Winter operation

For safe winter driving, the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen, W212, 2009–2016) offers a range of recommendations. This section emphasizes the importance of suitable tires, snow chains and cautious driving to maintain driving stability at low temperatures.

General Notes

At the start of winter, have your vehicle winterized at a qualified specialist workshop.

Also observe the notes in the section "Changing wheels" more.

Driving with summer tires

Summer tires lose considerable elasticity at temperatures below +7 °Close significant elasticity, and with it grip and braking performance. Convert your vehicle to M+S tires. Summer tires can develop cracks when operated at very cold temperatures, and the tires may be permanently damaged as a result. Mercedes-Benz accepts no liability for this type of damage.

WARNING

Damaged tires can cause tire pressure loss. This may cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Risk of accident!

Inspect the tires regularly for damage and replace damaged tires immediately.

M+S tires

WARNING

M+S tires with a tread depth below 4 mm are not suitable for winter use and no longer provide sufficient grip. Risk of accident!

Replace M+S tires with a tread depth below 4 mm without fail.

Use winter tires or all-season tires at temperatures below +7 °CWinter tires or all-season tires: both are marked M+S.

On wintry road conditions, only winter tires with the additional snowflake symbolprovide the best possible grip in addition to the M+S marking.

Only with these tires can safety systems such as ABS and ESP work optimally in winter as well. These tires are specially developed for driving in snow.

For safe handling, use M+S tires of the same make and the same tread pattern on all wheels.

When M+S tires are fitted, always observe the permitted maximum speed.

If you fit M+S tires whose permitted maximum speed is lower than the vehicle's maximum speed, you must attach a corresponding speed notice in the driver's field of view. You can obtain this notice from a qualified workshop.

In this case, also limit the vehicle's maximum speed to the permitted maximum speed of the M+S tires using the permanent SPEEDTRONIC more.

After you have fitted the M+S tires:

Check the tire pressure more.

Restart the tire pressure loss warning more.

Restart the tire pressure monitoring more.

Further information on driving with the temporary spare wheel more.

Snow chains

WARNING

If you fit snow chains to the front wheels, the snow chains can rub against the body or chassis components. This can cause damage to the vehicle or tires. Risk of accident!

To avoid risks,

• never fit snow chains to the front wheels
• always fit snow chains to the rear wheels in pairs.

Note Vehicles with steel wheels: When you fit snow chains to steel wheels, you can damage the wheel covers. Remove the wheel covers from the respective wheels before you fit the snow chains.

For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz recommends using only snow chains approved for Mercedes-Benz or snow chains of the same quality standard. For further information, contact a qualified workshop.

If you want to fit snow chains, observe the following:

• Snow chains may not be fitted to all wheel and tire combinations. Permitted wheel and tire combinations more.
• Use snow chains only on a closed snow cover. When you are no longer driving on snow-covered roads, remove the snow chains as soon as possible.
• Local regulations may restrict the use of snow chains. If you want to fit snow chains, observe the relevant regulations.
• Do not exceed the permitted maximum speed of 50 km/h.
• When snow chains are fitted, vehicles with AIRMATIC may only be driven at raised vehicle level more.
• When snow chains are fitted, do not use Active Parking Assist more.

Info

To pull away with snow chains, you can switch off ESP:

• All vehicles (except AMG vehicles): more
• AMG vehicles: more

This allows the wheels to spin in a controlled manner and generates increased driving force (milling effect).

Further information on driving with the temporary spare wheel more.

The care instructions for light-alloy wheels of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) help maintain the high-quality appearance and function. Regular cleaning with approved products prevents corrosion and protects the paint finish.

Avoid particularly aggressive cleaning agents so as not to damage the surface. Mercedes-Benz demonstrates care and quality down to the smallest detail.

This keeps the E-Class a visual highlight on the road.