Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Lights and windshield wipers

Adjusting the exterior lighting

In this manual: Lights and windshield wipers
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
~4min read

The exterior lighting of the Mercedes E-Class (4th gen, W212, 2009–2016) can be controlled flexibly via the light switch, combination switch or on-board computer. This allows safe adjustment to any driving situation. Particularly noteworthy is the automatic driving light, which activates the correct lighting depending on the lighting conditions and thus contributes to safety.

Setting options

You can adjust the exterior lighting using the
  • light switch
  • combination switch
  • on-board computer

Light switch

Operation
Bedienung
Left parking light
Right parking light
Standing light, licence plate and instrument lighting
Automatic driving lights, controlled by the light sensor
Low beam/high beam
Rear Fog Lamp
If you hear a warning tone when leaving the vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.

Turn the light switch toturn.

The exterior lighting (except standing/parking light) switches off automatically when you
  • remove the key from the ignition lock
  • Open the driver's door while the key is in the ignition lock in position 0.

Automatic driving lights

WARNING

If the light switch is set tolow beam will not switch on automatically in fog, snow or other visibility restrictions such as spray. Risk of accident!

In such situations, turn the light switch to.

Automatic driving lights are only an aid. You are responsible for the vehicle lighting.

is the preferred light switch position. The lights switch on and off automatically depending on the ambient brightness (exception: weather-related visibility restrictions such as fog, snow and spray):
  • Key in ignition lock in position 1: depending on the ambient brightness, the standing light switches on or off automatically.
  • With engine running: if you have switched on the "Daytime running lights" function via the on-board computer, the daytime running lights or the standing and low beam switch on or off automatically depending on the ambient brightness.
To switch on automatic driving lights: turn the light switch toturn.

Daytime running lights improve the visibility of your vehicle during the day. The "Daytime running lights" function must be switched on via the on-board computer.

When the standing and low beam are switched on, the green indicator lamps(standing light) and(low beam) in the instrument cluster light up.

Low beam

WARNING

If the light switch is set tolow beam will not switch on automatically in fog, snow or other visibility restrictions such as spray. Risk of accident!

In such situations, turn the light switch to.

Even if the light sensor does not detect darkness, the standing and low beam switch on when the ignition is on and the light switch is in position. This is particularly helpful in fog and precipitation.

To switch on low beam: turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or start the engine.Turn the light switch toturn.
  • The green indicator lightlights up in the instrument cluster.

    Rear Fog Lamp

    In dense fog, the rear fog light improves the visibility of your vehicle to following traffic. Observe the country-specific regulations on using the rear fog light.

    Switching on the rear fog light: Turn the ignition key to position 2 or start the engine.

    Turn the light switch toorturn.

    Press the buttonpress.
  • The yellow indicator lightlights up in the instrument cluster.

    Switching off the rear fog light: Press the buttonpress.

  • The yellow indicator lightgoes out in the instrument cluster.

    Parking lights

    Note

    If the battery is heavily discharged, the sidelights or parking lights are switched off automatically to ensure the next engine start. Always park your vehicle in accordance with legal requirements, in a safe location and with adequate lighting. Avoid using the sidelights for several hours.for several hours. If possible, switch on the rightor leftparking light.

    Switching on: Turn the light switch toturn.

  • The green indicator lightlights up in the instrument cluster.

    Side parking light

    When you switch on the parking light, the vehicle is illuminated on the corresponding side.

    Switching on the parking light: No key inserted in the ignition lock or ignition key in position 0.

    Turn the light switch to(left side of vehicle) or(right side of vehicle).

    The Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) allows flexible adjustment of the exterior lighting via the light switch, combination switch and on-board computer. This allows the lighting to be optimally adapted to every driving situation and weather condition.

    Thanks to intelligent light control, the visibility of your vehicle is increased, which improves safety on every journey, day and night.

    Question: When should the low beam be switched on manually?

    Answer: In fog, snow or spray, as the automatic driving light does not respond reliably in such situations.

    Question: What happens if the sidelights are left on for too long?

    Answer: The battery may discharge. For this reason, it is recommended to use only the parking lights.

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    A quick Mercedes-Benz E-Class quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.