Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Opening and Closing

Doors. Unlock driver's door (emergency key). Lock vehicle (emergency key)

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
~2min read

If technology fails, the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation W212, 2009–2016) can still be operated with the emergency key. This section shows in practical terms how to mechanically secure or open the doors and trunk, so you remain in control in any situation.

Unlock driver's door (emergency key)

If the vehicle cannot be unlocked with the key, use the emergency key.

Remove the emergency key from the key .

Insert the emergency key into the driver's door lock as far as it will go.

Fahrertür entriegeln (Notschlüssel)

Turn the emergency key to the left to positionturn.

  • The door is unlocked. Info

    On right-hand drive vehicles, turn the emergency key to the right.

    Turn the emergency key back and remove it.

    Insert the emergency key into the key.

    If you unlock and open the driver's door with the emergency key, this will trigger the intrusion alarm system.

    Lock vehicle (emergency key)

    If the vehicle cannot be locked with the key, use the emergency key.

    Open the driver's door.

    Close the front passenger door, the rear doors and the trunk lid/tailgate.

    Press the lock button.

    Check that the locking pins on the front passenger door and rear doors are still visible. If necessary, press the locking pins down by hand.

    Close the driver's door.

    Remove the emergency key from the key .

    Insert the emergency key into the driver's door lock as far as it will go.
    Fahrzeug verriegeln (Notschlüssel)

    Turn the emergency key to the right to positionturn.

  • The door is unlocked. Info

    On left-hand drive vehicles, turn the emergency key to the left.

    Turn the emergency key back and remove it.

    Check that the doors and the trunk lid/tailgate are locked.

    Insert the emergency key into the key.

    The Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) also provides ways to open and lock the vehicle safely if the electronics fail. The emergency key allows you to operate the driver's door or trunk mechanically and secure the vehicle against unauthorized access.

    This feature underlines the high safety standard of the E-Class BR 212 and provides maximum flexibility in exceptional situations.

    This shows the E-Class to be a reliable companion, even in the event of unexpected electronic problems.

    • Test yourself

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