Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
On-board computer and displays

Settings menu

In this manual: On-board computer and displays
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
~12min read

The “Settings” menu in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) offers a wide range of options for individually adapting the vehicle. From lighting functions to comfort details, numerous parameters can be matched to personal preferences. A reset to factory settings is also quick and easy.

Introduction

In the Settings menu, depending on your vehicle’s equipment, you have the following options:

  • Changing instrument cluster settings
  • Changing lighting settings
  • Changing vehicle settings
  • Changing heating settings
  • Changing comfort settings
  • Resetting settings to factory settings

Instrument cluster

Select distance unit

With the Speedometer/odometer unit function you can select whether the multifunction display shows certain readings in kilometers or miles.

Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

Using theorSelect the Instrument cluster submenu.

Using theconfirm.

Using theorSelect the Speedometer/odometer unit function.

  • The selected setting, km or miles, is displayed.

    Using thechange the setting.

    The selected distance unit applies to:
    • digital speedometer in the Trip menu
    • total and daily odometer
    • Trip computer
    • instantaneous fuel consumption and range
    • navigation instructions in the Navigation menu
    • CRUISE CONTROL
    • SPEEDTRONIC
    • DISTRONIC PLUS
    • ASSYST PLUS service interval display

    Switching additional speedometer on or off

    Vehicles for the United Kingdom: this function is not available.

    This function is only available in vehicles with manual transmission.

    With the Additional speedometer [mph]: or Additional speedometer [km/h]: function you can select whether the multifunction display shows the speed in mph or km/h in the status area instead of the outside temperature.

    With the Additional speedometer [mph]: function you can select whether the multifunction display shows the speed in mph in the status area instead of the outside temperature.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the Instrument cluster submenu.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the Additional speedometer [mph]: or Additional speedometer [km/h]: function.

    Using theorSelect the Additional speedometer [mph]: function.

  • You see the selected setting On or Off.

    Using thechange the setting.

    Select Permanent display

    Vehicles for the United Kingdom: this function is not available.

    You can choose whether the multifunction display always shows the outside temperature or the speed.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the Instrument cluster submenu.

    Using theconfirm.Using theorSelect the function Permanent display:.
  • You see the selected setting Outside temperature or Additional speedometer [km/h] / Additional speedometer [mph].

    Using thechange the setting.

    Info

    The speed is shown in the opposite unit to your speedometer, in km/h or mph.

    Lighting

    Set display/switch brightness

    The lighting in the instrument cluster, displays and controls in the vehicle interior can be adjusted with the function Display/switch brightness:.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Lighting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the function Display/switch brightness:.

  • You see the selected setting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSet the brightness on a scale from level 1 to level 5 (bright).Using theorsave the setting.
  • If the light switch is set to, oris set, the brightness control is influenced by the ambient brightness. Info
    The light sensor in the instrument cluster automatically controls the brightness in the multifunction display.

    In daylight, the displays in the instrument cluster are not illuminated.

    Set daytime running lights

    The daytime running light function can only be set with the engine off.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Lighting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the function Daytime running lights.

  • When the daytime running light function is on, the light cone and the symbolare shown in orange in the multifunction display.

    Using thechange the setting.

    Further information on daytime running lights.

    Switch Intelligent Light System on or off

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Lighting.

    Using theconfirm.Using theorSelect the function Intell. Light System.
  • When the function Intell. Light System is on, the light cone and the symbolare shown in orange in the multifunction display.

    Using thechange the setting.

    When you switch on the function Intell. Light System, you activate the following functions:
    • Motorway light
    • Active cornering light
    • Cornering Light
    • extended fog light
    If you set the low beam for right- or left-hand traffic, the multifunction display in the Lighting submenu shows the display message Intell. Light System: System not functional, not active with left-hand traffic or Intell. Light System: System not functional, not active with right-hand traffic instead of the Intell. Light System function. This display message only appears if the right- or left-hand traffic setting is opposite to the country version of your vehicle.

    Note further information on the Intelligent Light System.

    Set low beam for right- or left-hand traffic

    This function is only available on vehicles with Intelligent Light System.

    This function lets you switch between symmetrical and asymmetrical low beam.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Lighting.

    Using theconfirm.Using theorSelect the function Low beam setting for:.
  • You see the selected setting Right-hand traffic or Left-hand traffic.Using thechange the setting.
  • If you change the setting, the switch-over only takes effect the next time the vehicle is stopped.

    If you set the low beam for right- or left-hand traffic, the motorway light and the extended fog light are not available. This deactivation only occurs if the right- or left-hand traffic setting is opposite to the country version of your vehicle.

    You can also have the low beam for right- or left-hand traffic set at a qualified specialist workshop.

    Set ambient lighting brightness

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Lighting.

    Using theconfirm.Using theorSelect the function Ambient brightness.
  • You see the selected setting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSet the brightness on a scale from Off to level 5 (bright).

    Using theorsave the setting.

    Set ambient lighting color

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Lighting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the function Ambient color.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSet the color to SOLAR, NEUTRAL or POLAR.

    Using theorsave the setting.

    Switch surround lighting and exterior light delay on or off

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Lighting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the function Surround lighting.

  • When the surround lighting function is on, the light cone and the area around the vehicle are shown in orange in the multifunction display.

    Using thechange the setting.

    To temporarily switch off the exterior light delay:

    Before leaving the vehicle, turn the key in the ignition lock to position 0.

    Turn the key in the ignition lock to position 2.

  • The exterior light delay is switched off.

    When you restart the engine, the exterior light delay is switched on again.

    If you switch on the surround lighting function and the light switch is set tois set, the following functions are active in darkness:

    • Surround lighting: The exterior light stays on for 40 seconds after unlocking with the key. When you start the engine, surround lighting is deactivated and automatic driving lights are activated.
    • Exterior light delay: The exterior light stays on for 60 seconds after the engine is switched off. If you close all doors and the trunk lid/tailgate, the exterior light turns off after 15 seconds.
    Info
    Depending on the vehicle equipment, the surround lighting and exterior light delay illuminate, e.g.
    • Parking lights
    • Surround lighting in exterior mirrors

    Switch interior light delay on or off

    When you switch on the interior light delay function, the interior light stays on for 20 seconds after the key is removed from the ignition lock.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Lighting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the function Interior light delay.

  • When the interior light delay function is on, the vehicle interior is shown in orange in the multifunction display.

    Using thechange the setting.

    Vehicle

    Set permanent SPEEDTRONIC

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Vehicle.

    Using theconfirm.Using theorSelect the function Limit (winter tires):.
  • You see the current setting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSet permanent SPEEDTRONIC in steps of 10 (240 km/h to 160 km/h). The setting Off switches permanent SPEEDTRONIC off.

    Using theSave the entry.

    Note further information on permanent SPEEDTRONIC.

    Switch automatic locking on or off

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Vehicle.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the function Auto. locking.
  • When the automatic locking function is on, the vehicle doors are shown in orange in the multifunction display.

    Using thechange the setting.

    When you switch on the automatic locking function, your vehicle locks centrally from a speed of approx. 15 km/h.

    Further information on automatic locking.

    Switch locking tone confirmation on or off

    When you switch on the locking tone function, an audible signal sounds when the vehicle is locked.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the submenu Vehicle.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the function Locking tone.

  • When the locking tone function is on, the symbolare shown in orange in the multifunction display.

    Using thechange the setting.

    Heating

    Auxiliary heater departure time

    DANGER

    If the exhaust tailpipe is blocked or sufficient ventilation is not possible, toxic exhaust gases, especially carbon monoxide, can enter the vehicle. This applies, for example, in enclosed spaces, or if the vehicle becomes stuck in snow. Risk of death!

    Switch off the auxiliary heater in enclosed spaces without exhaust extraction, e.g. in a garage. If the vehicle is stuck in snow and you have to run the auxiliary heater, keep the exhaust tailpipe and the area around the vehicle free of snow. Open a window on the side of the vehicle facing away from the wind to ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air.

    WARNING

    When the auxiliary heater is switched on, parts of the vehicle, e.g. the exhaust system, can become very hot.

    Flammable materials, e.g. leaves, grass or twigs, can ignite if they come into contact with

    • hot parts of the exhaust system
    • the exhaust gas itself
    Risk of fire!

    Make sure that while the auxiliary heater is switched on

    • hot vehicle parts do not come into contact with flammable materials
    • the exhaust gases can escape freely at the exhaust tailpipe
    • the exhaust gases do not come into contact with flammable materials.

    NOTE

    Operating the auxiliary heater/ventilation places a load on the vehicle battery. Therefore, after heating or ventilating twice at the latest, drive the vehicle for a longer distance.

    This function is only available on vehicles with an auxiliary heater.

    In the Heating submenu, you can select a stored departure time or change a departure time.

    The auxiliary heater preselection timer calculates the switch-on time based on the outside temperature, so that the vehicle is pre-heated at the departure time. Once the departure time is reached, the auxiliary heater continues to run for five more minutes, then switches off. The auxiliary heater adopts the temperature setting of the THERMATIC or THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control.

    To switch off the auxiliary heater, use the auxiliary heater button on the center console or the remote control.

    Info

    Switch the auxiliary heater on regularly once a month for about ten minutes.

    For more information on the auxiliary heater .

    Select a departure time or switch off the selected departure time

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the Heating submenu.

    Using theconfirm.
  • You see the selected setting.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect one of the three departure times or Preselection Off (no preselected time active).Using theconfirm.
  • When a departure time is selected, the yellow indicator lamp on the auxiliary heater button lights up.

    Change departure time

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the Heating submenu.

    Using theconfirm.
  • You see the selected setting.

    Using theorSelect A, B or C to change.

    Using theconfirm.
  • You can change the departure time.

    Using theorSelect the display to be changed: hour, minute.

    Using theorSet the selected display.Using theSave the entry.
  • The yellow indicator lamp on the auxiliary heater button lights up.

    Comfort

    Switch entry and exit assist on or off

    WARNING

    When the entry and exit assist adjusts the steering wheel, you and other vehicle occupants, especially children, can be trapped. There is a risk of injury!

    During the adjustment process of the entry and exit assist, make sure that nobody has a body part in the range of movement of the steering wheel.

    If someone becomes trapped,

    • press a memory position button, or
    • move the steering wheel adjustment switch against the direction of steering wheel movement.
    The setting procedure is stopped.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the Comfort submenu.

    Using theconfirm.

    Using theorSelect the Entry/Exit Assist function.

  • When the entry and exit assist function is switched on, the steering wheel of the vehicle is shown in orange in the multifunction display.

    Using thechange the setting.

    For more information on entry and exit assist .

    Switch belt adjustment on or off

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the Comfort submenu.

    Using theconfirm.Using theorSelect the Belt Adjustment function.
  • When the belt adjustment function is switched on, the vehicle's seat belt is shown in orange in the multifunction display.

    Using thechange the setting.

    For more information on belt adjustment .

    Switch mirror fold-in on locking on or off

    This function is only available if the vehicle is equipped with the electric auto fold-in feature.

    When you switch on the Auto Fold-In function, the exterior mirrors fold in when the vehicle is locked. When you unlock the vehicle and open the driver's or front passenger's door, the exterior mirrors fold out again.

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the Comfort submenu.

    Using theconfirm.Using theorSelect the Auto Fold-In function.
  • When the Auto Fold-In function is switched on, the multifunction display shows the vehicle's exterior mirror in orange.

    Using thechange the setting.

    If you fold the exterior mirrors in with the buttonwhile the Auto Fold-In function is switched on, the exterior mirrors do not fold out automatically .

    In this case, you can only fold the exterior mirrors out with the buttonfold out.

    Reset to factory settings

    Using theorOn the steering wheel, select the Settings menu.

    Using theorSelect the Factory Settings submenu.

    Using theconfirm.
  • The Reset all settings? function is displayed.

    Using theorSelect No or Yes.

    Using theConfirm the selection.
  • If you selected Yes, the multifunction display shows a confirmation message.

    For safety reasons, not all functions are reset: the winter tyre speed limit of the permanent SPEEDTRONIC can only be set in the Vehicle submenu. If you want to reset the daytime running lamps function in the Lights submenu, you must turn the key in the ignition lock to position 1.

    The Settings menu of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) offers a wide range of individual adjustments. From ambient lighting to comfort functions and vehicle locking, everything can be controlled easily and intuitively.

    With this flexibility, the E-Class meets a wide variety of driver preferences and offers a high level of comfort and personalization.

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