Airmatic MERCEDES-BENZ E500 2004 W211 Owner's Manual

ContentsPanorama sliding / pop-up roof* ........ 205
Opening and closing the
roller sunblinds............................. 205
Opening and closing the
panorama sliding / pop-up roof..... 206
Synchronizing the panorama
sliding / pop-up roof ..................... 209
Solar panel* ................................. 210
Driving systems ................................. 211
Cruise control............................... 211
Distronic*..................................... 214
Airmatic DC (Dual Control)* ......... 226
Parktronic system*
(Parking assist) ............................. 229Loading .............................................. 233
Roof rack*.................................... 233
Ski sack* ..................................... 233
Split rear bench seat* .................. 236
Expanding the cargo area*........... 239
Loading instructions..................... 240
Cargo tie-down rings* .................. 241
Useful features .................................. 242
Interior storage spaces ................ 242
Ashtrays ....................................... 246
Cigarette lighter ........................... 247
12-V socket* ................................ 248
Heated steering wheel* ............... 248
Telephone* .................................. 249
Tele Aid* ...................................... 250
Garage door opener ..................... 258
Operation......................................... 265
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 266
Driving instructions ........................... 267
Drive sensibly – save fuel............. 267
Drinking and driving ..................... 267
Pedals .......................................... 267
Power assistance ......................... 268
Brakes.......................................... 268
Driving off .................................... 270
Parking......................................... 270
Tires ............................................. 270
Hydroplaning................................ 271
Tire traction ................................. 272
Tire speed rating .......................... 272
Winter driving instructions ........... 273
Standing water............................. 274
Passenger compartment .............. 274
Driving abroad ............................. 274
Control and operation of
radio transmitter .......................... 275
Catalytic converter....................... 275
Emission control .......................... 276
Coolant temperature.................... 277

211 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Driving systems
The following driving systems are ex-
plained on the following pages:

Cruise control and Distronic*, with
which the vehicle can maintain a preset
speed


Airmatic* adjusts the vehicle suspen-
sion characteristics automatically and
controls the vehicle level


Parktronic system*, which assists the
driver during parking maneuvers
The BAS, ABS, ESP and SBC are described
in the “Safety and Security” section
(
page 74).
Cruise control
The cruise control automatically maintains
the speed you set for your vehicle.
Use of cruise control is recommended for
driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time. You can set any speed
over 20 mph (30 km / h).
The cruise control function is operated by
means of the cruise control lever.
The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever found on the left-hand side of the
steering column (
page 20).
Warning!
G
Cruise control is a convenience system de-
signed to assist the driver during vehicle op-
eration. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use cruise control if the road, traffic
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a steady speed.

The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a steady speed.


The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in
tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.


Deactivate cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be oper-
ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ-
ously set speed and wishes to resume this
particular preset speed.

226 Controls in detailDriving systemsAirmatic DC (Dual Control)*
Airmatic automatically selects the opti-
mum suspension tuning and ride height for
your vehicle. The Airmatic consists of two
components:

Adaptive Damping System (ADS)


Vehicle level control
The ADS automatically selects the opti-
mum damping for the respective driving
conditions. At the same time the suspen-
sion is set to either sporty or comfort.
Suspension tuning
The suspension tuning is set according to:


Your driving style


Road surface conditions


Your choice of suspension style,
“sporty I”, “sporty II” or “comfortable”,
which you select using the damping
button.The following suspension styles are
available:


Comfortable
Both indicator lamps2 are off.


Sporty I
One indicator lamp2 is on.


Sporty II
Both indicator lamps2 are on.
1Damping button
2Indicator lamps

Start the engine.

Press the damping button1 until the
desired suspension style is set.iThe selected suspension style is stored
in memory, even after the SmartKey is
removed from the starter switch.iIn the sporty suspension style the vehi-
cle is lowered up to 0.6 in (15 mm).

296 OperationWinter drivingBlock heater* (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heat-
er.
The electrical cable may be installed at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations.


Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer's mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to advise you on this subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
!When driving with snow chains, always
select the raised level of the level con-
trol system Airmatic* (
page 227).
Other settings may result in damage to
your vehicle.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(page 78) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the vehi-
cle’s traction.
!Even on vehicles with all-wheel-drive,
use snow chains on rear tires only.
Use of snow chains is not permissible
with the Minispare wheel and with tires
of size 245/40 ZR 18 or 265/35 ZR18
(page 394).

398 Technical dataMain dimensions
Main dimensionsModel
E320/E3204MATIC
E 500 / E 500 4MATIC
E55AMG
Overall vehicle length
190.3 in (4833 mm)
190.3 in (4833 mm)
190.9 in (4849 mm)
Overall vehicle width
71.7 in (1822 mm)
71.7 in (1822 mm)
71.7 in (1822 mm)
Overall vehicle height
57.1 in (1449 mm)
Overall vehicle height (Airmatic DC*)
(optional on E320; standard on
E500 / E55 AMG)
56.2 in (1429 mm)
56.3 in (1431 mm)
55.6 in (1412 mm)
Wheelbase
112.4 in (2854 mm)
112.4 in (2854 mm)
112.4 in (2854 mm)
Track, front
61.4 in (1559 mm)
61.7 in (1567 mm)
62.3 in (1583 mm)
Track, rear
61.1 in (1552 mm)
61.4 in (1560 mm)
61.3 in (1558 mm)

411 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
ADS
(A
daptive D
amping S
ystem)
Automatically adapts the optimum sus-
pension damping to prevailing driving
conditions.
Airmatic DC
(A
irmatic D
ual C
ontrol)
Automatically selects the optimum sus-
pension tuning and ride height for your
vehicle. Airmatic consists of two com-
ponents:


Adaptive Damping System


Vehicle level control
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed
(PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp located in the center console
comes on). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.
BabySmartTM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger front airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
a light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.

418 IndexAir vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 195
Air volume
Adjusting 178, 179, 190
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 317
Airbags 57
BabySmartTM airbag deactivation
system 411
Children 58
Front 61
Passenger 61
Safety guidelines 60
Side impact 61
Window curtain 61
Airmatic DC (Dual Control)* 226
Alarm
Audible 73, 85
Canceling 85
Visual 84
Alarm system
Anti-theft 84
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 352,
372, 411Antiglare
Automatic 168
Antilock brake system (ABS) 411
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 84
Canceling alarm 85
Disarming 84
Anti-theft systems 83
Anti-theft alarm system 84
Immobilizer 83
Tow-away alarm 85
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning 271
Ashtray 246
At the gas station 278
AUDIO menu 134
Selecting radio station 134
Selecting satellite radio* station 135
Audio system
CD mode 135
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 168
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 149Automatic climate control
Temperature sensor 27
Automatic climate control* 184
Adjusting air distribution 189
Adjusting air volume 179, 190
Air recirculation mode 191
Defrosting 190
Rear window defroster 173
Residual heat utilization 194
Residual ventilation 194
Setting the temperature 188
Automatic headlamp mode 120
Automatic lighting control
Activating 124
Deactivating 125
Automatic locking when driving 106
Automatic transmission 158
Accelerator position 164
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 167
Gear ranges 160
Gear selector lever position 161
Gear shifting malfunctions 167
Kickdown 164

423 Index
Distronic* 214, 412
Activated 218
Activating 219
Calling up settings 136, 217
Cleaning system sensor 305
Cruise control lever 218
Deactivated 218
Deactivating 221
Deceleration 217
Decreasing distance 222
Displays in the speedometer dial 216
Distance warning function 222
Driving hints 223
Increasing distance 222
Intermittent signal tone 216
Menu 217
Messages in display 320
Sensor cover 305
Setting a higher speed 219
Setting a slower speed 220
Setting the current speed 219
Setting the following distance in
Distronic 221
Warning and indicator lamps 216Door control panel 28
Door entry lamps 125
Door handle 28
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 257
Doors
Message in display 332
Opening from inside vehicle 97
Opening from outside 94
Downhill driving
Cruise control 212
Downshifting 159
Drive-Dynamic seat* 112
Driving
General instructions 40
Hydroplaning 271
In winter 273
Problems 50
Safety systems 74
With Distronic* 223
Driving hints
SBC brake system 81
Driving instructions 267
Driving off 270Driving safety systems
4MATIC 82
ABS 74
BAS 76
ESP 76, 412
SBC brake system 79
Driving systems 211
Airmatic DC* 226
Cruise control 211
Distronic* 214
Driving safety systems 74
Vehicle level control 227
DTR see Distronic* 412
Dual control*
Airmatic DC* 226
E
Easy-entry/exit
Message in display 327, 347
Easy-entry/exit feature* 108
Activating 150
Interrupting movement 108, 151
Electrical fuses 385
Electrical system 397

428 IndexLanguage
Multifunction display 142
Setting 142
LATCH child seat anchors 71
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 391
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 308
Level control system*
Airmatic DC* 226
Lever
For cruise control 218
License plate lamps 360
Messages in display 338
Replacing bulbs 363
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 307
Light sensor 338
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 247
Lighting 119
Automatic headlamp mode 120
Combination switch 123
Daytime running lamp mode 121Door entry lamps 125
Exterior lamp switch 119
Front fog lamps 122
High beams 123
Instrument cluster illumination 126
Instruments 126, 127
Interior 124
Locator lighting 121
Low beam 119
Manual headlamp mode 120
Night security illumination 121
Parking lamps 119
Rear fog lamp 122
Settings (control system) 146
Trunk lamp 125
Limiting the gear range 160
Limp Home Mode 167
Loading 233
Cargo tie-down rings 241
Instructions 240
Roof rack* 233
Ski sack* 233
Split rear bench seat* 236Locator lighting 121
Setting 147
Lock button 413
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 54
Locking 51, 88
Automatic while driving 106
Centrally from inside 107
Fuel filler flap 278
Global with KEYLESS-GO* 94
Global, SmartKey 89
Separately the trunk 105
Vehicle in an emergency 354
Vehicle with KEYLESS-GO* 96
Loss of SmartKeys 91, 96
Low beam headlamps
Messages in display 338
Replacing bulbs 359
Lowering
Vehicle 374

439 Index
U
Units
Setting speedometer units 141
Setting temperature units 141
Setting tire inflation pressure
units 143
Unlocking 30, 88, 353
Centrally from inside 107
Driver’s door in an emergency 353
Fuel filler flap 278
Global 89
Global with KEYLESS-GO* 94
Selective settings 89, 94
Trunk in an emergency 354
Trunk lid with KEYLESS-GO* 95
Trunk lid with SmartKey 90
Vehicle in an emergency 257
With KEYLESS-GO* 32
With the SmartKey 30
Upgrade signals
Tele Aid* 256
Uphill driving
Cruise control 212
Upshifting 159Useful features 242
Ashtrays 246
Cigarette lighter 247
Garage door opener 258
Heated steering wheel* 248
Tele Aid* 250
Telephone* 249
V
Vehicle
Individual settings 138, 140
Locking in an emergency 354
Lowering 374
Towing 381
Unlocking in an emergency 353
Vehicle care
Cup holder 307
Distronic* system sensor cover 305
Engine cleaning 304
Gear selector lever 307
Hard plastic trim items 307
Leather upholstery 308
Light alloy wheels 307
Ornamental moldings 304
Paintwork 303
Parktronic* system sensor 305Plastic and rubber parts 308
Power washer 303
Seat belts 307
Steering wheel 307
Tar stains 303
Vehicle washing 304
Window cleaning 306
Wood trims 308
Vehicle level
Changing 228
Setting 228
Automatic 228
Manual 228
Vehicle level control system*
Airmatic DC* 226
Vehicle tool kit 352
Alignment bolt 352
Fuse extractor 352
Hex-socket wrench 352
Open-end wrench 352
Screwdriver 352
Spare fuses 352
Towing eye bolt 352
Universal pliers 352
Vehicle jack 350
Wheel wrench 352