Operating Safety

The operational safety of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation W212, 2009–2016) is the top priority. In this article you will find valuable information on how to avoid accidents and operate your vehicle safely. From maintenance to the proper handling of the vehicle, these tips help minimize risks. Experience the Mercedes E-Class as a reliable companion in everyday life.

Important Safety Notes

WARNING

If you do not have the required service/maintenance work or necessary repairs carried out, malfunctions or system failures may occur. There is a risk of accident! Always have required service/maintenance work and necessary repairs carried out by a qualified workshop.

WARNING

If flammable materials, e.g. leaves, grass or twigs, come into contact with hot parts of the exhaust system, these materials may ignite. There is a risk of fire!

When driving on unpaved roads or off-road, regularly check the underside of the vehicle. In particular, remove any trapped plant material or other flammable materials. If you find any damage, contact a qualified workshop.

WARNING

Modifications to electronic components, their software or wiring may impair their function and/or the function of other networked components. In particular, safety-relevant systems may also be affected. As a result, these systems may not function as intended and/or may endanger the operating safety of the vehicle. There is an increased risk of accident and injury!

Do not make any modifications to wiring, electronic components or their software. Always have work on electrical and electronic equipment carried out by a qualified workshop.

If you make changes to the vehicle electronics, the vehicle's operating permit becomes void.

Note

The vehicle may be damaged if

• the vehicle high-centers, e.g. on a high curb or unpaved roads
• you drive over an obstacle too fast, e.g. a curb or a pothole
• a heavy object strikes the underbody or chassis components.

The body, underbody, chassis components, wheels or tires may also be damaged without visible signs in such or similar situations. Damaged components of this kind may fail unexpectedly or may not absorb the loads occurring in an accident as intended.

If the underbody panel is damaged, flammable materials such as leaves, grass or twigs can collect between the underbody and the underbody panel. If these materials come into contact with hot parts of the exhaust system, they may ignite.

In such cases, have the vehicle inspected and repaired immediately by a qualified workshop. If you notice impaired driving safety while driving on, stop immediately at a safe location. In this case, contact a qualified workshop.

Declarations of Conformity

Radio-Based Vehicle Components

The following note applies to all radio-based components of the vehicle and to the information systems and communication devices integrated in the vehicle:

The radio-based components of this vehicle comply with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. For more information, contact any Mercedes-Benz Service Center.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

The electromagnetic compatibility of the vehicle components has been tested and verified in accordance with ECE-R 10, in its currently valid version.

Diagnostic Connector

The diagnostic connector is used to connect diagnostic equipment in a qualified workshop.

WARNING

If you connect devices to the vehicle's diagnostic connector, vehicle systems may malfunction. This can impair the operating safety of the vehicle. There is a risk of accident!

Do not connect any devices to the vehicle's diagnostic connector.

WARNING

Objects in the driver's footwell can restrict pedal travel or block a depressed pedal. This endangers the operating and road safety of the vehicle. There is a risk of accident!

Store all objects in the vehicle securely so that they cannot get into the driver's footwell. Always install floor mats firmly and as prescribed to ensure sufficient clearance for the pedals at all times. Do not use loose floor mats and do not place floor mats on top of one another.

Note

If the engine is switched off and devices are used on the diagnostic connector, the starter battery may discharge.

Connecting devices to the diagnostic connector can cause, for example, exhaust emission monitoring information to be reset. As a result, the vehicle may not meet the requirements of the next emissions test during the general inspection.

Qualified Workshop

A qualified workshop has the necessary technical knowledge, tools and qualifications to carry out the required work on the vehicle properly. This applies in particular to safety-relevant work.

Observe the information in the service booklet.

Always have the following work on the vehicle carried out by a qualified workshop:

• Safety-Relevant Work
• Service and Maintenance Work
• Repair Work
• Modifications and Installation or Conversion of Parts
• Work on Electronic Components

Mercedes-Benz recommends a Mercedes-Benz Service Center.

Vehicle Registration

Mercedes-Benz may instruct its service outlets to perform technical inspections on certain vehicles. The inspections improve the quality or safety of the vehicles.

Only if Mercedes-Benz has your registration data can Mercedes-Benz inform you about vehicle inspections.

In the following cases, your vehicle may not yet be registered to you:

• If you did not purchase your vehicle from an authorized dealer.
• If your vehicle has not yet been inspected at a Mercedes-Benz service outlet.

It is best to have your vehicle registered at a Mercedes-Benz service outlet.

Inform Mercedes-Benz as soon as possible of a change of address or a change of vehicle owner. You can do this, for example, at a Mercedes-Benz service outlet.

Intended use

If warning labels are removed, you or other persons may not recognize hazards. Leave warning labels in place.

When using the vehicle, observe the following information:

• the safety notes in these operating instructions
• the technical data of the vehicle
• traffic rules and regulations
• motor vehicle laws and safety standards

Statutory warranty for defects

Note

Observe the notes in these operating instructions regarding the proper operation of your vehicle and possible vehicle damage. Damage to your vehicle resulting from culpable violations of these notes is covered neither by the Mercedes-Benz statutory warranty for defects nor by the new vehicle or used vehicle warranty.

QR codes for rescue card

QR codes are attached in the fuel filler flap and on the opposite side of the B-pillar. In the event of an accident, rescue services can use the QR codes to quickly locate the corresponding rescue card for your vehicle. The current rescue card contains the most important information about your vehicle in compact form, e.g. the routing of the electrical lines.

The Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) stands out for its well-thought-out safety concept. Refraining from independent interventions in the vehicle electronics and having maintenance work performed at qualified specialist workshops ensure that operating safety remains guaranteed at all times.

Regular inspection of the underbody is especially important on unpaved roads or off-road, to avoid fire hazards from stuck materials. The E-Class 4th generation thus offers practical safety solutions that make everyday driving easier and ensure a comfortable ride.

Thanks to these advanced safety standards, the Mercedes E-Class W212 remains a reliable choice for demanding drivers who value quality and protection, even after years.