Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

HOLD function

In this manual: Driving and parking
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
~3min read

The HOLD function of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) makes starting off and stopping easier, especially on inclines or in stop-and-go traffic. The system holds the vehicle securely without the brake pedal having to be pressed continuously, which increases driving comfort.

General Notes

The HOLD function relieves you on request.
  • when starting off, especially on hills
  • when maneuvering on a hill
  • when waiting in traffic.
The vehicle is held without you having to press the brake pedal.

When you accelerate to start off, the braking effect is released and the HOLD function is switched off.

Important Safety Notes

WARNING

If you leave the vehicle while it is held only by the HOLD function, it can roll away if

  • a fault occurs in the system or in the power supply
  • the HOLD function is switched off by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant
  • the electrical system in the engine compartment, the battery or the fuses is tampered with
  • the battery is disconnected.
There is a risk of accidents!

Always switch off the HOLD function and secure the vehicle against rolling away before you leave it.

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

Activation conditions

You can switch on the HOLD function when
  • the vehicle is stationary
  • the engine is running or has been switched off by the ECO start/stop function
  • the driver's door is closed or you are wearing your seat belt
  • the parking brake is released
  • on vehicles with automatic transmission, the transmission is in position D, R or N
  • DISTRONIC PLUS is switched off.

Activating the HOLD function

HOLD-Funktion einschalten

Make sure the activation conditions are met.

Press the brake pedal.

Continue pressing the brake pedal firmly until the indicator appears in the multifunction display.

  • The HOLD function is activated. You can release the brake pedal. Info
    If the HOLD function was not activated when you first pressed the brake pedal, wait briefly and try again.

    Switching off the HOLD function

    The HOLD function switches off when
    • accelerate. On vehicles with automatic transmission, only if the transmission is in position D or R
    • on vehicles with automatic transmission, shift the transmission to position P
    • press the brake pedal again with firm pressure until the indicatorgoes out in the multifunction display
    • switch on DISTRONIC PLUS.
    On vehicles with automatic transmission, the transmission is automatically shifted to P if, with the HOLD function activated,
    • the driver's door is opened and the seat belt is unfastened
    • the engine is switched off, unless it is switched off by the ECO start/stop function
    • a system fault occurs
    • the power supply is insufficient.
    On vehicles with manual transmission, a warning message appears in the multifunction display in these cases:

    Brake immediately

    Press the brake pedal firmly and immediately until the warning message in the multifunction display goes out. This switches off the HOLD function. On vehicles with manual transmission and the HOLD function activated, you will also hear a regular beep when you
    • switch off the engine, open the driver's door and unfasten the seat belt.
    The beep alerts you that the vehicle is parked with the HOLD function activated. If you try to lock the vehicle, the beep becomes louder. The vehicle will not lock until the HOLD function is switched off.

    Info

    If the engine has been switched off, it can only be restarted after the HOLD function has been switched off.

    The HOLD function of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) increases comfort during waiting periods in traffic or on hills by holding the vehicle without the brake pedal being pressed. This makes everyday driving easier and more relaxed.

    The important safety notes for using this function underline Mercedes-Benz's high safety standards.

    Question: When does the HOLD function switch off?

    Answer: When the accelerator is pressed, when the transmission is shifted to P, or when DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.

    Question: Why must the vehicle not be parked secured only by the HOLD function?

    Answer: Because in the event of a system fault or tampering, it could roll away.

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