Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

Key positions

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 key positions in the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) and the use of KEYLESS-GO enable comfortable and flexible operation. This section describes the functions of the various key positions and the safe handling of the Start/Stop button, ensuring simple and safe vehicle starting.

Keys

Schlüssel
Remove key
Power supply for some consumers, such as windshield wipers
Ignition (power supply for all consumers) and driving position
Start
Info
If the key does not match the vehicle, it can still be turned in the ignition lock. The ignition is not switched on. The engine cannot be started.

KEYLESS-GO

General Notes

Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with keys featuring the integrated KEYLESS-GO function and a removable Start/Stop button.

The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the ignition lock and the key must be inside the vehicle.

When you insert the Start/Stop button into the ignition lock, the system needs approximately two seconds to recognize it. Only then can you use the Start/Stop button.

If you press the Start/Stop button several times in succession, this corresponds to the different key positions in the ignition lock. The prerequisite is that you do not press the brake pedal.

If you press the brake pedal and the Start/Stop button, the engine starts immediately.

A brief radio connection between the vehicle and the key checks whether a valid key is inside the vehicle. This happens, for example, during engine start.

To start the vehicle without actively using the key,
  • the Start/Stop button must be inserted in the ignition lock
  • the key must be inside the vehicle
  • the vehicle must not be locked with the key or KEYLESS-GO.
Do not keep the KEYLESS-GO key
  • with electronic devices, such as a mobile phone or another key
  • with metal objects, such as coins or metal foil
  • inside metal objects, such as a metal case.
This can impair the function of KEYLESS-GO.

If you lock the vehicle with the key remote control or with KEYLESS-GO, after a short time you cannot

  • switch on the ignition with the Start/Stop button
  • start the engine with the Start/Stop button until the vehicle is unlocked again.
If you lock the vehicle centrally with the button on the front door, you can still start the engine with the Start/Stop button.

While driving, you can switch off the engine by pressing the Start/Stop button for about three seconds. This function is not related to the automatic engine stop of the ECO START/STOP function.

Key positions with KEYLESS-GO

Schlüsselstellungen mit KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button
Ignition switch
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light up. For more information, see the section on an indicator lamp that does not go out after the engine has started or that lights up while driving.

If the Start/Stop button has not yet beenpressed, this means “key removed”.

Switch on power supply: Start/Stop buttonpress once.
  • The power supply is switched on. You can, for example, switch on the windshield wipers. The power supply is switched off again when
    • the driver's door is open and
    • from this position you press the Start/Stop button twicepress.
    Switch on ignition: Start/Stop buttonpress twice.
  • The ignition is switched on. The ignition is switched off when
    • the driver's door is open and
    • from this position, press the Start/Stop button oncepress.

    Remove Start/Stop button

    You can pull the Start/Stop button out of the ignition lock and start the vehicle with the key as usual.

    Only when the transmission is in position P can you switch between operation with the Start/Stop button and key operation.

    Start/Stop buttonfrom the ignition lockpull it out. When you leave the vehicle, you do not have to remove the Start/Stop button from the ignition lock. However, when you leave the vehicle, always take the key with you. As long as the key is in the vehicle, it can
    • the vehicle be started with the Start/Stop button
    • the electrically operated equipment be operated.

    The key positions and the KEYLESS-GO system of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) offer the highest level of comfort and security. Intelligent functions make access and starting especially easy.

    In this way, the E-Class combines traditional engineering with modern systems that make everyday driving easier and protect the vehicle reliably.

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