Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Roadside assistance

Battery (vehicle). Charging the battery

In this manual: Roadside assistance
Introduction — 5At a glance — 6Safety — 25Opening and Closing — 17Seats, steering wheel and mirrors — 12Lights and windshield wipers — 11Climate Control — 11Driving and parking — 44On-board computer and displays — 29Stowing and Useful Information. Good to Know — 1Stowing and Useful Information. Storage Options — 10Stowage and convenience features. Convenience features — 7Maintenance and care — 11Roadside assistance — 13Wheels and tires — 13Technical data — 13
~2min read

When charging the battery in the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016), important safety measures must be observed to prevent explosions and injuries. This section explains the correct procedure and provides guidance on selecting suitable chargers.

WARNING

When charging the battery and jump starting, explosive gas mixture may escape from the battery. There is a risk of explosion!

Avoid fire, open flames, sparks and smoking at all times. Ensure adequate ventilation when charging the battery and when jump starting. Do not lean over a battery.

WARNING

Battery acid is corrosive. Risk of injury!

Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do not breathe in battery gases. Do not lean over the battery. Keep children away from batteries. Rinse battery acid off immediately with plenty of clear water and seek medical attention without delay.

WARNING

A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures around freezing point. If you then jump start the vehicle or charge the battery, battery gas may escape. There is a risk of explosion!

Always allow a frozen battery to thaw before charging it or jump starting the vehicle.

NOTE

Use only chargers with charging voltage limited to a maximum of 14.8 V.

Charge the battery only via the jump-start terminal.

The jump-start terminal is located in the engine compartment.

Open the hood.

Connect the charger to the positive terminal and ground point in the same sequence as the donor battery for jump starting.

If the indicator and warning lamps in the instrument cluster do not light up at low temperatures, the discharged battery has very likely frozen. In this case, do not charge the battery or jump start the vehicle. The service life of a battery that has thawed out again may be shortened. Starting behavior may deteriorate, especially at lower temperatures. Have the thawed battery checked at a qualified workshop.

Never charge the installed battery unless you use the charger tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz. A charger specially adapted for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz, is available as an accessory. This charger allows charging with the battery installed. For information and availability, contact a Mercedes-Benz Service Center. Read the charger's operating instructions before charging the battery.

Towing the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) requires special care to avoid damage to the vehicle and hazards in road traffic. Important notes on using the towing eye, steering and braking behavior help you move the vehicle safely.

Mercedes provides clear recommendations on when transport on a car carrier is preferable to towing, for example for vehicles with 4MATIC or major damage.

Question: Where is the towing eye located?

Answer: In the onboard tool kit in the luggage compartment, under the floor storage compartment.

Question: Why should you not tow a vehicle with 4MATIC?

Answer: Because damage to the drivetrain may occur; transport on a car carrier is safer.

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