Mercedes-Benz E-Class Quiz
Driving and parking

Refueling. Fuel filler flap emergency release

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
~2min read

The fuel filler flap emergency release of the Mercedes E-Class (4th generation, W212, 2009–2016) allows the fuel filler flap to be opened if the central locking system malfunctions. This section describes the procedure for both the sedan and the estate, and provides tips for troubleshooting fuel and tank problems.

Tankklappen-Notentriegelung

Sedan: Open the trunk lid.

Push the parcel shelf down.

Open the right side trim panel.

Remove the first-aid kit bag.

Remove the emergency release from the holderunhook it.

Move the emergency release in the direction of the arrow.pull.

  • The fuel filler flap is unlocked.

    Open the fuel filler flap.

    Tankklappen-Notentriegelung

    Estate: Open the tailgate.

    Open the right side trim panel.

    Fold down the trim panel.

    The emergency releasepull in the direction of the arrow.

  • The fuel filler flap is unlocked.

    Open the fuel filler flap.

    Fuel and fuel tank problems

    Problem Possible causes/consequences and solutions
    The vehicle is losing fuel. WARNING

    The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.

    There is a risk of fire or explosion.

    Apply the electric parking brake.

    Switch off the engine.

    Remove the key from the ignition lock.

    or, on vehicles with KEYLESS-GO

    Open the driver's door.
  • The ignition lock is now in position 0. This means "key removed".

    Never restart the engine!

    Contact a qualified workshop.
    		•
    The engine does not start. On a vehicle with a diesel engine, the fuel tank has run completely empty.

    Refuel the vehicle with at least 5 liters of diesel.

    Switch the ignition on for approx. ten seconds.

    Start the engine continuously for a maximum of ten seconds until it runs smoothly.

    If the engine does not start:

    Switch the ignition on again for approx. ten seconds.

    Start the engine again continuously for a maximum of ten seconds until it runs smoothly.

    If the engine still does not start after three attempts:

    Contact a qualified workshop.
    The fuel filler flap cannot be opened. The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.

    Unlock the vehicle.

    The key battery is weak or discharged.

    Unlock the vehicle with the emergency key.

    Open the trunk lid or the tailgate.

    Unlock the fuel filler flap manually using the emergency release.

    The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed.

    Contact a qualified workshop.

    The fuel filler flap emergency release of the Mercedes E-Class W212 (model years 2009–2016) allows the fuel filler flap to be opened manually if a malfunction occurs. This function ensures that refueling remains possible without problems even in exceptional cases.

    Mercedes shows here how practical solutions are provided even for rare situations, making everyday driving easier.

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