Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Maintenance and care

Car wash and paint cleaning

In this manual: Maintenance and care
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
~6min read

Car wash and paint care for the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) are essential for preserving the vehicle's value. This section describes the safe use of car washes, hand washing and high-pressure cleaners and provides useful tips for avoiding damage to the paint and technical components.

Car wash

WARNING

After washing the vehicle, your brakes may have reduced braking effect. Risk of accident!

After washing the vehicle, brake carefully and with due regard to traffic until full braking effect is restored.

NOTE

When DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is switched on, the vehicle brakes automatically in certain situations.

To avoid damage to the vehicle, switch off DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in the following or similar situations:

  • when towing
  • in car washes

Make sure that:

  • the side windows and sunroof are fully closed
  • the blower of the ventilation/heating system is switched off (OFF button is pressed)
  • the windshield wiper switch is set to 0.
Otherwise, damage to the vehicle may occur.
When using car washes with a conveyor, make sure the automatic transmission is in position N. Otherwise, the vehicle may be damaged.
  • Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT selector lever and key:

    Do not remove the key from the ignition lock. Do not open the driver's or front passenger door with the engine switched off. Otherwise, the automatic transmission will automatically shift to park position P and the wheels will lock. You can prevent this by setting the automatic transmission to N beforehand.

  • Vehicles with DIRECT SELECT selector lever and KEYLESS-GO:

    Do not open the driver's or front passenger door with the engine switched off. Otherwise, the automatic transmission will automatically shift to park position P and the wheels will lock.

If the key is in the rear detection zone of KEYLESS-GO, the trunk lid/tailgate may open unintentionally in situations such as the following:

  • when using a car wash
  • when using a high-pressure cleaner
Make sure that the key is at least 3 m away from the vehicle.

To keep the automatic transmission in position N on vehicles with DIRECT SELECT, be sure to follow these steps:

Make sure the vehicle is stationary and the ignition is switched off.Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.
  • On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, the key must be used instead of the Start/Stop button.

    Press and hold the brake pedal.

    Shift the automatic transmission to position N.

    Release the brake pedal.

    Release the parking brake.

    Switch off the ignition and leave the key in the ignition lock.

    You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car wash from the start.

    If the vehicle is heavily soiled, clean it before driving into the car wash.

    After the automatic car wash, remove the wax from the windshield and the wiper blades. This prevents streaks and reduces wiper noise caused by residue on the glass.

    Hand washing

    In some countries, hand washing is only permitted at washing bays set up specifically for this purpose. Observe the legal requirements in each country.

    Do not use hot water and do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.

    Use a soft car sponge for cleaning.

    Use a mild cleaning agent, e.g. car shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.

    Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with a soft water jet.

    Do not aim the water jet directly at the air intake grilles.

    Use plenty of water and rinse the sponge frequently.

    Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a chamois leather.

    Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the paint.

    In winter operation, remove all road salt deposits thoroughly and as soon as possible.

    High-pressure cleaner

    WARNING

    The jet from a rotating nozzle (dirt blaster) can cause damage to tires or chassis components that is not visible from the outside. Damaged components may fail unexpectedly. Risk of accident!

    Do not use high-pressure cleaners with rotating nozzles (dirt blasters) to clean the vehicle. Have damaged tires or chassis components replaced immediately.

    NOTE

    Maintain a distance of at least 30 cm between the vehicle and the high-pressure cleaner nozzle. The device manufacturer provides information on the correct distance.

    Keep moving the high-pressure cleaner nozzle during cleaning.

    Do not aim directly at

    • Tires
    • door gaps, roof gaps, joints, etc.
    • electrical components
    • Battery
    • plug connectors
    • Bulbs
    • seals
    • trim elements
    • ventilation slots
    Damage to seals or electrical components can cause leaks or failures.
    If the key is in the rear detection zone of KEYLESS-GO, the trunk lid/tailgate may open unintentionally in situations such as the following:
    • when using a car wash
    • when using a high-pressure cleaner
    Make sure that the key is at least 3 m away from the vehicle.

    Cleaning the paint

    Note
    Never attach anything to painted surfaces,
    • Label
    • films
    • magnetic signs or similar
    Otherwise, you may damage the paint.

    Scratches, aggressive deposits, etching and damage caused by improper care cannot always be completely removed. In this case, contact a qualified workshop.

    Remove soiling as soon as possible and avoid rubbing vigorously.

    Let insect residue soak with insect remover, then wash off the treated surface.

    Let bird droppings soak with water, then wash off the treated surface.

    Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin, oils, fuels and greases by lightly rubbing with a cloth soaked in cleaning petrol or lighter fuel.

    Remove tar splashes with tar remover.

    Remove wax with silicone remover.

    Care and treatment of matt paint

    Note
    Never polish the vehicle or the alloy wheels! Polishing causes the paint to become glossy.
    The following can cause the paint to become glossy, reducing the matte effect:
    • Rubbing hard with unsuitable agents.
    • Frequent use of automatic car washes.
    • Washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.

    Do not use paint cleaners, abrasive and polishing products, or gloss preservers such as wax for paint care. These products are only suitable for high-gloss surfaces. Using them on vehicles with matt paint causes severe damage to the surface, namely shiny, blotchy areas.

    Have paint repairs carried out only at a qualified specialist workshop.
    Be sure to avoid wash programs with a final hot wax treatment.

    If your vehicle has a matt clear coat, observe these notes. This will prevent paint damage caused by incorrect treatment.

    These instructions also apply to alloy wheels with matte clear coat.

    Info

    The vehicle should preferably be washed by hand with a soft sponge, car shampoo and plenty of water.

    Use only insect remover and car shampoo from the care products recommended and released by Mercedes-Benz.

    The tire pressure specifications of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) are an important part of the safety and comfort concept. The correct tire pressure ensures optimal driving stability, lower tire wear and efficient fuel consumption.

    Mercedes provides precise specifications, which depend on load and speed, in order to permanently maintain the high safety standard.

    Question: Why is the correct tire pressure so important?

    Answer: It improves handling, reduces tire wear and lowers fuel consumption.

    Question: When should the tire pressure be checked?

    Answer: Regularly, at the latest before long journeys or when temperatures change significantly.

    • Test yourself

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