suspension mode has been
selected.
The AMG Suspension System COMFORT
message appears in the multifunction
display.
Storing and calling up settings
Once the suspension tuning and drive
program have been selected, you can store
and call up your settings using AMG
button ;.
XTo store: press AMG button ; until you
hear a tone.XTo call up: press AMG button ;.
The stored suspension tuning and drive
program are selected.XTo display: briefly press AMG button ;.
Your selection appears in the multifunction
display.
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.
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GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While 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 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires ( M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
GWarning!
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition.
R shift the transmission to position D, R or
N .
R release the parking brake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.:Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand
side (example)
Range of the sensors
The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush; otherwise they may not function
correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them
( Y page 317).
194Driving systemsDriving and parking
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Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsCheck
Tire Pressure SoonGRisk of accident
The tire pressure loss warning system has detected a significant
loss in pressure.
A warning tone also sounds.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XCheck the tires and, if necessary, change the wheel
( Y page 367).XCheck the tire pressures and, if necessary, set to the correct
tire pressure.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system when the tire
pressure is correct ( Y page 355).Check Tire Pressure
Then Restart Run
Flat IndicatorA display message from the tire pressure loss warning system was
shown and the system has not been restarted since.XSet the correct tire pressure in all four tires.XRestart the tire pressure loss warning system ( Y page 355).Run Flat Indicator
InoperativeThe tire pressure loss warning system is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire pressures
will be displayed
after driving a
few minutesThe tire pressure monitor is measuring the tire pressure.XDrive on.
The tire pressures appear in the multifunction display after you
have been driving for a few minutes.Tire Press. Monitor
InoperativeThe TPMS is faulty.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.Tire Pressure
Monitor
Inoperative No
Wheel SensorsThe wheels mounted do not have a suitable tire pressure sensor.
The tire pressure monitor is deactivated.XMount wheels with suitable tire pressure sensors.
The TPMS is activated automatically after driving for a few
minutes.Check
TiresGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
The wheel position is displayed in the multifunction display.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XCorrect the tire pressure ( Y page 357).XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 367).256Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
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Park your vehicle safely away from the
roadway and contact the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or roadside
assistance.
Have the damaged tire replaced.
XCorrect the tire inflation pressure if it is at
least 130 kPa (1.3 bar/26 psi) (for values
see Tire and Load Information placard on
the driver's side B-pillar or tire inflation
pressure table inside the fuel filler flap).
XTo increase the tire pressure: switch on
the electric air pump.
TIREFIT kit version 1
XTo reduce the tire pressure (version 1):
open pressure release screw F on
pressure gauge G.
TIREFIT kit version 2
XTo reduce the tire pressure (version 2):
press pressure release button E next to
pressure gauge F.
XStow the TIREFIT kit and the electric air
pump.
XDrive to the nearest workshop and have the
tire changed there.
XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
HEnvironmental note
Have the used TIREFIT kit disposed of
professionally, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XHave the TIREFIT kit replaced every four
years at a qualified specialist workshop,
e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
GWarning!
The wheel and tire size of the emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of
the damaged wheel. When using an
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the
handling characteristics of the vehicle may
change.
Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Never operate the vehicle with more than one
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel that
differs in size.
Only use an emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel of a differing size briefly and do not
switch off ESP®.
When using an emergency spare wheel, you
must not exceed a maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
GWarning!
Have the emergency spare wheel/spare
wheel replaced with a new wheel as soon as
possible at a qualified specialist workshop
which has the necessary specialist knowledge
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GWarning
If the Check Tire Pressure Soon message
appears in the multifunction display, one or
more tires are significantly underinflated.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the pressure specified on
the vehicle's Tire and Loading Information
placard or (where available) in the tire
pressure table.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Check all tires when cold, including the spare
tire, at least once a month. The tires should
be inflated to the recommended pressure.
This information can be found:
R on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the B-pillar on the driver's side
or
R in the table for the tire pressure on the
inside of the fuel filler flap
GWarning!
The tire pressure loss warning system does
not provide a warning for wrongly selected tire
inflation pressures. Always adjust tire
inflation pressure according to the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the driver's
door B-pillar or on the tire inflation pressure
label located on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The tire pressure loss warning system does
not replace regular checks of the tire inflation
pressures since a gradual pressure loss in
more than one tire cannot be detected by the
tire pressure loss warning system.
The tire pressure loss warning system is not
able to issue a warning due to a sudden
dramatic loss of tire inflation pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully
applying the brakes and avoiding abrupt
steering maneuvers.
The function of the tire pressure loss warning
system is limited or delayed if:
R snow chains are mounted on your vehicle.
R road conditions are wintry.
R you are driving on sand or gravel.
R you adopt a very sporty driving style
(cornering at high speeds or driving with
high rates of acceleration).
R you are driving with a heavy cargo (in the
vehicle or on the roof).
Restarting the tire pressure loss
warning system
Restart the tire pressure loss warning system
if you have:
R changed the tire pressure
R changed the wheels or tires
R mounted new wheels or tires
XBefore restarting, refer to the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the
B-pillar on the driver's side or the tire
pressure table on the inside of the fuel filler
flap to ensure the tire pressure in all four
tires is set correctly for the current
operating conditions.XObserve the notes in the section on tire
pressures ( Y page 352).GWarning
The tire pressure loss warning system can
only give reliable warnings if you have set the
correct tire pressure.
If an incorrect tire pressure is set, these
incorrect values will be monitored.
A tire with insufficient pressure results in
vehicle instability when driving, thus
increasing the risk of an accident.
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 2 ( Y page 149) in the ignition lock.XPress the = or ; button to select the
Service menu.356Tire pressuresTires and wheels
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XPress the 9 or : button to select
Tire Pressure .XPress the a button.
The Run Flat Indicator Active
Press 'OK' to Restart message
appears in the multifunction display.
If you wish to confirm the restart:
XPress the a button.
The Tire Pressure Now OK? message
appears in the multifunction display.XPress 9 or : to select Yes.XPress the a button.
The Run Flat Indicator Restarted
message appears in the multifunction
display.
After a teach-in period, the tire pressure
loss warning system will monitor the set
tire pressures of all four tires.
If you wish to cancel the restart:
XPress the % button.
or
XIf the message: Tire Pressure now OK?
appears, use 9 or : to select
Cancel .XPress the a button.
The tire pressure values stored at the last
restart will continue to be monitored.
Tire pressure monitoring system
Important safety notes
If a tire pressure monitor is installed, the
vehicle's wheels have sensors installed that
monitor the tire pressures in all four tires. The
tire pressure monitor warns you when the
pressure drops in one or more of the tires. The
tire pressure monitor only functions if the
correct wheel electronics units are installed
in all wheels.
The tire pressure monitor has a yellow
warning lamp in the instrument cluster for
indicating pressure loss/malfunctions (USA)
or pressure loss (Canada). Depending on how
the warning lamp flashes or lights up, a tire
pressure that is too low or a malfunction in
the tire pressure monitor is displayed:
R if the warning lamp is lit continuously, the
tire pressure on one or more tires is
significantly too low. The tire pressure
monitor is not malfunctioning.
R USA only: if the warning lamp flashes for
60 seconds and then remains lit constantly,
the tire pressure monitor is malfunctioning.GWarning
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked at least once a month
when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door B-
pillar or the tire inflation pressure label on the
inside of the fuel filler flap. If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
or the tire inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one or more of your
tires are significantly underinflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability. Please note that
the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if underinflation has not
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XPress the 9 or : button to select
Tire Pressure .XPress the a button.
The current tire pressure for each wheel will
be displayed in the multifunction display.
If the vehicle has been parked for longer than
20 minutes, the Tire pressures will be
displayed after driving a few
minutes message appears in the display.
After a teach-in period, the tire pressure
monitor automatically recognizes new wheels
or new sensors. As long as a clear allocation
of the tire pressure values to the individual
wheels is not possible, the Tire Pressure
Monitor Active message is shown instead
of the tire pressure display. The tire pressures
are already being monitored.
i If a spare wheel/emergency spare wheel
is mounted, the system may continue to
show the tire pressure of the wheel that has
been removed for a few minutes. If this
occurs, note that the value displayed for
the position where the spare wheel is
mounted is not the same as the spare
wheel/emergency spare wheel's current
tire pressure.
TPMS warning messages
If the tire pressure monitor detects a
significant pressure loss on one or more tires,
a warning message is shown in the
multifunction display. A warning tone also
sounds and the tire pressure warning lamp
lights up in the instrument cluster.
Each tire that is affected by a significant loss
of pressure is highlighted by a red rectangle.
If the Correct Tire Pressure message
appears in the multifunction display:
XCheck the tire pressure on all four wheels
and correct it if necessary.
i If the wheel positions on the vehicle are
interchanged, the tire pressures may be
displayed for the wrong positions for a
short time. This is rectified after a few
minutes of driving, and the tire pressures
are displayed for the correct positions.
Restarting the tire pressure monitorGWarning
It is the driver's responsibility to set the tire
inflation pressure to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure. Underinflated tires
affect the ability to steer or brake the vehicle.
You might lose control over the vehicle.
When you restart the tire pressure monitor,
all existing warning messages are deleted and
the warning lamps go out. The monitor uses
the currently set tire pressures as the
reference values for monitoring.
The TPMS must be restarted when you set the
tire pressure to a new value (as a result of
changed handling or load characteristics, for
example). The TPMS then monitors the new
tire pressure values.
i Canada only: in most cases, the tire
pressure monitor recognizes the new
reference values automatically. However,
you can also define reference values
manually as described here.
Restart the tire pressure monitor after you
have set the tire pressure to the value
recommended for the desired driving
situation ( Y page 352). Only correct tire
pressures on cold tires. Comply with the
recommended tire pressures on the Tire and
Loading Information placard on the B-pillar on
the driver's side Additional tire pressure
values for driving at high speeds or with heavy
loads can be found in the Tire Pressure table
on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
XMake sure that the tire pressure is correct
on all four wheels.XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XPress the = or ; button to select the
Serv. menu.XPress the 9 or : button to select
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Where applicable, the tire grading
information can be found on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and maximum
tire width.
For example:Tread wearTractionTemperature200AAA
All passenger car tires must conform to the
statutory safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
U.S. government test track. For example, a
tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
times as well on the government test track as
a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate conditions.
Traction
GWarning
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
GWarning
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will
be substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with
extreme caution.
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on dry road
surfaces.
You should pay special attention to road
conditions when temperatures are around
the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum tire
tread depth of 1/6 in (4 mm) for all four winter
tires ( Y page 175) to maintain normal driving
characteristics in winter. Winter tires can
reduce the braking distance on snow covered
surfaces in comparison to summer tires. The
braking distance is still much further than on
surfaces that are not icy or covered with
snow. Take appropriate care when driving.
! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage
to the drive train.
Temperature
GWarning
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C. These represent the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life.
Furthermore, excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds
to a level of performance that all passenger
366Uniform Tire Quality Grading StandardsTires and wheels
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