E-Class Operator's Manual

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E-class

Operator’s Manual E 320


Product information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interests:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for
your vehicle model.

We have subjected these parts to a special test in which their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles have been determined.

We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases
an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.

Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your Mercedes-Benz
authorized dealer where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where
proper installation will be performed.

Printed in the U.S.A.

We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of
this Owner's Manual. Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our
prior authorization in writing.
Press time 09/30/98 MBNA/TI

2
Operator's manual
Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.

Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an
automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.

Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of ownership, and for
your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:

• Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.
• Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your
Mercedes-Benz.

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.

Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

3
Introduction

This Owner's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.

For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to
follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional
equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes-
Benz dealer will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.

Owner's Service and Warranty Information

The Owner's Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-
Benz, including:

• New Car Limited Warranty,


• Emission System Warranty,
• Emission Performance Warranty,
• California and Massachusetts Emission Control System Warranty (California and Massachusetts only),
• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

Important Notice for California Retail Buyers of Mercedes-Benz Automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz of
North America, Inc. or its authorized dealer fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair
attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total
of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial nonconformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have
at least once directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to per-
form the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Owner's
Service and Warranty Information Booklet.

4
Maintenance

The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for service. The
service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number:

1-800-FOR MERCedes (in the U.S.A.) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

Change of Address or Ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Owner's Service and Warranty
Information booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes. It
is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all owner's literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next owner.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Owner's Service and Warranty
Information booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.

5
Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

• service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,


• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,
• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or write to:
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645
In Canada write to:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design
and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Owner's Manual might differ from your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order
items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Owner's Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will
be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.

The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

6
The First 1000 Miles (1500 km)

The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its performance later on.
Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first 1000 miles (1500 km) at moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We recommend
that you select positions "3", "2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum.

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

See last page.

Maintenance

Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles (2 000 km) prior to the next recommended service, the remaining distance or days are
displayed in the multifunction indicator. See Flexible Service System (FSS) in Index.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the
Service Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Service Booklet may result in vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Radio Transmitters

Warning!

Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehicle's electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and personal injury.

Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citizens band unit should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to
an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions regarding use of an external antenna.
7
Introduction Start Lock-out 28 Steering Lock 67
Central Locking System 29 Combination Switch 68
Product information 2 Radio Frequency Infrared Remote Control 29 Headlamp Cleaning System 69
Operator's manual 4 Mechanical keys 32 Rear Window Wiper/Washer 70
Consumer Information 158 Doors 32 Exterior Lamp Switch 71
Problems with your vehicle 159 Central Locking Switch 34 Night Security Illumination 72
Reporting Safety Defects 159 Tailgate 35 Inside Rear View Mirror 72
Index 163 Power Window and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 37 Exterior Rear View Mirror 73
Anti-Theft Alarm System 38 Ashtrays 75
Instruments and controls Tow-Away Protection 40 Lighter 75
Power Seats, Front 41 Sun Visors 76
Instruments and controls 10 Multicontour Seat 44 Illuminated Vanity mirrors 76
Instrument Cluster 12 Heated Seats 45 Interior Lighting 77
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Adjusting Steering Wheel 46 Storage Compartments 78
Catalytic Converter 15 Arm Rest, Rear Bench 46 Cup Holder 78
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 16 Head Restraints, Rear 47 Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 79
Driving Instructions 17 First Aid Kit 47 Power Windows 80
Seat belts and Supplemental Restraint Instrument Lamps 82
Operation system (SRS) 48 Display Illumination 82
Seat belts 48 Trip Odometer 82
Automatic Climate Control 22 Baby Smart Airbag Deactivation System 52 Clock 82
Basic Setting – Automatic Mode 23 Self Test 53 Garage Door Opener 83
Defogging Windows 24 Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 54 Cellular telephone 84
Defrosting 24 Airbag 55
Rear Window Defroster 24 Child Restraint 59 Driving
Air Recirculation 25 Split Rear Bench Seat 61
Activated Charcoal Filter Compart. Ventilation 25 Rear Facing Bench Seat 61 Drinking and driving 86
Rear Passeanger Compart. Adjustable Air Outlet 26 Loading Instructions 65 Parking Brake 86
Car keys 27 Cargo Tie-Down Rings 66 Driving off 86

8
Automatic Transmission 87 Electronic Stability program (ESP) 105 Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 143
Cruise Control 92 Emission Control 107 Replacing Wiper Blades Insert 144
Multifunction Indicator On-Board Diagnostic System 107 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 145
Language Selection 94 Winter Driving 108 Roof Rack 146
Multiple Malfunctions 94 Snow Chains 108 MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Part Service 147
Temporarily Switching off 94 Traveling Abroad 108 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 147
Defective 94
Charge Indicator Lamp 95 Practical Hints Technical Data. Fuels,
Engine Oil Consumption 95 Coolants, Lubricants etc.
Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 95 Hood 110 Consumer Information
Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Checking Coolant Level 111
Placement Warning Lamp 95 Adding Coolant 111 Identification Labels 150
Tachometer 96 Checking Engine Oil Level 112 Warranty Coverage 150
Seat Belt Warning Lamp 96 Automatic Trans. Fluid Level 113 Technical Data 151
Outside Temperature Indicator 96 Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, 114 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 153
Coolant Temperature Gauge 96 Vehicle Jack 115 Capacities 153
Low Engine Coolant Level Wheels 115 Engine Oils 155
Warning Lamp 97 Changing Wheels 117 Engine Oils Additives 155
Low Windshield and Headlamp Tire in Inflation Pressure 120 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 155
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp 97 Exterior Lamps 121 Brake Fluid 155
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 98 Battery 128 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 156
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 98 Fuses 130 Fuel Requirements 156
Brake Warning 98 Electrical Outlet 131 Gasoline Additives 156
Flexible Service System (FSS) 98 Jump Starting 132 Coolants 157
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 100 Towing the Vehicle 134 Service and Literature 166
Brake Assist System (BAS) 101 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 136 Check Regularly Before a Long Trip 167
Electronic Traction System (ETS) 102 Electronic Main Key, Remote Contr. 140
Acceleration Stability Program (ASR) 103 Head Restraint Removal and Storage 142
Electronic Traction System (ETS) 102 Emergency Operation of

9
Instruments and Controls

For more detailed descriptions see Index


For adjustment of air outlets, refer to Automatic Climate Control (see Index).

1 Side defroster outlet 17 Rear window wiper and washer switch


2 Side air outlet, adjustable 18 Hazard warning flasher switch
3 Air volume control for side outlet 19 Central locking switch
4 Exterior lamp switch 20 Switch for Tow-Away Protection Indicator lamp for
antitheft alarm system
5 Parking brake release 21 Right front seat heater switch
6 Parking brake pedal 22 Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
7 Hood lock release 23 Automatic climate control, Rear window defroster switch
Activated charcoal filter switch
8 Combination switch 24 Audio System
9 Cruise control switch 25 Storage/eyeglasses compartment
10 Instrument cluster 26 Ashtray with lighter
11 Horn, airbag 27 ASR or ESP control switch
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 28 Power window switches, front door
13 Center air outlet, adjustable 29 Power window safety switch, rear door
14 Air volume control for center outlet 30 Airbag Off indicator lamp
15 Left front seat heater switch 31 Power window switches, rear door
16 Headlamp washer switch 32 Mirror adjustment switch

10
11
5 Left turn signal indicator lamp
(green)
6 ASR, ESP or ETS warning lamp
(yellow). See Index
7 Speedometer
8 Trip odometer. See Index
9 Outside temperature indicator.
See Index
10 Main odometer
11 Clock. See Index
or
8-11 Multifunction indicator, or FSS
indicator. See Index
12 Right turn signal indicator lamp
(green)
13 Tachometer. See Index

14 Push buttons for setting clock.


Instrument Cluster See Index

1 Push buttons for intensity of 3 Coolant temperature gauge. 15 Push button for resetting
instrument lamps. See Index See Index multifunction indicator.
See Index
2 Push button for resetting trip 4 Fuel gauge with reserve and
odometer. See Index fuel cap placement warning
lamp (yellow). See Index

12
Multifunction Indicator Engine oil level low. See Index
If a malfunction occurs, the appropriate warning symbol appears,
supplemented by a message in the field normally occupied by the Coolant level low. See Index
displays for outside temperature, odometers, and clock.
Battery not being charged properly. See Index
In the case of more than one malfunction, symbols and messages
are displayed in sequence. Push reset button (R) for subsequent
messages. Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer
system low. See Index
A warning sounds at the beginning of each message.
Exterior lamps are on. See Index
Notes:
Take key.
Refer to Multifunction Indicator in the Index for temporarily
switching off a Warning Symbol and its message. Remove electronic key from steering lock.
FSS indicator. See Index
Warning message selection is available in the English,
French, German, Italian, or Spanish language. See Index.
Parking brake engaged. See Index
Indicator Lamp Symbols
Symbols and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator Display defective. See Multifunction Indicator
in Index
Brake pads worn down. See Index See Multifunction Indicator in Index
Multifunction indicator for several messages.
Exterior lamp failure. See Index

13
Additional Lamp Symbols in the Instrument Function Indicator Lamps in the Instrument Cluster
Cluster, and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator

Fasten seat belts. See Index. High beam

Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake engaged. ABS malfunction. See Index
See Index.
Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake engaged. SRS malfunction. See
See Index.
BAS malfunction. See Index ASR or ESP.
ASR malfunction. See Index Adjust driving to road condition. See Index
BAS malfunction. See Index Engine malfunction.
ESP malfunction. See Index If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it
indicates a malfunction of the 02-sensor on Federal
BAS malfunction. See Index version vehicles, and fuel injection system or
ETS malfunction. See Index emission control system on the California version
Function Indicator Lamp vehicles. In either case, we recommend that you
have the malfunction checked as soon as possible.
on the Center Console See Index.
Passenger Airbag automatically switched off.
See Index

14
Catalytic Converter Caution! Warning!

Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with To prevent damage to the catalytic As with any vehicle, do not idle, park
monolithic type catalytic converters, an converters, use only premium unleaded or operate this vehicle in areas where
important element in conjunction with gasoline in this vehicle. combustible materials such as grass,
the oxygen sensors to achieve hay or leaves can come into contact
substantial control of the pollutants in Any noticeable irregularities in engine with the hot exhaust system, as these
the exhaust emissions. Keep your operation should be repaired promptly. materials could be ignited and cause a
vehicle in proper operating condition Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel vehicle fire.
by following our recommended may reach the catalytic converter
maintenance instructions as outlined in causing it to overheat, which could
your Service Booklet. start a fire.

15
Starting and Turning Off the Engine Important! Turning Off

Before Starting Due to the installed starter non-repeat Turn the electronic key in the steering
feature, the electronic key must be lock to position 0 to stop the engine.
Ensure that parking brake is engaged turned completely to the left before
and that selector lever is in position "P" attempting to start the engine again. The electronic key can only be
or "N". Turn electronic key in steering removed with your foot off the brake
lock to position 2. In areas where temperatures frequently pedal and the selector lever in position
drop below -4°F (-20°C) we "P".
Starting recommend that an engine block heater
be installed. Your authorized
Do not depress accelerator. Mercedes-Benz dealer will advise you
on this subject.
Briefly turn electronic key in steering
lock clockwise to the stop and release.
The starter will engage until the engine
is running.

If engine will not run, and the starting


procedure stops, turn electronic key
completely to the left and repeat
starting the engine.

After several unsuccessful attempts,


have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

16
Driving Instructions Brakes If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument
Warning! Warning! cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low.
If you feel a sudden significant After driving in heavy rain for some
vibration or ride disturbance, or you time without applying the brakes or Brake pad wear or a leak in the system
suspect that possible damage to your through water deep enough to wet may be the reason for low brake fluid
vehicle has occurred, you should brake components, the first braking in the reservoir.
turn on the hazard warning flashers, action may be somewhat reduced
carefully slow down, and drive with and increased pedal pressure may be Have the brake system inspected at an
caution to an area which is a safe necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
distance from the roadway. distance from vehicles in front. immediately.

Inspect the tires and under the Resting your foot on the brake pedal All checks and service work on the
vehicle for possible damage. If the will cause excessive and premature brake system should be carried out by
vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it wear of the brake pads. an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz
or tire dealer for repairs. It can also result in the brakes Install only brake pads and brake
overheating thereby significantly fluid recommended by Mercedes-
Power Assistance reducing their effectiveness. It may Benz.
not be possible to stop the vehicle in
Warning! sufficient time to avoid an accident. Warning!

When the engine is not running, the The condition of the parking brake If other than recommended brake
brake and steering systems are system is checked each time the pads are installed, or other than
without power assistance. Under vehicle is in the shop for the required recommended brake fluid is used,
these circumstances, a much greater service. the braking properties of the vehicle
effort is necessary to stop or steer the can be degraded to an extent that
vehicle. safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an
accident.

17
Caution! Specified tire pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
When driving down long and steep the tires are subjected to high loads
grades, relieve the load on the brakes (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
by shifting into a lower gear to use the ambient temperatures).
engine's braking power. This helps
prevent overheating of the brakes and Warning!
reduces brake pad wear.
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat
After hard braking, it is advisable to tire affects the ability to steer or
drive on for some time, rather than brake the vehicle. You may lose
immediately parking, so the air stream control of the vehicle. Continued
will cool down the brakes faster. driving with a flat tire or driving at
high speed with a flat tire will cause
Tires excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are Warning!
required by law. These indicators are Aquaplaning
located in six places on the tread Do not allow your tires to wear down
circumference and become visible at a too far. As tread depth approaches Depending on the depth of the water
tread depth of approximately 1/16 in 1
/16 in (1.5 mm), the adhesion layer on the road, aquaplaning may
(1.5 mm), at which point the tire is properties on a wet road are sharply occur, even at low speeds and with
considered worn and should be reduced. new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid
replaced. track grooves in the road and apply
Depending upon the weather and/or brakes cautiously in the rain.
The tread wear indicator appears as a road surface (conditions), the tire
solid band across the tread. traction varies widely.

18
Tire Traction Tire Speed Rating Parking

The safe speed on a wet, snow covered Your vehicle is factory equipped with Warning!
or icy road is always lower than on a dry "H"-rated tires, which have a European
road. speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). To reduce the risk of personal injury
as a result of vehicle movement,
You should pay particular attention to Despite the tire rating, local speed limits before turning off the engine and
the condition of the road whenever the should be obeyed. Use prudent driving leaving the vehicle always:
outside temperatures are close to the speeds appropriate to prevailing
freezing point. conditions. 1. Keep right foot on brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake
Warning! An electronic speed limiter prevents pedal.
your vehicle from exceeding the speed 3. Move the selector lever to
If ice has formed on the road, tire rating. position "P".
traction will be substantially 4. Slowly release brake pedal.
reduced. Under such weather Warning! 5. Turn front wheels towards the
conditions, drive, steer and brake road curb.
with extreme caution. Even when permitted by law, never 6. Turn the electronic key to
operate a vehicle at speeds greater steering lock position 0 and
We recommend M+S rated radial-ply than the maximum speed rating of remove.
tires for the winter season for all four the tires. 7. Take the electronic key and lock
wheels to insure normal balanced vehicle when leaving.
handling characteristics. On packed Exceeding the maximum speed for
snow, they can reduce your stopping which tires are rated can lead to Important!
distance as compared with summer sudden tire failure causing loss of
tires. Stopping distance, however, is still vehicle control and resulting in It is advisable to set the parking brake
considerably greater than when the road personal injury and possible death. whenever parking or leaving the vehicle.
is not snow or ice covered. In addition, move selector lever to
position "P".

When parking on hills, always set the


parking brake.

19
Winter Driving Instructions If the vehicle is parked after being Deep Water
driven on salt treated roads, the braking
The most important rule for slippery or efficiency should be tested as soon as Caution!
icy roads is to drive sensibly and to possible after driving is resumed while
avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and observing the safety rules in the Do not drive through flooded areas or
steering maneuvers. Do not use the previous paragraph. water of unknown depth.
cruise control system under such
conditions. Warning! If you must drive through deep water,
drive slowly to prevent water from
When the vehicle is in danger of If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, entering the engine compartment or
skidding, move selector lever to make sure that snow is kept clear of passenger compartment, or being
position "N". Try to keep the vehicle the exhaust pipe and from around ingested by the air intake, possibly
under control by corrective steering the vehicle with engine running. causing damage to electrical
action. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide components or wiring, to engine or
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior transmission that is not covered by the
Road salts and chemicals can adversely resulting in unconsciousness and Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
affect braking efficiency. Increased death.
pedal force may become necessary to Passenger Compartment
produce the normal brake effect. We To assure sufficient fresh air
therefore recommend depressing the ventilation, open a window slightly Warning!
brake pedal periodically when traveling on the side of the vehicle not facing
at length on salt-strewn roads. This can the wind. Always fasten items being carried as
bring road salt impaired braking securely as possible.
efficiency back to normal. A
prerequisite is, however, that this be In an accident, during hard braking
done without endangering other drivers or sudden maneuvers, loose items
on the road. will be thrown around inside the
vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.

20
Operation

21
1 Air volume control for center air
outlets, turn wheel up to open.
2 Air volume control for side air
outlet.
To open air outlets: Turn
wheel to position .
3 To open defroster outlets: Turn
wheel to position
4 Center air outlet, adjustable
5 Side air outlet, adjustable
6 Side defroster outlets
7 Display and Controls

The automatic climate control removes


considerable moisture from the air
during operation in the cooling mode.
It is normal for water to drip on the
ground through ducts in the underbody.

The desired interior temperature can be


selected separately for the left and right
side of the passenger compartment.

Automatic Climate Control The temperature selector should be left


at the desired temperature setting. The
The system is always at operational temperature selected is reached as
readiness, except when manually quickly as possible.
switched off.
The system will not heat or cool any
The automatic climate control only quicker by setting a higher or lower
operates with the engine running. temperature.
22
Basic Setting - Automatic Mode

Press left and right button for


automatic mode.

Simultaneously press both and


buttons for temperature setting of
72°F.

Air volume and distribution are


controlled automatically.

Display and Controls This setting can be used all year


Activated charcoal filter around.
Press the desired button to activate, Rear window defroster
indicator lamp is on while activated. Economy
Air distribution, manual The function of this setting corresponds
Automatic mode to the automatic mode. However,
Economy mode because the air conditioning
Raise temperature compressor will not engage (fuel
Air volume, manual savings), it is not possible to air
Lower temperature condition in this setting.
Residual engine heat
Defrost utilization. Press button to activate.
Air recirculation Press button once again to return
to previous setting.

23
Special Settings Rear Window Defroster Air Distribution
(use only for short duration)
Turn electronic key in steering lock to
Defogging Windows position 2.

Switch off button. To select, press button. Press button repeatedly until the
To cancel, press button again. requested symbol is displayed.
Press left and right buttons.
Press button repeatedly until air is Note: Air Volume
directed upward.
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice Press - or +side of rocker switch
should be removed before activating until the requested blower
the defroster. speed is attained. A choice of 7 blower
speeds is available.
Turn wheels (2) to position to The rear window defroster consumes a
open left and right air outlets (5). large amount of electrical power. To To switch the automatic climate control
keep the battery drain to a minimum, off, press -side of rocker switch
Defrosting turn off the defroster as soon as the until symbol OFF is displayed.
window is clear.
Turn wheels (2) to position to The defroster is automatically
open left and right air outlets (5). turned off after a maximum of 12
Adjust air outlets upward. Press minutes of operation. The fresh air supply to the car interior
button. Maximum heated and If several power consumers are turned is shut off.
automatically controlled amount of on simultaneously, or the battery is
air is directed to the windshield and only partially charged, it is possible While driving, use this setting only
side windows. that the defroster will automatically temporarily, otherwise the windshield
turn itself off. When this happens, the could fog up.
indicator lamp inside the switch starts
blinking. To switch the automatic climate control
As soon as the battery has sufficient on again, press , , or +side of
Press button once again to return voltage, the defroster automatically
to previous setting. turns itself back on.

24
Air Recirculation Dust Filter Activated Charcoal Filter

This mode can be selected to temporarily Nearly all dust particles and pollen are To select, press button.
reduce the entry of annoying odors or filtered out before outside air enters the To cancel, press button again.
dust into the vehicle's interior. passenger compartment through the air
Outside air is not supplied to the car's distribution system. An activated charcoal filter markedly
interior. reduces bad odors and re moves
Note: pollutants from the air entering the
To select, press button. passenger compartment.
To cancel, press button again. Do not obstruct the air flow by keeping
The system will automatically switch the air intake grille in front of The blower speed is slightly increased
from recirculated air to fresh air windshield free of snow and debris. to supply a contant volume of air.
The system switches automatically to
• after approx. 5 minutes at outside Also keep the air intake grille in front of the air recirculation mode, if the carbon
temperatures below approx. 40°F windshield free of snow and debris. monoxide (CO) or nitric oxide (NO of
(5°C), the outside air increases.
• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside
temperatures above approx. 40°F When pressing button or ‚
(5°C), the filter is also switched oft.
• after approx. 5 minutes, if button
is pressed. Notes:
If the windows should fog up from the The automatic air recirculation does not
inside, switch from recirculated air back function when selecting the Economy
to fresh air. mode ‚ or the outside temperature
is below
At high outside temperatures, the system 45°F (7°C).
automatically engages the recirculated The activated charcoal filter should be
air mode thereby increasing the cooling switched oft when windows fog up on
capacity performance, switching to the inside, or if the passenger
partially fresh air within 20 minutes. compartment needs to be quickly heated
or cooled down.
25
Residual Engine Heat Utilization Front Center Console
Compartment Ventilation
With the engine switched off, it is
possible to continue heating the interior The front center console compartment
for a short while. has its own air outlet.
Air volume and distribution are To open: Push lever down.
controlled automatically. To close: Push lever up.
To select: The air volume is dependent on the
setting of the
Turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 1 or 0 or remove key. • air volume control
• air distribution control
Press button. • air outlets in the dashboard and
rear passenger compartment.
This function selection will not activate Rear Passenger Compartment
if the battery charge level is insufficient. The air temperature is about the same Adjustable Air Outlet
than that of the dashboard air outlets. It
To cancel: Press button. cannot be regulated separately. To open air outlet, rotate wheel (1)
upward.
The system will automatically shut off Note: The air outlet is adjustable.

• if you turn electronic key in The compartment can get very warm Important!
steering lock to position 2, due to its confined space. When storing
• after approx. 30 minutes, heat sensitive objects in the This vehicle is equipped with an air
• if the battery voltage drops. compartment, close the air outlet while conditioner system that uses R-134a
heating the passenger compartment. (HFC: ozone-friendly
hydrofluorocarbon) as a refrigerant.
Also, do not obstruct the air outlet. Repairs should always be performed
by a qualified technician, and
refrigerant should be collected in a
recovery system for recycling.
26
Car Keys The mechanical key (2) can be
removed by sliding it out of the remote
Included with your vehicle are: control. To do so, move lock (3) in
direction of arrow and slide the
• 2 electronic main keys with mechanical key (2) in direction of arrow
integrated radio frequency and (5).
infrared remote controls plus
slide out and removable
mechanical key. In the case of using the mechanical key
for lock operations, it can be extended
• 1 electronic reserve key without outward. To do so, move lock (3) in
remote control functions, plus direction of arrow, slide the mechanical
removable mechanical key. key (2) in direction of arrow (4) until it
locks in place.
Warning!
Electronic main key with integrated The remote control transmitter is
When leaving the vehicle always radio frequency and infrared remote located in the electronic main key.
remove the electronic key from the control, plus slide out and removable The infrared receivers are located in
steering lock, and lock your vehicle. mechanical key the front door handles.
Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, or with access to an The remote control (1) operates all Note:
unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use locks on the car.
of vehicle equipment may cause Remove the mechanical key from the
serious personal injury. The mechanical keys (2) work only in electronic main key when using valet
the driver's door, trunk, and storage parking service. To prevent access to
compartment locks. trunk or storage compartments lock
them separately.

27
Note: Obtaining Replacement Keys

We recommend that you carry the Your vehicle is equipped with a theft
electronic reserve key with mechanical deterrent locking system requiring a
key with you and keep it in a safe place special key manufacturing process. For
(e.g. your wallet) so that it is always security reasons, replacement keys can
handy. Never leave the electronic only be obtained from your authorized
reserve key in the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Start Lock-Out

Important!

Removing the electronic key from the


steering lock activates the start lock-
Electronic reserve key without out. The engine cannot be started.
remote control functions, plus
removable mechanical key. Inserting the electronic key in the
steering lock deactivates the start
The electronic reserve key (1) works lock-out.
only in the steering lock.
Note:
The mechanical key (2) works only in
the driver's door, trunk, and storage In case the engine cannot be started,
compartment locks. the system is not operational. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or
To use the mechanical key (2), remove call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.
it from its electronic reserve key (1).

28
Central Locking System
Radio Frequency and Infrared
Remote Control

The electronic main key has an


integrated radio frequency and
infrared remote control.
Due to the extended operational
range of the remote control, it could
be possible to unintentionally lock or
unlock the vehicle by pressing the
transmit button. A command received
by the central locking system is
acknowledged by the function control
lamp blinking once.
The vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler
flap can be centrally locked and 1 Transmit button 6 Infrared receiver in driver's door
unlocked via remote control. handle
Locking
Opening and closing the windows and
sliding/pop-up roof can only be done Unlocking
with the infrared portion of the remote
control. Aim transmitter eye (5) at a 2 PANIC button
receiver (6 or 7), press and hold 3 Release button for
transmit button or mechanical key
4 Lamp for battery check
If the electronic key is inserted in and function control
steering lock, the vehicle cannot be 5 Transmitter eye
locked or unlocked with the remote
control.

29
Locking and Unlocking is not inserted in the steering lock, or
the central locking switch is not
Unlocking: activated, the vehicle will
automatically lock.
Press transmit button . All turn
signal lamps blink once to indicate that Locking:
the vehicle is unlocked.
Press transmit button once. All
The remote control can be pro- turn signal lamps blink three times to
grammed for two kinds of unlocking indicate that the vehicle is locked.
methods (see below):
Note:
Selective unlocking mode -
Press transmit button once to If the vehicle cannot be locked or
unlock driver's door and fuel filler flap. unlocked by pressing the transmit
button, then it may be necessary to
7 Infrared receiver in passenger door Press transmit button twice to change the batteries in the transmitter
handle unlock doors, fuel filler flap, and trunk. (if ok, battery check lamp in
transmitter will light briefly when
Global unlocking mode -Press transmitting) or to synchronize the
transmit button once to unlock system, see Remote Control in Index.
doors, fuel filler flap, and trunk.
Choosing Global or Selective Mode
Notes: on Remote Control

The presently active unlocking mode Press and hold transmit buttons
(selective or global) can only be and simultaneously for five
determined by unlocking the vehicle seconds to reprogram the remote
with the remote control (see below for control. Battery check lamp will blink
changing mode). two times indicating the completed
If within 40 seconds of unlocking with mode change.
the remote control, neither door or
tailgate is opened, the electronic key

30
Opening and Closing Windows from Warning! Note:
Outside
Never operate the windows if there is If the windows cannot be operated
Aim transmitter eye (5) of remote the possibility of anyone being automatically by pressing the transmit
control at door receivers (6 or 7). harmed by the opening or closing button of the remote control then it
procedure. may be necessary to change the
To open: batteries in the transmitter (if ok,
In case the procedure causes battery check lamp in transmitter will
Continue to press transmit button potential danger, the procedure can light briefly when transmitting), or to
after unlocking car. be immediately halted by releasing synchronize the remote control, see
the remote control button. To Synchronizing Remote Control in
The windows begin to open after reverse direction of movement press Index.
approx. 1 second. for opening or for closing.

To interrupt opening procedure, release


button.

To close:

Continue to press transmit button


after locking car.

The windows begin to close after


approx. 1 second.

To interrupt closing procedure, release


button.

31
Note: Mechanical Keys

For operation in the USA only: This The entire vehicle may be locked or
device complies with Part 15 of the unlocked by using either the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the mechanical key in driver's door or
following two conditions: trunk lock, or central locking switch
located in center console. The
(1) This device may not cause harmful mechanical key also locks or unlocks
interference, and the fuel filler flap.

(2) this device must accept any Note:


interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened,
operation. refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual
Release (see Index).
Panic Button Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority
To activate press and hold button (1) to operate the equipment.
for at least one second. The alarm will
last for approximately 3 minutes in
form of blinking exterior lamps, and an
alarm will sound.
To deactivate press button (1) again, or
insert electronic key in steering lock.

32
If the car has previously been locked
from the outside, only the door being
opened from the inside will unlock,
and the alarm will come on. The other
door, the trunk lid and fuel filler flap
remain locked.

Notes:
In case of a malfunction in the central
locking system the doors can be locked
and unlocked individually.

To lock, turn mechanical key in


driver's door lock to position 3 or push
Doors When you lock the car, both door lock down lock buttons.
buttons should move down. If any one
1 Opening - pull handle stays up, the respective door is not To unlock, turn mechanical key in
2 Unlocking properly closed. driver's door lock to position 2 or pull
3 Locking up lock buttons
4 Individual door from inside: You should then unlock the car, open
and reclose this door, and lock the car
• Push lock button down to lock. again. Each individual door can be
• Pull lock button up to unlock. locked with door lock button - the
driver's door can only be locked when
it is closed.

33
The doors and trunk can only be locked Automatic Central Locking
with the central locking switch, if both
doors are closed. The central locking switch also
operates the automatic central locking.
If the vehicle was previously locked
with the remote control or mechanical To activate:
key, the doors and trunk cannot be
unlocked with the central locking With electronic key in steering lock
switch. position 2 hold upper portion of switch
(1) for a minimum of 5 seconds.
If the vehicle was previously locked
with the central locking switch, while To deactivate:
in the selective remote control mode,
only the door opened from the inside is With electronic key in steering lock
unlocked. position 2 hold lower portion of switch
Central locking switch (2) for a minimum of 5 seconds.
If the vehicle was previously locked
1 Locking with the central locking switch, while With the automatic central locking
2 Unlocking in the global remote control mode, the system activated, the doors and trunk
complete vehicle is unlocked when a are locked at vehicle speeds of approx.
door is opened from the inside. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. The fuel
filler flap remains unlocked.
Note:

The fuel filler flap cannot be locked or


unlocked with the central locking
switch

34
Notes: Important! Emergency Unlocking in Case of
Accident
If doors are unlocked with the central When towing the vehicle, or with the
locking switch after activating the vehicle on a dynamometer test stand, The doors unlock automatically a short
automatic central locking, and neither please, note the following: time after an accident (this is intended
door is opened, then the doors remain With the automatic central locking to aid rescue and exit). However, the
unlocked even at vehicle speeds of activated and the electronic key in electronic key must still be in the
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. steering lock position 2, the vehicle steering lock.
doors lock if the left front wheel as
Opening a door from the inside at well as the right rear wheel are turning
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph (15
less with the automatic central locking km/h) or more.
activated, the door will again be
automatically locked at speeds of To prevent the vehicle door locks from
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. locking, deactivate the automatic
central locking.

35
Tailgate 3 Recessed handle 5 Grip molding
4 Lock button 6 Lock
0 Neutral position
1 Unlocking To open tailgate, pull recessed handle
2 Locking and swing up

36
Warning! Notes:

To prevent possible personal injury, In case of a malfunction in the central


always keep hands and fingers away locking system the tailgate can be
from the tailgate opening when locked and unlocked individually.
closing the tailgate. The power-
assisted mechanism cannot be inter- To unlock, turn mechanical key in
rupted once it has been engaged. outside lock to position 1, or push
inside lock button to position 1.
To prevent personal injury, never
activate the closing assist mechanism To lock, turn mechanical key in outside
by tampering with the tailgate latch. lock to position 2, or push inside lock
button to position 2.
Important!
The rear compartment lamp will be
To close the tailgate, pull down on In case of danger, the closed tailgate switched off by the contact switch only
inside grip (3) and press down on can be opened with the inside or if the tailgate is fully closed.
outside grip molding (5) until the outside handle.
tailgate latch engages. It is not ne- When opening the tailgate completely,
cessary to slam the tailgate closed, a Only drive with the tailgate closed as always make sure that there is
power-assisted mechanism will latch otherwise exhaust fumes may enter the sufficient overhead clearance.
the tailgate quietly and automatically vehicle interior.

37
When locking doors or trunk, turn Warning!
mechanical key in door lock or trunk
lock to position 3 and hold. The Never operate the windows if there
windows begin to close automatically is the possibility of anyone being
after approximately 1 second. harmed by the procedure.

To interrupt the closing procedure, In case the procedure causes


turn mechanical key to position 2. potential danger, the procedure can
be immediately reversed by turning
When unlocking doors or trunk, turn the mechanical key to the reversed
mechanical key in door lock or trunk operational direction:
lock to position 1 and hold. The
windows begin to open automatically • for opening position (1)
after approximately 1 second. • for closing position (3).

Power Windows To interrupt the opening procedure, Note:


turn mechanical key to position 2.
1 Opening If the opening/closing procedure is
2 Interrupting interrupted, it can only be continued
3 Closing by first turning the mechanical key to
the interrupting position (2) and then
again to the opening/ closing position
(1 or 3) and hold.

38
Antitheft Alarm System The alarm will last approximately 21/2
minutes in the form of flashing exterior
The antitheft alarm is automatically lamps. At the same time an alarm will
armed or disarmed with the remote sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will
control or any of your vehicle's stay on even if the activating element
mechanical keys by locking or (a door, for example) is immediately
unlocking the driver's door or the closed.
tailgate.
Note:
The antitheft alarm is armed within
approx. 15 seconds after locking the We recommend that you carry the
vehicle. electronic reserve key plus mechanical
key with you and keep it in a safe place
A blinking lamp (1) indicates that the (e.g. your wallet) so that it is always
alarm is armed. handy. Never leave the electronic
1 Indicator lamp in switch located in reserve key in the vehicle.
center console Operation

Once the alarm system has been armed,


the exterior vehicle lamps will flash and
the alarm will sound when someone:

• opens a door,
• opens the trunk,
• opens the hood,
• attempts to raise the vehicle.

39
Once the alarm system has been armed, To do so, turn electronic key in
the exterior vehicle lamps will flash and steering lock to position 1 or 0, or
an alarm will sound when someone remove electronic key from steering
attempts to raise the vehicle. lock. Press tow-away protection switch
(1). The indicator lamp (2) illuminates
The alarm will last approximately 21/2 briefly.
minutes in the form of flashing exterior
lamps. At the same time an alarm will Exit vehicle, and lock vehicle with
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will mechanical key or remote control.
stay on even if the vehicle is
immediately lowered. The tow-away protection remains
switched off until the vehicle is locked
To prevent triggering the alarm, switch again with mechanical key or remote
off the tow-away protection before control.
towing the vehicle, or when parking on
Tow-Away Protection a surface subject to movement, such as
a ferrey or auto train.
1 Press to switch off.
2 Indicator lamp
The switch is located in the center
console

40
Power Seats, Front Turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 1 or 2 (with the driver's or
Warning! passenger's door open, the power
seats can also be operated with the
Do not adjust the driver's seat while electronic key removed or in steering
driving. Adjusting the seat while lock position 0).
driving could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle. We recommend to adjust the power
seat in the following order:
Never ride in a moving vehicle with 1 Seat, up/down
the backrest reclined. Sitting in an 2 Seat, fore/aft
excessively reclined position can be
dangerous. You could slide under the 3 Seat cushion tilt
seat belt in a collision. If you slide 4 Backrest tilt
under it, the belt would apply force
at the abdomen or neck. That could 5 Head restraint
The slide switches are located in each During seat adjustment, the head
cause serious or even fatal injuries. front door.
The backrest and seat belt provide restraint is automatically adjusted
the best restraint when the wearer is based on seat (fore/aft) position to
Warning! support the back of the head
in an upright position and the belt is
properly positioned on the body. approximately at ear level. Please
When leaving the vehicle always check the position of the head
remove the electronic key from the restraint to assure that it supports
Never place hands under seat or near steering lock.
any moving parts while a seat is the back of the head approximately
being adjusted. at ear level. The head restraint
The power seats can also be operated angle can also be adjusted
with the driver's or passenger door manually.
open. Do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle or with Note:
access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle
equipment may cause serious personal Your vehicle is equipped with power
injury. head restraints, do not try to raise or
lower them manually
41
Synchronizing Head Restraints rear view mirrors can be programmed
into memory by pushing first memory
If the power supply was interrupted button (6) and then "2", respectively
(battery disconnected or empty), the "3".
power seats and head restraints are no
longer adjusted automatically. Note:

To resynchronize the adjustment See Index for instructions on


feature, turn electronic key in steering adjustment of mirrors.
lock to position 2, move the seat
completely forward and the head Recalling
restraint fully down, and hold respective
buttons for approx. two seconds.. To recall a seat/head restraint and
exterior rear view mirror position, push
Caution! and hold position button "1", "2" or "3"
Memory Storing and Recalling until seat/head restraint and exterior
Do not remove head restraints except rear view mirror movement has
when mounting seat covers. For 6 Memory button stopped. The seat/head restraint and
removal refer to Head Restraints, 7 Position buttons exterior rear view mirror movement
Front, see Index. Whenever restraints stops when the position button is
have been removed be sure to reinstall Storing released.
them before driving.
Three sets of seat/head restraint and Caution!
exterior rear view mirror positions may
be programmed into memory. After the Do not operate the power seats with
seat/head restraint and exterior rear backrests in an excessively reclined
view mirrors are positioned, push position, using the memory buttons.
memory button (6), release, and within Doing so could cause damage to front
3 seconds push position button "1". A or rear seats.
second and third set of positions for the
same seat/head restraint and exterior First move the backrest to an upright
position

42
Important! Warning! According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
Prior to operating the vehicle, the driver Children 12 years old and under restrained in the rear seating
should adjust the seat height for proper must never ride in the front seat, positions than in the front seating
vision as well as fore/aft placement and except in a Mercedes-Benz positions. Infants and small children
backrest angle to insure adequate authorized BabySmart™ compatible must ride in the back seats and be
control, reach, operation, and comfort. child seat, which operates with the seated in an appropriate infant or
BabySmart™ system installed in the child restraint system, which is
The head restraint should also be vehicle to deactivate the passenger properly secured with the vehicle's
adjusted for proper height. See also side front airbag when it is properly seat belt, fully in accordance with the
airbag section for proper seat installed. Otherwise they will be child seat manufacturer's
positioning. struck by the airbag when it inflates instructions.
in a crash. If this happens, serious or
In addition, also adjust the steering fatal injury will result. A child's risk of serious or fatal
wheel to ensure adequate control, injuries is significantly increased if
reach, operation, and comfort. the child restraints are not properly
Both the inside and outside rear view secured in the vehicle and the child is
mirrors should be adjusted for adequate not properly secured in the child
rearward vision. restraint.

Fasten seat belts. Infants and small


children should be seated in a properly
secured restraint system that complies
with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 and Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1.

All seat, head restraint, steering wheel,


and rear view mirror adjustments as
well as fastening of seat belts should
be done before the vehicle is put into
motion

43
Multicontour Seat (optional) The seat cushion movement and
amount of backrest cushion height and
1 Seat cushion depth curvature can be continuously varied
2 Backrest bottom with regulators (1, 2 and 3) after
3 Backrest center turning the electronic key in steering
4 Side bolster adjustment lock to position 2.

Some models may be equipped with The side bolsters of the backrest can be
multicontour seats. These seats have adjusted with rocker switch (4):
movable seat cushions, and inflatable air
cushions built into the backrest to • press down forward end -
provide additional lumbar and side increase side support,
support. • press down rearward end -
decrease side support.

If the engine is turned off, the last


cushion setting is retained in memory,
and automatically adjusts the cushion
to this setting when the engine is
restarted.

44
Heated Seats (optional) Note:

The front seat heaters can be When in operation, the seat heater
switched on with the electronic key in consumes a large amount of electrical
steering lock positions 1 or 2. power. It is not advisable to use the
seat heater longer than necessary.
Press switch to turn on seat heater:
The seat heaters may automatically
1 Normal seat heating mode. One switch off if too many power
indicator lamp in the switch consumers are switched on at the
lights up. same time, or if the battery charge is
2 Rapid seat heating mode. Both low. When this occurs, the indicator
indicator lamps in the switch lamp in the switch will blink (both
light up. indicator lamps blink during rapid seat
After approximately 5 minutes in heating mode). The seat heaters will
The front seat heater switches are the rapid seat heating mode, the switch on again automatically as soon
located in the center console. seat heater automatically switches as sufficient voltage is available.
to normal operation and only one
indicator lamp will stay on. If the blinking of the indicator lamps is
distracting to you, the seat heaters can
Turning off seat heater: be switched off.

If one indicator lamp is on, press


upper half of switch.

If both indicator lamps are on, press


lower half of switch.

If left on, the seat heater automatically


turns off after approximately 30
minutes of operation.

45
Note:

The steering wheel position can be


stored in memory together with the
seat/head restraint and exterior rear
view mirror positions, see Index.

Warning!

Do not adjust the steering wheel


while driving. Adjusting the
steering wheel while driving could
cause the driver to lose control of
the vehicle

Adjustable Steering Wheel Armrest, Rear Bench Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest

Turn electronic key in steering lock to Pull down the armrest by its top. Briefly press drawer (1) and pull out to
position 1 or 2 (with the driver's or its detent.
front passenger's door open, the
steering wheel can also be operated Caution!
with the electronic key removed or in
steering lock position 0). Keep cup holder closed while traveling.
Place only containers that fit into the
To lengthen or shorten the steering cup holder to prevent spills.
column, push switch foreward or
backward. Do not fill containers to a height where
the contents could spill during vehicle
To raise or lower steering wheel, push maneuvers, especially hot liquids
switch up or down.

46
Adjust head restraint to support the
back of the head approximately at ear
level.

For removal and installation refer to


Head Restraints, Removal in Index.

Important!

For safety reasons, always drive with


the rear head restraints in the upright
position when the rear seats are
occupied

Head Restraints, Rear First Aid Kit

1 Head restraint release 1 First Aid Kit

Raising: The first aid kit is stored in the shelf


Pull up on head restraint. below the rear window. Pull handle (1)
to open lid.
Lowering:
Push head restraint release and push To open trim panel:
down on head restraint.
Release lock and fold down.
Angle of head restraints:
The head restraint angle can be Note:
adjusted manually. If trim panel was fully removed, make
certain to insert pins (arrows) into
retainers in floor when reinstalling

47
Seat Belts and Supplemental Warning! A child's risk of serious or fatal
Restraint System (SRS) injuries is significantly increased if
Children 12 years old and under must the child restraints are not properly
Your vehicle is equipped with seat never ride in the front seat, except in a secured in the vehicle and the child is
belts for all seats, emergency Mercedes-Benz authorized not properly secured in the child
tensioning retractors for the front seat BabySmart™ compatible child seat, restraint.
belts, as well as front and side impact which operates with the BabySmart™
airbags and knee bolsters for driver and system installed in the vehicle to Warning!
front passenger. deactivate the passenger side front
airbag when it is properly installed. Never ride in a moving vehicle with
Seat Belts Otherwise they will be struck by the the backrest reclined. Sitting in an
airbag when it inflates in a crash. If excessively reclined position can be
Important! this happens, serious or fatal injury dangerous. You could slide under the
will result. seat belt in a collision. If you slide
Laws in most states and all Canadian under it, the belt would apply force
provinces require seat belt use. According to accident statistics, at the abdomen or neck. That could
children are safer when properly cause serious or even fatal injuries.
All states and provinces require use of restrained in the rear seating positions The backrest and seat belt provide
child restraints that comply with U.S. than in the front seating positions. the best restraint when the wearer is
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Infants and small children must ride in in an upright position and the belt is
213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle back seats and be seated in an properly positioned on the body.
Safety Standard 213. appropriate infant or child restraint
system, which is properly secured with Note:
All child restraint systems are designed the vehicle's seat belt, fully in
to be secured in vehicle seats by lap accordance with the child seat For cleaning and care of the seat belts,
belts or the lap belt portion of a lap- manufacturer's instructions see Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle in
shoulder belt. Index

For your safety and that of your


passengers we strongly recommend
their use

48
Seat Belt Warning System

With the electronic key in steering lock


position 2, a warning sounds for a
short time if the driver's seat belt is not
fastened.

Warning!
Failure to wear and properly fasten
and position your seat belt greatly
increases your risk of injuries and
their likely severity in an accident.
You and your passengers should
always wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your Fastening of Seat Belts Tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by
injuries can be considerably more pulling shoulder portion up.
severe without your seat belt 1 Latch plate
properly buckled. Without your seat 2 Buckle The shoulder portion of the seat belt
belt buckled, you are much more 3 Release button must be pulled snug and checked for
likely to hit the interior of the vehicle 4 Button for belt outlet height snugness immediately after engaging
or be ejected from it. You can be adjustment it.
seriously injured or killed.
Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2) Adjust seat belt so that shoulder
In the same crash, the possibility for until it clicks. Do not twist the belt. A portion is located as close as possible
injury or death is lessened with your twisted seat belt may cause injury. to the middle of your shoulder (it should
seat belt buckled. not touch the neck). For this purpose,
To avoid severe or fatal injuries, the you can adjust the height of the belt
lap belt must be positioned as low as outlet. Three positions are available for
possible on your hips and not across the front seats, five positions are
the abdomen available for the split rear bench seats.

49
4 Button for belt outlet height Rear-Facing Bench Seat Unfastening of Seat Belts
adjustment
If the rear-facing bench seat is not Push the release button (3) in the belt
Raising: being used, slip the seat belt buckle (2).
Slide belt outlet upward. webbings into the retainers (5).
Allow the retractor to completely rewind
Lowering: the seat belt by guiding the latch plate (1).
Press button (4) and slide belt outlet
downward. Operation:

Caution! The inertia reel stops the belt from


unwinding during sudden vehicle stops
For safety reasons, avoid adjusting the or when quickly pulling on the belt.
seat or backrest into positions which
could affect the correct seat belt The locking function of the reel may be
position. checked by quickly pulling out the belt.

50
Warning! • Never wear the shoulder belt • Each seat belt should never be
under your arm, against your used for more than one person at
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY. neck or off your shoulder. In a a time. Do not fasten a seat belt
crash, your body would move too around a person and objects.
• Each occupant should wear their far forward. That would increase • Belts should not be worn twisted.
seat belt at all times, because seat the chance of head and neck In a crash, you wouldn't have the
belts help reduce the likelihood of injuries. The belt would also full width of the belt to take
and potential severity of injuries apply too much force to the impact forces. The twisted belt
in accidents, including rollovers. ribs or abdomen, which could against your body could cause
"SRS" (driver airbag, front severely injure internal organs injuries.
passenger airbag, side impact such as your liver or spleen. • Pregnant women should also use
airbags), "ETR" (seat belt • Position the lap belt as low as a lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt
emergency tensioning retractors), possible on your hips and not portion should be positioned as
and knee bolsters are designed to across the abdomen. If the belt is low as possible on the hips to
enhance the protection offered to positioned across your avoid any possible pressure
properly belted occupants in abdomen, it could cause serious on the abdomen.
certain frontal impacts which injuries in a crash.
exceed preset deployment
thresholds.
• Improperly positioned seat
belts do not provide maxi
mum protection and may
cause serious injuries in
case of an accident.

51
Warning! and small children must ride in back BabySmart™ Airbag
seats and be seated in an appropriate Deactivation System
USE CHILD RESTRAINTS infant or child restraint system, which
PROPERLY. is properly secured with the vehicle's Special child seats, designed for use
seat belt, fully in accordance with the with the Mercedes-Benz system and
Children 12 years old and under must child seat manufacturer's instructions. available at any authorized Mercedes-
never ride in the front seat, except in a Benz dealer are required for use with
Mercedes-Benz authorized A child's risk of serious or fatal the BabySmart™ airbag deactivation
BabySmart™ compatible child seat, injuries is significantly increased if the system.
which operates with the child restraints are not properly
BabySmartTM system installed in the secured in the vehicle and the child is With the special child seat properly
vehicle to deactivate the passenger not properly secured in the child installed, the passenger front airbag
side front airbag when it is properly restraint. will not deploy. The indicator
installed. Otherwise they will be struck lamp located on the center console will
by the airbag when it inflates in a Children too big for child restraint be illuminated, except with electronic
crash. If this happens, serious or fatal systems must ride in back seats using key removed or in steering lock
injury will result. regular seat belts. Position shoulder position 0. The system does not
belt across chest and shoulder, not deactivate the door mounted side
According to accident statistics, face or neck. A booster seat is impact airbag.
children are safer when properly necessary to achieve proper belt
restrained in the rear seating positions positioning.
than in the front seating positions.
Infants

BabySmart™ is a trademark of
Siemens Automotive Corp.

52
Warning! Self-Test BabySmart™ Supplemental Restraint System
Without Special Child Seat Installed (SRS)
The BabySmartTM Airbag
Deactivation System will ONLY After turning electronic key in steering The term SRS means that airbags are
work with a special child seat lock to position 1 or 2, the intended as a supplement to seat belts.
designed to operate with it. It will indicator lamp located on the center Airbags alone cannot protect as well as
not work with child seats which are console comes on for approx. 6 seconds. airbags plus seat belts in impacts for
not BabySmart™ compatible. which the air-bags were designed to
If the indicator lamp should not come operate, and do not afford any
Never place anything between seat on or is continuously lit, the system is protection whatsoever in crashes for
cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), not functioning. You must see an which the system is not designed to
since it reduces the effectiveness of authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before deploy.
the deactivation system. using any child seat on the front
passenger seat. The SRS uses two crash severity levels
Follow the manufacturer's (thresholds) to activate either the
instructions for installation of special Emergency Tensioning Retractor
child seats. BabySmartTM is a trademark of (ETR) or airbag or both. Activation
Siemens Automotive Corp. depends on the direction and severity
The passenger side front airbag will of the impact, exceeding the thresholds
not deploy only if the indicator and fastening of the seat belt.
lamp remains illuminated.
Seat belt fastened
Please be sure to check the indicator
every time you use the special system • first threshold exceeded:
child seat. Should the light go out ETR activates
while the restraint is installed, please • second threshold exceeded:
check installation. If the light airbag also activates
remains out, do not use the Seat belt not fastened
BabySmart™ restraint to transport • first threshold exceeded:
children on the front passenger seat airbag activates, but not ETR
until the system has been repaired.
Driver and front passenger systems
operate independently of each other.
53
Emergency Tensioning The emergency tensioning retractors In cases of other frontal impacts,
Retractor (ETR) are designed to activate only when the angled impacts, roll-overs, certain side
seat belts are fastened during frontal impacts, or other accidents without
The seat belts for the front seats are impacts exceeding the first threshold of sufficient frontal or rear impact forces,
equipped with emergency tensioning the SRS and in rear impacts exceeding the emergency tensioning retractors
retractors. These tensioning retractors a preset security level. They remove will not be activated. The driver and
are located in each belt's inertia reel slack from the belts in such a way that passengers will then be protected by
and become operationally ready with the seat belts fit more snugly against the fastened seat belts and inertia reel
the electronic key in steering lock the body restricting its forward in the usual manner.
position 1 or 2. movement as much as possible.
For seat belt and emergency tensioning
retractor safety guidelines see Safety
Guidelines in Index.

54
Airbags The side impact airbags are located in monitor the components and circuitry
the doors. In conjunction with wearing of the airbag system and will indicate a
1 Driver airbag the seat belts with emergency malfunction by coming on again.
2 Front passenger airbag tensioning retractors, the airbags can
3 Side impact airbag provide increased protection for the The following system components are
driver and front passenger in certain monitored or undergo a self-check:
The most effective occupant restraint major frontal (for front airbags), and crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition circuits,
system yet developed for use in side impacts (for side impact airbags). front seat belt buckles, emergency
production vehicles is the seat belt. In tensioning retractors, seat sensor.
some cases, however, the protective The operational readiness of the airbag
effect of a seat belt can be further system is verified by the indicator lamp Initially, when the electronic key is
enhanced by an airbag. "SRS" in the instrument cluster when turned from steering lock position 0 to
turning the electronic key in steering positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the
The driver airbag is located in the lock to position 1 or 2. If no fault is crash-sensor are detected and
steering wheel hub. The passenger front detected, the lamp will go out after indicated (the "SRS" indicator lamp
airbag is located in the dashboard ahead approximately 4 seconds; after the lamp stays on longer than 4 seconds or does
of the front passenger goes out, the system continues to not come on). Have the system
checked at your authorized
55
Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately. only in certain frontal impacts. The Important!
front passenger airbag deploys only if
In the operational mode, after the the front passenger seat is occupied. The "SRS" airbags are designed to
indicator lamp has gone out following activate only in certain frontal (front
the initial check, interruptions or short Note: airbags) impacts, or side (side impact
circuits in the airbag ignition circuit and airbags) impacts. Only during these
in the driver and front passenger seat Heavy objects on front passenger seat types of impacts, if of sufficient
belt buckle harnesses, and low voltage in can cause the passenger front airbag to severity to meet the deployment
the entire system are detected and deploy in a crash. thresholds, will they provide their
indicated. supplemental protection. The driver
Side Impact Airbags and passenger should always wear
Warning! their seat belts, otherwise it is not
The side impact "SRS" airbags are possible for the airbags to provide
In the event a malfunction of the designed to activate only in certain their intended supplemental
"SRS" is indicated as outlined side impacts. Only the side impact protection.
above, the "SRS" may not be airbag on the impacted side of the
operational. For your safety, we vehicle deploys. In cases of other frontal impacts,
strongly recommend that you visit angled impacts, roll-overs, other side
an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer The side impact airbag for the front impacts, rear collisions, or other
immediately to have the system passenger deploys only if the front accidents without sufficient forces,
checked; otherwise the "SRS" may passenger seat is occupied. the airbags will not be activated. The
not be activated when needed in an driver and passengers will then be
accident, which could result in Side impact airbags operate best in protected by the fastened seat belts.
serious or fatal injury, or it might conjunction with a properly positioned
deploy unexpectedly and un- and fastened seat belt. We caution you not to rely on the
necessarily which could also result in presence of the airbags in order to
injury. Note: avoid wearing your seat belt.

Front Airbags Heavy objects on front passenger seat The "SRS" is designed to reduce the
can cause the side impact airbag to potential of injury in certain frontal
The driver and front passenger front deploy in a crash. (front airbags) impacts, and side
"SRS" airbags are designed to activate (side impact airbags)
56
impacts which may cause significant to provide maximum crash protections Keep hands on the outside of
injuries, however, no system available for occupants. steering wheel rim. Placing hands
today can totally eliminate injuries and arms inside the rim can
and fatalities. Warning! increase the risk and potential
severity of hand/arm injury when
The activation of the "SRS" It is very important for your safety to the driver front airbag inflates.
temporarily releases a small amount always be in a properly seated position • Adjust the front passenger
of dust from the airbags. and to wear your seat belt. For seat as far as possible rearward
maximum protection in the event of a from the dash board when the seat
This dust, however, is neither collision always be in normal seated is occupied.
injurious to your health, nor does it position with your back against the • Children 12 years old and under
indicate a fire in the vehicle. backrest. Fasten your seat belt and must never ride in the front seat,
The service life of the airbags extends ensure that it is properly positioned on except in a Mercedes-Benz
to the date indicated on the label the body. Since the airbag inflates with authorized BabySmart™ compatible
located on the driver-side door latch considerable speed and force, a proper child seat, which operates with the
post. To provide continued reliability seating and hands on steering wheel BabySmart™ system installed in the
after that date, they should be position will help to keep you in a safe vehicle to deactivate the passenger
inspected by an authorized Mercedes- distance from the airbag: side front airbag when it is properly
Benz dealer at that time and replaced installed. Otherwise they will be
when necessary. • Sit properly belted in an upright struck by the airbag when it inflates
position with your back against the in a crash. If this happens, serious
Warning! backrest. or fatal injury will result.
• Adjust the driver seat as far as Failure to follow these instructions can
It is very important for your safety to possible rearward, still permitting result in severe injuries to you or other
always be in a properly seated proper operation of vehicle occupants.
position and to wear your seat belt. controls.
For maximum protection in the event • Do not lean with your head or
of a collision always be in normal chest close to the steering wheel
seated position with your back against or dashboard.
the backrest. Fasten your seat belt
and ensure that it is properly
positioned on the body.

57
Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt, or wiring of the "SRS". This • When scrapping the airbag unit
Emergency Tensioning Retractor includes the installation of or emergency tensioning
and Airbag additional trim material, badges retractor, it is mandatory to
etc. over the steering wheel hub, follow our safety instructions.
Warning! front passenger airbag cover, or These instructions are available
front door trim panels, and at your authorized Mercedes-
• Damaged belts or belts that were installation of additional Benz dealer.
highly stressed in an accident electrical/electronic equipment • Depending on the considerable
must be replaced and their on or near "SRS" components deployment speed and the textile
anchoring points must also be and wiring. structure of the airbags, there is
checked. Use only belts installed the possibility of light skin
or supplied by an authorized • An airbag system component abrasions
Mercedes-Benz dealer. within the steering wheel gets
hot after the airbag has inflated. When you sell the vehicle we strongly
• Do not pass belts over sharp urge you to give notice to the
edges. • Improper work on the system, subsequent owner that it is equipped
including incorrect installation with an "SRS" by alerting him to the
• Do not make any modification and removal, can lead to applicable section in the Owner's
that could change the effectiveness possible injury through an Manual.
of the belts. uncontrolled
activation of the "SRS".
• The "SRS" is designed to
function on a one-time-only • In addition, through improper
basis. An airbag or emergency work there is the risk of
tensioning retractor (ETR) that rendering the "SRS"
was activated must be replaced. inoperative. Work on the "SRS"
must therefore only be
• No modifications of any kind performed by an authorized
may be made to any components Mercedes-Benz dealer.

58
Infant and Child Restraint Warning! Important!
Systems
Children 12 years old and under The use of infant or child restraints is
We recommend that all infants and must never ride in the front seat, required by law in all 50 states and all
children be properly restrained at all except in a Mercedes-Benz Canadian provinces.
times while the vehicle is in motion. authorized
All lap-shoulder belts except driver seat Infants and small children should be
have special seat belt retractors for seated in an appropriate infant or child
secure fastening of child restraints. restraint system properly secured by a
To fasten a child restraint, use this seat lap-shoulder belt, and that complies
belt: with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213 and Canadian
Follow child restraint instructions for Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. A
routing. Then pull shoulder belt out statement by the child restraint
completely and let it retract. During the manufacturer of compliance with this
seat belt retraction a ratcheting sound standard can be found on the
can be heard to indicate that the instruction label on the restraint and in
special seat belt retractor is activated. the instruction manual provided with
The belt is now locked. Push down on the restraint.
child restraint to take up any slack.
When using any infant or child
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle restraint system, be sure to carefully
and let seat belt retract completely. read and follow all manufacturer's
The seat belt can again be used in the instructions for installation and use.
usual manner.
Please read and observe warning labels
affixed to inside of vehicle.

59
Warning! Infants and small children should U.S.A. Models only:
never share a seat belt with another
Children 12 years old and under occupant. During an accident, they Since 1986 all U.S. child restraints
must never ride in the front seat, could be crushed between the comply with U.S. regulations without
except in a Mercedes-Benz occupant and seat belt. the use of a tether strap.
authorized BabySmart™ compatible
child seat, which operates with the Children too big for child restraint Canada Models only:
BabySmart™ system installed in the systems must ride in back seats using
vehicle to deactivate the passenger regular seat belts. Position shoulder This vehicle is provided with tether
side front airbag when it is properly belt across chest and shoulder, not anchorages for a top tether strap.
installed. Otherwise they will be face or neck. A booster seat is Consult your authorized Mercedes-
struck by the airbag when it inflates necessary to achieve proper belt Benz dealer for installation of these
in a crash. If this happens, serious or positioning for children from 41 Ibs. anchorages.
fatal injury will result. to the point where a lap/shoulder
belt fits properly without one. In compliance with Canadian Motor
According to accident statistics, Vehicle Safety Standard 210.1, child
children are safer when properly When the child restraint is not in restraint tether anchorage hardware is
restrained in the rear seating use, remove it from the vehicle or attached to the tool kit located in the
positions than in the front seating secure it with the seat belt to prevent cargo compartment.
positions. Infants and small children the child restraint from becoming a
must ride in back seats and be seated projectile in the event of an accident.
in an appropriate infant or child re-
straint system, which is properly
secured with the vehicle's seat belt,
fully in accordance with the seat
manufacturer's instructions.

60
Split Rear Bench Seat release button (3) until it engages 5. Pull locking handle (5) up and
and pull out the head restraint. fold backrest forward.
The two sections can be folded 4. Insert head restraint into the
down separately to enlarge the openings provided in the seat Set up:
cargo area. cushion. Pull backrest up until it locks in its
upright position. A red indicator (4) is
1. Slip seat belt webbing behind Warning! visible in the unlocked position.
belt retainer (1) and move Check for secure locking by pushing
buckle latch plate upward to belt Do not drive the vehicle without head and pulling on the backrest. Follow
outlet. restraints. Always reinstall head remaining steps in reverse order
2. Slip fingers into recess (2) and restraints when returning cushions listed above.
lift seat cushion to a vertical to seating use. Head restraints help
position (move front seat reduce injuries should an accident Note:
forward a little, if necessary). occur. Do not interchange the front head
3. Pull head restraint up to its restraints with the rear head
highest position. Depress the restraints.

61
Folding the backrest forward: Warning!

When folding the backrest forward, the In an accident, during hard braking
hinge pins must rest in the brackets at or sudden maneuvers, loose items
the backrest. It is not necessary to will be thrown around inside the
remove the head restraints before vehicle, and can cause injury to
folding the backrest forward if the seat vehicle occupants unless the items
cushion has been removed. are securely fastened in the vehicle.

When reinstalling the seat cushion, be Always lock backrest in its upright
sure to lock the respective seat cushion position when rear seat bench is
into its hinges. occupied, or the extended cargo
area is not in use. Check for secure
In addition, when transporting extremely locking by pushing and pulling on
long items, push front passenger seat the backrest.
forward, remove its head restraint and
Enlarging cargo area: lower its backrest to the rear. Never drive vehicle with tailgate
open. Deadly carbon monoxide
The cargo area can be enlarged by Notes: (CO) gases may enter vehicle
placing the seat cushions in a vertical interior resulting in
position and removing them. To It must be ensured that the heating unconsciousness and death.
remove each seat cushion, pull up the elements of the rear window defroster
lever (6) on the underside of the seat are not damaged by cargo rubbing
and pull the seat cushion out its against them.
hinges.
With twin-reel roller installed: When
folding the backrest down, fold the right
section first and then the left section. If
only the left section is to be folded, first
remove the twin-reel roller blind (see
Luggage Cover in Index).

62
Retractable Luggage Cover Luggage cover: Partition net:
and Partition Net
Pull out lower blind, draw it over the Pull out upper blind (safety net) and
The twin-reel roller blind comprises a luggage and engage into eyelets on engage into eyelets on the roof. This
luggage cover and a partition net. It is the tailgate. When the tailgate is is a particularly important safety
mounted on the backrest of the rear opened the blind is lifted up with it so factor when the vehicle is loaded
seat and can also be used with the that it need not be retracted for higher than the top of the rear seat
backrest folded down loading or unloading the vehicle. backrest.

To retract the lower blind, disengage it Warning!


from eyelets on tailgate and slowly
guide it into its receptacle. To help avoid personal injury
during a collision or sudden
maneuver, always use partition net
when transporting cargo.

Removal of twin-reel roller blind: Fold


backrest sections forward, push cover
mechanism to the left and remove.

63
Rear-Facing Bench Seat Warning! Note:

The rear-facing bench seat can be Prior to occupying the rear-facing If the rear-facing bench seat is to be
unfolded to enlarge the seating area. bench seat, the rear seat backrests occupied, the forward-facing split rear
must be in an upright position and bench seat must be equipped with
By pressing down on the handle, lift the locked in place. head restraints.
backrest into place. Raise the seat cushion
in a similar manner. To avoid possible injury to the rear- To stow the rear-facing bench seat,
facing bench seat occupants, the proceed in reverse order, pulling the
Hook the safety belts into the brackets (1) bench should be used by no more seat cushion up by its strap (2).
provided than two passengers not taller than
6 ft. (150cm).

64
Warning!

Always fasten items being carried as


securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking
or sudden maneuvers, loose items
will be thrown around inside the
vehicle, and can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items
are securely fastened in the vehicle.

To help avoid personal injury during


a collision or sudden maneuver,
exercise care when transporting
Loading Instructions Always place items being carried cargo.
against front or rear seat backrests, and
The handling characteristics of a fully fasten them as securely as possible. Never drive vehicle with tailgate
loaded vehicle depend greatly on the open. Deadly carbon monoxide
load distribution. It is therefore The heaviest portion of the cargo (CO) gases may enter vehicle
recommended to load the vehicle should always be kept as low as interior resulting in
according to the illustrations shown, possible since it influences the unconsciousness and death.
with the heaviest items being placed handling characteristics of the vehicle.
towards the front of the vehicle.
For additional safety when transporting
The total load weight including vehicle cargo while the rear bench seats are
occupants and luggage/ cargo should unoccupied, fasten the outer seat belts
not exceed the vehicle capacity weight crosswise into the opposite side
indicated on the certification label buckles.
which can be found on the left door
pillar.

65
Cargo Tie-Down Rings

Eight rings are located in the cargo


compartment. Additional two rings
can be found ahead of the split rear
bench seat on the cross member.
Carefully secure cargo by applying
even load on all rings with rope of
sufficient strength to hold down the
cargo

66
1 Steering is unlocked. Notes:
(If necessary, move steering wheel
slightly to allow the electronic key to A warning sounds when the driver's door
be turned clockwise to position 1.) is opened with the electronic key in
Most electrical consumers can be steering lock position 1 or 0.
operated. For detailed information
see respective subjects. With the engine at idle speed, the
2 Driving position. charging rate of the alternator (output) is
3 Starting position. limited.
It is therefore recommended to turn off
Refer to Index for Starting and turning unnecessary electrical consumers while
off the engine. driving in stop-and-go traffic. This
precaution helps to avoid draining of the
Warning! battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and
Steering Lock When leaving the vehicle always charging system may be minimized by
remove the electronic key from the turning off the following power
0 The electronic key can be steering lock, and lock the vehicle. consumers, for example: Heated seats,
withdrawn in this position only. The Do not leave children unattended in rear window defroster. In addition, the
steering is locked with the electronic the vehicle, or with access to an automatic climate air volume control
key removed from the steering lock. unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use should be set to the lowest position.
If necessary, move steering wheel of vehicle equipment may cause The steering lock can only be unlocked
slightly to allow the locking serious personal injury. with the vehicle battery properly charged
mechanism to engage. The electronic and connected.
key can be removed only with the Important!
selector lever in position "P" and your Caution!
foot off the brake pedal. After If the electronic key is left in the steering
removing the electronic key or with lock position 0 for an extended period of To prevent accelerated battery
the electronic key in steering lock time, it can no longer be turned in the discharge and a possible dead battery,
position 0, the selector lever is locked lock. In this case, remove electronic key always remove the electronic key from
in position "P". from steering lock and reinsert. the steering lock. Do not leave the
electronic key in steering lock position 0.
67
6 Control for windshield
wiper/washer system:
Push briefly for single wipe
without adding washer fluid (use
only when windshield is wet)
Push past detent and hold
to activate wiper and washer
7 Windshield wiper
0 Wiper off
I Intermittent wiping
(optional rain sensor:
One initial wipe, pauses between
wipes are automatically
controlled by a rain sensor
monitoring the wetness of the
Combination Switch To signal minor directional changes, windshield.)
such as changing lanes on a highway, II Normal wiper speed
1 Low beam (exterior lamp move combination switch to the point III Fast wiper speed
switch position ) of resistance only and hold it there.
Note:
2 High beam (exterior lamp To operate the turn signals
switch position ) continuously, move the combination The windshield washer reservoir,
switch past the point of resistance (up hoses and nozzles are automatically
3 High beam flasher (high beam or down). The switch is automatically heated.
available independent of canceled when the steering wheel is
exterior lamp switch position) turned to a large enough degree. Turn Signal Failure

4 Turn signals, right If one of the turn signals fails, the turn
signal indicator system flashes and
5 Turn signals, left sounds at a faster than normal rate.

68
Windshield and Headlamp Washer Windshield Wiper Smears
Fluid Mixing Ratio
If the windshield wiper smears the
For temperatures above freezing: windshield, even during rain, activate
the washer system as often as
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate necessary. The fluid in the washer
"S" and water reservoir should be mixed in the
correct ratio.
1 part "S" to 100 parts water
(40 ml "S" to 1 gallon water). Blocked Windshield Wiper

For temperature below freezing: If the windshield wiper becomes


blocked (for example, due to snow),
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate switch off the wiper.
"S" and commercially available
premixed windshield washer solvent/ For safety reasons before removing
antifreeze ice or snow, remove electronic key Headlamp Cleaning System
from steering lock. Remove blockage. (optional)
1 part "S" to 100 parts solvent
(40 ml "S" to 1 gallon solvent). Activate combination switch again The switch is located in the center
(electronic key in steering lock console.
position 1).
The headlamp washer can be
activated with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2.

Briefly press symbol side of switch.

69
Rear Window Wiper/Washer The rear window wiper will also
automatically engage if the windshield
1 Press for interval wiping, wiper is engaged and the gear selector
indicator lamp comes on. lever is placed in "R" Reverse.
Press again to switch off,
indicator lamp goes out.
2 Press and hold for simultaneous
operation of wiper and washer

70
Standing lamps, right the vehicle's exterior lamps (except
(turn left one stop) standing lamps) are not switched off.
Standing lamps, left
(turn left two stops) Fog lamps will operate with the
Front fog lamps parking lamps and/or the low beam
(pull out one stop) with headlamps on. Fog lamps should only
parking lamps and/or low be used in conjunction with low beam
beam headlamps on. Green headlamps. Consult your State or
indicator lamp in lamp Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
switch comes on. regarding allowable lamp operation.
Rear fog lamp
(pull out to 2nd detent) in Fog lamps are automatically switched
addition to fog lamps. off when the exterior lamp switch is
Yellow indicator lamp in turned to position
lamp switch comes on.
Daytime Running Lamps
Exterior Lamp Switch (Canada only)
Standing Lamps
Off When the engine is running and the
Parking lamps When the vehicle is parked on the
street the standing lamps (right or left selector lever is in a driving position,
(also side marker lamps, the low beam headlamps (includes
taillamps, license plate lamps, side parking lamps) can be turned on,
making the vehicle more visible to parking lamps, side marker lamps,
instrument panel lamps) taillamps and license plate lamps) are
Canada only: passing vehicles.
The standing lamps cannot be operated automatically switched on.
When the engine is running,
the low beam is additionally with the electronic key in steering lock
position 2. When shifting from a driving position
switched on. to position "N" or "P", the low beam
Parking lamps plus low beam Note:
With the electronic key removed and switches off (2 seconds delay).
or high beam headlamps the driver's door open, a warning
(combination switch pushed sounds and the message "SWITCH For nighttime driving the exterior lamp
forward) OFF LIGHTS" in the multifunction switch should be turned to position
indicator appears if to permit activation of the high
beam headlamps.
71
Night Security Illumination Inside Rear View Mirror Antiglare Night Position

When exiting the vehicle after driving Manually adjust the mirror. With the electronic key in steering lock
with the exterior lamps on, they switch position 2, the mirror reflection
on again for added illumination for Use your inside mirror to determine the brightness responds to changes in light
approximately 30 seconds after closing size and distance of objects seen in the sensitivity.
the last door. The lamp-on time period passenger side convex mirror.
can be changed at your Mercedes-Benz With gear selector lever in position
dealer. "R", or with the interior lamp switched
on, the mirror brightness does not
respond to changes in light sensitivity.

Note:

The automatic antiglare function is


restricted, if incoming light is not
aimed directly at sensors in the mirror.

72
With the electronic key in steering lock Note:
position 2, the driver's side mirror
reflection brightness responds to The exterior mirrors have electrically
changes in light sensitivity. heated glass. The heater switches on
automatically, depending on outside
With gear selector lever in position temperature.
"R", or with the interior lamp switched
on, the driver's side mirror brightness If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly
does not respond to changes in light pivoted from its normal position, it
sensitivity. must be repositioned by applying firm
pressure until it snaps into place.
Warning!
Storing Mirror Positions in
Exercise care when using the Memory
passenger-side mirror. The
Exterior Rear View Mirrors passenger-side exterior mirror is The exterior rear view mirror positions
convex (outwardly curved surface are stored in memory with the
The switch is located on the center for a wider field of view). Objects in seat/head restraint position and can be
console. mirror are closer than they appear. recalled when necessary, see Index.
Check your inside rear view mirror
Turn electronic key in steering lock to or glance over your shoulder before
position 2. changing lanes.

First select the mirror to be adjusted -


press button:

Left mirror
Right mirror

To adjust, toggle the switch forward,


backward or to either side.

73
Parking position At speeds above approx.6 mph (10 One passenger side mirror position
km/h), or gear selector lever moved can be stored in memory. To do so:
The passenger side exterior mirror can from "R" Reverse, or driver's side
be adjusted and programmed to assist mirror selected, the passenger side 1. Turn electronic key to steering
the driver during parking maneuvers mirror returns to its previous position. lock position 2.
(e.g. to observe the curb or other 2. Select passenger side mirror.
objects close to the vehicle). Readjust the mirror as desired. 3. Place gear selector lever in "R"
Reverse. The mirror will turn
With electronic key in steering lock downward.
position 2, and the exterior rear view 4. Using the toggle switch, select
mirror switch in the passenger side the final downward position for
position, the passenger side mirror will the mirror.
be turned downward when placing the 5. Press and hold green memory
gear selector lever in "R" Reverse. button located in switch cluster
for driver seat.
The mirror position can now be 6. While holding green memory
adjusted as desired. button pull the mirror toggle
switch rearward.
7. Release the green button and
the toggle switch. The mirror
position is now stored in
memory

74
Prior to removing the ashtray insert,
move the gear selector lever to position
"N".

Warning!

Remove front ashtray only with


vehicle standing still. With the gear
selector lever in position “N", turn
off the engine and set the parking
brake. Otherwise the vehicle might
move as a result of unintended
contact with the gear selector lever.
To remove ashtray:
Ashtrays Push sliding knob (1) toward the right to Rear Doors
eject the insert.
Center Console, Front To remove ashtray:
To install ashtray: Push left and right sides down and
By touching the bottom of the cover Install insert into ashtray frame and push pull out the ashtray.
lightly, the ashtray opens down to engage.
automatically. To install ashtray:
Install top of ashtray, push bottom
part in to engage

75
Lighter Sun Visors Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

Turn electronic key in steering lock to Swing sun visors down to protect With the visor engaged in its inner
position 1 or 2. against sun glare. mounting, the lamp is switched on by
Push in lighter (1); it will pop out opening the cover.
automatically when hot. If sunlight enters through a side window,
disengage visor from inner mounting, Warning!
Warning! pivot it to the side.
Do not use the vanity mirror while
Never touch the heating element or driving.
sides of the lighter, they are
extremely hot, hold at knob only. The lamp goes out automatically after
approximately 5 minutes.
Note:
The lighter socket can be used to
accommodate electrical accessories up to
maximum 85 W.

76
2 Press to switch interior and Parcel Net in Front Passenger
reading lamps on or off. Footwell

3 Press to switch rear passenger A small convenience parcel net is


compartment lamp on or off. located in the front passenger footwell.
It is for small and light items, such as
4 Press to switch reading lamp on road maps, mail, etc..
or off.
Warning!
Entrance Lamps, Exit Lamps in
Doors Do not place heavy or fragile
objects, or objects having sharp
The lamps are switched on and off by edges, in the parcel net.
the door contact switches.
In an accident, during hard braking
Interior Lighting Note: or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle,
1 Door contact switch: To prevent the vehicle battery from and cause injury to vehicle
being discharged, with doors open all occupants.
Press once and interior lamps are interior lamps go out after
switched on when opening a door. approximately 5 minutes.
5
Interior lamps are switched on, and
off (soft fade) delayed, when
unlocking or locking the vehicle, or
when opening or closing a door.
However, there will be no (soft
fade) delay when the electronic key
is in steering lock position 2.
Press again and interior lamps
remain switched off, even when
centrally unlocking or opening a
door.
77
Storage Compartments and Storage Compartments in Center To store cup holder:
Cup Holder Console Push button (7) down until cup holder
Glove Box engages. Close cover (6).
To open compartment in armrest: Lift
Unlocking: Turn mechanical key lid with handle (4). Caution!
to vertical position and remove. To open compartment under armrest: Keep cup holder closed while
Locking: Turn mechanical key to Lift lid with handle (5). traveling. Place only containers that
the right and remove. To close: Lower lid until it engages in fit into the cup holder to prevent spills.
Opening: Pull on handle. lock.
Do not fill containers to a height
Storage Compartments in Center Cup Holder in Center Console where the contents could spill during
Console To open cover: Touch top of cover (6) vehicle maneuvers, especially hot
slightly. The cover opens liquids. Keep compartment lids
To open: Touch bottom of cover automatically. closed. This will prevent stored
slightly. The cover opens To open cup holder: Briefly press objects from being thrown about and
automatically. button (7). The cup holder opens injuring vehicle occupants during an
automatically. accident and sudden maneuvers
78
Warning!

When closing the sliding/ pop-up roof,


be sure that there is no danger of
anyone being harmed by the closing
procedure.

The closing procedure can be


immediately reversed by either
moving the switch in direction (1) or
(3), turning the mechanical key to the
unlocking position, or pressing
button on the remote control,
and holding it.

Sliding/Pop-Up Roof (optional) The switch is illuminated when the Notes:


exterior lamps are switched on (except
1 to slide roof open standing lamps). The sliding/pop-up roof can be opened
2 to slide roof closed or closed manually should an electrical
3 to raise roof at rear With the roof closed or tilted open, a malfunction occur, refer to Sliding Roof,
4 to lower roof at rear screen can be slid into the roof Emergency Operation in Index.
opening to guard against sun rays. The sliding/pop-up roof can also be
Turn electronic key in steering lock to When sliding the roof open, the screen closed with the mechanical key or
position 1 or 2. will also retract. infrared remote control while locking
the vehicle doors or tailgate (see Central
Locking System in Index).

79
Express Opening and Closing

Press switch or past re-


sistance point and release - window
opens or closes completely.
To interrupt procedure, briefly
press or .
If the upward movement of the window
is blocked during the closing
procedure, the window will stop during
the last few inches before closure and
open slightly.

When pressing and holding the switch


Power Windows In rear doors to close the window, and upward
movement of the window is blocked
Power window switches located on Press switch in to resistance point: during the last few inches before
center console closure, it will stop but not open
to open slightly.
Switches for: to close
Blocking of Rear Door Window
1 left, front Release switch when window is in Operation
2 left, rear desired position.
3 right, front If no operation of the rear windows by
4 right, rear switch (6) (for instance by children) is
5 Switch for rear door window desired, slide safety switch (5) to right,
override symbol becomes visible
6 individual switches (rear doors)

80
Warning! Note: Synchronizing Power Windows

When closing the windows, be sure The power windows can also be closed If the power supply was interrupted
that there is no danger of anyone with the mechanical key or infrared (battery disconnected or empty), the
being harmed by the closing remote control while locking the windows cannot be opened or closed
procedure. vehicle doors or trunk (see Central by the Express feature.
Locking System in Index).
In case of obstruction, the automatic To resynchronize the Express feature,
reversal will not operate if a window Warning! press side of power window
is being closed by pressing the switch switch until the window is completely
to its resistance point and holding it When leaving the vehicle, always closed and hold for additional 2
there, or when using a mechanical remove the electronic key from the seconds. Repeat procedure for each
key or the remote control. steering lock, and lock your vehicle. window.
Do not leave children unattended in
The closing procedure can be the vehicle or with access to an The automatic full opening and closing
immediately reversed by either unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of procedure of the windows should now
pressing the switch , turning the vehicle equipment can cause serious be restored.
mechanical key to the unlocking personal injury.
position, or pressing button ,
and holding it

81
Display Illumination

The display for temperature, odometer,


multifunction indicator, FSS indicator
and clock is illuminated briefly when
opening the driver door.

The display illumination brightness


responds automatically according to
changes in the surrounding light
sensitivity.

To briefly illuminate the display (with


electronic key removed or in steering
lock position 0 or 1), press button O, +,
Instrument Lamps -, h, m or R. Clock

Press + or - button to vary intensity of Trip Odometer Adjusting clock


instrument lamps. (display illuminated):
To reset:
Press button m or h briefly. The
• Press and hold button O display flashes to indicate that the
(with display illuminated). clock can be adjusted.
• Press button O twice and hold Minute: Press button m briefly.
(with display not illuminated).
Minutes: Press and hold button m.
Hour: Press button h briefly. Hours:

Press and hold button h .

82
The built-in remote control is capable Programming or reprogramming the
of operating up to three separately remote control:
controlled objects.
1. Turn electronic key in steering
Notes: lock to position 1 or 2.

Certain types of garage door openers 2. Press and hold one button of
are incompatible with the integrated the remote control located on
opener. If you should experience the inside rear view mirror until
difficulties with programming the its control light begins to flash at
transmitter, contact your authorized a rate of about once a second.
Mercedes-Benz dealer or call Continue holding down the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance button.
Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-
FOR-MERCedes. Note:
Garage Door Opener
For operation in the USA only: This The light blinks immediately if the
1 Remote control transmitter device complies with Part 15 of the remote control is being
located on inside rear view FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the programmed for the first time, or if
mirror following two conditions: its memory was previously erased.
If you are reprogramming a
2 Portable remote control (1) This device may not cause harmful previously used button, the light
transmitter interference, and will flash after about 20 seconds.
(2) this device must accept any
Warning! interference received, including 3. Hold end opposite to battery of
interference that may cause undesired portable remote control against
When programming a garage door operation. the inside rear view mirror trans-
opener, the door moves up or down. mitter to be programmed. While
When programming or operating the Any unauthorized modification to this still holding down the button on
remote control make sure there is no device could void the user's authority to the transmitter on the inside rear
possibility of anyone being harmed operate the equipment view mirror, press down the
by the moving door. button on your portable remote

83
control, until the inside rear view remote control transmitter once Cellular Telephone
mirror remote control light starts to again to turn off the training light in
flash rapidly. This means that the the garage door opener. The vehicle is prepared for the
integrated remote control has installation of a cellular telephone. For
accepted the frequency and code of 5. Confirm the garage door operation further information and installation
the portable transmitter. by pressing the programmed button contact your authorized Mercedes-
4. If you wish, repeat the procedure on the integrated remote control Benz dealer.
for each remaining button. transmitter.
Warning!
Note: Operation of remote control:
Some jurisdictions prohibit the
If the garage door opener is equipped 1. Turn electronic key in steering driver from using a cellular
with the "rolling code feature", it lock to position 1 or 2. telephone while driving a vehicle.
needs to be trained to accept the Whether or not prohibited by law,
remote control command. 2. Select and press the appro for safety reasons, the driver should
priate button to activate the not use the cellular telephone while
To do so, the assistance of second remote controlled device. The the vehicle is in motion. Stop the
person is required. integrated remote control vehicle in a safe location before
transmitter continues to send answering or placing a call.
1. Locate training button (part of the signal as long as the button
the opener unit in the garage). is pressed - up to 20 seconds.
2. Press and hold training button Erasing the integrated remote control
until training light next to the memory:
button begins to flash (in two 1. Turn electronic key in steering
seconds). lock to position 1 or 2.
3. Now have the second person 2. Simultaneousy holding down the
press and hold the previously left and right side buttons for
programmed button on the approximately 20 seconds, or
integrated remote control until the control light blinks
transmitter until the training light rapidly, will erase the codes of
on the garage door opener is lit all three channels.
continuously (in two seconds).
4. Release and press the programmed
button on the integrated
84
Driving

85
Drinking and Driving Driving Off

Warning! Apply the service brakes to test them


briefly after driving off. Perform this
Drinking and driving can be a very procedure only when the road is clear
dangerous combination. Even a small of other traffic.
amount of alcohol or drugs can affect
your reflexes, perceptions and Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
judgement. place full load on the engine until the
operating temperature has been
The possibility of a serious or even reached.
fatal accident is sharply increased
when you drink and drive. When starting off on a slippery surface,
do not allow one drive wheel to spin
Please don't drink and drive or allow for an extended period with the ASR or
anyone to drive after drinking. Parking Brake ESP switched off. Doing so may cause
serious damage to the drive train which
To engage, firmly depress parking is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
brake pedal. When the electronic key Limited Warranty.
is in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lamp in the instrument Warning!
cluster should come on brightly.
Keep driver's foot area clear at all
To release the parking brake, pull times. Objects stored in this area
handle on instrument panel. The may impair pedal movement.
brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster should go out.
A warning sounds, if you start to drive
without having released the parking
brake.

Also see Brake Warning Lamp in Index


86
Automatic Transmission Driving Important!

The automatic transmission selects The selector lever is automatically After selecting any driving position
individual gears automatically, locked while in position "P". To move from "N" or "P", wait a moment to
dependent upon: the selector lever out of position "P", allow the gear to fully engage before
the service brake pedal must be firmly accelerating, especially when the
• Selector lever position depressed before the shift lock will engine is cold.
• Program mode selector release.
• Accelerator position Accelerator Position
• Vehicle speed Shift selector lever to the desired
position only when the engine is idling Partial throttle = early upshifting =
The gear shifting process is normally and the service brake is normal acceleration
continuously adapted, dependent on the applied. Do not release the brake until
driving style, the driving situation and ready to drive. The vehicle may Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid
the road characteristics otherwise start creeping when the acceleration
selector lever is in drive or reverse
Important! position. Kickdown (depressing the accelerator
beyond full throttle) = downshifting to
When parking the car or before Warning! a lower gear = maximum acceleration.
working on the vehicle with the engine Once the desired speed is attained, ease
running, firmly depress the parking It is dangerous to shift the selector up on the accelerator - the transmission
brake pedal and shift the selector lever lever out of "P" or "N" if the enqine shifts up again.
into "P". speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the vehicle and
hit someone or something. Only shift
into gear when the engine is idling
normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.

87
P Parking position. N Neutral.
The parking position is to be used No power is transmitted from the
when parking the vehicle. Engage engine to the drive axle. When the
only with the vehicle stopped. The brakes are released, the vehicle
parking position is not intended to can be moved freely (pushed or
serve as a brake when the vehicle towed). Do not engage "N" while
is parked. Rather, the driver driving except to coast when the
should always use the parking vehicle is in danger of skidding
brake in addition to placing the (e.g. on icy roads, see Winter
selector lever in park to secure the driving Instructions in Index).
vehicle.
Important!
Note:
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any
The electronic key can be removed other reason with selector lever in "N"
from the steering lock only with can result in transmission damage that
Selector Lever Positions the foot off the brake pedal and the is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
selector lever in position "P". With Limited Warranty.
The automatic gear shifting process can the electronic key removed, the
be adapted to specific operating selector lever is locked in position
conditions using the selector lever. "P".

R Reverse gear.
Shift to reverse gear only with the
vehicle stopped.

88
D The transmission automatically Important! Depending on the degree of the incline,
upshifts through 5th gear. Position shift selector lever to a lower gear range
"D" provides optimum driving With selector lever in position "D", "4" early enough to maintain engine RPM
characteristics under all normal or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd within the best torque range.
operating conditions. gear is delayed depending on vehicle
speed and engine temperature. This Warning!
4 Upshift through 4th gear only. allows the catalytic converter to heat up
Suitable for performance driving. more quickly to operating temperatures. On slippery road surfaces, never
To shift from position "D" to "4", downshift in order to obtain braking
push selector lever to the left. During the brief warm-up period this action. This could result in drive
delayed upshift and increased engine wheel slip and reduced vehicle
3 Upshift through 3rd gear only. noise might be perceived as a control. Your vehicle's ABS will not
Suitable for moderately steep hills. malfunction. However, neither the prevent this type of loss of control.
Since the transmission does not shift engine nor transmission are negatively
higher than 3rd gear, this gear affected by this mode of operation.
selection will allow use of the
engine's braking power downhill. The delayed upshift is effective with
vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50
2 Upshift through 2nd gear only. For km/h) at partial throttle and engine
driving in mountainous regions or temperatures below 95°F (35°C).
under extreme operating conditions.
This gear selection will allow use of To avoid overrevving the engine when
the engine's braking power when the selector lever is moved to a lower
descending steep grades. driving range, the transmission will not
shift to a lower gear as long as the
1 In this position, the engine's braking vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit
effect is utilized by shifting into 1st of that gear.
gear. Use this position while
descending very steep or lengthy To prevent the engine from laboring at
downgrades and only at speeds low RPMs, do not allow the engine
below 40 mph (60 km/h). speed to drop too low on uphill
gradients

89
Maneuvering Warning!

To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when Getting out of your vehicle with the
pulling into a parking space, control the selector lever not fully engaged in
vehicle speed by gradually releasing the position "P" is dangerous. Also,
brakes. Accelerate gently and never when parked on an incline, position
abruptly step on the accelerator. "P" alone may not prevent your
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud vehicle from moving, possibly
or snow), alternately shift from forward hitting people or objects.
to reverse, while applying slight partial Always set the parking brake in
throttle. addition to shifting to position "P".
When parked on an incline, also turn
Rocking a vehicle free in this manner front wheel against curb.
may cause the ABS malfunction
indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and Program Mode Selector Switch
restart the engine to clear the malfunction
indication. The transmission is provided with a Caution!
selector switch for Standard "S" and
Stopping Winter/Wet (snow and ice) "W" Never change the program mode when
program modes. the selector lever is out of position "P".
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave It could result in a change of driving
the transmission in gear and hold vehicle characteristics for which you may not be
with the service brake. prepared
For longer stops with the engine idling,
shift into "N" or "P" and hold the vehicle Important!
with the service brake.
Always be certain of the program mode
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill selected since the vehicle driving
gradient, do not hold it with the characteristics change with the
accelerator, use the brake. This avoids selection of the program mode.
unnecessary transmission heat build up

90
S Standard mode W Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode Emergency Operation
(Limp Home Mode)
Press switch on symbol "S". Use this Press switch on symbol "W". The
mode for all regular driving. vehicle starts out in 2nd gear, If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the
except with selector lever in 1 st transmission no longer shifts, the
The vehicle starts out in 1st gear. gear, or with accelerator pedal in transmission is most likely operating in
kick-down position. Limp Home Mode which engages when
Accelerator Operation: Fast on = there is a malfunction of the
depressing the accelerator pedal The "W" mode helps to improve transmission. This condition may be
quickly (not into kickdown position) traction and driving stability of the accompanied by the "CHECK ENGINE"
while driving continuously, rather vehicle. malfunction indicator lamp in the
than depressing the accelerator instrument cluster coming on.
pedal in the usual manner, will The gear shifting process occurs at
cause the automatic transmission to lower vehicle and engine speeds In this mode only the 2nd gear or
shift down into a lower gear. This than in the "S" program mode. reverse gear can be activated. To
gear shifting process is dependent engage 2nd gear or reverse:
on the current vehicle speed. Important!
1. Stop the vehicle.
Fast off = there will be no upshift Dependent on the program mode 2. Move selector lever to
when releasing the accelerator pedal selector switch position "S" or "W" and position "P".
quickly, e.g. using the engine's the gear selector lever in position "FT, 3. Turn off the engine.
braking power during performance the ratio of power transmission changes. 4. Wait approx. 10 seconds.
driving. 5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to
position "D" (for 2nd gear), or
move selector lever to
position "R" (for reverse gear).

Have the transmission checked at your


authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.

91
Normally the vehicle is accelerated to 3 Canceling
the desired speed with the accelerator.
To cancel the cruise control, briefly
Speed is set by briefly pushing the lever push lever to position 3.
to position 1 or 2. The accelerator can
be released. When you step on the brake pedal
or the vehicle speed drops below
The speed can be increased (e.g. for approx. 25 mph (40 km/h), for
passing) by using the accelerator. After example when driving upgrade, the
the accelerator is released, the cruise control will be canceled.
previously set speed will be resumed
automatically. If the cruise control cancels by itself
and remains inoperative until the
If a set speed is to be increased or engine is restarted, have the system
decreased slightly, e.g. to adapt to the checked at your authorized
traffic flow, hold lever in position 1 or 2 Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as
Cruise Control until the desired speed is reached, or possible.
briefly tip the lever in the appropriate
Any given speed above approximately 25 direction for increases or decreases in 4 Resume
mph (40 km/h) can be maintained with the 0.6 mph (1 km/h) increments. When the If the lever is briefly pushed to
cruise control by operating the lever. lever is released, the newly set speed position 4 when driving at a speed
remains. exceeding approx. 25 mph (40
1 Accelerate and set: km/h), the vehicle resumes the
Lift lever briefly to set speed. Hold speed which was set prior to the
lever up to accelerate. cancellation of the cruise control.
The last memorized speed is
2 Decelerate and set: canceled when the electronic key in
Depress lever briefly to set the steering lock is turned to
speed. position 1 or 0.
Hold lever down to decelerate

92
Notes: Important! Warning!

If the engine does not brake the vehicle Moving gear selector lever to position Only use the cruise control if the
sufficiently while driving on a "N" switches the cruise control off. traffic and weather conditions make
downgrade, the speed you set on the it advisable to travel at a steady
cruise control may be exceeded. In this speed.
case the automatic transmission shifts
down (max. to 3rd gear) to maintain the • The use of cruise control can be
set cruise control speed by using the dangerous on winding roads or
engine's braking power. in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe
As soon as the grade eases, the driving at a steady speed.
automatic transmission shifts up
again dependent on the selector • The use of cruise control can be
lever position. dangerous on slippery roads.
Rapid changes in tire adhesion
Nevertheless, in some cases you may can result in wheel spin and loss
have to step on the brake pedal to slow of control.
down. In this case the cruise control is
switched off. The "Resume" function should only
be operated if the driver is fully
Use the lever to resume the previously aware of the previously set speed and
set speed. wishes to resume this particular
preset speed.

93
Multifunction Indicator Multiple Malfunctions Defective

Language Selection When the multiple malfunction symbol When the message "Display Defective"
appears, this indicates that several appears, this indicates that the system
Warning message selection is available malfunction messages are stored in is not operational, and possibly other
in the English, French, German, Italian, memory. warnings cannot be shown.
or Spanish language.
Push reset button (R) in the instrument Have the vehicle electronic system
With the electronic key in steering lock cluster for subsequent messages. checked at your authorized Mercedes-
position 2, simultaneously press reset Benz dealer as soon as possible.
buttons for Trip Odometer (O) and The symbols and messages for Parking
Multifunction Indicator (R), located in Brake, Seat Belts, Exterior Lights, and
the instrument cluster, until the presently Display Defective cannot be switched
selected language appears on the screen. off.

Press button O until the requested Temporarily Switching Off


language appears.
To temporarily switch off the
Turn the electronic key in steering lock multifunction indicator warning
to position 0. symbol and message, push reset button
(R) in the instrument cluster.

The multifunction indicator display is


inoperative until the electronic key in
steering lock is turned again to position
0 or 2.

94
Charge Indicator Low Engine Oil Level Warning Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap
Placement Warning
When the symbol and message appear When the symbol and message appear
while the engine is running, this while the engine is running and at When the warning lamp comes on and
indicates a fault which must be repaired operating temperature, the engine oil the symbol appears after starting the
at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer level has dropped to approximately the engine, or if they come on while
immediately. minimum mark on the dipstick. driving, it indicates that the fuel level is
down to the reserve quantity of
It may indicate that the poly-V-belt has When this occurs, the warning will first approximately: 2.1 gal (8 liters).
broken. Should this condition occur, come on intermittently and then stay on
the poly-V-belt must be replaced before if the oil level drops further. The warning lamp blinks when the fuel
continuing to operate the vehicle. cap is not closed, or a fuel system leak
Otherwise, the engine will overheat due If no oil leaks are noted, continue to has been detected. Retighten cap and
to an inoperative water pump which drive to the nearest service station see if lamp goes out.
may result in damage to the engine. where the engine oil should be topped
to the "full" mark on the dipstick with If the warning lamp continues to blink
Do not continue to drive the vehicle an approved oil. after closing the fuel cap correctly,
with the charge indicator symbol have the fuel system checked at your
displayed. Doing so could result in The low engine oil level warning authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
serious engine damage that is not should not be ignored. Extended soon as possible.
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited driving with the symbol displayed
Warranty. could result in serious engine damage Leaving the engine running and the fuel
that is not covered by the Mercedes- cap open can cause the "Check
Engine Oil Consumption Benz Limited Warranty. Engine" lamp to illuminate.

Engine oil consumption checks should In addition to the warning symbol, the
only be made after the break-in period. engine oil level should be periodically
During the break-in period, higher oil checked with the dipstick or via the
consumption may be noticed and is multifunction indicator, for example
normal. Frequent driving at high engine during a fuel stop, or before a long trip
speeds results in increased (see Index).
consumption.

95
Tachometer Outside Temperature Indicator Coolant Temperature Gauge

Red marking on tachometer: The temperature sensor is located in the If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
Excessive engine speed. front bumper area. Due to its location, -22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the
the sensor can be affected by road or coolant in the pressurized cooling
Avoid this engine speed, as it may engine heat during idling or slow system of your vehicle is approx.
result in serious engine damage that is driving. This means that the accuracy of 266°F (130°C).
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz the displayed temperature can only be
Limited Warranty. verified by comparison to a During severe operating conditions and
thermometer placed next to the sensor, stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
For engine protection, the fuel supply is not by comparison to external displays temperature may rise close to the red
interrupted if the engine is operated (e.g. bank signs etc.). marking.
within the red marking.
Adaptation to ambient temperature takes The engine should not be operated with
Seat Belt Warning Lamp place in steps and depends on the the coolant temperature in the red zone.
prevailing driving conditions (stop-and- Doing so may cause serious engine
With the electronic key in steering go or moderate, constant driving) and damage which is not covered by the
lock position 2, the seat belt warning amount of temperature change. Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
lamp comes on, a message is
displayed in the multifunction indi- Warning!
cator, and a warning sounds for a
short time if the drivers seat belt is not The outside temperature indicator is
fastened. not designed to serve as an Ice-
Warning Device and is therefore un-
After starting the engine, the seat belt suitable for that purpose. Indicated
warning lamp blinks for a brief period temperatures just above the freezing
to remind the driver and passengers to point do not guarantee that the road
fasten seat belts. surface is free of ice.

96
Warning! Low Engine Coolant Level Warning!
Warning
• Driving when your engine is Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
badly overheated can cause When the symbol and message appear parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene
some fluids which may have while driving, then the coolant level glycol which may burn if it comes
leaked into the engine has dropped below the required level. into contact with hot engine parts.
compartment to catch fire. You If no leaks are noticeable and the You can be seriously burned.
could be seriously burned. engine temperature does not increase,
continue to drive to the nearest service Low Windshield and Headlamp
• Steam from an overheated station and have coolant added to the Washer System Fluid Level Warning
engine can cause serious burns coolant system (see Index).
and can occur just by opening When the symbol and message appear
the engine hood. Stay away The low engine coolant level warning while the engine is running, the level of
from the engine if you see or should not be ignored. Extended the reservoir has dropped to approx. 1/3
hear steam coming from it. driving with the symbol displayed may of the total volume. The reservoir
cause serious engine damage not should be refilled with MB Windshield
Turn off the engine, get out of the covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Washer Concentrate "S" and water (or
vehicle and do not stand near the Warranty. commercially available premixed
vehicle until it cools down. windshield washer solvent/antifreeze,
In cases of major or frequent minor depending on ambient temperature -
coolant loss, have the cooling system see Index) at the next opportunity. The
checked at your authorized Mercedes- reservoir for the windshield and
Benz dealer as soon as possible. headlamp washer systems is located in
the engine compartment.
Note:

Do not drive without coolant in the


cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge
while driving.

97
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Brake Warning

When the symbol and message appear When the brake warning lamp and
after starting the engine, or if it comes on message appear while the engine is
while driving, this symbol indicates a running, this means:
failure in the parking lamp, taillamps,
stop lamp, or low beam headlamp. • there is insufficient brake fluid in
the reservoir (engine running
If an exterior lamp fails, the indicator and parking brake released), or
symbol will come on only when that • the parking brake is set (engine
lamp is switched on. running).

If a brake lamp fails, the lamp failure Warning!


indicator will come on when applying
the brake and stays on until the engine is Driving with the brake warning
turned off. lamp illuminated can result in an Flexible Service System (FSS)
accident. Have your brake system
Note: checked immediately if the brake The FSS permits a flexible service
warning lamp stays on. Don't add schedule that is directly related to the
If additional lighting equipment is brake fluid before checking the operating conditions of the vehicle.
installed (e.g. auxiliary headlamps etc.) brake system. Overfilling the brake
be certain to connect into the fuse before fluid reservoir can result in spilling The symbol appears together with
the failure indicator monitoring unit in brake fluid on hot engine parts and a message in the multifunction indicator
order to avoid damaging the system. the brake fluid catching fire. You prior to the next suggested service.
can be seriously burned.
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Depending on operating conditions
Note: throughout the year, the next service is
When the symbol and message appear calculated and displayed in days or
during braking, this indicates that the If you find that the minimum mark on distance remaining.
brake pads are worn down. the brake fluid reservoir is reached,
have the brake system checked for The message is displayed for approx.
Have the brake system checked at your brake pad thickness and leaks. 10 seconds when turning the electronic
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as key in steering lock
soon as possible.
98
Following a completed service the Notes:
Mercedes-Benz dealer sets the counter
to 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) When disconnecting vehicle battery for
and 365 days. one or more days at a time, such days
will not be counted. Any such days not
The counter can also be set by any counted by the FSS can be added by
individual. To do so: your Mercedes-Benz dealer.

1. Turn electronic key in steering The interval between services is


lock to position 2. determined by the kind of vehicle
2. Within 4 seconds press button 0 operation. Driving at extreme speeds,
twice. and cold starts combined with short
3. The present status for days or distance driving in which the engine
distance is displayed. Within does not reach normal operating
10 seconds turn electronic key in temperature, reduce the interval
steering lock to position 0. between services.
to position 2, or while driving when
reaching the service warning threshold. 4. Press and hold button 0, while The FSS allows for distances between
It can be canceled manually by turning electronic key in steering 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and
pressing button 0. lock to position 2 again. The pre 20 000 miles (Canada: 30 000 km), or
sent status for days or distance from 365 to 730 days between
Once the suggested term has passed, is displayed once more. Continue services.
the symbol plus message "SERVICE ... to hold button 0.
DUE NOW" appear for approx. 30 After approx. 10 seconds a signal However you choose to set your
seconds and a signal sounds every time sounds, and the display shows 10 reference numbers, the scheduled
when turning the electronic key in 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km). services as posted in the Service
steering lock to position 2. Booklet must be followed to properly
5. Release button 0. care for your vehicle.
The FSS display can also be called up
for approx.10 seconds with display If the FSS counter was inadvertently
illuminated by pressing button 0 twice reset, have a Mercedes-Benz dealer
within 1 second correct it.

99
Antilock Brake System (ABS) ABS Control Warning!

Important! The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
the instrument cluster comes on with the of physics from acting on the vehicle,
The ABS improves steering control of electronic key in steering lock position 2 nor can it increase the traction made
the vehicle during braking maneuvers. and should go out with the engine available by the road conditions. The
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather running. ABS cannot prevent accidents,
use firm, steady brake pedal pressure. including those resulting from
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the When the ABS malfunction indicator excessive speed in turns, following
purpose for ABS and significantly lamp symbol and warning in the another vehicle too closely, or
reduces braking effectiveness. instrument cluster come on while the aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive,
engine is running, it indicates that the and skillful driver can prevent
The ABS prevents the wheels from ABS has detected a malfunction and has accidents. The capabilities of an ABS
locking up above a vehicle speed of switched off. In this case, the brake equipped vehicle must never be
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) system functions in the usual manner, exploited in a reckless or dangerous
independent of road surface conditions. but without antilock assistance. manner which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others.
At the instant one of the wheels is With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS,
about to lock up, a slight pulsation can ASR or ESP, if vehicle so equipped, are Note:
be felt in the brake pedal, indicating also switched off. Both malfunction
that the ABS is in the regulating mode. indicator lamps come on with the engine To alert following vehicles to slippery
Keep firm and steady pressure on the running. road conditions you discover, operate
brake pedal while experiencing the your hazard warning flashers as
pulsation. If the charging voltage falls below 10 appropriate.
volts, the malfunction indicator lamp
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will comes on and the ABS is switched off.
respond even with light brake pedal When the voltage is above this value
pressure because of the increased again, the malfunction indicator lamp
likelihood of locking wheels. The should go out and the ABS should be
pulsating brake pedal can be an operational.
indication of hazardous road conditions Have the system checked at your
and functions as a reminder to take authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
extra care while driving. soon as possible.
100
Brake Assist System (BAS) The BAS is designed to maximize the If the BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP
vehicle's braking capability during malfunction indicator lamp comes on
Warning! emergency braking maneuvers by permanently while the engine is
having maximum power boost applied running, a malfunction has been
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws to the brakes more quickly in detected in either system. As a result, it
of physics from acting on the vehicle, emergency braking conditions than is possible that now only partial engine
nor can it increase braking efficiency might otherwise be afforded solely by output will be available, and pressing
beyond that afforded by the the driver's braking style. This can help the accelerator pedal will require more
condition of the vehicle brakes and reduce braking distances over what effort. If the BAS malfunctions, the
tires or the traction afforded. The ordinary driving and braking style brake system functions in the usual
BAS cannot prevent accidents, might do. The BAS complements the manner, but without BAS.
including those resulting from Antilock Brake System (ABS).
excessive speed in turns, following If the charging voltage falls below 10
another vehicle too closely, or aqua- To receive the benefit of the system volts, the malfunction indicator lamp
planing. Only a safe, attentive, and you must apply continuous full braking comes on and the BAS is switched off.
skillful driver can prevent accidents. power during the stopping sequence. When the voltage is above this value
The capabilities of a BAS equipped Do not reduce brake pedal pressure. again, the malfunction indicator lamp
vehicle must never be exploited in a should go out and the BAS is
reckless or dangerous manner which Once the brake pedal is released, the operational.
could jeopardize the user's safety or BAS is deactivated
the safety of others. With the ABS malfunctioning, the
The malfunction indicator lamps for BAS, ASR or ESP are also switched
the ASR or ESP are combined with the off. Both malfunction indicator lamps
BAS malfunction indicator lamp. come on with the engine running.

The BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP Have the BAS, ASR or ESP checked at


malfunction indicator lamp in the your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
instrument cluster comes on with the as soon as possible.
electronic key in steering lock position
2 and should go out with the engine
running.

101
Electronic Traction System (ETS) ETS warning lamp flashes, with the the engine must be shut off (key in
(Model with All Wheel Drive engine running, the electronic traction steering lock position 0 or 1).
[AWD]: 4-ETS) system is being switched off Otherwise, the electronic traction
temporarily on one ore more wheels to system will immediately be engaged
The ETS improves vehicle traction, prevent overheating of the drive wheel and will apply the brakes.
especially under slippery road brakes.
conditions. The brakes are applied to Notes:
the spinning wheel and power is If the BAS/ETS malfunction indicator
transferred to the wheel(s) with lamp comes on permanently with the The indicator lamp for the ETS is
traction. At approximately 50 mph (80 engine running, a malfunction has been combined with that of the BAS
km/h), the ETS switches off at the front detected in either system. The yellow BAS/ETS malfunction
wheels, and at approximately 80 mph indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
(130 km/h) at the rear wheels. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake and the yellow ETS warning lamp in
The ETS warning lamp, located in the system functions in the usual manner, the speedometer dial come on with the
speedometer dial, starts to flash at any but without BAS. electronic key in steering lock position
vehicle speed, as soon as the tires lose Have the BAS or ETS checked at your 2. They should go out with the engine
traction and the wheels begin to spin. authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as running.
soon as possible.
Important! Driving the vehicle with varied size tires
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ETS is will cause the wheels to rotate at
If the ETS warning lamp flashes: also switched off. different speeds, therefore the
acceleration slip regulation may
• during take-off, apply as little Caution! activate (yellow ETS warning lamp in
throttle as possible, Model with AWD: 4-ETS speedometer dial comes on). For this
• while driving, ease up on the reason, all wheels, including the spare
accelerator. Operational tests with the engine wheel, must have the same tire size.
running can only be conducted on a 2-
Adapt your speed and driving to the axle dynamometer. Otherwise the 4- In winter operation, the maximum
prevailing road conditions. ETS applies the brakes to the spinning effectiveness of the four wheel
wheels. electronic traction system is only
ETS Control If the vehicle is towed with one axle achieved with Mercedes-Benz
raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index), recommended M+S radial-ply tires
If the yellow BAS/ETS malfunction or when testing the parking brake on a and/or snow chains.
indicator lamp comes on while the. brake test dynamometer,
102
Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) Caution! If the BAS malfunctions, the brake
system functions in the usual manner,
The acceleration slip regulation will If the vehicle is towed with the front but without BAS.
engage at all vehicle speeds, if one or axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in
both drive wheels begin to lose Index), the engine must be shut off Have the BAS or ASR checked at your
traction and spin in acceleration. (electronic key in steering lock position authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
While engaged, the yellow warning 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ASR will soon as possible.
lamp in the speedometer dial flashes. immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes. With the ABS malfunctioning, the
With the ASR engaged, the brake is ASR is also switched off.
applied to the spinning drive wheel Notes:
until slip is brought under control. If Driving the vehicle with varied size
both drive wheels spin, the brake is The malfunction indicator lamp for the tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
applied to both drive wheels and ASR is combined with that of the BAS. different speeds, therefore the ASR
simultaneously, engine torque is may activate (yellow ASR warning
limited, to improve the vehicle's The yellow BAS/ASR malfunction lamp in speedometer dial comes on).
driving stability. indicator lamp in the instrument cluster For this reason, all wheels, including
and the yellow ASR warning lamp in the spare wheel, must have the same
As traction on the road surface the speedometer dial come on with the tire size.
increases, thus allowing acceleration electronic key in steering lock position
without slip, the allowable engine 2. They should go out with the engine When testing the parking brake on a
torque also increases again and the running. brake test dynamometer, the engine
brake is no longer applied to drive must be shut off. Otherwise, the ASR
wheels. If the BAS/ASR malfunction indicator will immediately be engaged and will
lamp comes on with the engine running, apply the rear wheel brakes.
Important! a malfunction has been detected in
either system. Pressing the accelerator In winter operation, the maximum
If the ASR warning lamp flashes, adapt pedal will require greater effort. Only effectiveness of the ASR is only
your speed and driving to the partial engine output will be available. achieved with Mercedes-Benz
prevailing road conditions. recommended M+S rated radial-ply
tires and/or snow chains.

103
With the ASR system switched off, the The ASR warning lamp, located in the
engine torque reduction feature is speedometer dial, starts to flash at any
cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose
vehicle stability offered by ASR is traction and the wheels begin to spin.
unavailable.
To return to the enhanced vehicle
Adapt your speed and driving to the stability offered by ASR: press lower
prevailing road conditions. half of the switch (the ASR warning
lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).
A portion of the ASR system remains
active, even with the switch in the OFF Important!
position.
If the ASR warning lamp flashes:
If one drive wheel loses traction and
begins to spin, the brake is applied • during take-off, apply as little
ASR Control Switch until the wheel regains sufficient throttle as possible,
traction. The traction control engages • while driving, ease up on the
ASR control switch located on center at vehicle speeds up to approximately accelerator.
console 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at
50 mph (80 km/h).
To improve the vehicle's traction when
driving with snow chains, or starting Note:
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press
the upper half of the ASR switch. The Avoid spinning of one drive wheel.
ASR warning lamp, located in the Doing so may cause serious damage to
speedometer dial, is continuously the drive train which is not covered by
illuminated. the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

104
Electronic Stability Program Notes: Driving the vehicle with varied size
(ESP) (optional) tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
The malfunction indicator lamp for the different speeds, therefore the ESP may
The ESP enhances directional control ESP is combined with that of the BAS. activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in
and reduces driving wheel spin of the speedometer dial comes on). For this
vehicle under any driving condition. The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction reason, all wheels, including the spare
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster wheel, must have the same tire size.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is and the yellow ESP warning lamp in
counteracted by applying brakes to the the speedometer dial come on with the When testing the parking brake on a
appropriate wheel to create a electronic key in steering lock position brake test dynamometer, the engine
counterpointing vehicle movement. 2. They should go out with the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, the ESP
The ESP warning lamp, located in the running. will immediately be engaged and will
speedometer dial, starts to flash. apply the rear wheel brakes.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
Important! lamp comes on permanently with the In winter operation, the maximum
engine running, a malfunction has been effectiveness of the ESP is only
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt detected in either system. Pressing the achieved with Mercedes-Benz
your speed and driving to the accelerator pedal will require greater recommended M+S rated radial-ply
prevailing road conditions. effort. Only partial engine output will tires and/or snow chains.
be available.
Caution! Synchronizing ESP
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake
If the vehicle is towed with the front system functions in the usual manner, If the power supply was interrupted
axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in but without BAS. (battery disconnected or empty), the
Index), the engine must be shut off BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
(electronic key in steering lock position Have the BAS or ESP checked at your may be illuminated with the engine
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as running.
immediately be engaged and will apply soon as possible.
the rear wheel brakes. Turn steering wheel completely to the
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP left and then to the right. The BAS/ESP
is also switched off. malfunction indicator lamp should go
out.

105
With the ESP system switched off, the The ESP warning lamp, located in the
engine torque reduction feature is speedometer dial, starts to flash at any
cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose
vehicle stability offered by ESP is traction and the wheels begin to spin.
unavailable.
To return to the enhanced vehicle
Adapt your speed and driving to the stability offered by ESP: press lower
prevailing road conditions. half of the switch (the ESP warning
lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).
A portion of the ESP system remains
active, even with the switch in the OFF Important!
position.
If the ESP warning lamp flashes:
If one drive wheel loses traction and
begins to spin, the brake is applied • during take-off, apply as little
ESP Control Switch until the wheel regains sufficient throttle as possible,
traction. The traction control engages • while driving, ease up on the
ESP control switch located on center at vehicle speeds up to approximately accelerator.
console 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at
50 mph (80 km/h).
To improve the vehicle's traction when
driving with snow chains, or starling Note:
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press
the upper half of the ESP switch. The Avoid spinning of one drive wheel.
ESP warning lamp, located in the Doing so may cause serious damage to
speedometer dial, is continuously the drive train which is not covered by
illuminated. the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

106
Emission Control Warning! On-Board Diagnostic System

Certain systems of the engine serve to Inhalation of exhaust gas is The Sequential Multiport Fuel
keep the toxic components of the hazardous to your health. All Injection (SFI) control module
exhaust gases within permissible limits exhaust gas contains carbon monitors emission control components
required by law. monoxide, and inhaling it can cause that either provide input signals to or
unconsciousness and lead to death. receive output signals from the control
These systems, of course, will function module. Malfunctions resulting from
properly only when maintained strictly Do not run the engine in confined interruptions or failure of any of these
according to factory specifications. areas (such as a garage) which are not components are indicated by the
Any adjustments on the engine should, properly ventilated. If you think that "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction
therefore, be carried out only by exhaust gas fumes are entering the ve- indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
qualified Mercedes-Benz authorized hicle while driving, have the cause and are simultaneously stored in the
dealer technicians. Engine adjustments determined and corrected diagnostic module.
should not be altered in any way. immediately. If you must drive under
Moreover, the specified service jobs these conditions, drive only with at If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction
must be carried out regularly according least one window fully open. indicator lamp comes on, have the
to Mercedes-Benz servicing system checked at your authorized
requirements. For details refer to the Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as
Service Booklet. possible.

With some exceptions, the control


module switches off the "CHECK
ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp if
the condition, causing the lamp to come
on, no longer exists during three
consecutive cycles
An on-board diagnostic connector is
located in the passenger compartment
near to the parking brake pedal,
allowing the accurate identification of
system malfunctions through the
readout of diagnostic trouble codes.
107
Winter Driving • Tires: We recommend M+S rated Snow chains should only be driven on
radial-ply tires on all four wheels snow covered roads at speeds not to
Have your vehicle winterized at your for the winter season. Observe exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer permissible maximum speed for chains as soon as possible when driving
before the onset of winter. M+S rated radial-ply tires and the on roads without snow.
legal speed limit.
• Change the engine oil if the engine For tips on driving on slippery winter
contains an oil which is not Note: roads, refer to Index.
approved for winter operation. For
viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and In winter operation, the maximum Vehicles with Acceleration Slip
filling quantity, see Capacities: effectiveness of the acceleration slip Regulation (ASR) or Electronic
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. in regulation or of the electronic traction Stability Program (ESP):
Index. system can only be achieved with M+S
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains When driving with snow chains, press
• Check engine coolant anticorrosion/ recommended by Mercedes-Benz. the ASR control switch or the ESP
antifreeze concentration. Snow chains maximize performance. control switch, refer to Index.

• Additive for the windshield washer Snow Chains Traveling Abroad


and headlamp cleaning system: Add
MB Concentrate "S" to a premixed Use only snow chains that are tested Abroad, there is a widely-spread
windshield washer solvent/ and recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz service network at
antifreeze which is formulated for Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer your disposal. If you plan to travel into
below freezing temperatures (see will be glad to advise you on this areas which are not listed in the index
Index). subject. of your dealer directory, you should
request pertinent information from
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops Chains should only be used on the rear your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
with decreasing ambient wheels. Follow the manufacturer's
temperature. A well charged battery mounting instructions.
helps to ensure that the engine can
be started, even at low ambient
temperatures.

108
Practical Hints

109
Warning!

To help prevent personal injury, stay


clear of moving parts when the hood
is open and the engine is running. Be
sure the hood is properly closed
before driving. When closing hood,
use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.

The engine is equipped with a


transistorized ignition system.
Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets,
diagnostic socket) of the ignition
Hood Pull handle (2) completely out of system
radiator grill and open hood (do not
To open: pull upon handle). • with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
To unlock the hood, pull release lever To close: • if ignition is "on" and the engine
(1) under the driver's side of the is turned manually.
instrument panel. At the same time Lower hood and let it drop into lock
handle (2) will extend out of the from a height of approx. 1 ft. (30 cm), If you see flames, steam or smoke
radiator grill (it may be necessary to lift assisting with hands placed flat on coming from the engine
the hood up slightly). edges of hood (3). compartment, or if the coolant
temperature gauge indicates that the
Caution! To avoid hood damage, if hood is not engine is overheated, do not open the
fully closed, repeat closing procedure. hood. Move away from vehicle and
To avoid damage to the windshield Do not push down on hood to attempt to do not open the hood until the engine
wiper or hood, open the hood only with fully close it. has cooled. If necessary, call a fire
wiper in the parked position. department.

110
Adding Coolant • Do not remove pressure cap on
coolant reservoir if engine
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50 temperature is above 194°F (90°C).
mixture of water and MB Allow engine to cool down before
anticorrosion/antifreeze should be removing cap. The coolant
added. reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
The drain plugs for the cooling system
are located on the right side of the • Using a rag, slowly open cap
engine block and at the bottom of the approximately 1/2 turn to relieve
radiator. excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid
Anticorrosion/antifreeze, see and steam will be blown out
Coolants in Index. under pressure.
Checking Coolant Level Warning! • Do not spill antifreeze on hot
engine parts. Antifreeze contains
To check the coolant level, the vehicle In order to avoid possible serious etnylene glycol which may burn if
must be parked on level ground and burns or injury: it comes into contact with hot
the engine stopped. engine parts.
• Use extreme caution when
Check coolant level only when coolant opening the hood if there are any
is cold. signs of steam or coolant leaking
from the cooling system, or if the
The coolant level should reach the coolant temperature gauge
black top part of the reservoir. indicates that the coolant is
overheated.

111
Oil Dipstick

Wipe oil dipstick clean prior to


checking the engine oil level. Fully
insert dipstick in tube, and remove after
three seconds to obtain accurate
reading.

Oil level must be between


the lower (min) and upper
(max) mark of the dipstick.

Checking Engine Oil Level Fill quantity between upper and lower Multifunction Indicator
dipstick marking level is approximately
1 Oil dipstick 2.1 US qt (2.0 l). Turn electronic key in steering lock to
2 Oil filler cap position 2 and wait until the message
Do not overfill the engine. Excessive "DISPLAY OIL LEVEL?" appears in
The engine oil level can be checked by oil must be drained or siphoned. It the multifunction indicator.
either the oil dipstick or via the could cause damage to engine and
multifunction indicator in the instrument catalytic converter not covered by the Within 1 second press button 0 twice.
cluster. Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. The following messages are available:

To check the engine oil level, park For Low engine oil level warning, see OIL LEVEL OKAY
vehicle on level ground, with engine at Index.
normal operational temperature. ADD 1.0 Q OF OIL (Canada: 1.0 L)

Check engine oil level approximately 5 ADD 1.5 Q OF OIL (Canada: 1.5 L)
minutes after stopping the engine,
allowing for the oil to return to the oil ADD 2.0 Q OF OIL (Canada: 2.0 L)
pan.

112
to engine and catalytic converter not Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty. The transmission has a permanent fill
of automatic transmission fluid.
The symbol flashes in the
multifunction indicator, if a proper oil Regular automatic transmission fluid
level check cannot be performed. level checks and changes are not
The engine oil level check can be required. For this reason the dipstick is
repeated after a short while. omitted.

Perform the engine oil level check with If you notice fluid leaks or gear shifting
the dipstick, if it cannot be completed malfunctions, have your authorized
via the multifunction indicator. Mercedes-Benz dealer check the
transmission fluid level.
In this case we recommend that you
OIL LEVEL AT MINIMUM have the system checked at a
A signal sounds. Add oil to upper Mercedes-Benz dealer.
(max) mark of the dipstick (also see
Low engine oil level warning in Notes:
Index).
OIL LEVEL BELOW MINIMUM If the message is continuously
A signal sounds. Add oil to upper displayed after pressing button 0 twice
(max) mark of the dipstick (also see and there is no change in the
Low engine oil level warning in multifunction indicator or the low engine
Index). oil level warning comes on, a
OIL LEVEL ABOVE MAX malfunction has occurered to the
A signal sounds. system. Perform the engine oil level
Do not overfill the engine. Excessive check with the dipstick.
oil must be drained or siphoned. It
could cause damage to engine and If no oil leaks are noted continue to
catalytic converter not covered by the drive to the nearest Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. dealer to have the system checked.

113
Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, 3 Spare wheel mounting screw with Vehicle Jack
handle
1 Trim panel, left side 1 Jack arm
2 Vehicle tools To remove spare wheel: Remove vehicle 2 Jack base
tools. Turn spare wheel mounting screw
To open trim panel: Release lock counterclockwise and remove. The vehicle jack is stored behind the
and fold down. spare wheel.
To store spare wheel:
Note: Place spare wheel in wheel well and See illustration for proper storage of jack.
secure with spare wheel mounting To remove, first remove vehicle tools
If trim panel was fully removed, make screw. Store vehicle tools. and spare wheel. Then open clamp and
certain to insert pins (arrows) into remove vehicle jack.
retainers in floor when reinstalling
Before storing the jack in the spare wheel
well, the jack arm must be lowered almost
to the base of the jack.

114
Warning! Wheels Tire Replacement

The jack is designed exclusively for Replace rims or tires with the same Front tires should be replaced in sets.
jacking up the vehicle at the jack designation, manufacturer and type as Rims and tires must be of the correct
tubes built into either side of the shown on the original part. See your size and type. For dimensions, see
vehicle. To help avoid personal authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for "Technical Data".
injury, use the jack only to lift the further information.
vehicle during a wheel change. Never We recommend that you break in new
get beneath the vehicle while it is See your authorized Mercedes-Benz tires for approx. 60 miles (100 km) at
supported by the jack. Keep hands dealer for information on tested and moderate speed.
and feet away from the area under recommended rims and tires for
the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set summer and winter operation. They It is imperative that the wheel
parking brake and block wheels can also offer advice concerning tire mounting bolts be fastened to a
before raising vehicle with jack. service and purchase. tightening torque of 80 ft .lb. (110 Nm)
whenever wheels are mounted.
Do not disengage parking brake
while the vehicle is raised. Be certain For rim and tire specifications, refer to
that the jack is always vertical when "Technical Data"
in use, especially on hills. Always try Warning!
to use the jack on level surface. Be
sure that the jack arm is fully Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
inserted in the jack tube. Always If the tire tread is badly worn, or if
lower the vehicle onto sufficient the tires have sustained damage,
capacity jackstands before working replace them.
under the vehicle.
When replacing rims, use only
genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for the particular rim
type. Failure to do so can result in
the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

115
Rotating Wheels Dented or bent rims can cause tire Do not operate vehicle with more than
pressure loss and damage to the tire one spare wheel mounted.
The wheels can be rotated according to beads. For this reason, check rims for
the degree of tire wear while retaining damage at regular intervals. The rim Unidirectional tires must always be
the same direction of travel. flanges must be checked for wear mounted with arrow on tire sidewall
before a tire is mounted. Remove burrs, pointing in direction of vehicle forward
Rotating, however, should be carried if any. movement.
out at the scheduled service intervals,
before the characteristic tire wear Check and ensure proper tire inflation If the arrow on tire side wall does not
pattern (shoulder wear on front wheels pressure after rotating the wheels. For point in direction of vehicle forward
and tread center wear on rear wheels) Tire Inflation Pressure refer to Index. movement when using the spare wheel,
becomes visible, as otherwise the observe the following restrictions:
driving properties deteriorate. Spare Wheel Drive to the nearest tire repair facility
as soon as possible.
Important! Important!
For rim and tire specifications, refer to
Unidirectional tires must always be The spare wheel rim is mounted with a "Technical Data".
mounted with arrow on tire sidewall full size tire of the same type as on the
pointing in direction of vehicle forward vehicle, and is fully functional. Warning!
movement. However, that spare wheel rim is
weight optimized and has a limited The spare wheel rim is for
Notes: service life of 12 000 miles (20 000 temporary use only. Use for over a
km) use before a standard wheel rim total of 12 000 miles (20 000 km) may
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the must replace it. cause wheel rim failure leading to an
wheels any time you rotate the wheels accident and possible injuries.
or wash the vehicle underside. In the case of a flat tire, you may
temporarily use the spare wheel.
The use of retread tires is not
recommended. Retread tires may
adversely affect the handling
characteristics and safety of the vehicle.

116
Warning! Changing Wheels

The jack is designed exclusively for Move vehicle to a level area which is a
jacking up the vehicle at the jack safe distance from the roadway.
tubes built into either side of the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, 1. Set parking brake and turn on
use the jack only to lift the vehicle hazard warning flasher.
during a wheel change. Never get
beneath the vehicle while it is 2. Move selector lever to position
supported by the jack. Keep hands "P" and turn off engine.
and feet away from the area under the
lifted vehicle. Always firmly set 3. Prevent vehicle from rolling
parking brake and block wheels away by blocking wheels with
before raising vehicle with jack. wheel chocks (not supplied with
vehicle) or sizable wood block
Do not disengage parking brake while or stone. When changing a 4. Using the wrench, loosen but do
the vehicle is raised. Be certain that wheel on a hill, place chocks on not yet remove the wheel bolts.
the jack is always vertical when in use, the downhill side blocking both
especially on hills. Always try to use wheels of the other axle. On a
the jack on level surface. Be sure that level road, place one chock in
the jack arm is fully inserted in the front of and one behind the
jack tube. Always lower the vehicle wheel that is diagonally opposite
onto sufficient capacity jackstands to the wheel being changed.
before working under the vehicle.

117
5. Remove the protective cover from 6. Insert jack arm fully into the tube 8. Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt
the jack support tube opening by hole up to the stop. Place jack and install alignment bolt (1)
inserting the screwdriver (supplied on firm ground. Position the jack supplied in the tool kit. Remove
in the tool kit) in the opening and so that it is always vertical the remaining bolts. Keep bolt
prying it out. (plumb-line) as seen from the threads protected from dirt and
side (see arrow), even if the sand.
The tube openings are located vehicle is parked on an incline.
directly behind the front wheel 9. Remove wheel. Grip wheel from
housings and in front of the rear 7. Jack up the vehicle until the the sides. Keep hands from
wheel housings. wheel is clear of the ground. beneath the wheels.
Never start engine while vehicle
is raised.

118
12. Using the wrench, tighten the
five bolts evenly, following the
sequence illustrated, until all
bolts are tight.
Observe a tightening torque of
80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
13. Ensure proper tire pressure.

Warning!

The spare wheel rim is for


temporary use only. Use for over a
total of 12 000 miles (20 000 km)
10. Clean contact surfaces of Warning! may cause wheel rim failure leading
wheel and wheel hub. Install to an accident and possible injuries.
spare wheel on wheel hub. Always replace wheel bolts that are
Insert wheel bolts and tighten damaged or rusted.
them slightly.
To avoid paint damage, place Never apply oil or grease to wheel
wheel flat against hub and hold it bolts.
there while installing first wheel
bolt. Damaged wheel hub threads should
Unscrew the alignment bolt (1) to be repaired immediately.
install the last wheel bolt.
11. Lower car. Remove jack and Incorrect mounting bolts or
insert jack tube cover. improperly tightened mounting bolts
can cause the wheel to come off. This
Before storing the jack, the jack arm could cause an accident. Be sure to
must be lowered almost to the base of use the correct mounting bolts.
the jack.

119
Tire Inflation Pressure The ride of the vehicle, however, will Warning!
become somewhat harder.
A table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tire Do not overinflate tires.
inflation pressures specified for Tire temperature and pressure Overinflating tires can result in
Mercedes-Benz recommended tires as increase with the vehicle speed. Tire sudden deflation (blowout) because
well as for the varying operating pressure should therefore only be they are more likely to become
conditions. corrected on cold tires. Correct tire punctured or damaged by road
pressure in warm tires only if pressure debris, potholes etc.. Follow recom-
Important! has dropped below the pressure listed mended inflation pressures.
in the table and the respective
Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 operating conditions are taken into Do not overload the tires by
psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air consideration. exceeding the specified vehicle
temperature change. Keep this in mind capacity weight (as indicated by the
when checking tire pressure inside a An underinflated tire due to a slow label on the driver's door latch post).
garage - especially in the winter. leak (e.g. due to a nail in the tire) may Overloading the tires can overheat
cause damage such as tread them, possibly causing a blowout.
Example: separation, bulging etc.. Regular tire
pressure checks (including the spare
If garage temperature = approx. +68°F tire) at intervals of no more than 14
(+20°C) and ambient temperature = days are therefore essential.
approx. +32°F (0°C) then the adjusted
air pressure = specified air pressure +3 If a tire constantly loses air, it should
psi (+0.2 bar). be inspected for damage.

Tire pressures listed for light loads are


minimum values offering high driving
comfort. Increased inflation pressures
for heavy loads produce favorable
handling characteristics with lighter
loads and are perfectly permissible.

120
Exterior Lamps

Headlamp Adjustment

Correct headlamp adjustment is


extremely important. Check and
readjust headlamps at regular intervals
and when a bulb has been replaced.

Headlamp Assembly 5 Electrical connector for low


beam headlamp bulb
1 Headlamp horizontal adjustment 6 Electrical connector for high
screw beam headlamp bulb
2 Headlamp vertical adjustment Xenon lamp (optional) ignition
screw module for low beam
3 Clamps for headlamp cover 7 Bulb socket for parking and
4 Bulb socket for turn signal lamp standing lamp
8 Level for headlamp vertical
adjustment

121
Replacing Bulb: Bulbs for Low or High Beam Turn Signal Lamp
H7 (55 W) 1156 NA (26.9/5 W/32/4 cp bulb)
To prevent a possible electrical short
circuit, switch off lamp prior to Open hood. Open hood.
replacing a bulb.
Move retaining clamps (3) aside and Twist bulb socket (4) counterclockwise
When replacing bulbs, install only 12 remove cover. Pull off electrical and pull out. Push bulb into socket,
volt bulbs with the specified watt connector (5) or (6). Unhook clamping turn counterclockwise and remove.
rating. ring and pull out bulb together with Insert new bulb in socket, push in and
clamping ring. Remove bulb. twist clockwise. Reinstall bulb socket.
When replacing halogen bulbs do not Insert new bulb (seating properly in Reinstall lamp assembly until properly
touch glass portion of bulb with bare cutouts of bulb socket), mount seated.
hands. Use plain paper or a clean cloth. clamping ring. Reinstall and push
electrical connector on securely. Parking and Standing Lamp
Warning! Reinstall cover and fasten with H 6W (6 W bulb)
retaining clamps (3).
Halogen lamps contain pressurized Open hood.
gas. A bulb can explode if you: Xenon (optional)
Bulb for Low Beam Rotate cover (3) counterclockwise and
• touch or move it when hot, remove.
• drop the bulb, Warning!
• scratch the bulb. Twist bulb socket (7) counterclockwise
Because of high voltage in Xenon and pull out. Push bulb into socket,
Wear eye and hand protection. lamps, it is dangerous to replace the turn counterclockwise and remove.
bulb or repair the lamp and its
components. We recommend that Insert new bulb in socket, push in and
you have such work done by a twist clockwise. Reinstall bulb socket.
qualified technician. Reinstall lamp assembly until properly
seated.

122
1. Using a "T" square and a carpenter's
level, align and mark a vertical
centerline (8) on the test screen using
the outer reference point (low beam)
as found on each headlamp lens.
As a check, the distance between
centerlines should be 491/4 inches
(1250 mm).
3. Move vehicle on the level
surface 25 feet (7.6 m) straight
back from the wall.
4. Open hood.
5. Vertical headlamp aim
(low beams on):
Turn adjusting screw (2) (coun-
Adjusting Headlamp 2. Park vehicle on level surface approx. terclockwise to adjust headlamp
6 inches (152 mm) from a vertical downward, clockwise upward) until
Correct headlamp adjustment is test screen or wall. The centerline of bubble in the level (8) is centered on
extremely important. To check and the vehicle must be at a 90° angle to the "O" mark.
readjust a headlamp, follow steps 1 the test screen. Graduations: 0.18° pitch.
through 5. Please note:
• Low beam adjustments
simultaneously aim the high
beam.

• Vehicle should have a normal


trunk load.

123
5. Horizontal headlamp aim 6. The "O" on the indicator wheel
(low beams on): (9) should align with projection
Turn adjusting screw (1) (10). If it does not, with a small
(counterclockwise to adjust to screwdriver, pry indicator wheel
the left, clockwise to the right) up and rotate so that the "O"
until the headlamps (low beam) aligns with projection (1). Push
illuminate the test screen as down indicator wheel until it
shown. The vertex of the angle snaps in place.
formed in each beam image
should align with the vertical Graduations: 0.38° pitch.
centerline (11) of each lamp.
Note:
The left and right headlamps must be
adjusted individually If it is not possible to obtain a proper
headlamp adjustment, have the system
checked at your authorized Mercedes-
Benz dealer.

124
Adjusting Headlamp Aim 1. Park vehicle on level surface not check, have the system verified
(Xenon) approximately 25 ft. (7.6 m) at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
from a vertical test screen or dealer.
Correct headlamp adjustment is wall. The centerline of the 3. (Low beams off):
extremely important. To check and vehicle must be at a 90° angle Measure the vertical height from the
readjust a headlamp, follow steps 1 to the test screen. floor to reference point (13) on
through 7. Please note: 2. (Low beams on): high beam lens. Subtract approx. 2
Using a carpenter's level, align and inches (53 mm) from
• Low beam adjustments mark a vertical centerline (11) on the measurement, and mark a
simultaneously aim the high test screen using the vertex of the horizontal centerline (12) on the test
beam. angle formed in each beam image. screen at the resulting height from
• Vehicle should have a normal As a check, the distance between the floor. It must be at a 90° angle
load. center-lines should be 541/2 inches to the vertical centerline.
(1384 mm). If the distance does 4. Open hood

125
5. Vertical headlamp aim 7. The "O" on the indicator wheel (9)
(Low beams on): should align with projection (10). If it
Turn adjusting screw (2) (coun- does not, with a small screwdriver,
terclockwise to adjust headlamp pry indicator wheel up and rotate so
downward, clockwise upward) until that the "O" aligns with projection
the headlamps illuminate the test (10). Push down indicator wheel
screen as shown. until it snaps in place.
Graduations: 0.38° pitch.
Graduations: 0.18° pitch.
Note:
6. Horizontal headlamp aim If it is not possible to obtain a proper
(Low beams on): headlamp adjustment, have the system
Turn adjusting screw (1) checked at your authorized Mercedes-
(counterclockwise to adjust to the Benz dealer.
left, clockwise to the right) until the
headlamps (low beam) illuminate
the test screen as shown. The vertex
of the angle formed in each beam
image should align with the vertical
centerline (11) of each lamp.

The left and right headlamps must be


adjusted individually

126
Taillamp Assemblies 4 Driver's side: License Plate Lamps
Open trunk lid. Rear fog lamp (5 W/4 cp bulb)
(21 W/32 cp bulb)
1 Turn signal lamp (21 W/24 cp bulb) 5 Backup lamp Loosen both screws, remove lamp and
2 Stop, tail, parking, and sidemarker (21 W/32 cp bulb) take out bulb.
lamp (21/4W bulb)
3 Tail and parking lamp (5 W/4 cp Notes:
bulb)
Bulbs 4 and 5 cannot be accessed
Open tailgate and left or right trim without removal of tailgate trim panel.
panel. Twist bulb socket counter- For exchange of bulbs 1, 2 or 3 on left
clockwise and pull out. Push bulb into side of vehicle, also remove spare
socket, turn counterclockwise and wheel. See Spare Wheel in Index.
remove.
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and
twist clockwise. Reinstall bulb socket,
and close trim panel
127
Battery Important!

Warning! Battery replacement information:

Failure to follow these The maintenance-free battery is located


instructions can result in severe under the rear seat cushion. To minimize
injury or death. the chance for acid leakage which could
cause severe burns during a crash or
Never lean over batteries while rollover, a special acid leakage resistant
connecting, you might get injured. battery was factory installed. A
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. replacement battery for the car must not
Do not allow this fluid to come in leak acid when upside down for at least
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. 15 minutes. Your authorized Mercedes-
In case it does, immediately flush Benz dealer can provide such a special
affected area with water and seek battery.
Side Marker Lamp, Front medical help if necessary.
(5 W/4 cp bulb) The service life of the battery is
A battery will also produce hydrogen dependent on its condition of charge. The
From inside wheel house (arrow) reach gas, which is flammable and battery should always be kept sufficiently
behind side marker lamp and press tab. explosive. Keep flames or sparks charged, in order to last an optimum
Remove lamp from bumper and take out away from battery, avoid improper length of time.
bulb. connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc..

128
Therefore, we strongly recommend While the engine is running the battery Battery Recycling
that you have the battery charge terminal clamps must not be loosened
checked frequently, and corrected if or detached, otherwise the generator Batteries contain materials that can
necessary, especially if you use the and other electronic components would harm the environment with improper
vehicle less than approximately 200 be damaged. disposal.
miles (300 km) per month, mostly for
short distance trips, or if it is not used Notes: Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain
for long periods of time. lead.
After reconnecting the battery also
Only charge a battery with a battery resynchronize the front seats, front seat Recycling of batteries is the
charger after the battery has been head restraints, the Express feature of preferred method of disposal.
disconnected from the vehicle electrical the power windows, and the Electronic
circuit. Stability Program (ESP) (see Power Many states require sellers of batteries
seats, front, Head restraints, Power to accept old batteries for recycling.
Always disconnect the battery negative windows, and Electronic stability
lead first and connect last. program in Index).

When removing and connecting the


battery, always make sure that all
electrical consumers are off and the key is
in steering lock position 0. The battery, its
filler caps, the vent tube and the opposite
plug must always be securely installed
when the car is in operation. During
removal and installation always protect
the disconnected battery positive (+)
terminal with the cover attached to the
battery.

129
Fuses 1 Main fuse box in engine 4 Auxiliary fuse box below right rear
compartment bench seat.
Before replacing a blown fuse, To gain access to the main fuse
determine the cause of the short circuit. box (1), release clamp (arrow), To gain access, fold seat cushion
lift the fuse box cover up and forward. Rotate lock (2) counter-
Spare fuses are supplied inside the remove it. clockwise and remove cover.
main fuse box. Observe amperage and To close the main fuse box,
color of fuse. engage right end of cover and Note:
secure with clamp.
A special fuse puller is supplied with 2 Lock for auxiliary fuse box and When reinstalling cover (2) make
the vehicle tools. battery cover. certain that tabs (arrows) are inserted
3 Fuse box and battery cover.
Always use a new fuse for replacement.
Never attempt to repair or bridge a
blown fuse.

130
Electrical Outlet

The electrical outlet is located


in the rear compartment on the left
side.

To gain access, flip cover up. If locked,


first unlock by inserting for instance a
small coin and turning it to the left.

Note:

The cover is lockable by inserting, for


instance a small coin and turning it to
the right.
5 Auxiliary fuse box to left of
Exterior lamp switch Maximum capacity: 180 W.

To gain access, open door, pry off


cover and remove.

131
Jump Starting If the battery is discharged, the engine
should be started with jumper cables and
Warning! the (12 V) battery of another vehicle.

Failure to follow these directions will Jump start the car by using the battery
cause damage to the electronic terminals located under hood.
components, and can lead to a
battery explosion and severe injury Proceed as follows:
or death.
1. Position the vehicle with the
Never lean over batteries while charged battery so that the
connecting or jump starting, you jumper cables will reach, but
might get injured. never let the vehicles touch.
Make sure the jumper cables do
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. not have loose or missing
Do not allow this fluid to come in insulation. Important!
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In
case it does, immediately flush 2. On both vehicles: 3. Clamp one end of the first jumper
affected area with water, and seek cable to the positive (+) terminal of
medical help if necessary. • Turn off engine and all lights the discharged battery and the
and accessories, except other end to the positive (+)
A battery will also produce hydrogen hazard warning flashers or terminal of the charged battery.
gas, which is flammable and very work lights. Make sure the cable clamps do not
explosive. Keep flames or sparks • Apply parking brake and shift touch any other metal parts.
away from battery, avoid improper selector lever to position "P".
connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc..

Read all instructions before


proceeding.

132
4. Clamp one end of the second 6. After the engine has started, remove Note:
jumper cable to the grounded jumper cables by exactly reversing
negative (-) terminal of the charged the above installation sequence, If engine does not run after several
battery and the final connection to starting with the last connection unsuccessful starting attempts, have it
the negative (-) terminal of the made first. When removing each checked at the nearest authorized
discharged battery. clamp, make sure that it does not Mercedes-Benz dealer.
touch any other metal while the
Important! other end is still attached. Excessive unburned fuel may damage
the catalytic converter.
5. Start engine of the vehicle with Important!
the charged battery and run at
high idle. Make sure the cables A discharged battery can freeze at
are not on or near pulleys, fans, approx. +14°F (-10°C). In that case, it
or other parts that move when must be thawed out before jumper
the engine is started. Allow the cables are used. A frozen battery can
discharged battery to charge a explode and cause personal injury.
few minutes. Start engine of the
disabled vehicle in the usual Jumper cable specifications:
manner.
• Minimum cable cross-section of
25 mm2 or approx. 2 AWG
• Maximum length of 11.5ft.
(3.5 m).

133
Towing the Vehicle We recommend that the vehicle be
transported using flat bed equipment.
Warning! This method is preferable to other types
of towing.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all
wheels on the ground, make certain The vehicle may be towed with all
that the electronic key is in steering wheels on the ground and the selector
lock position 2. lever in position "N" for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to
If the electronic key is left in the exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). The
steering lock position 0 for an electronic key must be in steering lock
extended period of time, it can no position 2.
longer be turned in the lock. In this
case, the steering is locked. To To positively avoid a possibility of
unlock, remove electronic key from damage to the transmission, however,
steering lock and reinsert. we recommend to disconnect the drive
shaft at the rear axle drive flange on
Important! The rear towing eye is located at the any towing beyond a short tow to a
right, below the bumper. The front nearby garage.
When towing the vehicle, please, note towing eye is located on the passenger
the following: side behind a flap in the bumper panel. Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
With the automatic central locking Flap removal: bumpy roads will damage radiator and
activated and the electronic key in Insert finger in recess of flap and pull supports.
steering lock position 2, the vehicle flap out.
doors lock if the left front wheel as well Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed
as the right rear wheel are turning at Flap installation: equipment, with electronic key in
vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 Engage flap at bottom and press in steering lock turned to position 0.
km/h) or more. top securely.

To prevent the vehicle door locks from


locking, deactivate the automatic central
locking.

134
Warning! Caution! Caution!

With the engine not running, there is Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Vehicles with Electronic Stability
no power assistance for the braking Regulation (ASR) Program (ESP)
and steering systems. In this case, it
is important to keep in mind that a If the vehicle is towed with the front If the vehicle is towed with the front
considerably higher degree of effort axle raised, the engine must be shut axle raised, the engine must be shut
is necessary to brake and steer the off (electronic key in steering lock off (electronic key in steering lock
vehicle. position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ASR position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will will immediately be engaged and will
Note: apply the rear wheel brakes. apply the rear wheel brakes.

To signal turns while being towed Caution!


with hazard warning flasher in use,
turn electronic key in steering lock to Vehicles with Electronic Traction
position 2 and activate combination System (ETS)
switch for left or right turn signal in
usual manner- only the selected turn If the vehicle is towed with one axle
signal will operate. raised, the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock
Upon canceling the turn signal, the position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ETS
hazard warning flasher will operate will immediately be engaged and will
again apply the brakes.

135
Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle Frequent washing reduces and/or Mercedes-Benz because of the
eliminates the aggressiveness and possibility of incompatibility between
Warning! potency of the above adverse influences. materials used in the production
process and others applied later.
Many cleaning products can be More frequent washings are necessary
hazardous. Some are poisonous, to deal with unfavorable conditions; for We have selected car-care products and
others are flammable. Always follow example, near the ocean, in industrial compiled recommendations which are
the instructions on the particular areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or specially matched to our vehicles and
container. Always open your car's during winter operation. which always reflect the latest
doors or windows when cleaning the technology. You can obtain Mercedes-
inside. You should check your vehicle from Benz approved car-care products at
time to time for stone chipping or other your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Never use fluids or solvents that are damage. Any damage should be
not designed for cleaning your car. repaired as soon as possible to prevent Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion
the start of corrosion. or damage due to negligent or incorrect
In operation, your vehicle is subjected care cannot always be removed or
to varying external influences which, if In doing so, do not neglect the repaired with the car-care products
gone unchecked, can attack the paint- underside of the vehicle. A prerequisite recommended here. In such cases it is
work as well as the underbody and for a thorough check is a washing of best to seek aid at your authorized
cause lasting damage. the underbody followed by a thorough Mercedes-Benz dealer.
inspection. Damaged areas need to be
Such damage is caused not only by re-undercoated. The following topics deal with the
extreme and varying climatic cleaning and care of your vehicle
conditions, but also by air pollution, Your vehicle has been treated at the and give important "how-to"
road salt, tar, gravel and stone factory with a wax-base rust-proofing information as well as references to
chipping. Grease and oil, fuel, coolant, in the body cavities which will last for Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree the lifetime of the vehicle. Post- products.
resins etc. should be removed production treatment is neither
immediately to avoid paint damage. necessary nor recommended by Additional information can be found in
the booklet titled "Car Care".

136
Engine Cleaning ventilation intake. Use plenty of water Window Cleaning
and rinse the sponge and chamois
Prior to cleaning the engine frequently. Use a window cleaning solution on all
compartment make sure to protect glass surfaces. An automotive glass
electrical components and connectors Rinse with clear water and thoroughly cleaner is recommended.
from the intrusion of water and cleaning wipe dry with a chamois. Do not allow
agents. cleaning agents to dry on the finish. Headlamps, Taillamps,
Turn Signal Lenses
Corrosion protection, such as MB If the vehicle has been run through an
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to automatic car wash - in particular one Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
the engine compartment after every of the older installations -rewipe the Mercedes-Benz approved Car
engine cleaning. Before applying, all recessed sections in the taillamps Shampoo, with plenty of water.
control linkage bushings and joints (designed to prevent soiling) if To prevent scratches, never apply
should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt necessary. No solvents (fuels, thinners strong force or use a hard cloth when
and all pulleys should be protected from etc.) must be used. cleaning the lenses. Do not attempt to
any wax. wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
In the winter, thoroughly remove all sponge.
Car Washing traces of road salt as soon as possible.
Plastic and Rubber Parts
Do not use hot water or wash your car When washing the underbody, do not
in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car forget to clean the inner sides of the Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
wash detergent, such as Mercedes- wheels.
Benz approved Car Shampoo. Wiper Blade
Tar Stains
Thoroughly spray the car with a Clean the wiper blade rubber with a
diffused jet of water. Direct only a very Quickly remove tar stains before they clean cloth and detergent solution.
weak spray towards the. dry and become more difficult to Replace blade twice a year; once
remove. A tar remover is recommended. before and once after winter.

137
Seat Belts Instrument Cluster Upholstery

The webbing must not be treated with Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or Using aftermarket seat covers or
chemical cleaning agents. Use only mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a wearing clothing that have the
clear, lukewarm water and soap. Do not washing solution. Wipe with a cloth tendency to give off coloring (e.g.
dry the webbing at temperatures above moistened in lukewarm solution. Do when wet etc.) may cause the
176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight. not use scouring agents. upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a
Warning! Steering Wheel and Gear Selector proper intermediate cover, contact-
Lever discoloration will be prevented.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this
may severely weaken them. In a Wipe with a damp cloth and dry Leather Upholstery Wipe leather
crash they may not be able to thoroughly or clean with Mercedes- upholstery with a damp cloth and dry
provide adequate protection. Benz approved Leather Care. thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-
Benz approved Leather Care. Exercise
Hard Plastic Trim Items Headliner and particular care when cleaning
Shelf below Rear Window perforated leather as its underside
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior should not become wet.
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
with light pressure. dry-shampoo cleaner in case of MB Tex Upholstery Pour Mercedes-
excessive dirt. Benz approved Interior Care onto soft
lint-free cloth and apply with light
pressure.

138
Paintwork, Painted Body Light Alloy Wheels Ornamental Moldings
Components
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care For regular cleaning and care of very
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be used for regular cleaning of dirty chrome-plated parts, use a chrome
should be applied when water drops on the light alloy wheels. cleaner.
the paint surface do not "bead up";
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending If possible, clean wheels once a week
on climate and washing detergent used. with Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, using a soft bristle brush and a
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner strong spray of water.
should be applied if paint surface
shows signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss Follow instructions on container.
of gloss).
Note:
Do not apply any of these products or
wax if your car is parked in the sun or Use only acid-free cleaning materials.
if the hood is still hot. The acid could lead to corrosion.

Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick


for quick and provisional repairs of
minor paint damage (i.e. chips from
stones, car doors etc.).

139
Electronic Main Key Changing Batteries Insert mechanical key (2) in side
Remote Control opening (3) to open latch. Press briefly
Move lock (1) in direction of right (do not use mechanical key as lever) to
1 Transmit buttons arrow and slide out mechanical key (2, release battery compartment.
2 Lamp for battery check and function left arrow).
control Remove mechanical key.

Checking Batteries Lift battery compartment (4) slightly in


direction of arrow (5) and remove in
If one of the transmit buttons is direction of arrow (6).
pressed, the function control lamp
lights up briefly- indicating that the
batteries are in order.

Change batteries if the function control


lamp does not light up briefly

140
Important! Synchronizing Remote Control

Batteries contain materials that can The remote control may have to be
harm the environment if disposed of resynchronized, if the vehicle cannot
improperly. Recycling of batteries is be locked or unlocked.
the preferred method of disposal. For
disposal, please follow manufacturer's To synchronize insert electronic key in
recommendation on battery package. steering lock.

Replacement battery: The remote control should once again


Lithium, type CR 2025 or equivalent. be operational.

Change batteries (7), inserting new


ones under contact spring (8) with plus
(+) side facing up.
Return battery compartment into
housing until locked in place

141
Warning!

For your protection, drive only with


properly positioned head restraints.
Do not drive the vehicle without the
seat head restraints. Head restraints
are intended to help reduce injuries
during an accident.

For positioning of head restraints refer


to section Head Restraints, Rear in
Index.

Rear seat head restraint, Rear seat head restraint, storage


removal
For improved rear vision, the head
Removal: restraint for the rear bench center seat
can be removed if the seat is not
Pull head restraint to its highest occupied.
position. Push button (1) and pull head
restraint out. To do so, remove head restraint (1) and
store in bracket (2) under seat cushion.
Installation:

Insert the head restraint and push it


down to the stop.

Adjust head restraint to the desired


position.

142
Emergency Operation of
Sliding/Pop-Up Roof

The sliding/pop-up roof can be opened


or closed manually should an electrical
malfunction occur.

The sliding/pop-up roof drive is located


behind the lens of the left interior lamp
between the sun visors.

1. Pry off lens (1) by using a screw


driver.
2. Obtain crank (2) (supplied with
vehicle) and insert it through
hole.
To slide the roof closed or to raise the
roof at the rear: turn crank clockwise.

To slide the roof open or to lower the


roof at the rear: turn crank
counterclockwise.

143
Replacing Wiper Blade Insert

For safety reasons, remove electronic


key from steering lock before replacing
the wiper blade, otherwise the motor
can suddenly turn on and cause injury.

Notes:

Do not open engine hood with wiper


arm folded forward.

Do not allow the wiper arm to contact


the windshield glass without a wiper
blade inserted. The glass may be
scratched or broken. Removal: Installation:
Make certain that the wiper blade is Fold wiper arm forward. Press safety Slide (direction of arrow) wiper blade
properly installed. An improperly tab down (1), push wiper blade insert into retainer claws until tabs are
installed wiper blade may cause downward (2) and remove. engaged.
windshield damage.
Place wiper blade on firm support. Insert wiper blade between tabs (3) on
Slide (direction of arrow) the wiper the wiper arm, and slide into end of
blade insert out of the retainer claws. wiper arm. Press safety tab upward
until it locks in place.

144
Rear Window Wiper Blade Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap

Removal: The manual release knob is located


behind the right side trunk panel.
Fold wiper arm (1) away from rear
window and rotate wiper blade (2) until In case the central locking system does
perpendicular to wiper arm. Press not release the fuel filler flap, pull the
safety tab (3) on pivot (4) and slide manual release knob while
wiper blade out of wiper arm. simultaneously opening the fuel filler
Installation: flap.
Slide wiper blade onto wiper arm
(arrow). Lock pivot in place on wiper
arm end.

Note:
You can also replace the wiper blade
insert.

145
Installation: Long cargo items should not extend
beyond the vehicle length and should
1. Loosen knurled-head screws (2) be securely fastenend at the front and
and turn clamping plates (3) to rear.
side.
2. Mount cross bar (1) on roof Prior to and during an extended trip
railings. check the roof load, and retighten the
3. Turn clamping plates (3) back knurled-head screws if necessary.
under roof railings and tighten
the knurled-head screws (2). The heaviest portion of the cargo
should always be kept as low as
Important! possible since it influences the
handling characteristics of the vehicle.
Do not use the pop-up feature of the
sliding roof when positioning and/or When driving without roof luggage,
Roof Rack placing luggage above it, to prevent the cross bars may be removed to
damage to the sliding roof panel. reduce wind noise.
1 Cross bar
2 Knurled-head screws Never place luggage on cross bars For load capacity see Technical Data
3 Clamping plates only, but load it on the protective in Index.
4 Protective strips strips, distribute it evenly over the
entire area and fasten it securely Note:
The cross bars (1) should only be used
as guard rails to prevent luggage from Use only roof racks approved by
sliding. They must only be installed Mercedes-Benz. They mount to the
above the protective strips (4). roof railings and do not require
additional supports (e.g. suction cups
or legs). Such supports may lead to
marring of the paint or denting of the
roof. For further information inquire at
your Mercedes-Benz dealer.

146
Spare Parts Service Layout of Poly-V-belt Drive

All authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers 1 Automatic belt tensioner


maintain a stock of original spare parts 2 Crankshaft
required for maintenance and repair 3 Air conditioner compressor
work. In addition, strategically located 4 Coolant pump, fan
parts distribution centers provide quick 5 Generator (alternator)
and reliable parts service. 6 Idler pulley
7 Power steering pump
More than 300,000 different spare
parts, for other Mercedes-Benz models, For dimensions of the poly-V-belt, see
are available. Technical Data in Index.
Mercedes-Benz original spare parts are
subjected to the most stringent quality
inspections. Each part has been
specifically developed, manufactured
or selected for and adapted to
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Therefore, Mercedes-Benz original


spare parts should be installed.

Important!

The use of non-genuine parts and


accessories not authorized by
Mercedes-Benz could damage the
vehicle or compromise its durability or
safety.

147
Technical Data

148
Identification Labels

When ordering spare parts, please


specify vehicle identification and engine
numbers.

1 Certification Label
2 Vehicle Identification No. (VIN)
3 VIN, visible (lower edge of
windshield)
4 Engine No.
5 Body No. and Paintwork No.
6 Emission Control Label
7 Information Label
California version
Vacuum line routing for
emission control system

149
Warranty Coverage Loss of Owner's Service and
Warranty Information Booklet
Your vehicle is covered under the
terms of the "warranties" printed in the Should you lose your Owner's Service
Owner's Service and Warranty and Warranty Information Booklet,
Information Booklet and your have your authorized Mercedes-Benz
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will dealer arrange for a replacement. It
exchange or repair any defective parts will be mailed to you.
in accordance with the terms of the
following warranties:

1. New vehicle limited warranty


2. Emission systems warranty
3. Emission performance warranty
4. California and Massachusetts
emission control systems
warranty.

150
Technical Data Rims – Tires
Model E 320 (210 265)1 Rims
E 320 with AMD (210 282)1 (light alloy rims) 7 1/² J x 16 H 2
Wheel offset 41 mm (1.6 in)
Engine 112 All season tires:
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine, Radial-ply tires 215/55 R 16 99 H
gasoline injection Winter tires:
No. of cylinders 6 Radial-ply tires 215/55 R 16 93 H M+S
Bore 89.90 mm (3.54 in)
Stroke 84.00 mm (3.30 in) Spare Wheel
Total piston displacement 3199 m³ (195.2 cu.in) Rims
Compression ratio 10:1 (light alloy rims) 7 1/² J x 16 H 2
Output acc.to SAE J 1349 165 kW/5600rpm Wheel offset 41 mm (1.6 in)
(221 hp/5600 rpm) All season tires:
Maximum torque acc. to SAE J 1349 315 Nm/3000 rpm Radial-ply tires 215/55 R 16 99 H
(232 ft-lb/3000 rpm)
Maximum engine speed 6000 rpm Electrical System
Firing order 1-4-3-6-2-5
Poly – V belts length 2390 mm Generator (alternator) 14 V/90 A
Starter motor 12 V/1.7 kW
1
The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See Battery 12 V/100 Ah
an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for the corresponding Spark plugs Bosch F 8 DPER
data of all special bodies and special equipment. Beru 14 F-8 DPER
Electrode gap 1.0 mm (0.039 in)
Tightening torque 15-22 ft.lb. (20-30 Nm)

151
Technical Data
Main Dimensions
Weights See certification tag
Roof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 4816 mm (189.6 in)
Rails max. Overall vehicle width 1799 mm ( 70.8 in)
Roof load on protective strips Overall height: 1505 mm ( 59.3 in)
(distributed over total area) max. Wheel base 2833 mm (111.5 in)
Trunk load max. 175 kg ( 80 lb) Track, front 1529 mm ( 60.2 in)
Track, rear 1521 mm ( 59.9 in)

152
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. – Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended by us.
Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Model Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.

Engine with oil filter 8.5 US qt (8.0 1) Recommended engine oils

Automatic transmission 8.5 US qt (8.0 1) Automatic transmission fluid

Transfer case E 320 with AWD 0.9 US qt (0.9 l) Automatic transmission fluid

Rear axle 1.4USqt(1.3l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90


Front axle E 320 with AWD 0.5 US qt (0.5 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90

Power steering approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 I) MB Power steering fluid

Front wheel hubs approx. 2.1 oz (60g) each High temperature roller bearing grease

Accelerator control linkage Hydraulic fluid

Brake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 I) MB Brake fluid (DOT 4)

1
Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer
Concentrate "S" and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing. Follow
suggested mixing ratios, see Windshield!Headlamp Washer System in Index.

153
Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.

Windshield/Headlamp washer system approx. 5.8 US qt (5.5 I) MB Windshield washer concentrate "S"1

Headlamp washer system approx. 1.9 US qt ( 1.8 1) MB Windshield washer concentrate "S"1

Cooling system approx. 10.6 US qt (10.0 1) MB MB Anticorrosion/antifreeze

Fuel tank including a reserve of approx. 18.5 US gal (70.0 I) Premium unleaded gasoline:
approx. 2.4 US gal ( 9.0 I) Posted Octane 91 (Avg. of 96 RON/86 MON)

Air conditioner system R134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant


(Never R- 12)
1 Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer
Concentrate "S" and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing.
Follow suggested mixing ratios, see Windshield/Headlamp Washer System in Index.

154
Engine Oils Air Conditioner Refrigerant Brake Fluid

Engine oils are specifically tested for R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special During vehicle operation, the boiling
their suitability in our engines. PAG lubricating oil is used in the air point of the brake fluid is continuously
Therefore, use only engine oils conditioner system. reduced through the absorption of
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. moisture from the atmosphere. Under
Information on recommended brands is Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral- extremely hard operating conditions,
available at your authorized Mercedes- based lubricating oil, otherwise damage this moisture content can lead to the
Benz dealer. to the system will occur. formation of bubbles in the system thus
reducing the system's efficiency.
Please follow Service Booklet
recommendations for scheduled oil The brake fluid must therefore be
changes. Failure to do so could result in replaced every two years, preferably
engine damage not covered by the in the spring.
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
It is recommended to use only brake
Engine Oil Additives fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
Do not blend oil additives with engine will provide you with additional
oil. They may be harmful to the engine information.
operation.

Damage or malfunctions resulting from


blending oil additives are not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

155
Premium Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Requirements Gasoline Additives

Caution! Use only Premium unleaded meeting A major concern among engine
ASTM standard D 439: manufacturers is carbon build up
To maintain the engine's durability and caused by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz
performance, premium unleaded The octane number (posted at the recommends the use of only quality
gasoline must be used. If premium pump) must be 91 min. It is an average gasoline containing additives that
unleaded is not available and low of both the Research (R) octane prevent the build up of carbon deposits.
octane fuel is used, follow these number and the Motor (M) octane
precautions: number: [(R+M)/2]. This is also known After an extended period of using fuels
as ANTI-KNOCK INDEX. without such additives, carbon deposits
• have the fuel tank filled only can build up especially on the intake
partially with unleaded regular Unleaded gasoline containing valves and in the combustion area,
and fill up with premium un oxygenates such as Ethanol, I PA, IBA leading to engine performance
leaded as soon as possible, and TBA can be used provided the problems such as:
• avoid full throttle driving and ratio of any one of these oxygenates to
abrupt acceleration, gasoline does not exceed 10%, MTBE • warm-up hesitation,
• do not exceed an engine speed not to exceed 15%. • unstable idle,
of 3000 rpm, if the vehicle is • knocking/pinging,
loaded with a light load such as The ratio of Methanol to gasoline must • misfire,
two persons and no luggage, not exceed 3% plus additional • power loss.
• do not exceed 2/3 of maximum cosolvents.
accelerator pedal position, if the Do not blend other specific fuel
vehicle is fully loaded or operat- Using mixtures of Ethanol and additives with fuel. They only result in
ing in mountainous terrain. Methanol is not allowed. Gasohol, unnecessary cost, and may be harmful
which contains 10% Ethanol and 90% to the engine operation.
unleaded gasoline, can be used.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
These blends must also meet all other poor fuel quality or from blending
fuel requirements such as resistance to specific fuel additives are not covered
spark knock, boiling range, vapor by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
pressure etc.. Warranty.

156
Coolants capability of the solution. Therefore, do Therefore the following product is
not use more than this amount of strongly recommended for use in your
The engine coolant is a mixture of anticorrosion/ antifreeze. car: Mercedes-Benz Anti corrosion/
water and anticorrosion/antifreeze, Antifreeze Agent.
which provides: If the coolant level is low, water and
MB anticorrosion/antifreeze should be Before the start of the winter season
• corrosion protection, used to bring it up to the proper level (or once a year in the hot southern
• freeze protection, (have cooling system checked for signs regions), you should have the
• boiling protection (by increasing of leakage). anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration
the boiling point). checked. The coolant is also regularly
The water in the cooling system must checked each time you bring your
The cooling system was filled at the meet minimum requirements, which vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-
factory with a coolant providing freeze are usually satisfied by normal drinking Benz dealer for service.
protection to approximately -22°F water. If you are not sure about the
(-30°C) and corrosion protection. water quality, consult your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer.
The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary Anticorrosion/antifreeze Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity
corrosion protection and increase in the
boil-over protection. You should have Your vehicle contains a number of Approx. freeze protection
it replaced every 3 years. aluminum parts. The use of aluminum
components in motor vehicle engines -35 °F -49 °F
To provide the important corrosion necessitates that anticorrosion/ (-37 °C) (-45 °C)
protection, the solution must be at least antifreeze coolant used in such engines
45% anticorrosion/antifreeze (equals a be specifically formulated to protect 5.3 US qt 5.8 US qt
freeze protection to approx. -22°F the aluminum parts. (Failure to use (5.0 l) (5.5 l)
|-30°C]). If you use a solution that is such anticorrosion/ antifreeze coolant
more than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze will result in a significantly shortened
(freeze protection to approx. -49°F service life.)
|-45°C]), the engine temperature will
increase due to the lower heat transfer

157
Consumer Information from the norm due to variations in controlled conditions on a specified
driving habits, service practices and indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
This has been prepared as required of differences in road characteristics and high temperature can cause the material
all manufacturers of passenger cars climate. of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal life, and excessive temperature can
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the Traction lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
"National Traffic and Motor Vehicle corresponds to a level of performance
Safety Act of 1966". The traction grades, from highest to which all passenger car tires must meet
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Uniform Tire Quality Grading grades represent the tire's ability to stop Standard No.109. Grades B and A
on wet pavement as measured under represent higher levels of performance
Refer to the tire sidewall for the controlled conditions on specified on the laboratory test wheel than the
specific tire grades for the tires with government test surfaces of asphalt and minimum required by law.
which this vehicle is equipped. concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance. Warning!
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition Warning! The temperature grade for this tire
to these grades. is established for a tire that is
The traction grade assigned to this properly inflated and not
Treadwear tire is based on straight-ahead overloaded. Excessive speed,
braking traction tests, and does not underinflation, or excessive loading,
The treadwear grade is a comparative include acceleration, cornering, either separately or in combination,
rating based on the wear rate of the tire hydroplaning, or peak traction can cause excessive heat build up
when tested under controlled conditions characteristics. and possible tire failure.
on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would Temperature
wear one and one-half (11/2) times as
well on the government course as a tire The temperature grades are A (the
graded 100. The relative performance highest), B, and C, representing the
of tires depends upon the actual tire's resistance to the generation of
conditions of their use, however, and heat and its ability to dissipate heat
may depart significantly when tested under

158
Problems with your Vehicle

If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe
may affect its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If
the matter is not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the
dealership management, or if necessary contact us at the following addresses:
In the U.S.A.: Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc.
One Mercedes Drive Montvale,
NJ 07645-0350

In Canada: Customer Relations Department


Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto,
Ontario, M4G 2L5

159
For the U.S.A. only.
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code
of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
Reporting Safety Defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz of North America
Inc..

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds


that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc..

To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-
424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other
information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

160
161
Index

162
ABS 89-90, 100-103, 105, 108 BabySmartTM 52 Cruise control 92
Acceleration slip regulation (ASR) 103 Battery 128 Cup holder 46, 78
Air conditioner refrigerant 155 Battery charge indicator 95
Air distribution 24 Bench seat, rear-facing 64 Daytime running lamps 71
Air volume 24 Brake assist system 101 Display illumination 82
Airbag 55 Brake fluid 17, 98,136,153, 155 Doors 33
Airbag deactivation system 52 Brake pad wear indicator 98 Drinking and driving 86
Alarm system 39-40 Brake warning lamp Driving instructions 17
All wheel drive (AWD) 102 Brake fluid low 98 Driving off 86
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 108,111, Brakes 17-18,86,88-90, 101-
155, 158 103,105, 135 Electrical outlet 131
Antilock brake system (ABS) 100 Capacities: Fuels, coolants, Electronic key 29
Antitheft alarm system 39 lubricants etc. 154 Electronic stability program (ESP) 105
Armrest, rear bench 46 Catalytic converter 15 Electronic traction system (ETS) 102
Ashtrays 75 Cellular telephone 84 Emergency tensioning retractor
ASR 86, 100-104, 108, 135 Central locking switch 34 (ETR) 54
ASR Control Switch 104 Central locking system 29 Emission control 107
Automatic climate control Check regularly and before a long Emission control label 150
Activated charcoal filter 23, 25 trip 168 Engine malfunction
Air recirculation 23, 25 Child restraint 43, 48, 52, 59-60 "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction
Basic setting 23 Cleaning and care of the vehicle 136 indicator lamp 91, 107
Dust filter 25 Clock, setting 82 Engine oil additives 155
Economy 23, 25 Combination switch 68 Engine oil consumption 95
Special setting Consumer information 158 Engine oil level, checking 112
Defogging windows 24 Coolant level low Engine oils 153,155
Defrosting 24 Adding coolant 111 Engine overheating 97
Automatic transmission fluid level Coolant level, checking 111 Engine speed limit Overrevving 89
113 Coolant temperature gauge 96- ETS 100-102, 108, 135
AWD 102,151,153 97, 110-111 Exterior lamp failure indicator 98
Coolants 157 Exterior lamp switch 71

163
First Aid Kit 47 Keys, vehicle 27 Night security illumination 72
Flexible service system 98
Front center console compartment Lamps, exterior On-board diagnostic system 107
ventilation 26 Fog lamps 71 Outside temperature indicator 96
FSS 82,98-99 Headlamp, adjusting 123,125 Parking brake 16-17,19, 75, 86-88, 90,
Fuel Headlamps 71,98, 121,124, 126, 98, 102-103, 105, 107, 115, 117, 132
Gasoline additives 156 137
Premium unleaded gasoline License plate lamp 71,127 Power seats, front 41
15,154,156 Standing lamps 71,79 Power windows
Fuel cap placement warning 95 Taillamps 71,127,137 Opening and closing 29, 80-81
Fuel filler flap, manual release 146 Layout of poly-V-belt drive 148 Synchronizing remote control 141
Fuel requirements 157 Lighter 76 Problems with your vehicle 160
Fuel reserve warning 95 Loading instructions 65
Fuses 130 Locking and unlocking 29-30 Radio transmitters 7
Low engine coolant level warning 97 Rear bench seat 61
Garage door opener 83 Low engine oil level warning 95 Rear passenger compartment
Luggage cover 63 adjustable air outlet 26
Head restraints, front 41 Rear window defroster 24
Head restraints, rear 47 Maintenance 4, 7 Rear window wiper/washer 70
Head restraints, removal/storing 142 Mechanical key 32 Remote control 29
Headlamp cleaning system 69 Memory Remote control battery
Headlights 71 Recalling 42 replacement 140
Heated seats 45 Storing 26,42,73, 114,119 Replacing bulbs 122
Hood 110 Mirror, exterior, rear view 73 Residual engine heat utilization 26
Mirror, inside, rear view 72 Roadside assistance 5
Identification labels 150 Mirrors, adjusting 73 Roof rack 147
Instrument lamps 82 Mulfunction indicator 13
Interior lighting 77 Multicontour seat 44
Multifunction indicator
Jump starting 132 Defective 94
Language selection 94
Multiple malfunctions 94

164
Safety guidelines for the seat belt, Tachometer 96 Vanity mirrors 76
emergency tensioning retractor Technical data 152 Vehicle jack 114
and airbag 58 Temporarily switching off 94 Vehicle tools 114
Seat belt warning lamp 96 Tire inflation pressure 120
Seat belts and warning system 48 Tires 17-19,101-106, 108, Warranty coverage 151
Side Marker Lamp 128 115-116,120,152,158 Washing the car 137
Sliding/pop-up roof 29, 31, 38, 79, Tow-away protection 40 Wheels
144, 147 Towing the vehicle 134 Alloy wheels 139
Electrical operation 79 Transmission 87 Rims and tires 115
Emergency operation 144 Traveling abroad 108 Wheels, changing 117
Snow chains 108 Trip odometer 82 Windshield/headlamp washer system
Spare parts service 148 Turn signals 68 Fluid level low 97
Spare wheel 114 Washer fluid mixing ratio 69
Special Settings 24 Winter driving 108
SRS malfunction 55 Winter driving instructions 20
Start lockout 28 Wiper blade insert, replacing 145
Starting and turning off the engine 16
Steering lock 67
Steering wheel, adjustable 46
Storage compartments 78
Sun visors 76
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) 48, 53
Synchronizing remote control 141

165
Service and Literature Warning!

Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has trained To help avoid personal injury, be extremely careful when
technicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to service performing any service work or repairs. Improper or
your vehicle properly. For expert advice and quality incomplete service or the use of incorrect or inappropriate
service, see your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. parts or materials may damage the vehicle or its equipment,
If you are interested in obtaining service literature for your which may in turn result in personal injury.
vehicle, please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer. If you have any question about carrying out some service,
turn to the advice of an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
We consider this to be the best way for you to obtain
accurate information for your vehicle.

166
Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

1 Windshield Washer System • Fuel Supply


2 Headlamp Cleaning System
Auxiliary tank connected to windshield washer Open flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap to the
reservoir. Open filler caps on both reservoirs during left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank has been
refilling. released, then remove cap. Failure to remove slowly could
2 Coolant Level result in personal injury.
See Adding coolant in Index.
3 Engine Oil Level Warning!
See Engine oil level, checking in Index.
4 Brake Fluid Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. It burns
See Brake fluid in Index. violently and can cause serious injury. Whenever you are
around gasoline, avoid inhaling fumes and skin contact,
Vehicle Lighting: extinguish all smoking materials. Never allow sparks,
flame or smoking materials near gasoline!
Check function and cleanliness. For replacement of
light bulbs, see Lamps, exterior in Index.

167
What You Should Know at the Gas Station • Spark Plugs:

• Fuel: Approved spark plugs, refer to "Technical Data".

To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, • Bulbs:


fully insert filler nozzle unit.
Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out - High and low beams: H7 (55 W), low beam:
do not top up or overfill. Xenon (optional) fog lamps: H1 (55 W),
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can turn signal lamps, front: 11 56 NA
cause the "Check Engine" lamp to illuminate. (26.9/5 W/32/4 cp),
Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane Index parking and standing lamps, front: H6 W, side marker
91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON). lamps, front: 5 W/4 cp, turn signal lamps, side: W Y 5 W,
Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 l). This stop, tail, parking, and side marker lamps: 21/4 W, turn
includes approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 l) reserve. signal lamps, rear: 21 W/24 cp, tail and parking lamp: 5
W/4 cp, rear fog lamp, driver's side: 21 W/32 cp, backup
• Engine Oil: lamps: 21 W/32 cp, license plate lamps: 5 W/4 cp.

Engine oil level check, see Index. • Tire Pressure:


Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick
marking level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 l). For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside the fuel
Recommended engine oils, see Index. filler flap.

• Coolant: • Air Conditioner:

For normal replenishing, use water (potable water R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, refer to
quality). "Technical Data" (also see Index).
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion/
antifreeze), refer to Index.

168

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