Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Opening and Closing

Limit the opening angle of the tailgate (estate). Open the tailgate from inside (estate with folding rear seat bench). Unlock the trunk (sedan). Emergency release of the tailgate (estate)

In this manual: Opening and Closing
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 tailgate of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) offers useful features such as an opening angle limiter and emergency release. Learn how these functions add real value in everyday use and which settings are especially worthwhile.

Limiting the tailgate opening angle (estate model)

Important Safety Notes

Note

When setting the opening angle, make sure there is enough clearance above the fully opened tailgate. Otherwise the tailgate could be damaged. It is best to set the opening angle limit outdoors.

Switching on

You can limit the opening angle of the tailgate. This is possible in the upper half of the opening range, up to approximately 20 cm before the end stop.

Open the tailgate: pull the tailgate handle.

Stop the opening movement at the desired position: Press the close button in the tailgate or pull the tailgate handle on the outside again.

Save position: Press the close button in the tailgate until you hear a short signal tone.
  • The opening angle limiter is switched on. The tailgate now stops at the stored position when opening.

    Switching off

    Press and hold the close button in the tailgate until you hear two short signal tones.

    Opening the tailgate from inside (estate model with folding rear seat bench)

    General Notes

    Note

    The tailgate swings out rearward and upward when opening. Make sure there is enough clearance behind and above the tailgate.

    Info

    Tailgate opening dimensions.

    Open

    Heckklappe von innen öffnen (T-Modell mit Klappsitzbank)

    Tailgate interior

    Unlock tailgate: Slide the locking sliderto the right.

    Opening: At the top of the handlepull.

    Swing the tailgate upward.

    Lock tailgate: Slide the locking sliderto the left.

    Unlock trunk (saloon)

    Note

    The trunk lid swings upward when opening. Make sure there is enough clearance above the trunk lid.

    If the trunk cannot be unlocked with the key or with KEYLESS-GO, use the emergency key.

    If you unlock and open the trunk lid with the emergency key, this triggers the anti-theft alarm system.

    Remove the emergency key from the key .

    Insert the emergency key all the way into the trunk lid lock.

    Kofferraum entriegeln (Limousine)

    Turn the emergency key from positionto the left as far as it will go, to positionturn.

  • The trunk is unlocked.

    Turn the emergency key to positionback and remove it.

    Insert the emergency key into the key.

    Tailgate emergency release (estate model)

    General Notes

    Note

    The tailgate swings out rearward and upward when opening. Make sure there is enough clearance behind and above the tailgate.

    Info

    Tailgate opening dimensions.

    If the tailgate cannot be opened from outside, use the emergency release inside the tailgate.

    On vehicles with a folding rear seat bench, you can open the tailgate from inside using the handle.

    Open

    Notentriegelung Heckklappe (T-Modell)

    Fold the rear seatback forward.

    Remove the cargo area cover.

    Remove the emergency key from the key .

    The emergency keyinto the opening in the trimPush.

    The emergency keyTurn 90° to the right.

    The emergency keyPress in the direction of the arrow and open the tailgate.

    Insert the emergency key into the key.

    The Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) offers clever solutions on the estate model, such as limiting the tailgate opening angle, which is ideal for low garages or carports. The emergency release allows the tailgate to be opened from inside, providing additional security.

    The saloon also benefits from practical details such as the mechanical emergency release for the trunk, so the vehicle can always be used flexibly and safely.

    Question: When is limiting the opening angle useful?

    Answer: When there is limited space above the vehicle, for example in a garage, to prevent damage.

    Question: How can the tailgate be opened from inside on the estate model?

    Answer: By sliding the locking slider and pulling the handle on the inside of the tailgate.

    • Test yourself

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