Contents MERCEDES-BENZ E55AMG 2004 W211 Owner's Manual

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside
the USA or Canada......................... 13
Where to find it .................................... 14
Symbols ............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle .................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting safety defects ................ 18
At a glance.......................................... 19
Cockpit ................................................. 20
Instrument cluster ................................ 22
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 24
Center console ..................................... 25
Upper part ...................................... 25
Lower part ...................................... 26
Overhead control panel ........................ 27
Door control panel................................ 28
Getting started................................... 29
Unlocking ............................................. 30
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 30
Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO*......... 32
Adjusting .............................................. 34
Seats .............................................. 34
Steering wheel ................................ 37
Mirrors ............................................ 38
Driving .................................................. 40
Fastening the seat belts ................. 40
Starting the engine ......................... 43
Switching on headlamps ................. 47
Turn signals and high beam ............ 47
Windshield wipers ........................... 48
Problems while driving.................... 50
Parking and locking .............................. 51
Parking brake ................................. 51
Switching off headlamps................. 52
Turning off engine ........................... 52

ContentsSafety and Security........................... 55
Occupant safety................................... 56
Airbags ........................................... 57
Seat belts ....................................... 62
Children in the vehicle .................... 65
Blocking of rear door window
operation ........................................ 72
Panic alarm .......................................... 73
Activating ....................................... 73
Deactivating ................................... 73
Driving safety systems ......................... 74
ABS ................................................ 74
BAS ................................................ 76
ESP ................................................. 76
The SBC brake system ................... 79
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with the ESP ....... 82
Anti-theft systems................................ 83
Immobilizer..................................... 83
Anti-theft alarm system .................. 84
Tow-away alarm ............................. 85
Controls in detail............................... 87
Locking and unlocking ......................... 88
SmartKey ....................................... 88
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* ........ 91
Opening the doors from the inside . 97
Opening the trunk .......................... 97
Closing the trunk............................ 99
Trunk lid opening / closing
system* ......................................... 99
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 104
Separately locking the trunk ........ 105
Separately unlocking the trunk .... 106
Automatic central locking ............ 106
Locking and unlocking from
the inside ..................................... 107
Seats ................................................. 108
Easy-entry / exit feature* ............. 108
Removing and installing front
seat head restraints ..................... 109
Rear seat head restraints ............. 110
Multicontour seat* ....................... 111
Drive - Dynamic seat* ................... 112
Heated seats* .............................. 113
Seat ventilation* .......................... 114Memory function ............................... 116
Storing positions in memory ........ 117
Recalling positions from
memory........................................ 117
Storing exterior rear view
mirror parking position ................ 118
Lighting ............................................. 119
Exterior lamp switch .................... 119
Combination switch ..................... 123
Hazard warning flasher ................ 123
Interior lighting ............................ 124
Door entry lamps ......................... 125
Trunk lamp ................................... 125
Instrument cluster ............................. 126
Instrument cluster illumination .... 126
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 127
Trip odometer .............................. 127
Tachometer .................................. 128
Outside temperature indicator ..... 128

Contents
Control system .................................. 129
Multifunction display .................... 129
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 130
Menus .......................................... 132
Standard display menu ................ 134
AUDIO menu ................................ 134
NAVI* menu ................................. 136
Distronic* menu........................... 136
Malfunction memory menu .......... 137
Settings menu .............................. 138
Trip computer menu..................... 153
TEL menu* ................................... 155
Automatic transmission ..................... 158
One-touch gearshifting................. 159
Gear ranges ................................. 160
Gear selector lever position ......... 161
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) E 55 AMG ................. 162
Program mode selector switch..... 164
Accelerator position ..................... 164
Manual shift program E 55 AMG .. 165
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 167Good visibility ..................................... 168
Rear view mirror ........................... 168
Windshield wipers ......................... 169
Headlamp cleaning system* ......... 170
Sun visors ..................................... 170
Rear window sunshade* ............... 172
Roller sunblind* in the rear doors . 172
Rear window defroster .................. 173
Climate control ................................... 174
Setting the temperature................ 178
Adjusting air distribution............... 178
Adjusting air volume ..................... 179
Defrosting ..................................... 179
Air recirculation mode .................. 180
Deactivating the climate
control system .............................. 181
Air conditioning............................. 182
Residual heat and ventilation* ...... 182Automatic climate control* ................ 184
Setting the temperature ............... 188
Adjusting air distribution .............. 189
Adjusting air volume ..................... 190
Maximum cooling MAX COOL ....... 190
Defrosting ..................................... 190
Air recirculation mode .................. 191
Charcoal filter ............................... 192
Deactivating the climate
control system .............................. 193
Air conditioning ............................ 194
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 194
Rear air conditioning..................... 195
Power windows .................................. 197
Opening and closing the windows 197
Synchronizing power windows ...... 200
Sliding / pop-up roof* ......................... 201
Opening and closing the
sliding / pop-up roof ...................... 201
Synchronizing the
sliding / pop-up roof ...................... 204

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

Contents
At the gas station .............................. 278
Check regularly and before
a long trip..................................... 279
Engine compartment ......................... 281
Hood ............................................ 281
Engine oil ..................................... 282
Transmission fluid level ................ 285
Coolant level ................................ 285
Battery ......................................... 287
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 288
Tires and wheels ................................ 289
Important guidelines .................... 289
Life of tire..................................... 290
Direction of rotation ..................... 290
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 290
Rotating wheels ........................... 293Winter driving ..................................... 295
Winter tires ................................... 295
Block heater* (Canada only) ......... 296
Snow chains.................................. 296
Maintenance....................................... 297
Flexible Service System PLUS
(FSS PLUS).................................... 297
Clearing the service indicator ....... 298
Service term exceeded ................. 298
Calling up the service indicator..... 298
Resetting the service indicator ..... 298
Setting the date for special
works ............................................ 300
Calling up the service data
information ................................... 301
Vehicle care........................................ 302
Cleaning and care of vehicle ......... 302
Practical hints.................................. 309
What to do if … ................................... 310
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 310
Lamp in center console ................ 317
Messages in the display................ 318
Where will I find ...? ............................ 350
First aid kit.................................... 350
Vehicles with TIREFIT kit
(E 55 AMG) ................................... 350
Spare wheel .................................. 350
Luggage box ................................. 351
Vehicle tool kit.............................. 352
Unlocking / locking in an emergency .. 353
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 353
Locking the vehicle ....................... 354
Changing batteries in the
SmartKey/ SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* ............................... 355
Fuel filler flap emergency release . 357
Manually unlocking the
transmission selector lever ........... 357
Opening / closing in an emergency..... 358
Sliding / pop-up roof* or panorama
sliding / pop-up roof* .................... 358

ContentsReplacing bulbs ................................. 359
Bulbs ............................................ 359
Replacing bulbs for front lamps.... 361
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 363
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 364
Removing wiper blades ................ 364
Installing wiper blades.................. 365
Flat tire .............................................. 366
Preparing the vehicle.................... 366
Sealing tires with TIREFIT
(E 55 AMG) ................................... 366
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 370
Batteries ............................................ 375
Disconnecting the battery ............ 376
Removing the battery ................... 377
Charging and reinstalling
the battery.................................... 377
Reconnecting the battery ............. 377
Jump starting ..................................... 378
Towing the vehicle ............................. 381
Installing towing eye bolt.............. 384
Fuses ................................................. 385
Fuse box in passenger
compartment................................ 385
Technical data................................. 387
Spare parts service ............................ 388
Warranty coverage............................. 389
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ..................... 389
Identification labels ........................... 390
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 391
E 320 / E 500 ............................... 391
E 55 AMG ..................................... 391
Engine................................................ 392
Rims and tires.................................... 394
Same size tires ............................. 394
Mixed size tires
(E 55 AMG only) ........................... 396
Minispare wheel ........................... 396
Electrical system ............................... 397
Main dimensions ............................... 398
Weights.............................................. 399Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .......... 400
Capacities .................................... 400
Engine oils ................................... 403
Engine oil additives ...................... 403
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 403
Brake fluid.................................... 403
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 404
Fuel requirements ........................ 404
Gasoline additives ........................ 404
Coolants ...................................... 405
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ............................. 407
Consumer information ....................... 408
Uniform tire quality grading ......... 408
Technical terms............................... 411Index................................................. 417

14 IntroductionWhere to find it
Where to find itThis Operator’s Manual is designed to pro-
vide comprehensive support information
for you, the vehicle operator. For easy
access, each section has its own reference
color:At a glance
Here you will find an overview of all the
controls that can be operated from the
driver’s seat.Getting started
Here you will find all the information you
need for your first drive. You should read
this section first if this is your first
Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are rent-
ing or borrowing this vehicle.Safety and Security
H e r e y o u w i l l f i n d d e s c r i p t i o n s o f t h e s a f e t y
features of your vehicle.
Controls in detail
Here you will find detailed information
about the equipment installed in your vehi-
cle. This section expands on the “Getting
started” section and also describes techni-
cal innovations. If you are already familiar
with the basic functions of your vehicle,
this section will be of particular interest to
you.Operation
Here you will find all the information you
need for the proper operation of your vehi-
cle.Practical hints
This section provides fast assistance for
dealing with problems you may encounter.
Technical data
All important technical data for your vehi-
cle can be found in this section.Indexes
The glossary provides explanations of the
most important technical terms.
The table of contents and the index are de-
signed to help you find information quickly
and easily.
The following publications are part of your
vehicle documentation:

this Operator’s Manual


the Service Booklet
Separate operating instructions will be
provided as required depending on the
equipment options installed in your vehi-
cle.

244 Controls in detailUseful features1Left cup holder
2Right cup holderStorage space under armrest
1Storage compartment
2Storage tray
Opening storage tray

Pull handle2.
Opening storage compartment

Pull handle1.Front center console storage compart-
ment ventilation
The front center console storage compart-
ment under the armrest has its own air
vent. The air temperature is about the
same as that of the dashboard air vents.
The lever is located in the front center
vent.
1Lever
Warning!
G
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed
while traveling. Place only containers that fit
into the cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids
on open containers and do not fill containers
to a height where the contents, especially
hot liquids, could spill during vehicle maneu-
vers.


246 Controls in detailUseful featuresStorage compartment in the rear arm-
rest
Press the handle upward and fold the
armrest up.Rear cup holder

Briefly press the front of the center
armrest.
The cup holder extends automatically.
Ashtrays
Center console ashtray
Opening ashtray
Briefly press the marking on the bot-
tom of cover1.
The ashtray opens automatically.
Warning!
G
When not in use, keep the cup holder closed
while traveling. Place only containers that fit
into the cup holder to prevent spills. Use lids
on open containers and do not fill containers
to a height where the contents, especially
hot liquids, could spill during vehicle maneu-
vers.
iA small rubber mat is located in the
glove box. If you wish to store
coins / tokens, remove the ashtray in-
sert and insert the rubber mat in its
place. Empty ashtray insert and store

247 Controls in detail
Useful features
Removing ashtray insert

Secure vehicle from movement by set-
ting the parking brake. Move the gear
selector lever to positionN.
Now you have more room to take out
the insert.

Push sliding button2 to the right and
hold.

Grip and remove insert from ashtray
frame.
Reinstalling ashtray insert

Install insert by pushing it back into
frame until it engages again.
Rear seat ashtrayOpening rear seat ashtray

Briefly press the top of the ashtray.
The ashtray opens.
Cigarette lighter
The cigarette lighter is located in the cen-
ter console compartment in front of the
armrest (
page 26).
1Cigarette lighter

Turn ignition on.

Push in cigarette lighter1.
The lighter will pop out automatically
when hot. it in a convenient location in the vehi-
cle.
Warning!
G
Only use rubber mat in conjunction with
storing coins / tokens. Always remove rub-
ber mat and / or all other contents and rein-
sert ashtray insert before placing hot
cigarettes or other hot smoking materials in
this compartment.Warning!
G
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle
standing still. Set the parking brake to se-
cure vehicle from movement. Move gear se-
lector lever to positionN. With gear selector
lever in positionN, turn off the engine.