Mercedes Benz Automobile MERCEDIES BENZ User Manual

Mercedes-Benz  
Operator's Manual  
S 600  
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Operator's manual  
This Operator'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 Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.  
Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy  
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,  
State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).  
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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 USA,LLC  
or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center 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 non-conformity 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 perform the repair  
ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Service and Warranty  
Information Booklet.  
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 Center 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:  
1-800-222-0100 (inthe USA) only  
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Client 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.  
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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 Policy Booklet. 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 Policy Booklet.  
Operating your vehicle outside the USA 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.  
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:  
In the USA:  
In Canada:  
Mercedes-BenzUSA,  
LLCEuropean Delivery Department  
One Mercedes Drive  
Montvale, NJ 07645  
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.  
European Delivery Department  
849 Eglinton Avenue East  
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5  
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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 Operator'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 Operator's Manual, your authorized Mercedes-  
Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.  
The Operator's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.  
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Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip  
See Index  
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 1500 km (1000 miles) at moderate vehicle and engine-speeds.  
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and high RPM (no more than 2/3 of maximum permissible  
speed in each gear as indicated on the speedometer).  
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We  
recommend to select positions "3" or "2"only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).  
After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum  
Maintenance  
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the  
Maintenance Booklet.  
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Maintenance 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 the telephone  
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 citicens band unit should only be used inside  
the passenger compartment, if they are connected to a Mercedes-Benz approved antenna that is  
installed on the outside of the vehicle.  
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Doors  
Central Locking Switch  
Trunk  
33 Stowing Things in the Vehicle  
Ashtrays, Lighter  
34  
35 Sliding roof with rear pop-up feature  
36 Power Windows  
37 Rear Window Sunshade  
38 Trunk Lid Release switch  
39 Shelf Below Rear Window  
42 Instrument Lamps  
43 Display Illumination  
44 Trip Odometer  
67  
68  
69  
70  
72  
72  
72  
73  
73  
73  
73  
74  
75  
75  
Introduction  
Product information  
Operator's manual  
Consumer Information  
Problems with your vehicle  
Reporting Safety Defects  
Index  
2
4
Power Window and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof  
145 Power Closing Ass. f Door and Trunk lid  
146 Anti-Theft Alarm System  
147 Power Seats, Front  
150 Multicontour Backrest  
Heated Seats  
Armrest, Front  
Power Seats, Rear  
Head Restraints, Rear  
Instruments and controls  
45 Clock  
46 Garage Door Opener  
47 Antenna  
Instruments and controls  
Instrument Cluster  
Indicator Lamp Symbols  
Catalytic Converter  
Starting and Turning Off the Engine  
Driving Instructions  
10  
12 Armrest, Rear  
13 Adjustable Steering Wheel  
Seat belts and Supplemental  
Restraint system (SRS)  
17 Seat belts  
BabySmartAirbag  
47 Cellular telephone  
15  
48  
48  
Driving  
DeactivationSystem  
SelfTest  
51 Drinking and driving  
52 Parking Brake  
52 Driving off  
78  
78  
78  
79  
83  
85  
88  
88  
89  
89  
89  
Operation  
Emergencytensioningretractor(ETR)  
22 Airbag  
24 Child Restraint  
Automatic Climate Control  
Basic Setting – Automatic Mode  
Defogging Windows  
Defrosting, Rear Window Defroster  
Air circulation  
Activated Charcoal Control  
Rear passenger compartment  
Climate Control  
Car keys  
Start Lock-out  
Central Locking System  
Radio Frequency Infrared Remote Control  
53  
Automatic Transmission  
56 Cruise Control  
24 Steering lock  
58 Parking Assist (Parktronic)  
59 Charge Indicator Lamp  
61 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge  
24 Combination Switch  
25 Exterior Lamp Switch  
26 Night Security Illumination  
27 Inside Rear View Mirror  
27 Exterior Rear View Mirror  
28 Sun Visors, Vanity mirrors  
29 Interior Lighting  
Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp  
62  
62 Engine Oil Consumption  
62 Fuel Consumption Gauge  
64 Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap  
65  
Placement Warning Lamp  
89  
90  
90  
Storage Compartments  
29 First Aid Kit  
29  
66 Outside Temperature Indicator  
67 Tachometer  
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Coolant Temperature Gauge  
Low Engine Coolant Level  
Warning Lamp  
Low Windshield and Headlamp  
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp  
90 Automatic Trans. Fluid Level  
Spare Wheel  
91 Trunk Lamp  
Vehicle Jack  
91 Vehicle Tools  
106  
107  
107  
108  
Technical Data. Fuels,  
Coolants, Lubricants etc.  
Consumer Information  
108 Identification Plates  
Vehicle Data Card  
108 Warranty Coverage  
109 Technical Data  
136  
137  
137  
138  
140  
140  
142  
142  
142  
142  
142  
143  
143  
144  
155  
Exterior Lamp Failure  
Indicator Lamp  
Seat Belt and Lock Warning Lamp  
Storage compartment below vehicle  
92  
tool box  
92 Wheels  
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp  
Brake Warning Lamp  
Flexible Service System (FSS)  
ABS (Antilock Brake System)  
Brake Assist System (BAS)  
Electronic Stability program (ESP)  
Adaptive damping system (ADS)  
Emission Control  
On-Board Diagnostic System  
Traveling Abroad  
92 Changing Wheels  
93 Tire in Inflation Pressure  
93 Exterior Lamps  
95 Battery  
97 Jump Starting  
99 Towing the Vehicle  
100 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle  
100 Testing Infrared Remote Control  
101 Front Head Restraints  
110 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc.  
113 Capacities  
114 Engine Oils  
120 Engine Oils Additives  
121 Air Conditioner Refrigerant  
121 Brake Fluid  
123 Premium Unleaded Gasoline  
124 Fuel Requirements  
128 Gasoline Additives  
129 Coolants  
Winter Driving  
Snow Chains  
101 Rear Bench Seat Cushion  
130 Service and Literature  
101 Emergency Operation of Sliding Roof 130 Check Regularly Before a Long trip 156  
Replacing Wiper Blades  
Manual Closing of Trunk Lid  
Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap  
131  
132  
132  
133  
Practical Hints  
Hood  
104 Roof Rack  
105 MERCEDES-BENZ  
Checking Coolant Level  
Adding Coolant  
Checking Engine Oil Level  
105  
Spare Part Service  
133  
133  
106 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive  
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Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see Index  
Left Front Parktronic warning indicator  
Side air outlet, adjustable  
Exterior lamp switch  
Storage/eyeglasses compartment  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
Lock for storage/eyeglasses compartment and eye glove  
Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)  
Switch for rear seat head restraints  
Parking brake release  
Hood lock release  
Trunk lid release switch  
Parking brake pedal  
Central locking switch, Indicator for anti-theft alarm system  
Hazard warning flasher switch  
Steering wheel adjustment switch  
Combination switch  
Automatic climate control, Power window defroster switch  
Activated charcoal filter switch  
Cruise control  
Radio  
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29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
Horn, airbag  
ESP control switch  
Ashtray with lighter  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
Instrument cluster  
Steering lock with ignition/starter  
Right front Parktronic warning indicator  
Center air outlet, adjustable  
Adaptive damping system adjustment switch  
Seat heater switch  
Mirror adjustment switch  
Heated air supply button - center air outlet  
Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet  
Air volume control for left air outlet  
Air volume control for left center air outlet  
Air volume control for right center air outlet  
Air volume control for right air outlet  
Power window switch, front doors  
Power window safety switch, rear doors  
Airbag Off indicator lamp  
Power window switches, rear doors  
Parktronic switch  
Switch for rear window sunshade  
10  
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11  
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Instrument Cluster  
Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement warning  
ESP function indicator lamp (yellow).  
1
8
lamp (yellow). See Index  
Coolant temperature gauge. See Index  
Fuel consumption gauge. See Index  
Engine oil pressure gauge (bar). See Index  
Left turn signal indicator lamp (green). See Index  
Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer. See Index  
Speedometer See Index  
Main/trip odometer. See Index  
Outside temperature indicator. See Index  
Right turn signal indicator lamp (green) See Index  
Knob for setting clock. See Index  
Tachometer. See Index  
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
Clock. See Index  
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Indicator Lamp Symbols  
Function Indicator Lamp  
High beam  
Fasten seat belts. See Index.  
Warning Lamp  
(should go out with the engine running unless)  
Battery not being charged properly. See Index  
ESP Adjust driving to road condition. See Index  
Exterior lamp failure. See Index.  
ADS malfunction. See Index  
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer  
system low. See Index.  
Coolant level low. See Index.  
BAS malfunction. See Index  
ESP malfunction. See Index  
Engine oil level low. See Index.  
Brake pads worn down. See Index.  
ABS malfunction. See Index  
SRS malfunction. See Index  
Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake  
engaged. See Index.  
Engine malfunction. If the lamp comes on when the  
engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the  
02-sensor on Federal version vehicles, and fuel  
injection system or emission control system on the  
California version vehicles. In either case, we  
recommend that you have the malfunction checked  
as soon as possible. See Index.  
Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake  
engaged. See Index.  
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Additional Function Indicator Lamps  
in the Odometer Display  
Additional Function Indicator Lamp on the Center  
Console  
FSS indicator (distance). See Index  
Passenger Airbag automatically switched off.  
See Index  
FSS indicator (days). See Index  
Start Lock-Out malfunction. See Index.  
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Catalytic Converter  
Caution!  
Warning!  
Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped  
with monolithic type catalytic  
converters, an important element in  
conjunction with the O2 sensor to  
achieve substantial control of the  
pollutants in the exhaust emissions.  
Keep your vehicle in proper operating  
condition by following our re-  
commended maintenance instructions  
as outlined in your Maintenance  
Booklet.  
To prevent damage to the catalytic  
converters, use only premium unleaded  
gasoline in this vehicle.  
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park  
or operate this vehicle in areas where  
combustible materials such as grass,  
hay or leaves can come into contact  
with the hot exhaust system, as these  
materials could be ignited and cause  
a vehicle fire.  
Any noticeable irregularities in engine  
operation should be repaired promptly.  
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel  
may reach the catalytic converter  
causing it to overheat.  
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Starting and Turning off the Engine  
Before Starting  
Important!  
Turning Off  
Due to the installed starter non-repeat  
feature, the key must be turned  
completely to the left before attempting  
to start the engine again.  
Turn the key in the steering lock to  
position 0 to stop the engine.  
Ensure that parking brake is engaged  
and that selector lever is in position "P"  
or "N". Turn key in steering lock to  
position 2. The charge indicator lamp  
should come on.  
The key can only be removed with the  
foot off the brake pedal and the selector  
lever in position "P".  
Observe the oil pressure gauge  
immediately after starting the engine. In  
a very cold engine the oil pressure will  
rise slowly after the engine has started.  
Do not speed up the engine before  
pressure is registered on the pressure  
gauge. If you do not see the gauge  
register oil pressure, stop the engine and  
have it checked.  
Starting  
Do not depress accelerator.  
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to  
the stop. Release key only when the  
engine is firing regularly  
The charge indicator lamp should go out  
as soon as the engine has started.  
In areas where temperatures frequently  
drop below -4°F (-20°C) we recommend  
that an engine block heater be installed.  
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer  
will advise you on this subject.  
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Driving Instructions  
Warning!  
Brakes  
If the parking brake is released and the  
brake warning lamp in the instrument  
cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in  
the reservoir is too low.  
Warning!  
If you feel a sudden significant  
vibration or ride disturbance, or you  
suspect that possible damage to your  
vehicle has occurred, you should  
turn on the hazard flashers, carefully  
slow down, and drive with caution to  
an area which is a safe distance from  
the roadway.  
After driving in heavy rain for some  
time without applying the brakes or  
through water deep enough to wet  
brake components, the first braking  
action may be somewhat reduced  
and increased pedal pressure may be  
necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe  
distance from vehicles in front.  
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system  
may be the reason for low brake fluid  
in the reservoir.  
Have the brake system inspected at an  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer  
immediately.  
Inspect the tires and under the  
vehicle for possible damage. If the  
vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it  
towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz  
or tire dealer for repairs.  
Resting your foot on the brake pedal  
will cause excessive and premature  
wear of the brake pads.  
All checks and maintenance work on  
the brake system should be carried out  
by an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ  
dealer.  
It can also result in the brakes  
overheating thereby significantly  
reducing their effectiveness. It may  
not be possible to stop the car in  
sufficient time to avoid an accident.  
Install only brake pads and brake fluid  
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.  
Power Assistance  
Warning!  
Warning!  
When the engine is not running, the  
brake and steering systems are  
without power assistance. Under  
these circumstances, a much greater  
effort is necessary to stop or steer the  
vehicle.  
The condition of the parking brake  
system is checked each time the car is  
in the shop for the required  
maintenance.  
If other than recommended brake  
pads are installed, or other than  
recommended brake fluid is used,  
the braking properties of the vehicle  
can be degraded to an extent that  
safe braking is substantially  
impaired.  
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Caution!  
Specified tire pressures must be  
maintained. This applies particularly if  
the tires are subjected to high loads  
(e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high  
ambient temperatures).  
When driving down long and steep  
grades, relieve the load on the brakes  
by shifting into "4", "3", "2" or "1".  
This helps prevent overheating of the  
brakes and reduces brake pad wear.  
Warning!  
After hard braking, it is advisable to  
drive on for some time, rather than  
immediately parking, so the air stream  
will cool down the brakes faster.  
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat  
tire affects the ability to steer or  
brake the vehicle. You may lose  
control of the car. Continued driving  
with a flat tire or driving at high  
speed with a flat tire will cause  
excessive heat build-up and possibly  
a fire, or tire blowout.  
Tires  
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are  
required by law. These indicators are  
located in six places on the tread  
circumference and become visible at a  
depth of approx. 2 mm (1/16 in), at  
which point the tire is considered worn  
and should be replaced.  
Warning!  
Aquaplaning  
Do not allow your tires to wear down  
too far. With less than 3 mm (1/8 in)  
of tread, the adhesion properties on a  
wet road are sharply reduced.  
Depending on the depth of the water  
layer on the road, aquaplaning may  
occur, even at low speeds and with new  
tires. Avoid track grooves in the road  
arid apply brakes cautiously in the rain.  
The tread wear indicator appears as a  
solid band across the tread.  
Depending upon the weather and/or  
road surface (conditions), the tire  
traction varies widely.  
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Tire Traction  
Tire Speed Rating  
Parking  
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered  
or icy road is always lower than on a  
dry road.  
Your vehicle is factory equipped with  
"H" -rated tires, which have a  
European speed rating of 130 mph (210  
km/h). An electronic speed limiter  
prevents your vehicle from exceeding  
the speed rating.  
Warning!  
To reduce the risk of personal injury  
as a result of vehicle movement,  
before turning off the engine and  
leaving the vehicle always:  
You should pay particular attention to  
the condition of the road as soon as the  
prevailing temperatures fall close to the  
freezing point.  
Despite the tire rating, local speed  
limits should be obeyed. Use prudent  
driving speeds appropriate to  
prevailing conditions.  
1. Keep foot on brake pedal.  
2. Firmly depress parking brake  
pedal.  
3. Engage first or reverse gear  
(selector lever position "P" in the  
case of automatic transmissions).  
4. Slowly release brake pedal.  
5. Turn front wheels towards the  
road curb,  
6. Turn the key to steering lock  
position 0 and remove.  
7. Take your key and lock  
vehicle when leaving.  
Warning!  
If ice has formed on the road, tire  
traction will be substantially  
reduced. Under such weather  
conditions, drive, steer and brake  
with extreme caution.  
Warning!  
Even when permitted by law, never  
operate a vehicle at speeds greater  
than the maximum speed rating of  
the tires.  
We recommend M + S radial-ply tires  
for the winter season for all four  
wheels to insure normal balanced  
handling characteristics.  
Exceeding the maximum speed for  
which tires are rated can lead to  
sudden tire failure causing loss of  
vehicle control and resulting in  
personal injury and possible death.  
Important!  
On packed snow, they can reduce your  
stopping distance as compared with  
summer tires. Stopping distance,  
however, is still considerably greater  
than when the road is wet or dry.  
It is advisable to set the parking brake  
whenever parking or leaving the  
vehicle. In addition, engage first or  
reverse gear (selector lever position  
"P").  
When parking on hills, always set the  
parking brake.  
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Winter Driving Instructions  
If the vehicle is parked after being  
driven on salt treated roads, the braking  
efficiency should be tested as soon as  
possible after driving is resumed while  
observing the safety rules in the  
previous paragraph.  
Deep Water  
Caution!  
The most important rule for slippery or  
icy roads is to drive sensibly and to  
avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and  
steering action. Do not use the cruise  
control system under such conditions.  
Do not drive through flooded areas or  
water of unknown depth.  
Warning!  
If you must drive through deep water,  
drive slowly to prevent water from  
entering the engine compartment or  
being ingested by the air intake,  
possibly causing damage to electrical  
components or wiring, to engine or  
transmission that is not covered by the  
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.  
When the vehicle is in danger of  
skidding, declutch, or in case of  
automatic transmission move selector  
lever to position "N". Try to keep the  
vehicle under control by corrective  
steering action.  
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow,  
make sure that snow is kept clear of  
the exhaust pipe and from around  
the vehicle with engine running.  
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide  
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior  
resulting in unconsciousness and  
death.  
Road salts and chemicals can adversely  
affect braking efficiency. Increased  
pedal force may become necessary to  
produce the normal brake effect. We  
therefore recommend depressing the  
brake pedal repeatedly when traveling  
on salt-strewn roads at length. This can  
bring road salt impaired braking  
efficiency back to normal. A  
Passenger Compartment  
Warning!  
To assure sufficient fresh air  
ventilation, open a window slightly  
on the side of the car that is out of  
the wind.  
Always fasten items being carried as  
securely as possible.  
In an accident, during hard braking  
or suden maneuvers, loose items will  
be thrown around inside the vehicle,  
and cause injury to vehicle occu-  
pants unless the items are securely  
fastened in the vehicle.  
prerequisite is, however, that this is  
possible without endangering other  
drivers on the road.  
20  
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Operation  
21  
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1 Air volume control  
for left air outlet,  
turn left to open  
2 Air volume control  
for left center air outlet,  
turn left to open  
3 Air volume control  
for right center air outlet,  
turn left to open  
4 Air volume control  
for right air outlet,  
turn left to open  
5 Left center air outlet,  
adjustable  
6 Right center air outlet,  
adjustable  
7 Side air outlet,  
left and right,  
adjustable  
Push-buttons for center air outlets  
8 Heated air supply  
9 Non-heated/cooled air supply  
Basic mode:  
None of the push-buttons  
(8 or 9) is pressed.  
10 Display and Controls  
Automatic Climate Control  
The temperature selector should be left  
at the desired temperature setting. The  
temperature selected is reached as  
quickly as possible.  
The system is always at operational  
readiness, except when manually  
switched off.  
The system will not heat or cool any  
quicker by setting a higher or lower  
temperature.  
The automatic climate control only  
operates with the engine running  
22  
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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.  
Important!  
Display and Controls  
Press to activate, indicator lamp is on  
while activated.  
Activated charcoal filter  
Rear window defroster  
Air distribution, manual  
Economy mode  
This vehicle is equipped with an  
air conditioner system that uses  
HFC-134a (ozone-friendly hydro-  
fluorocarbon) as a refrigerant. Repairs  
should always be performed by a  
qualified technician, and refrigerant  
should be collected in a recovery  
system for recycling.  
Automatic mode  
Raise temperature  
Lower temperature  
Defrost  
Air volume, manual  
Residual engine heat  
utilization  
Air recirculation  
23  
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Basic Setting - Automatic Mode  
Special Settings  
Rear Window Defroster  
(use only for short duration)  
Press left and right  
mode.  
for automatic  
Turn key in steering lock to  
position 2.  
Defogging Windows  
Simultaneously press both  
and for temperature setting of  
72° F.  
Switch off  
button.  
To select, press  
To cancel, press  
button.  
button again.  
Press left and right  
buttons.  
button repeatedly until air is  
Press  
directed upward.  
Note:  
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice  
should be removed before activating  
the defroster.  
Turn wheels (1 and 4) left to open left  
and right air outlets (7). Adjust air  
outlets upward.  
Air volume and distribution are  
controlled automatically.  
The rear window defroster uses a large  
amount of power. To keep the battery  
drain to a minimum, turn off the  
defroster as soon as the window is  
clear.  
The defroster is automatically  
turned off after a maximum of 12  
minutes of operation.  
This setting can be used all year around.  
Defrosting  
Economy  
Turn wheels (1 and 4) left to open left  
and right air outlets (7). Adjust air  
outlets upward.  
The function of this setting corresponds  
to the automatic mode. However,  
because the air conditioning compressor  
will not engage (fuel savings), it is not  
possible to air condition in this setting.  
If several power consumers are turned  
on simultaneously, or the battery is  
only partially charged, it is possible  
that the defroster will automatically  
turn itself off. When this happens, the  
indicator lamp inside the switch starts  
blinking.  
As soon as the battery has sufficient  
voltage, the defroster automatically  
turns itself back on.  
Press  
Press  
button to activate.  
button once again to return  
Press  
button once again to return to  
previous setting.  
to previous setting.  
Press  
button. Maximum heated and  
automatically controlled amount of air  
is directed to the windshield and side  
windows.  
24  
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Air Recirculation  
Dust Filter  
Air Distribution  
This mode can be selected to prevent  
annoying odors or dust from entering  
the car's interior.  
Outside air is not supplied to the car's  
interior.  
Dust particles (down to a certain size)  
and pollen are filtered out before  
outside air enters the passenger  
compartment through the air  
distribution system.  
Press  
button repeatedly until the  
requested symbol is displayed.  
To select, press  
To cancel, press  
button.  
Notes:  
Air Volume  
button again.  
Do not obstruct the air flow by placing  
objects on the air flow-through exhaust  
slots below the rear window.  
Press - or + side of rocker switch until  
e requested blower speed is  
attained. A choice of 7 blower speeds is  
available.  
The system will automatically switch  
from recirculated air to fresh air  
after approx. 5 minutes at  
outside temperatures below  
approx. 40°F (5°C),  
Also keep the air intake grille in front  
of windshield free of snow and  
debris.  
To switch the automatic climate control  
off, press - side of rocker switch  
until symbol OFF is displayed.  
after approx. 30 minutes, at  
outside temperatures above  
approx. 40°F (5°C),  
after approx. 5 minutes, if  
button  
is pressed.  
Notes:  
The fresh air supply to the car interior  
is shut off.  
While driving, use this setting only  
temporarily, otherwise the windshield  
could fog up.  
If the windows should fog up from the  
inside, switch from recirculated air back  
to fresh air.  
At high outside temperatures, the  
system automatically engages the  
recirculated air mode thereby increasing  
the cooling capacity performance,  
switching to partially fresh air within 20  
minutes.  
To switch the automatic climate control  
on again, press  
of  
, or +side  
.
25  
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Activated Charcoal Filter  
Notes:  
Residual Engine Heat Utilization  
To select, press  
To cancel, press  
button.  
The automatic air recirculation does  
not function when selecting the  
With the engine switched off, it is  
possible to continue heating the interior  
for a short while.  
button again.  
Economy mode  
, or the outside  
An activated charcoal filter markedly  
reduces bad odors and removes  
pollutants from the air entering the  
passenger compartment.  
temperature is below 45°F (7°C).  
Air volume and distribution are  
controlled automatically.  
The activated charcoal filter should be  
switched off when windows fog up on  
the inside, or if the passenger  
To select:  
The blower speed is slightly increased  
to supply a constant volume of air.  
compartment needs to be quickly  
heated or cooled down.  
Turn key in steering lock to position 1  
or 0 or remove key. Close air outlet in  
rear passenger compartment.  
The system switches automatically to  
the air recirculation mode, if the carbon  
monoxide (CO) or nitric oxide (NOX)  
of the outside air increases.  
Press  
button.  
This function selection will not  
activate if the battery charge level is  
insufficient.  
When pressing button  
or  
, the filter is also switched off.  
To cancel:  
Press  
button.  
The system will automatically shut off  
if you turn key in steering lock  
to position 2,  
after approx. 30 minutes,  
if the battery voltage drops.  
26  
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4 Adjustable air outlet, left side  
Rear Passenger Compartment  
Climate Control  
5 Adjustable air outlet, right side  
1 Temperature selector, left side  
2 Temperature selector, right side  
6 Air distribution slide  
Top position: air flow from air  
outlets (4 and 5).  
A basic setting in the white field of the  
selector is recommended.  
Bottom position: air flow from air  
outlets beneath front seats.  
3 Air volume selector  
Intermediate positions can be  
selected for a mixed air flow.  
The air volume can be varied  
continuously. The air flow is switched  
off with selector in position "0".  
Note:  
The rear passenger climate control  
does not operate with automatic  
climate control in  
switched off with the air volume  
control  
mode or  
.
27  
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The infrared receivers are located in  
the door front handles.  
Notes:  
Car Keys  
Do not give the master key to an  
unauthorized person.  
Included with your vehicle are  
Master keys with infrared remote  
control  
We recommend that you carry the flat  
key with you and keep it in a safe place  
(e.g. your wallet) so that it is always  
handy. Never leave the flat key in the  
vehicle.  
• 1 Master key  
• 1 Valet key  
• 1 Flat key  
Warning!  
Infrared Remote Control with  
Folding Master Key  
river's  
When leaving the vehicle always  
remove the key from the steering  
lock. Do not leave children  
unattended in the vehicle.  
Unsupervised use of vehicle  
equipment may cause serious  
personal injury.  
unk  
Obtaining Replacement Keys  
The master key fits all locks on the car.  
To release the key, press button (1).  
The key unfolds from the holder by  
itself.  
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft  
deterrent locking system requiring a  
special key manufacturing process. For  
security reasons, replacement keys can  
only be obtained from your authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
The transmitter for the infrared remote  
control is located in the key holder the  
receivers are located in the driver's door  
handle, front passenger door handle,  
and next to the trunk lock.  
The flat key fits all locks on the Car.  
28  
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Starter Lock-Out  
Important!  
Central Locking System  
Radio Frequency and Infrared  
Remote Control  
Removing the key from the steering  
lock activates the start lock-out. The  
engine cannot be started.  
The master 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.  
Turning the key in the steering lock to  
position 2 deactivates the start lock-out.  
Note:  
In case the engine cannot be started,  
and the message START-ERROR  
shows in the odometer display field, the  
system is not operational. Contact an  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or  
call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.  
The vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler  
flap can be centrally locked and  
unlocked.  
1
Transmit button  
Locking  
Opening and closing the windows and  
sliding/pop-up roof can only be done  
with the infrared portion of the remote  
control. Aim transmitter eye (4) at a  
receiver (5 or 6) and press transmit  
button.  
Unlocking  
Opening trunk  
(if not key locked)  
With vehicle centrally locked, the trunk  
can also be opened by using the remote  
control.  
2 PANIC button  
3 Key release button  
If the key is inserted in steering lock,  
the vehicle cannot be locked or  
unlocked with the remote control.  
4 Lamp for battery check and  
transmitter eye  
29  
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Locking and Unlocking  
Unlocking:  
Press transmit button  
. All turn  
signal lamps blink once to indicate that  
the vehicle is unlocked.  
The remote control can be programmed  
for two kinds of unlocking methods  
(see below):  
Selective unlocking mode - Press  
transmit button  
once to unlock  
driver's door and fuel filler flap.  
Press transmit button  
twice to  
5
Infrared receiver in driver's door  
handle  
6
Infrared receiver in front  
passenger door handle  
unlock doors, fuel filler flap, and trunk.  
Global unlocking mode-Press transmit  
button  
once to unlock doors, fuel  
filler flap, and trunk.  
Notes:  
If the trunk was previously locked  
separately, it will remain locked (see  
Index).  
The presently active unlocking mode  
(selective or global) can only be  
determined by unlocking the vehicle  
with the remote control (see below for  
changing mode).  
30  
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The vehicle is automatically locked  
again, if within 40 seconds of  
unlocking with the remote control,  
neither door or trunk is opened, the  
key is not inserted in the steering lock,  
or the central locking switch is not  
activated.  
Choosing Global or Selective Mode  
on Remote Control  
Opening the Trunk  
A minimum height clearance of 5.9 ft.  
(1.8 m) is required to open the trunk  
lid.  
Press and hold transmit buttons  
and  
simultaneously for five  
seconds to reprogram the remote  
control. Battery check lamp will blink  
two times indicating the completed  
mode change.  
Press transmit button  
lid is released.  
until trunk  
Locking:  
Important!  
Press transmit button  
once. All  
turn signal lamps blink three times to  
indicate that the vehicle is locked.  
Do not place remote control in trunk  
since trunk is locked again when  
closing the lid.  
Note:  
Note:  
If the vehicle cannot be locked or  
unlocked by pressing the transmit  
button, then it may be necessary to  
change the batteries in the transmitter  
(if ok, battery check lamp in transmitter  
will light briefly when transmitting) or  
to synchronize the system, see Remote  
Control in Index.  
If the trunk was previously locked  
separately, it will remain locked (see  
Index).  
31  
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Opening and Closing Windows and  
Sliding/Pop-Up Roof from Outside  
Warning!  
Never operate the windows or  
Aim transmitter eye (4) of remote  
control at door receivers (5 or 6).  
sliding/ppp-up roof if there is the  
possibility of anyone being harmed  
by the opening or closing procedure.  
In case the procedure causes potential  
danger, the procedure can be  
To open:  
Continue to press transmit button  
after unlocking car.  
immediately halted by releasing the  
remote control button. To reverse  
direction of movement press  
opening or for closing.  
for  
The windows and sliding/pop-up roof  
begin to open after approx. 1 second.  
To interrupt opening procedure,  
release button.  
The sliding/pop-up roof will only  
open if it was not fully closed.  
To close:  
Note:  
Panic Button  
Continue to press transmit button  
after locking car.  
If the windows and sliding/pop-up roof  
cannot be operated automatically by  
pressing the transmit button of the  
remote control then it may be  
necessary to change the batteries in the  
transmitter (if ok, battery check lamp  
in transmitter will light briefly when  
transmitting), or to synchronize the  
system, see Remote Control, in Index.  
To activate press and hold button (1)  
for at least one second. The alarm will  
last for approximately 3 minutes in  
form of blinking exterior lamps, and  
an additional horn will sound  
intermittently.  
The windows and sliding/pop-up roof  
begin to close after approx. 1 second.  
To interrupt closing procedure, release  
button.  
To deactivate press button (1) again, or  
turn key in steering lock to position 2.  
32  
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When you lock the car, all door lock  
buttons should move down. If any one  
stays up, the respective door is not  
properly closed.  
You should then unlock the car, open  
and reclose this door, and lock the car  
again. Each individual door can be  
locked with door lock button - the  
driver's door can only be locked when  
it is closed.  
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 remaining  
doors, the trunk lid and fuel filler flap  
remain locked.  
Doors  
1 Opening - pull handle#  
2 Unlocking  
The entire vehicle may be locked or  
unlocked by either using the master  
key in the door or trunk locks, or  
Note:  
3 Locking  
central locking switch located in center  
console. The central locking system  
also locks or unlocks the fuel filler flap.  
In case of a malfunction in the central  
locking system the doors can be locked  
and unlocked individually.  
4 Individual door from inside:  
• Push lock button down to lock.  
• Pull lock button up to unlock.  
Note:  
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened,  
refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual  
Release (see Index).  
33  
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If the car was previously locked with  
the central locking switch, while in the  
selective remote control mode, only the  
door opened from the inside is  
unlocked.  
With the automatic central locking  
system activated, the doors and trunk  
are locked at vehicle speeds of approx.  
9 mph (15 km/h) or more. The fuel  
filler flap remains unlocked.  
If the car was previously locked with  
the central locking switch, while in the  
global remote control mode, the  
Notes:  
If doors are unlocked with the central  
locking switch after activating the  
automatic central locking, and neither  
door is opened, then the doors remain  
unlocked even at vehicle speeds of  
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.  
Opening a door from the inside at  
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or  
less with the automatic central locking  
activated, the door will again be  
complete vehicle is unlocked when a  
front door is opened from the inside.  
Automatic Central Locking  
The central locking switch also  
operates the automatic central locking.  
Central locking switch  
To activate:  
1
2
Locking  
With key in steering lock position 2  
hold upper portion of switch (1) for a  
minimum of 5 seconds.  
automatically locked at speeds of  
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.  
Unlocking  
Emergency Unlocking in Case of  
Accident  
The central locking switch is located in  
the center console.  
To deactivate:  
With key in steering lock position 2  
hold lower portion of switch (2) for a  
minimum of 5 seconds.  
The doors unlock automatically a short  
time after an accident (this is intended  
to aid rescue and exit). However, the  
key must still be in steering lock  
position 2.  
The doors and trunk can only be locked  
with the central locking switch, if the  
front doors are closed.  
If the car was previously locked with  
the remote control or key, the doors  
and trunk cannot be unlocked with the  
central locking switch.  
34  
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Notes:  
In case of a malfunction in the central  
locking system the doors and trunk can  
be locked and unlocked individually.  
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened,  
refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual  
Release (see Index).  
Trunk  
The trunk lid can be lowered by using the  
recessed grips in the trunk lid liner, and  
closed with the dirt-free retracting handle.  
0 Neutral position - push to open  
1 Unlocking  
2 Locking (detent)  
3 Separate locking of trunk -  
remove key in this position.  
If the trunk lid cannot be closed, refer to  
Trunk Lid, Manual Closing (see Index).  
When the trunk is separately locked, it  
remains locked when unlocking any  
door.  
To deny any unauthorized person  
access to the trunk, lock it separately.  
Leave only the valet key with the  
vehicle.  
35  
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When locking doors or trunk, turn key  
in door lock or trunk lock to position  
3 and hold. The windows and the  
sliding/ pop-up roof begin to close  
automatically after approximately 2  
seconds.  
Warning!  
Never operate the windows or sliding/  
pop-up roof if there is the possiblity  
of anyone being harmed by the  
procedure.  
In case the procedure causes potential  
danger, the procedure can be  
immediately reversed by turning the  
key to the reversed operational  
direction within 10 seconds:  
To interrupt the closing procedure, turn  
key to position 2.  
When unlocking doors or trunk, turn  
key in door lock or trunk lock to  
position 1 and hold. The windows and  
the sliding/pop-up roof begin to open  
automatically after approximately 1  
second.  
for opening position (1)  
for closing position (3).  
Power Windows and Sliding/  
Pop-Up Roof  
The sliding/pop-up roof will only  
open if it was not fully closed.  
To interrupt the opening procedure,  
turn key to position 2.  
1 Closing  
Note:  
2 Interrupting  
3 Opening  
If the opening/closing procedure is  
interrupted, it can only be continued by  
first turning the key to the interrupting  
position (2) and then again to the  
opening/closing position (1 or 3) and  
hold.  
36  
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Power Closing Assist for Doors and  
Trunk Lid  
Note:  
Warning!  
If the trunk lid does not close, refer to  
Trunk Lid, Manual Closing in Index.  
To prevent possible personal injury,  
always keep hands and fingers away  
from the door or trunk opening  
when closing a door or the trunk lid.  
Be especially careful when small  
children are around.  
The doors and trunk lid close  
automatically if:  
• doors are pushed against the lock,  
• trunk lid is lowered against the lock.  
The pneumatic power closing assist  
mechanism cannot be interrupted  
once it has been engaged.  
It is not necessary to slam doors or  
trunk lid closed, a pneumatic power-  
assisted mechanism will latch doors  
and trunk lid quietly and automatically  
once the lid or door has been brought to  
a close. When the pneumatic power-  
assisted mechanism has stopped, doors  
and/or trunk can be reopened.  
To prevent personal injury, never  
activate the closing assist mechanism  
by tampering with the door or trunk  
lid latch.  
37  
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Anti-Theft Alarm System  
The alarm will last approximately  
150 seconds in the form of blinking  
exterior lamps. At the same time an  
alarm horn will sound intermittently for  
60 seconds, pause for 30 seconds, and  
repeat for another 60 seconds. The  
alarm will stay on even if the activating  
element (a door, for example) is  
immediately closed.  
The anti-theft alarm is automatically  
armed or disarmed with any of your  
vehicle's keys or infrared remote control  
by locking or unlocking either front  
door or the trunk.  
A blinking lamp (1) indicates that the  
alarm is armed.  
Note:  
The anti-theft alarm is disarmed when  
unlocking either front door or the trunk  
with any of your vehicle's keys or  
infrared remote control.  
We recommend that you carry the flat  
key safely with you so that it is always  
handy. The flat key has the same  
functions as the master key.  
1 Indicator lamp in switch located in  
Operation:  
center console  
Once the alarm system has been armed,  
the exterior vehicle lamps will flash and  
the horn will sound intermittently when  
someone:  
• opens a door,  
• opens the trunk,  
• opens the hood,  
• switches on or bridges the ignition  
circuit,  
38  
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Power Seats, Front  
Warning!  
Turn key in steering lock to position 1  
or 2 (with the driver's or front  
passenger's door open, the power  
seats can also be operated with the  
key removed or in steering lock  
position 0).  
Do not adjust the driver's seat while  
driving. Adjusting the seat while  
driving could cause the driver to lose  
control of the vehicle.  
Seat and head restraint adjustment:  
A Seat, fore/aft, up/down  
B Seat tilt  
Never ride in a moving vehicle with  
the seat back reclined. Sitting in an  
excessively reclined position can be  
dangerous. You could slide under the  
seat belt in a collision. If you side  
under it, the belt would apply force  
at the abdomen or neck. That could  
cause serious or even fatal injuries.  
The seat back and seat belts provide  
the best restraint when the wearer is  
in an upright position and belts are  
properly positioned on the body.  
C Seat cushion depth  
D Backrest tilt  
The slide switches are located in each  
front door.  
E Head restraint Adjust head restraint  
to support the back of the head  
approximately at ear level. The head  
restraint inclination can also be  
adjusted manually.  
Warning!  
When leaving the vehicle always  
remove the key from the steering  
lock.  
Never place hands under seat or near  
any moving parts while a seat is  
being adjusted.  
Note:  
The power seats can also be  
operated with the driver's or front  
passenger door open. Do not leave  
children unattended in the vehicle.  
Unsupervised use of vehicle  
equipment may cause serious  
personal injury.  
Your car is equipped with power  
head restraints, do not try to raise  
or lower them manually.  
39  
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Storing seat/head restraint/ steering  
wheel/exterior and inside rear view  
mirror positions in memory:  
Recalling seat/head restraint/ steering  
wheel/exterior and inside rear view  
mirror positions stored in memory:  
Three sets of seat/head restraint/  
steering wheel/exterior and inside rear  
view mirror positions may be  
To recall a seat/head restraint/ steering  
wheel/exterior and inside rear view  
mirror position, push and hold position  
button "1", "2" or "3" until seat/head  
restraint/ steering wheel/exterior and  
inside rear view mirror movement has  
stopped. The seat/head restraint/  
steering wheel/exterior and inside rear  
view mirror movement stops when the  
position button is released.  
programmed into memory. After the  
seat/head restraint/steering wheel/  
exterior and inside rear view mirrors  
are positioned, push memory button F,  
release, and within 3 seconds push  
position button "1". A second and third  
set of positions for the same seat/ head  
restraint/steering wheel/ exterior and  
inside rear view mirrors can be  
programmed into memory by pushing  
first button "F" and then "2",  
Caution!  
F Memory button  
Do not remove head restraints except  
when mounting seat covers. For  
removal and installation refer to Head  
Restraints, Removal in Index.  
Whenever restraints have been  
removed be sure to reinstall them  
before driving.  
G Position buttons  
respectively "3".  
Note:  
See Index for instructions on adjustment  
of steering wheel and mirrors.  
40  
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Important!  
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.  
The back seat is the safest place for  
children. Infants and small children  
must ride in the back seats and be  
seated in an infant or child restraint  
system, which is properly secured  
with the vehicle's seat belt, fully in  
accordance with the seat  
Bring seat backrest to upright position  
before recalling a stored seat/head  
restraint/steering wheel and exterior  
rear view mirror position, otherwise the  
front seats could get forced against a  
rear seat and be damaged.  
All seat, head restraint, and rear view  
mirror adjustments as well as fastening  
of seat belts should be done before the  
vehicle is put into motion.  
manufacturer's instructions.  
Prior to operating the vehicle, the driver  
should adjust the seat height for proper  
vision as well as fore/aft placement and  
seat back angle to insure adequate  
control, reach, operation, and comfort.  
The head restraint should also be  
adjusted for proper height. See also  
airbag section for proper seat  
Children risk of serious or fatal  
injuries is significantly increased if  
the child restraints are not properly  
secured in the vehicle and they are  
not properly secured in the child  
restraint.  
Warning!  
Children 12 years old and under must  
never ride in the front seat, except in  
a Mercedes-Benz authorized  
positioning.  
BabySmart™ compatible child seat,  
which operates with the BabySmart™  
system installed in the vehicle to  
deactivate the passenger side front  
airbag when it is properly installed.  
Otherwise they will be struck by the  
airbag when it inflates in a crash. If  
this happens, serious or fatal injury  
will result.  
Both the inside and outside rear view  
mirrors should be adjusted for adequate  
rearward vision.  
41  
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The seats have inflatable air cushions  
built into the backrest to provide  
additional lumbar and side support.  
The inflation pressure of the air cushion  
can be continuously varied between  
position "0" = without pressure, and  
position "5" = maximum pressure, by  
changing the pressure regulator (4)  
setting.  
The amount of cushion height and  
curvature may be adjusted after turning  
the key in steering lock to position 2.  
The side bolsters of the backrest can be  
adjusted with push button (5):  
The center section (2) can be selected  
together with bottom section (1) or top  
section (3).  
pushing forward -  
increase side support,  
• pushing backward -decrease  
side support.  
Multicontour Backrest  
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.  
1 Bottom  
2 Center  
3 Top  
4 Pressure regulator  
5 Side bolster adjustment  
42  
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The front seat heaters can be switched  
on with the key in steering lock  
positions 1 or 2, the rear seat heaters  
only in steering lock position 2.  
Note:  
When in operation, the seat heater  
consumes a large amount of power. It  
is advisable not to use the seat heater  
longer than necessary.  
Press switch to turn on heater:  
1 Normal heating mode. One  
indicator lamp in the switch  
lights up.  
The seat heaters may automatically  
switch off if too many power  
consumers are switched on at the same  
time, or if the battery charge is low.  
When this occurs, the indicator lamp in  
the switch will blink (both indicator  
lamps blink during rapid seat heating).  
The seat heaters will switch on again  
automatically as soon as sufficient  
voltage is available.  
2 Rapid heating mode. Both  
indicator lamps in the switch  
light up.  
After approximately 5 minutes in  
the rapid heating mode, the heater  
automatically switches to normal  
operation and only one indicator  
lamp will stay on.  
Heated Seats  
The front seat heater switches are  
located to the left and right side of the  
center console ashtray.  
If the blinking of the indicator lamps is  
distracting to you, the seat heaters can  
be switched off.  
Turning off heater:  
The rear seat heater switches are  
located in each rear door.  
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 heater automatically  
turns off after approximately 30  
minutes of operation.  
43  
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Caution!  
Keep compartment lids closed. This  
will prevent stored objects from being  
thrown about and injuring vehicle  
occupants during an accident.  
Warning!  
The armrest does not suffice as a  
child restraint system. In case of a  
frontal collision a child can be  
catapulted forward over the locked  
armrest. Infants and small children  
should always 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.  
Armrest with Compartments for  
Cup Holder and Telephone Handset  
(Front Seats)  
Telephone Handset  
Press button (4) to open cover.  
Cup Holder  
1 Armrest folded down  
2 Normal use  
(3 comfort positions)  
3 Armrest folded up  
Press button (5) to open cup  
holder.  
Folding down:  
Raise armrest past top comfort  
position and push down.  
To close cup holder, push button (6)  
down until cup holder engages. Close  
cover.  
Adjusting height:  
Raise armrest to desired position.  
44  
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Power Seats, Rear  
The seats can be adjusted using the  
slide switches located in either of the  
rear doors.  
Turn key in steering lock to position 1  
or 2 (with the driver's or front  
passenger's door open, the power seats  
can also be operated with the key  
removed or in steering lock position 0).  
.
Seat Bench  
Individual Seats  
1 Backrest tilt  
1 Backrest tilt  
The seat cushion moves fore/aft  
together with the inclination of the  
backrest.  
2 Seat tilt  
45  
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.
Switch on center console  
Switches in rear doors  
Angle of head restraints:  
The head restraint inclination can be  
adjusted manually.  
Power Head Restraints, Rear  
Switch in center console:  
Turn key in steering lock to position 1  
or 2 (with the driver's or front  
passenger's door open, the power  
head restraints can also be operated  
with the key removed or in steering  
lock position 0).  
Both head restraints together can be  
placed in either upright or fold-down  
position.  
Important!  
For safety reasons, always drive with  
the rear head restraints in the upright  
position when the rear seats are  
occupied.  
Switches in rear doors:  
The head restraints can be placed  
individually in either upright or fold-  
down position.  
Activate switch:  
Keep area around head restraints clear  
of articles (e.g. clothing) to not  
obstruct the folding operation of the  
head restraints.  
1 Place head restraint upright.  
2 Fold head restraint backward.  
46  
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Note:  
The steering wheel position can be  
stored in memory together with the  
seat/head restraint/exterior and inside  
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.  
Armrest with Integrated Storage  
Compartment (Rear Bench Seat)  
Adjustable Steering Wheel  
Turn key in steering lock to position 1  
or 2 (with the driver's or front  
passenger's door open, the steering  
wheel can also be operated with the  
key removed or in steering lock  
position 0).  
Pull down the armrest by its strap.  
Before storing the armrest in the  
backrest, close its storage com-  
partment lid.  
For the removal of the Rear Seat  
Cushion, see Index.  
To lengthen or shorten the steering  
column, push in or pull out switch (1).  
To raise or lower steering wheel, push  
switch (1) up or down.  
47  
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Seat Belts and Supplemental  
Restraint System (SRS)  
Warning!  
Warning!  
Children 12 years old and under  
must never ride in the front seat,  
except in a Mercedes-Benz  
Never ride in a moving vehicle with  
the seat back reclined. Sitting in an  
excessively reclined position can be  
dangerous. You could slide under the  
seat belt in a collision. If you slide  
under it, the belt would apply force  
at the abdomen or neck. That could  
cause serious or even fatal injuries.  
The seat back and seat belts provide  
the best restraint when the wearer is  
in an upright position and belts are  
properly positioned on the body.  
Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts  
for all seats, emergency tensioning  
retractors for the front seats, as well as  
front and side impact airbags, and knee  
bolsters for driver and front passenger.  
Seat Belts  
authorized BabySmart™ compatible  
child seat, which operates with the  
BabySmart™ system installed in the  
vehicle to deactivate the passenger  
side front airbag when it is properly  
installed. Otherwise they will be  
struck by the airbag when it inflates  
in a crash. If this happens, serious or  
fatal injury will result.  
Important!  
Laws in most states and all Canadian  
provinces require seat belt use.  
All states and provinces require use of  
child restraints that comply with U.S.  
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard  
213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle  
Safety Standard 213.1.  
The back seat is the safest place for  
children. Infants and small children  
must ride in back seats and be seated  
in an infant or child restraint system,  
which is properly secured with the  
vehicle's seat belt, fully in accordance  
with the seat manufacturer's  
For your safety and that of your  
passengers we strongly  
recommend their use.  
instructions.  
Children risk of serious or fatal  
injuries is significantly increased if  
the child restraints are not properly  
secured in the vehicle and they are  
not properly secured in the child  
restraint.  
48  
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Seat Belt Warning System  
With the 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  
injuries can be considerably more  
severe without your seat belt properly  
buckled. Without your seat belt buck-  
led, you are much more likely to hit the  
interior of the vehicle or be ejected  
from it. You can be seriously injured  
or killed.  
1 Latch plate  
2 Buckle  
Adjust seat belt so that shoulder  
portion is located as close as possible  
to the middle of your shoulder. Do not  
twist the belt.  
The shoulder portion of the seat belt  
must be pulled snug and checked for  
snugness immediately after engaging  
it. The height setting for the shoulder  
portion of the front seat belts are  
automatically adjusted by the fore/ aft  
movement of the front seat.  
3 Release button  
Fastening of Seat Belts  
Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2)  
until it clicks.  
In the same crash, the possibility for  
injury or death is lessened with your  
seat belt buckled.  
The lap belt should be positioned as  
low as possible on your hips and not  
across the abdomen.  
Three-point seat belt:  
Seat moved to front: Belt outlet fully  
lowered.  
Tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by  
pulling shoulder portion up.  
Rear center seat belt: Tighten to a snug  
fit by feeding belt toward retractor.  
Seat moved to rear: Belt outlet fully  
raised.  
49  
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For safety reasons, avoid adjusting the  
seat or seat back into positions which  
could affect the correct seat belt  
position.  
USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY.  
Warning!  
apply too much force to the ribs or  
abdomen, which could severely  
injure internal organs such as your  
liver or spleen.  
Each occupant should wear their  
seat belt at all times, because seat  
belts help reduce the likelihood of  
and potential severity of injuries  
in accidents, including rollovers.  
"SRS" (driver airbag, passenger  
airbag), "ETR" (seat belt  
Unfastening of Seat Belts  
Position the lap belt as low as  
possible on your hips and not  
across the abdomen. If the belt is  
positioned across your abdomen, it  
could cause serious injuries in a  
crash.  
Push the release button (3) in the belt  
buckle (2).  
Allow the retractor to completely  
rewind the seat belt by guiding the  
latch plate (1).  
emergency tensioning retractors),  
and knee bolsters are designed  
to enhance the protection offered to  
properly belted occupants in  
certain frontal impacts which  
exceed preset deployment  
Each seat belt should never be  
used for more than one person  
at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt  
around a person and objects.  
Notes:  
The rear seat belt buckles can be stored  
in the space next to the rear armrest (to  
the left and right of armrest). The rear  
center seat belt should be latched and  
stored under the armrest.  
thresholds.  
Belts should not be worn twisted.  
In a crash, you wouldn't have  
the full width of the belt to take  
impact forces. The twisted belt  
against your body could cause  
injuries.  
Improperly positioned seat belts do  
not provide maximum protection  
and may cause serious injuries in  
case of a n accident.  
For cleaning and care of the seat belts,  
see Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle  
in Index.  
Never wear the shoulder belt under  
your arm, against your neck or off  
your shoulder. In a crash, your  
body would move too far forward.  
That would increase the chance of  
head and neck injuries. The belt  
would also  
Pregnant women should also use a  
lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt  
portion should be positioned as  
low as possible on the hips to avoid  
any possible pressure on the  
abdomen.  
Operation:  
The inertia reel stops the belt from  
unwinding during sudden vehicle stops  
or when quickly pulling on the belt.  
The locking function of the reel may be  
checked by quickly pulling out the belt.  
50  
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Warning!  
Children too big for child restraint  
systems should ride in rear seats  
using regular seat belts. Position  
shoulder belt across chest and  
shoulder, not face or neck. A  
Warning!  
USE CHILD RESTRAINTS  
PROPERLY.  
The BabySmart™ Airbag  
Deactivation System will ONLY  
work with a special seat designed to  
operate with it. It will not work with  
seats which are not BabySmart™  
compatible. Never place anything  
between seat cushion and child seat  
(e.g. pillow), since it reduces the  
effectiveness of the deactivation  
system. Follow the manufacturer's  
instructions for installation of special  
child seats. The passenger front  
airbag will not deploy only if the  
indicator lamp remains illuminated.  
Children 12 years old and under  
must never ride in the front seat,  
except in a Mercedes-Benz  
booster seat may be necessary to  
achieve proper belt positioning.  
authorized BabySmart™ compatible  
child seat, which operates with the  
BabySmart™ system installed in the  
vehicle to deactivate the passenger  
side front airbag when it is properly  
installed. Otherwise they will be struck  
by the airbag when it inflates in a  
crash. If this happens, serious or fatal  
injury will result.  
BabySmart™ Airbag  
Deactivation System  
Special child seats, designed for use  
with the Mercedes-Benz system and  
available at any authorized Mercedes-  
Benz dealer are required for use with  
the BabySmart™ airbag deactivation  
system.  
Please be sure to check the indicator  
every time you use the special system  
child seat. Should the light go out  
while the restraint is installed,  
Please check installation. If the light  
remains out, do not use the  
BabySmart™ restraint to transport  
children, or other wise - do not  
transport child restraints on the  
front passenger seat until the system  
has been repaired.  
The back seat is the safest place for  
children. Infants and small children  
must ride in back seats and be seated  
in an infant or child restraint system,  
which is properly secured with the  
vehicle's seat belt, fully in accordance  
with the seat manufacturer's  
With the special child seat properly  
installed, the passenger front airbag  
will not deploy. The  
indicator  
lamp located on the center console  
will be illuminated, except with key  
removed or in steering lock position  
0. The system does not deactivate the  
door mounted side impact airbag.  
instructions.  
Children risk of serious or fatal  
injuries is significantly increased if the  
child restraints are not properly  
secured in the vehicle and they are  
not  
BabySmart™ is a trademark of  
Siemens Automotive Corp.  
51  
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Self-Test BabySmart™ Without  
Special Child Seat installed  
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)  
The term Supplemental Restraint  
System means that airbags are  
intended as a supplement to seat belts.  
Airbags alone cannot protect as well as  
airbags plus seat belts in impacts for  
which the airbags were designed to  
operate, and do not afford any  
protection whatsoever in crashes for  
which the system is not designed to  
deploy.  
Emergency Tensioning  
Retractor (ETR)  
After turning key in steering lock to  
The seat belts for the front seats are  
equipped with emergency tensioning  
retractors. These tensioning retractors are  
located in each belt's inertia reel and  
become operationally ready with the key  
in steering lock position 1 or 2.  
position 1 or 2, the  
indicator  
lamp located on center console comes  
on for approx. 6 seconds.  
If the lamp should not come on or is  
continuously lit, the system is not  
functioning. You must see an authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer before using any  
child seat.  
The emergency tensioning retractors are  
designed to activate only when the seat  
belts are fastened during frontal and  
front-angled impacts exceeding the first  
threshold of the SRS. They remove slack  
from the belts in such a way that the seat  
belts fit more snugly against the body  
restricting its forward movement as  
much as possible.  
The SRS uses two crash severity levels  
(thresholds) to activate either the ETR  
or airbag or both. Activation depends  
on the direction and severity of the  
impact, exceeding the thresholds and  
fastening of the seat belt.  
Seat belt fastened  
In cases of other frontal impacts, roll-  
overs, certain side impacts, rear  
first threshold exceeded:  
ETR activates  
second threshold exceeded:  
airbag also activates  
collisions, or other accidents without  
frontal forces, the emergency tensioning  
retractors will not be activated. The  
driver and passengers will then be  
protected by the fastened seat belts and  
inertia reel in the usual manner.  
Seat belt not fastened  
BabySmart™ is a trademark of Siemens  
Automotive Corp.  
first threshold exceeded:  
airbag activates, but not ETR  
For seat belt and emergency tensioning  
retractor safety guidelines see Safety  
Guidelines in Index.  
Driver and front passenger systems  
operate independently from each other.  
52  
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Airbags  
The side impact airbags are located in  
the front doors. In conjunction with  
wearing the seat belts with emergency  
tensioning retractors, the airbags can  
provide increased protection for the  
driver and passenger in certain major  
frontal (for front airbags) and side  
impacts (for side impact airbags).  
circuitry of the airbag system and will  
indicate a malfunction by coming on  
again.  
The following system components are  
monitored or undergo a self-check:  
crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition circuits,  
front seat belt buckles, emergency  
tensioning retractors, seat sensor (when  
present).  
1 Driver airbag  
2 Front passenger airbag  
3 Side impact airbag  
The most effective occupant restraint  
system yet developed for use in  
production vehicles is the seat belt. In  
some cases, however, the protective  
effect of a seat belt can be further  
enhanced by an airbag.  
The driver airbag is located in the  
steering wheel hub. The passenger  
airbag is located in the dashboard ahead  
of the passenger  
The operational readiness of the airbag  
system is verified by the indicator lamp  
"SRS" in the instrument cluster. If no  
fault is detected, the lamp will go out  
after approximately 4 seconds; after the  
lamp goes out, the system continues to  
monitor the components and  
Initially, when the key is turned from  
steering lock position 0 to positions 1  
or 2, malfunctions in the crash-sensor  
are detected and indicated (the "SRS"  
indicator lamp stays on longer than 4  
seconds).  
In the operational mode, after the  
53  
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indicator lamp has gone out following  
the initial check, interruptions and short  
circuits in the airbag ignition circuit  
and in the driver and passenger seat  
belt buckle harnesses, and low voltage  
in the entire system are detected and  
indicated.  
Note:  
sufficient severity to meet the  
deployment thresholds, will they  
provide their supplemental  
protection. The driver and passenger  
should always wear the seat belts,  
otherwise it is not possible for the  
airbags to provide their intended  
supplemental protection.  
Heavy objects on passenger seat can  
cause the front airbag to deploy in a  
crash.  
Side Impact Airbags  
Warning!  
The side impact "SRS" airbags are  
designed to activate only in certain side  
impacts. Only the side airbag on the  
impacted side of the vehicle deploys.  
The side impact airbag for the front  
passenger deploys only if the seat is  
occupied.  
In cases of other frontal impacts,  
roll-overs, other side impacts, rear  
collisions, or other accidents without  
sufficient forces, the airbag will not  
be activated. The driver and  
passengers will then be protected by  
the fastened seat belts.  
In the event a malfunction of the  
"SRS" is indicated as outlined above,  
the "SRS" may not be operational.  
For your safety, we strongly recom-  
mend that you visit an authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately  
to have the system checked;  
otherwise the "SRS" may not be  
activated when needed in an  
accident, which could result in  
Side impact airbags operate best in  
conjunction with a properly positioned  
and fastened seat belt.  
We caution you not to rely on the  
presence of an airbag in order to  
avoid wearing your seat belt.  
serious or fatal injury, or it might de-  
ploy unexpectedly and unneccesarily  
which could also result in injury.  
Note:  
The "SRS" is designed to reduce the  
potential of injury in certain frontal,  
front-angled and side impacts which  
may cause injuries, however, no  
system available today can totally  
eliminate injuries and fatalities.  
Heavy objects on passenger seat can  
cause the side impact airbag to  
deploy in a crash.  
Front Airbags  
The driver and passenger front "SRS"  
airbags are designed to activate only in  
certain frontal impacts. The passenger  
front airbag deploys only if the  
Important!  
The "SRS" airbags are designed to  
activate only in certain frontal or  
side impacts. Only during these types  
of impacts, if of  
The activation of the "SRS"  
temporarily releases a small amount  
of dust from the airbags.  
passenger seat is occupied.  
54  
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This dust, however, is neither  
injurious to your health, nor does it  
indicate a fire in the vehicle.  
Since the airbag inflates with  
• Adjust the front passenger seat  
rearward as far as possible from  
the dashboard when the seat is  
occupied.  
considerable speed and force, a  
proper seating and hands on steering  
wheel position will help to keep you  
in a safe distance from the airbag:  
The service life of the airbags  
extends to the date indicated on the  
label located on the driver-side door  
latch post. To provide continued  
reliability after that date, they should  
be inspected by an authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer at that time  
and replaced when necessary.  
• Children 12 years old and under  
must never ride in the front seat,  
except in a Mercedes-Benz  
Sit properly belted in an upright  
position with your back against  
the seat back.  
authorized BabySmart™  
compatible child seat, which  
operates with the BabySmart™  
system installed in the vehicle to  
deactivate the passenger side  
front airbag when it is properly  
installed. Otherwise they will be  
struck by the airbag when it  
inflates in a crash. If this happens,  
serious or fatal injury will result.  
Adjust the driver seat as far as  
possible rearward, still permitting  
proper operation of vehicle  
controls.  
Warning!  
It is very important for your  
safety to always be in a properly  
seated position and to wear your seat  
belt.  
Do not lean with your head or  
chest close to the steering wheel  
or dashboard.  
Keep hands on the outside of  
steering wheel rim. Placing hands  
and arms inside the rim can  
increase  
the risk and potential severity of  
hand/arm injury when airbag  
inflates.  
Failure to follow these instructions  
can result in severe injuries to you or  
other occupants.  
For maximum protection in the event  
of a collision always be in normal  
seated position with your back  
against the seat back. Fasten your  
seat belt and ensure that it is  
properly positioned on the body.  
55  
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Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt,  
Emergency Tensioning Retractor  
and Airbag  
components or wiring of the  
"SRS". This includes the  
When scrapping the airbag unit  
or emergency tensioning  
retractor, it is mandatory to  
follow our safety instructions.  
These instructions are available  
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz  
dealer.  
installation of additional trim  
material, badges etc. over the  
steering wheel hub or front  
passenger airbag cover and  
installation of additional electrical/  
electronic equipment on or near  
"SRS" components and wiring.  
Warning!  
Damaged belts or belts that were  
highly stressed in an accident  
must be replaced and their  
anchoring points must also be  
checked. Use only belts installed  
or supplied by an authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
When you sell the vehicle we strongly  
urge you to give notice to the subsequent  
owner that it is equipped with an "SRS"  
by alerting him to the applicable section  
in the Owner's Manual.  
An airbag system component  
within the steering wheel gets  
hot after the airbag has inflated.  
Do not pass belts over sharp  
edges.  
Improper work on the system,  
including incorrect installation  
and removal, can lead to possible  
injury through an uncontrolled  
activation of the "SRS".  
Infant and Child Restraint  
Systems  
Do not make any modification that  
could change the effectiveness of  
the belts.  
We recommend that all infants and  
children be properly restrained at all  
times while the vehicle is in motion.  
In addition, through improper  
work there is the risk of  
rendering the "SRS" inoperative.  
Work on the "SRS" must  
therefore only be performed by  
an authorized Mercedes-Benz  
dealer.  
The "SRS" is designed to  
All seats except driver seat have  
special seat belt retractors for secure  
fastening of child restraints. To use,  
fasten child restraint with seat belt:  
function on a one-time-only  
basis. An airbag or emergency  
tensioning retractor (ETR) that  
was activated must be replaced.  
Follow child restraint instructions for  
routing. Then pull belt out completely  
and let it retract. The belt is now  
locked. Push down on child restraint to  
take up any slack.  
No modifications of any kind may  
be made to any  
56  
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Important!  
BabySmart™ compatible child seat,  
which operates with the  
necessary to achieve proper belt  
positioning for children from 41 Ibs.  
to the point where a lap/shoulder belt  
fits properly without one.  
The use of infant or child restraints is  
required by law in all 50 states and all  
Canadian provinces.  
BabySmart™ system installed in the  
vehicle to deactivate the passenger  
side front airbag when it is properly  
installed. Otherwise they will be  
struck by the airbag when it inflates  
in a crash. If this happens, serious or  
fatal injury will result.  
Infants and small children should be  
seated in an infant or child restraint  
system properly secured by a lap  
shoulder belt, and that complies with  
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety  
Standard 213 and Canadian Motor  
Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1. A  
statement by the child restraint  
manufacturer of compliance with this  
standard can be found on the instruction  
label on the restraint and in the  
instruction manual provided with the  
restraint.  
When the child restraint is not in use,  
remove it from the car or secure it  
with the seat belt to prevent the child  
restraint from becoming a projectile  
in the event of an accident.  
The back seat is the safest place for  
children. Infants and small children  
must ride in back seats and be seated  
in an infant or child restraint system,  
which is properly secured with the  
vehicle's seat belt, fully in accordance  
with the seat manufacturer's  
U.S.A. Models only:  
Since 1986 all U.S. child restraints  
comply with U.S. regulations without  
the use of a tether strap.  
instructions.  
Canada Models only:  
When using any infant or child restraint  
system, be sure to carefully read and  
follow all manufacturer's instructions  
for installation and use.  
Infants and small children should  
never share a seat belt with another  
occupant. During an accident, they  
could be crushed between the  
occupant and seat belt.  
This vehicle is provided with tether  
anchorages for a top tether strap.  
Consult your authorized Mercedes-  
Benz dealer for installation of these  
anchorages.  
Please read and observe warning labels  
affixed to inside of vehicle.  
Children too big for child restraint  
systems must ride in back seats using  
regular seat belts. Position shoulder  
belt across chest and shoulder, not  
face or neck. A booster seat is  
In compliance with Canadian Motor  
Vehicle Safety Standard 210.1, child  
restraint tether anchorage hardware is  
attached to the tool kit located in the  
trunk.  
Warning!  
Children 12 years old and under  
must never ride in the front seat,  
except in a Mercedes-Benz  
authorized  
57  
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1 Steering is unlocked.  
Notes:  
(If necessary, move steering wheel  
slightly to allow the key to be turned  
clockwise to position 1.)  
Most electrical consumers can be  
operated. For detailed information  
see respective subjects.  
A warning sounds when the driver's  
door is opened with the key in steering  
lock position 1 or 0.  
With the engine at idle speed, the  
charging rate of the alternator (output)  
is limited.  
2 Driving position.  
3 Starting position.  
It is therefore recommended to turn off  
unnecessary electrical consumers while  
driving in stop-and-go traffic. This  
precaution helps to avoid draining of  
the battery.  
Refer to Index for Starting and turning  
off the engine.  
Steering Lock  
The key can be withdrawn in this  
Warning!  
Unnecessary strain on the battery and  
charging system may be minimized by  
turning off the following power  
consumers, for example: Heated seats,  
rear window defroster. In addition, the  
automatic climate air volume control  
should be set to "MIN".  
0
When leaving the vehicle always  
remove the key from the steering  
lock. Do not leave children  
unattended in the vehicle.  
Unsupervised use of vehicle  
equipment may cause serious  
personal injury.  
position only. The steering is  
locked with the key removed  
from the steering lock. The key  
can be removed only with the  
selector lever in position "P".  
After removing the key or with  
the key in steering lock position 0,  
the selector lever is locked in  
position "P".  
Caution!  
To prevent accelerated battery  
discharge and a possible dead battery,  
always remove the key from the  
steering lock. Do not leave the key in  
steering lock position 0.  
58  
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6 Press switch briefly:  
One wipe without washer water  
(select only if window is wet) Press  
switch past resistance point:  
Windshield washer, windshield  
wiper; headlamp cleaning system  
(only in exterior lamp switch  
positions  
or  
Canada  
only: also in position when the  
engine is running)  
7 Windshield wiper  
0 Wiper off  
I
Intermittent wiping  
II Normal wiper speed  
III Fast wiper speed  
Combination Switch  
To signal minor directional changes,  
such as changing lanes on a highway,  
move combination switch to the point  
of resistance only and hold it there.  
1 Low beam (exterior lamp  
Note:  
switch position  
)
The windshield washer reservoir,  
hoses and nozzles are automatically  
heated.  
2 High beam (exterior lamp  
switch position  
To operate the turn signals  
)
continuously, move the combination  
switch past the point of resistance (up  
or down). The switch is automatically  
canceled when the steering wheel is  
turned to a large enough degree.  
3 High beam flasher (high beam  
available independent of  
exterior lamp switch position)  
4 Turn signals, right  
Turn Signal Failure  
5 Turn signals, left  
If one of the turn signals fails, the turn  
signal indicator system flashes and  
sounds at a faster than normal rate.  
59  
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Windshield Washer Fluid Mixing  
Ratio  
Windshield Wiper Smears  
Emergency Operation of  
Windshield Wiper  
If the windshield wiper smears the  
windshield, even during rain, activate  
the washer system as often as  
necessary. The fluid in the washer  
reservoir should be mixed in the correct  
ratio.  
For temperatures above freezing:  
In case of windshield wiper  
malfunction, turn combination switch  
to wiper setting II.  
MB Windshield Washer  
Concentrate "S" and water  
Have the system checked at your  
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer  
as soon as possible.  
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),  
switch off the wiper motor.  
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate  
"S" and commercially available  
premixed windshield washer  
solvent/antifreeze  
For safety reasons before removing ice  
or snow, remove key from steering  
lock. Remove blockage.  
1 part "S" to 100 parts solvent  
(40 ml "S" to 1 gallon solvent).  
Activate combination switch again  
(key in steering lock position 1).  
60  
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Standing lamps, right  
(turn left one stop)  
Fog lamps will operate with the  
parking lamps and/or the low beam  
headlamps on. Fog lamps should only  
be used in conjunction with low beam  
headlamps. Consult your State or  
Province Motor Vehicle Regulations  
regarding allowable lamp operation.  
Fog lamps are automatically switched  
off when the exterior lamp switch is  
Standing lamps, left  
(turn left two stops)  
Front fog lamps  
(pull out one stop) with  
parking lamps and/or low  
beam headlamps on.  
Rear fog lamp (pull out to 2nd  
detent) in addition to fog  
lamps. Yellow indicator lamp  
in lamp switch comes on.  
turned to position  
.
Daytime Running Lamps  
(Canada only)  
Standing Lamps  
When the engine is running and the  
selector lever is in a driving position,  
the low beam (includes parking lamps,  
side marker lamps, taillamps and  
license plate lamps) are automatically  
switched on.  
When the vehicle is parked on the  
street the standing lamps (right or left  
side parking lamps) can be turned on,  
making the vehicle more visible to  
passing vehicles.  
Exterior Lamp Switch  
Off  
Parking lamps (also side  
marker lamps, taillamps,  
license plate lamps,  
instrument panel lamps)  
Canada only: When the  
engine is running, the low  
beam is additionally switched  
on  
The standing lamps cannot be operated  
with the electronic key in steering lock  
position 2.  
When shifting from a driving position  
to position "N" or "P", the low beam  
switches off (2 seconds delay).  
Note:  
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp  
switch should be turned to position  
to permit activation of the high beam  
headlamps.  
With the key removed and the driver's  
door open, a warning sounds if the  
vehicle's exterior lamps (except  
Parking lamps plus low beam  
or high beam headlamps  
(combination switch pushed  
forward)  
standing lamps) are not switched off.  
61  
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Night Security Illumination  
reflection brightness responds to  
changes in light sensitivity.  
When exiting the vehicle after driving  
with the exterior lamps on, the  
With gear selector lever in position  
"R", or with the interior lamp switched  
on, the mirror brightness does not  
respond to changes in light sensitivity.  
headlamps switch on for added security  
for approximately 30 seconds after  
closing the last door. The lamp-on time  
period can be changed at your  
Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
Note:  
Inside Rear View Mirror  
The exterior mirrors have electrically  
heated glass. The heater switches on  
automatically, depending on outside  
temperature.  
Manually adjust the mirror.  
Use your inside mirror to determine the  
size and distance of objects seen in the  
passenger convex mirror.  
If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly  
pivoted from its normal position, it  
must be repositioned by applying firm  
pressure until it snaps into place.  
Exterior rear view mirror, left  
Exterior rear view mirror, right  
Antiglare Night Position  
Exterior Rear View Mirrors  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the mirror reflection brightness  
responds to changes in light sensitivity.  
With gear selector lever in position "R",  
or with the interior lamp switched on,  
the mirror brightness does not respond  
to changes in light sensitivity.  
Warning!  
Turn key in steering lock to position 2  
(with either front door open, the  
mirrors can be operated with key  
removed or in steering lock  
position 0 or 1).  
Exercise care when using the  
passenger-side mirror. The  
passenger-side exterior mirror is  
convex (outwardly curved surface  
for a wider field of view). Objects in  
mirror are closer than they appear.  
Check your inside rear view mirror  
or glance over your shoulder before  
changing lanes.  
Turn switch to select the mirror to be  
adjusted.  
To adjust, move the switch forward,  
backward or to either side.  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the driver's side mirror  
Note:  
The automatic antiglare function is  
restricted, if incoming light is not aimed  
directly at sensors in the mirror.  
62  
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Exterior Rear View Mirror  
Multiple Images  
Folding the mirrors out  
Turn switch to point rearward. Press  
switch forward until the mirrors are  
folded out.  
This vehicle is equipped with anti-  
fogging dual-pane side windows to  
provide extra insulation against heat,  
cold and noise. Because of the second  
pane of glass, under certain light and  
weather conditions a multiple image  
may become noticable, especially when  
looking through the side windows at an  
outside rear view mirror.  
Important!  
Do not fold mirrors out, forcing them  
by hand. This will damage the  
operating mechanism of the mirrors.  
Storing Mirror Positions in  
Memory  
Folding the mirrors in  
The exterior and inside rear view  
mirror positions are stored in memory  
with the seat/head restraint/ steering  
column position and can be recalled  
when necessary, see Index.  
Turn switch to point rearward. Press  
switch rearward until the mirrors are  
folded in.  
Important!  
Before running the vehicle through an  
automatic car wash, fold mirror in,  
otherwise they may get damaged.  
63  
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Sun Visors  
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors  
Roar seats:  
Swing sun visors down to protect  
against sun glare.  
Front seats:  
Touch the cover to lower the mirror.  
The lamp will switch on automatically.  
With the visor engaged in its inner  
mounting, the lamp can be switched  
on by opening the cover.  
If sunlight enters through a side  
window, disengage visor from inner  
mounting and pivot to the side.  
Close the cover and the lamp will go  
out.  
Warning!  
Do not use the vanity mirror while  
driving.  
64  
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2 Interior Lamps  
A
B
A
Interior lamps switched off.  
B Interior lamps switched on,  
3
Rear Courtesy Lamps  
A
B
A Courtesy lamps switched off.  
B Courtesy lamps switched on.  
Interior Lighting  
Interior Lamps (Door contact)  
5
Reading Lamps, Rear  
Note:  
1
The lamps are switched on and off  
individually with a switch in the  
respective lamp.  
The courtesy lamps cannot be  
switched off as long as a rear door is  
open.  
A
B
Entrance Lamps, Exit Lamps  
2
Reading Lamps, Front  
A Interior lamps are switched on,  
and off delayed, when unlocking  
or locking the vehicle, or when  
opening or closing either front  
door. However, there will be no  
delay when the key is in steering  
lock position 2.  
The lamps are switched on and off by  
the door contact switches.  
A
B
Note:  
A Reading lamp switched off.  
B Reading lamp switched on.  
To prevent the vehicle battery from  
being discharged, do not leave doors  
open for a long period of time.  
B Interior lamps switched off.  
65  
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Storage Compartments  
in the Dashboard  
Storage/Eyeglasses Compartment  
To open: Press button (2).  
Glove Box  
1 Storage/eyeglasses  
compartment  
2 Button for storage/  
eyeglasses compartment  
3 Glove box  
4 Button for glove box  
5 Lock  
The glove box lid is equipped with a  
container for coins and small  
accessories.  
To open: Press button (4).  
Note:  
The storage compartments may be  
locked and unlocked by using the  
master key in lock (5).  
Storage Compartments  
Caution!  
Locking:  
Turn master key in lock (5) to the right  
and remove.  
Keep compartment lids closed. This  
will prevent stored objects from being  
thrown about and injuring vehicle  
occupants during an accident.  
Unlocking:  
Turn master key back to vertical  
position.  
66  
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Storage Compartment below the  
Front Armrest  
Storage Compartments in the  
Rear Passenger Compartment  
First Aid Kit  
1
Opening lid  
The first aid kit is stored in the shelf  
below the rear window.  
(Vehicles without rear passenger  
compartment climate control)  
(Vehicles with individual seats)  
Slide cover to  
Stowing Things in the Vehicle  
Slide cover to  
6 Open,  
6 open,  
Warning!  
To help avoid personal injury  
during a collision or sudden  
maneuver, exercise care when  
stowing things. Put luggage or cargo  
in the trunk if possible. Do not pile  
luggage or cargo higher than the  
seat backs. Do not place anything on  
the shelf below the rear window.  
7 close.  
7 close.  
67  
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in center console, front  
in rear doors  
Lighter  
Ashtrays  
To remove ashtray from center  
console:  
Turn key in steering lock to position  
1 or 2.  
By touching the top of the cover  
lightly, the ashtray opens automatically.  
Prior to removing the ashtray insert  
move gear selector lever to position  
"N"  
Push in lighter (1); it will pop out  
automatically when hot.  
Push sliding knob (1) toward the right  
to eject the insert.  
Warning!  
To remove ashtray from rear door:  
Hold left and right side of insert and  
pull up.  
Never touch the heating element or  
sides of the lighter, hold at knob  
only.  
Warning!  
With the gear selector lever in  
To install ashtray:  
Install insert into ashtray frame and  
push down to engage.  
Note:  
position "N", turn off the engine and  
set the parking brake. Otherwise the  
vehicle might move unintentionally.  
The lighter socket can be used to  
accomodate electrical accessories up to  
maximum 85 W.  
68  
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Warning!  
When closing the sliding roof, be  
sure that there is no danger of  
anyone being harmed by the closing  
procedure.  
Notes:  
The sliding roof can be opened or  
closed manually should an electrical  
malfunction occur, refer to Emergency  
Operation in Index.  
The sliding roof can also be closed  
with the key or infrared remote control  
while locking the vehicle doors or  
trunk (see Central Locking System in  
Index).  
Sliding Roof  
The switch is illuminated when the  
exterior lamps are switched on  
(except standing lamps).  
with Rear Pop-Up Feature  
1 to slide roof open  
2 to slide roof closed  
3 to raise roof at rear  
4 to lower roof at rear  
An additional screen can be slid into  
the roof opening to guard against sun  
rays. When sliding the roof open, the  
screen will also retract.  
Turn key in steering lock to position  
1 or 2.  
69  
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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  
in center console, front  
Power Windows  
Switches for:  
in rear doors  
to close the window, and upward  
movement of the window is blocked  
during the last few inches before  
closure, it will stop but not open  
slightly.  
Turn key in steering lock to  
position 1 or 2.  
Press switch in to resistance point:  
1 left, front  
Blocking of Rear Door Window  
Operation  
2 left, rear  
to close  
to open  
3 right, front  
4 right, rear  
If no operation of the rear windows by  
switch (6) (for instance by children) is  
desired, slide safety switch (5) to right,  
5 safety switch  
6 individual switches (rear doors)  
Release switch when window is in  
desired position.  
symbol  
becomes visible.  
70  
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Warning!  
The power windows can also be closed  
with the key or infrared remote control  
while locking the vehicle doors or  
trunk (see Central Locking System in  
Index).  
Synchronizing Power Windows  
When closing the windows, be sure  
that there is no danger of anyone  
being harmed by the closing  
procedure.  
If the power supply was interrupted  
(battery disconnected or empty), the  
windows cannot be opened or closed  
by the Express feature.  
Warning!  
In case of obstruction, the automatic  
reversal will not operate if a window  
is being closed by pressing the switch  
to its resistance point and holding it  
there, or when using a key or the  
remote control.  
To resynchronize the Express feature,  
When leaving the vehicle, always  
remove the key from the steering  
lock. Do not leave children  
unattended in the vehicle.  
Unsupervised use of vehicle  
equipment can cause serious personal  
injury.  
press  
side of power window  
switch until the window is completely  
closed and hold for additional 2  
seconds. Repeat procedure for each  
window.  
The closing procedure can be  
immediately reversed by either  
pressing the switch  
The automatic full opening and closing  
procedure of the windows should now  
be restored.  
, turning the  
key to the unlocking position, or  
releasing and pressing the transmit  
button, and holding it.  
71  
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Note:  
The trunk lid cannot be released by  
the switch when previously locked  
with the key. To open, refer to Trunk,  
separately locked (in Index).  
Shelf below Rear Window  
Warning!  
The shelf below the rear window  
should not be used to carry objects.  
This will prevent such objects from  
being thrown about and injuring  
vehicle occupants during an accident  
or sudden maneuver.  
Rear Window Sunshade  
1. Raising  
Trunk Lid Release Switch  
The switch is located on the center  
console.  
2. Lowering  
A minimum height clearance of 5.9 ft  
(1.8 m) is required to open the trunk  
lid.  
The switches are located on the center  
console and between the single rear  
seats  
To open the trunk, the vehicle must be  
parked and unlocked. Press symbol  
side of switch until trunk lid is open.  
The sunshade should always be either  
fully raised or fully lowered  
With vehicle centrally locked, the  
trunk can also be opened by using the  
infrared remote control. Press button  
72  
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Instrument Lamps  
Rotate adjusting knob (1) to vary  
intensity of instrument lamps.  
Display Illumination  
Press adjusting knob to briefly  
illuminate the display (with key  
removed or in steering lock position  
0 or 1).  
With exterior lamps switched on the  
display illumination becomes  
automatically dim.  
1 Adjusting knob  
Clock  
Rotate adjusting knob clockwise to  
its stop to override the dimmed  
illumination.  
Adjusting clock one minute ahead or  
back:  
Trip odometer  
Pull out adjustment knob (2), briefly  
turn to the right respectively left and  
release knob.  
To reset:  
Press adjusting knob (1) once (with  
key in steering lock position 2).  
Adjusting clock more than one minute  
ahead or back: Pull out adjustment  
knob (2), turn to the right respectively  
left and hold until the desired time is  
set. Within the first 2 seconds, the  
minute hand advances 8 minutes and  
advances another 8 minutes every  
additional second thereafter  
Press adjusting knob (1) twice  
(with key removed or in steering  
lock position 0 or 1).  
73  
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The built-in remote control is capable of  
operating up to three separately  
controlled objects.  
Programming or reprogramming the  
remote control:  
1. Turn key in steering lock to position  
Warning!  
1 or 2.  
When programming a garage door  
opener, the door moves up or down.  
2. Press and hold one button of the  
remote control located on the inside  
rear view mirror until its control light  
begins to flash at a rate of about  
once a second. Continue holding  
down the button.  
When programming or operating the  
remote control make sure there is no  
possibility of anyone being harmed by  
the moving door.  
Note:  
Note:  
The light blinks immediately if the  
remote control is being programmed  
for the first time, or if its memory  
was previously erased. If you are  
reprogramming a previously used  
button, the light will flash after about  
20 seconds.  
Garage Door Opener  
Certain types of garage door openers  
are incompatible with the integrated  
opener. If you should experience  
difficulties with programming the  
transmitter, contact your authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer or call  
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance  
Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-  
FOR-MERCEDES.  
1 Remote control transmitter  
located on inside rear view  
mirror  
2 Portable remote control  
transmitter  
3. Hold end opposite to battery of  
portable remote control against  
the inside rear view mirror trans-  
mitter to be programmed. While  
still holding down the button on  
the transmitter on the inside rear  
view mirror, press down the but  
ton on your portableremote control,  
until the inside rear view  
74  
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mirror remote control light starts to  
flash rapidly. This means that the  
integrated remote control has  
accepted the frequency and code of  
the portable transmitter.  
Antenna  
Cellular Telephone  
The antenna extends when switching  
on the telephone.  
The vehicle is prepared for the  
installation of a cellular telephone. For  
further information and installation  
contact your authorized Mercedes-  
Benz dealer.  
Note:  
3. If you wish, repeat the procedure for  
each remaining button.  
To retract the antenna (e.g. when  
entering a car wash) the telephone must  
be switched off.  
Warning!  
Operation of remote control:  
Some jurisdictions prohibit the  
driver from using a cellular  
1. Turn key in steering lock to position  
1 or 2.  
telephone while driving a vehicle.  
Whether or not prohibited by law,  
for safety reasons, the driver should  
not use the cellular telephone while  
the vehicle is in motion. Stop the  
vehicle in a safe location before  
answering or placing a call.  
2. Select and press the appropriate  
button (1, 2 or 3) to activate the  
remote controlled device. The remote  
control transmitter continues to send  
the signal as long as the button is  
pressed - up to 20 seconds.  
Erasing the remote control memory:  
1. Turn key in steering lock to  
position 1 or 2.  
2. Simultaneousy holding down  
buttons 1 and 3 for approximately 20  
seconds, or until the control light  
blinks rapidly, will erase the codes of  
all three channels.  
75  
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76  
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Driving  
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Drinking and Driving  
Warning!  
Driving Off  
Apply the service brakes to test them  
briefly after driving off. Perform this  
procedure only when the road is clear  
of other traffic.  
Drinking and driving can be a very  
dangerous combination. Even a small  
amount of alcohol or drugs can affect  
your reflexes, perceptions and  
judgement.  
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not  
place full load on the engine until the  
operating temperature has been  
reached.  
The possibility of a serious or even  
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 for  
an extended period.  
Please don't drink and drive or allow  
anyone to drive after drinking.  
Parking Brake  
Warning!  
To engage, depress parking brake  
pedal. When the key is in steering lock  
position 2, the brake warning lamp in  
the instrument cluster should come on  
brightly.  
Keep driver's foot area clear at all  
times. Objects stored in this area  
may impair pedal movement.  
To release the parking brake, pull  
handle on instrument panel. The 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 Test in  
Index.  
78  
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Automatic Transmission  
The vehicle may otherwise start creep-  
ing when the selector lever is in drive  
or reverse position.  
Accelerator position  
The automatic transmission selects  
individual gears automatically,  
dependent upon  
Partial throttle = early upshifting  
= normal acceleration  
Warning!  
Full throttle = later upshifting  
= rapid acceleration  
Selector lever position  
Accelerator position  
Vehicle speed  
It is dangerous to shift the selector  
lever out of "P" or "N" if the engine  
speed is higher than idle speed. If  
your foot is not on the brake pedal,  
the car could accelerate quickly  
forward or in reverse. You could lose  
control of the car 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.  
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator  
beyond full throttle) = downshifting  
to next lowest gear = maximum  
acceleration. Once the desired speed  
is attained, ease up on the accelerator  
- the transmission shifts up again.  
Important!  
When parking the car or before  
working on the vehicle with the engine  
running, firmly depress the parking  
brake pedal and shift the selector lever  
into "P".  
Driving  
Important!  
The selector lever is automatically  
locked while in position "P". To move  
the selector lever out of position "P",  
the service brake pedal must be firmly  
depressed before the shift lock will  
release.  
After selecting any driving position  
from "N" or "P", wait a moment to  
allow the gear to fully engage before  
accelerating, especially when the  
engine is cold.  
Shift selector lever to the desired driving  
position only when the engine is idling  
and the service brake is applied. Do not  
release the brake until ready to drive.  
79  
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Note:  
D The transmission automatically  
upshifts to 5th gear. Position "D"  
provides optimum driving  
characteristics under all normal  
operating.  
The key can be removed from the  
steering lock only with the selector  
lever in position "P". With the key  
removed, the selector lever is locked  
in position "P".  
4 Upshift to 4th gear only. Suitable  
for performance driving.  
R Reverse gear.  
Shift to reverse gear only with the  
car stopped.  
3 Upshift to 3rd gear only. Suitable  
for moderately steep hills. Since the  
transmission does not shift higher  
than 3rd gear, this gear selection  
will allow use of the engine's brak-  
ing power downhill.  
N Neutral.  
No power is transmitted from the  
engine to the rear axle. When the  
brakes conditions are released, the  
vehicle can be moved freely (pushed  
or towed). Do not engage "N" while  
driving except to coast when the  
vehicle is in danger of skidding  
(e.g. on icy roads, see Winter  
Driving Instructions in Index).  
Selector Lever Positions  
2 Upshift to 2nd gear only. For  
driving in mountainous regions or  
under extreme operating conditions.  
This gear selection will allow use  
of the engine's braking power when  
descending steep grades.  
The automatic gear shifting process  
can be adapted to specific operating  
conditions using the selector lever.  
P Parking position.  
The parking position is to be used  
when parking the vehicle. Engage  
only with the car stopped. The  
parking position is not intended to  
serve as a brake when the vehicle is  
parked. Rather, the driver should  
always use the parking brake in  
addition to placing the selector lever  
in park to secure the vehicle.  
Important!  
1 In this position, the engine's braking  
effect is utilized by shifting into 1st  
gear. Use this position while  
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for  
any other reason with selector lever  
in "N", can result in transmission  
damage that is not covered by the  
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.  
descending very steep or lengthy  
downgrades and only at speeds  
below 40 mph (60 km/h).  
80  
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Important  
Depending on the degree of the incline,  
shift selector lever to a lower gear  
range early enough to maintain engine  
RPM within the best torque range.  
Stopping  
With selector lever in position "D", "4"  
or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd  
gear is delayed depending on vehicle  
speed and engine temperature. This  
allows the catalytic converter to heat  
up more quickly to operating  
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights,  
leave the transmission in gear and hold  
vehicle with the service brake.  
Warning!  
For longer stops with the engine idling,  
shift into "N" or "P".  
On slippery road surfaces, never  
downshift in order to obtain braking  
action. This could result in rear  
wheel slip and reduced vehicle  
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not  
prevent this type of loss of control.  
temperatures.  
When stopping the car on an uphill  
incline, do not hold it with the  
accelerator, use the brake. This avoids  
unnecessary transmission heat build up.  
During the brief warm-up period this  
delayed upshift and increased engine  
noise might be perceived as a  
malfunction. However, neither the  
engine nor transmissions are negatively  
affected by this mode of operation.  
Maneuvering  
Warning!  
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when  
pulling into parking space, control the  
car speed by gradually releasing the  
brakes. Accelerate gently and never  
abruptly step on the accelerator.  
Getting out of your car with the  
selector lever not fully engaged in  
position "P" is dangerous. When  
parked on a steep incline, position  
"P" alone may not prevent your  
vehicle from moving, possibly hitting  
people or objects.  
The delayed upshift is effective with  
vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50  
km/h) at partial throttle and engine  
temperatures below 95°F (35°C).  
To avoid overrevving the engine when  
the selector lever is moved to a lower  
driving range, the transmission will not  
shift to a lower gear as long as the  
vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit  
of that gear.  
To rock a car out of soft ground (mud  
or snow), alternately shift from  
forward to reverse, while applying  
slight partial throttle.  
Always set the parking brake in  
addition to shifting to position "P".  
Rocking a car free in this manner may  
cause the ABS warning lamp to come  
on. Turn off and restart the engine to  
clear the malfunction indication.  
When parked on an incline, also turn  
front wheel against curb.  
To prevent the engine from laboring at  
low RPMs, do not allow the engine  
speed to drop too low on uphill  
gradients.  
81  
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S Standard mode  
Emergency Operation (Limp Home  
Mode)  
Press switch on symbol "S". Use  
this mode for all regular driving.  
The vehicle starts out in 1st  
gear.  
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the  
transmission no longer shifts, the  
transmission is most likely operating in  
Limp Home Mode which engages when  
there is a malfunction at the  
W Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode  
Press switch on symbol "W". The  
vehicle starts out in 2nd gear, except  
with selector lever in 1 st gear, or  
with accelerator pedal in kick-down  
position.  
transmission. This condition may be  
accompanied by the "CHECK  
ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in  
the instrument cluster coming on.  
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse  
gear can be activated.  
The "W" mode helps to improve  
traction and driving stability of the  
vehicle.  
Program Mode Selector Switch  
To engage 2nd gear or reverse:  
The transmission is provided with a  
selector switch for Standard "S" and  
Winter/Wet (snow and ice) "W"  
program modes.  
With hard acceleration the upshifts  
occur at lower vehicle and engine  
speeds than in the "S" program mode.  
1. Stop the vehicle.  
2. Move selector lever to position "P".  
3. Turn off the engine.  
4. Wait 10 seconds.  
5. Restart the engine,  
6. Move selector lever to position "D"  
(for 2nd gear), or move selector lever  
to position "R" (for reverse gear).  
Caution!  
Important!  
Never change the program mode when  
the selector lever is out of position "P".  
It could result in a change of driving  
characteristics for which you may not be  
prepared.  
Always be certain of the program  
mode selected since the vehicle  
driving characteristics change with  
the selection of the program mode.  
Have the transmission checked at your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as  
soon as possible.  
82  
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Normally the vehicle is accelerated to  
the desired speed with the accelerator.  
3
Canceling  
To cancel the cruise control,  
briefly push lever to position 3.  
When you step on the brake or the  
vehicle speed drops below approx.  
22 mph (35 km/h), for example  
when driving upgrade, the cruise  
control will be canceled.  
Speed is set by briefly pushing the  
lever to position 1 or 2. The accelerator  
can be released.  
The speed can be increased (e.g. for  
passing) by using the accelerator. As  
soon as the accelerator is released, the  
previously set speed will be resumed  
automatically.  
If the cruise control cancels by  
itself and remains inoperative until  
the engine is restarted, have the  
system checked at your authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as  
possible.  
If a set speed is to be increased or  
decreased slightly, e.g. to adapt to the  
traffic flow, hold lever in position 1 or  
2 until the desired speed is reached, or  
briefly tip the control lever in the  
appropriate direction for increases or  
decreases in 0.6 mph (1 km/h)  
Cruise Control  
4
Resume  
Any given speed above approximately  
22 mph (35 km/h) can be maintained  
with the cruise control by operating the  
lever.  
If the lever is briefly pushed to  
position 4 when driving at a speed  
exceeding approx. 22 mph (35  
km/h), the vehicle resumes the  
speed which was set prior to the  
cancellation of the cruise control.  
The last memorized speed is  
canceled when the key in the  
steering lock is turned to position 1  
or 0.  
increments. When the lever is released,  
the newly set speed remains.  
1 Accelerate and set:  
Lift lever briefly to set speed. Hold  
lever up to accelerate.  
2 Decelerate and set:  
Depress lever briefly to set speed.  
Hold lever down to decelerate.  
83  
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Note:  
Caution!  
Warning!  
If the engine does not brake the vehicle  
sufficiently while driving on a  
Moving gear selector lever to position  
"N" switches the cruise control off.  
Only use the cruise control if the  
traffic and weather conditions make  
it advisable to travel at a steady  
speed.  
downgrade, the speed you set on the  
cruise control may be exceeded and  
you may have to step on the brake  
pedal to slow down. As soon as the  
grade eases, the cruise controlled speed  
will again be maintained as long as the  
brakes were not previously applied, or  
the lever may be used to resume the  
previously set speed if the brakes were  
applied.  
The use of cruise control can be  
dangerous on winding roads or in  
heavy traffic because conditions  
do not allow safe driving at a  
steady speed.  
The use of cruise control can be  
dangerous on slippery roads.  
Rapid changes in tire adhesion  
can result in wheel spin and loss  
of control.  
The "Resume" function should only  
be operated if the driver is fully  
aware of the previously set speed and  
wishes to resume this particular  
preset speed.  
84  
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Parking Assist (Parktronic)  
(optional)  
Warning!  
The responsibility during parking  
and other critical maneuvers rests  
always with the driver.  
The Parktronic assists the driver during  
parking maneuvers. It visually and  
audibly indicates the distance between  
the vehicle and an obstacle.  
The operational function of the  
Parktronic can be affected by dirty  
sensors, especially at times of snow  
and ice.  
The front area of the vehicle is  
monitored when driving forward.  
When reversing, the front as well as the  
rear areas are monitored.  
Interference caused by other  
ultrasonic signals (e.g. working  
jackhammers or the air brakes of  
trucks) should be taken into  
consideration.  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the Parktronic engages automatically  
at speeds up to approx. 10 mph (15  
km/h) and deactivates during higher  
speeds.  
1 Sensor located in bumper  
Sensors  
For proper operation of the Parktronic  
always keep the sensors clean.  
A total of 10 sensors monitor the  
vehicle front and rear areas. Six sensors  
are located in the front bumper, four  
sensor in the rear bumper.  
The Parktronic can be switched off by  
a control switch located in the center  
console.  
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as  
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,  
with plenty of water.  
When using a steam cleaner or power  
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a  
minimum distance of 4 in. (10 cm) at  
sensors.  
To prevent scratches, never apply strong  
force or use a hard cloth when cleaning  
the sensors. Do not attempt to wipe dirty  
sensors with a dry cloth or sponge.  
85  
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Warning Indicators  
Warning indicator for the rear area are  
located in the rear interior lamp.  
1 Warning indicators for  
front area  
The frames are illuminated in white  
when the Parktronic is engaged.  
2 Warning indicators for  
rear area  
Each of the warning indicators has 6  
yellow and 2 red segments.  
3 Frame  
As soon as the sensors realize an  
obstacle, one or more segments light  
up, depending on the distance.  
4 Segments  
Visual and audible signals indicate to  
the driver the distance between the  
vehicle and an obstacle.  
Warning indicators for the front area  
are located above the left and center air  
outlets in the dashboard.  
86  
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Monitoring reach of sensors  
Minimum distance between vehicle and  
obstacle  
Parktronic Switch  
Front bumper.  
center approx. 40 in (100 cm)  
corner approx. 24 in (60 cm)  
1 Parktronic switched off  
2 Parktronic switched on  
Front  
corners approx. 6 in (15 cm)  
center approx. 8 in (20 cm)  
Rear bumper:  
center approx. 48 in (120 cm)  
corner approx. 32 in (80 cm)  
3 Indicator light - comes on when  
rear  
approx. 8 in (20 cm)  
Parktronic is switched off.  
One or both red segments light up.  
In addition, an alarm sounds for  
approximately 3 seconds.  
The switch is located on the center  
console,  
The first yellow segment lights up at  
above distance. Additional segments  
light up as the vehicle comes closer to  
the obstacle.  
The obstacle may not be recognized if  
outside the shaded sensor field, and no  
longer be indicated when approaching it  
any closer (warning indicators go out).  
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Parktronic Malfunction  
Charge Indicator Lamp  
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge  
All red segments of the warning  
indicators light up, and a warning  
sounds for 3 seconds, if Parktronic  
does not function properly.  
Should the charge indicator lamp fail to  
come on prior to starting when the key  
is in steering lock position 2 or should  
it fail to go out after starting or during  
operation, this indicates a fault which  
must be repaired at an authorized  
The oil pressure at idle speed may drop  
if the engine is at operating temperature.  
This will not jeopardize the engine's  
operational reliability.  
A dirty sensor could be the reason.  
Pressure must, however, rise  
immediately upon acceleration.  
Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.  
After cleaning the sensors, turn key in  
steering lock to position 2. If the defect  
continues to be displayed, have the  
system checked at your authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
If the charge indicator lamp comes on  
while the engine is running, this may  
indicate that the poly-V-belt has  
broken. Should this condition occur,  
the poly-V-belt must be replaced  
before continuing to operate the  
vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will  
overheat due to an inoperative water  
pump which may result in damage to  
the engine.  
Note:  
If the oil pressure gauge needle drops  
to "0" with the engine running, then  
damage to the engine may occur with  
continued operation. Turn off engine  
immediately and contact an authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer. Do not operate  
the car until the condition is repaired.  
Do not continue to drive the vehicle  
with the charge indicator lamp  
illuminated. Doing so could result in  
engine damage that is not covered by  
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.  
88  
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Low Engine Oil Level Warning  
Lamp  
In addition to the warning lamp, the  
engine oil level should be periodically  
checked with the dipstick, for example  
during a fuel stop, or before a long trip  
(see Index).  
Fuel Reserve Warning Lamps  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the fuel reserve warning lamps come  
on and should go out when the engine  
is running.  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the oil level warning lamp comes on  
and should go out when the engine is  
running.  
Engine Oil Consumption  
If the warning lamps do not go out  
after starting the engine or if they come  
on while driving, it indicates that the  
fuel level is down to the reserve  
If the warning lamp comes on with the  
engine running and at operating  
temperature, the engine oil level has  
dropped to approximately the  
Engine oil consumption checks should  
only be made after the break-in period.  
During the break-in period, higher oil  
consumption may be noticed and is  
normal. Frequent driving at high engine  
speeds results in increased  
quantity of approx. 3.3 gal (12.5 liters).  
minimum mark on the dipstick.  
The warning lamp blinks when the fuel  
cap is not closed, or the fuel system has  
a leak. Retighten cap and see if lamp  
goes out.  
When this occurs, the warning lamp  
will first come on intermittently and  
then stay on if the oil level drops  
further.  
consumption.  
Fuel Consumption Gauge  
While driving, current fuel consumption  
is indicated in miles per gallon (mpg),  
or in Canada liters per 100 kilometers  
(1/100 km).  
If the warning lamp continues to blink  
after closing the fuel cap correctly,  
have the fuel system checked at your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as  
soon as possible.  
If no oil leaks are noted and there is no  
loss in engine oil pressure, continue to  
drive to the nearest service station  
where the engine oil should be topped  
to the "full" mark on the dipstick with  
an approved oil.  
With the engine switched off, the needle  
reads "0".  
The low engine oil level warning light  
should not be ignored. Extended  
driving with the light illuminated could  
result in engine damage that is not  
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited  
Warranty.  
Due to system design, minimum  
consumption is indicated at engine idle  
speed.  
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Outside Temperature Indicator  
Tachometer  
Warning!  
The temperature sensor is located in  
the front bumper area. Due to its  
location, the sensor can be affected by  
road or engine heat during idling or  
slow driving. This means that the  
accuracy of the displayed temperature  
can only be verified by comparison to a  
thermometer placed next to the sensor,  
not by comparison to external displays  
(e.g. bank signs, etc.).  
Red marking on tachometer: Excessive  
engine speed.  
• Driving when your engine is badly  
overheated can cause some fluids  
which may have leaked into the  
engine compartment to catch fire.  
You could be seriously burned.  
Turn off the engine and get out of  
the car until it cools down.  
Avoid this engine speed, as it may result  
in engine damage that is not covered by  
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.  
For engine protection, the fuel supply is  
interrupted if the engine is operated  
within the red marking.  
Steam from an overheated engine  
can cause serious burns and can  
occur just by opening the engine  
hood. Stay away from the engine if  
you see or hear steam coming  
from it. Turn off the engine and do  
not stand near the car until it  
cools down.  
Coolant Temperature Gauge  
Adaptation to ambient temperature  
takes place in steps and depends on the  
prevailing driving conditions (stop-  
and-go or moderate, constant driving)  
and amount of temperature change.  
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -  
30°C (- 22°F), the boiling point of the  
coolant in the pressurized cooling  
system of your vehicle is approx. 130°C  
(266 °F).  
Warning!  
Turn off the engine, get out of the  
car and do not stand near the car  
until it cools down.  
During severe operating conditions and  
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant  
temperature may rise close to the red  
marking.  
The outside temperature indicator is  
not designed to serve as an Ice-  
Warning Device and is therefore un-  
suitable for that purpose. Indicated  
temperatures just above the freezing  
point do not guarantee that the road  
surface is free of ice.  
The engine should not be operated with  
the coolant temperature in the red  
zone. The engine should not be  
operated with the coolant temperature  
in the red zone. Doing so may cause  
serious engine damage which is not  
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited  
Warranty.  
90  
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Low Engine Coolant Level  
Warning Lamp  
In cases of major or frequent minor  
coolant loss, have the cooling system  
checked at your authorized Mercedes-  
Benz dealer as soon as possible.  
Low Windshield and Headlamp  
Washer System Fluid Level  
Warning Lamp  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the warning lamp comes on and goes  
out with the engine running.  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the warning lamp comes on and goes  
out with the engine running.  
Note:  
If the warning lamp does not go out  
after starting the engine, or if it comes  
on while driving, then the coolant level  
has dropped below the required level. If  
no leaks are noticeable and the engine  
temperature does not increase, continue  
to drive to the nearest service station  
and have coolant added to the coolant  
system (see Index).  
Do not drive without coolant in the  
cooling system. The engine will  
If the warning lamp comes on with  
the engine running, the level of the  
reservoir has dropped to approx. 1/4  
of the total volume. The reservoir  
should be refilled with MB Windshield  
Washer Concentrate "S" and water  
(or commercially available premixed  
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze,  
depending on ambient temperature -  
see Index) at the next opportunity.  
The reservoir for the windshield and  
headlamp washer system is located in  
the engine compartment next to the  
radiator.  
overheat causing major engine damage.  
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge  
while driving.  
Warning!  
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine  
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene  
glycol which may burn if it comes  
into contact with hot engine parts.  
You can be seriously burned.  
The low engine coolant level warning  
light should not be ignored. Extended  
driving with the light illuminated may  
cause serious engine damage not  
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited  
Warranty.  
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Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator  
Lamp  
Seat Belt Warning Lamp  
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the warning lamp comes on and an  
audible warning sounds for a short time  
if the driver's seat belt is not fastened.  
The brake pad wear indicator lamp in  
the instrument cluster comes on when  
the key in the steering lock is turned to  
position 2 and goes out when the  
engine is running.  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, a dim indicator lamp comes on, and  
goes out when the engine is running.  
With the key in steering lock position 2  
or with the engine running, a bright  
illumination of this lamp indicates an  
exterior lamp failure.  
After starting the engine, the warning  
lamp blinks for a brief period to remind  
the driver and passengers to fasten seat  
belts before driving off.  
If the indicator lamp lights up during  
braking, this indicates that the front  
wheel brake pads are worn down.  
If an exterior lamp fails, the indicator  
lamp will come on only when that  
lamp is switched on.  
Have the brake system checked at your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as  
soon as possible.  
If a brake or turn signal lamp fails, the  
lamp failure indicator will come on  
when applying the brake or actuating  
the turn signal and stay on until the  
engine is turned off.  
Note:  
The indicator lamp will also come on if  
an incorrect bulb is installed.  
If additional lighting equipment is  
installed (e.g. auxiliary headlamps etc.)  
be certain to connect into the fuse before  
the failure indicator monitoring unit in  
order to avoid damaging the system.  
92  
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Brake Warning Lamp  
When the minimum mark on the  
reservoir is reached, have the brake  
system checked for brake pad thickness  
and leaks.  
The brake warning lamp will come on  
with the key in steering lock position  
2 and should go out when the engine  
is running.  
To test the brake warning lamp, turn  
key in steering lock to position 2. The  
brake warning lamp comes on, and  
should go out when the engine is  
running.  
The brake warning lamp will come  
on:  
when there is insufficient brake  
fluid in the reservoir (engine  
running and parking brake  
released) or  
when the parking brake is set  
(engine running).  
Flexible Service System (FSS)  
Warning!  
The FSS permits a flexible service  
schedule that is directly related to the  
operating conditions of the vehicle.  
Driving with the brake warning lamp  
on can result in an accident. Have  
your brake system checked  
The symbol  
or  
appears in  
immediately if the brake warning  
lamp stays on. Don't add brake fluid  
before checking the brake system.  
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir  
can result in spilling brake fluid on  
hot engine parts and the brake fluid  
catching fire. You can be seriously  
burned.  
the main odometer field prior to the  
next suggested service.  
Depending on operating conditions  
throughout the year, the next service is  
calculated and displayed in days or  
distance remaining.  
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The message is displayed for approx.  
1C) seconds when turning the key in  
steering lock to position 2, or it can be  
canceled manually by pressing button  
(1).  
The counter can also be set by any  
individual. To do so:  
Notes:  
When disconnecting vehicle battery for  
one or more days at a time, such days  
will not be counted. Any such days not  
counted by the FSS can be added by  
your Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
1. Turn key in steering lock to  
position 2.  
Once the suggested term has passed, the  
2. Within 4 seconds press button (1)  
message plus symbol  
or  
,
twice.  
preceded by a – (minus symbol) blinks,  
when turning the key to position 2.  
The interval between services is  
determined by the kind of vehicle  
operation. Driving at extreme speeds,  
and cold starts combined with short  
distance driving in which the engine  
does not reach normal operating  
temperature, reduce the interval  
between services.  
3. The present status for days or  
distance is displayed. Within  
10 seconds turn key in steering  
lock to position 0.  
The FSS display can also be called up  
for approx. 10 seconds with display  
illuminated by pressing button (1) twice.  
4. Press and hold button (1), while  
turning key in steering lock to  
position 2 again. The present  
status for days or distance is  
displayed once more. Continue  
to hold button (1).  
Following a completed service the  
Mercedes-Benz dealer sets the counter to  
10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and  
365 days.  
The FSS allows for distances between  
10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and  
15 000 miles (Canada: 22 500 km), or  
from 365 to 730 days between services.  
After approx. 10 seconds a signal  
sounds, and the display shows 10  
000 miles (Canada: 15 000km).  
However you choose to set your  
reference numbers, the scheduled  
services as posted in the Service  
Booklet must be followed to properly  
care for your vehicle.  
5. Release button (1).  
If the FSS counter was inadvertently  
reset, have a Mercedes-Benz dealer  
correct it.  
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)  
Important!  
ABS Control  
Warning!  
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in  
the instrument cluster comes on with  
the key in steering lock position 2 and  
should go out when the engine is  
running.  
Even the ABS cannot prevent the  
natural laws of physics from acting  
on the vehicle. The ABS cannot  
The ABS improves steering control of  
the vehicle during braking maneuvers.  
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather  
use firm, steady brake pedal pressure.  
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the  
purpose for ABS and significantly  
reduces braking effectiveness.  
prevent accidents, including those  
resulting from excessive speed in  
turns, following another vehicle too  
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe,  
attentive, and skillful driver can  
prevent accidents. The capabilities of  
an ABS equipped car must never be  
exploited in a reckless or dangerous  
manner which could jeopardize the  
user's safety or the safety of others.  
If the charging voltage falls below 10  
volts, the malfunction indicator lamp  
comes on and the ABS is switched off.  
When the voltage is above this value  
again, the malfunction indicator lamp  
should go out and the ABS is  
The ABS prevents the wheels from  
locking up above a vehicle speed of  
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)  
operational.  
independent of road surface conditions.  
With the ABS malfunctioning, the  
ESP, if vehicle so equipped, is also  
switched off. Both malfunction  
indicator lamps come on with the  
engine running  
Note:  
At the instant one of the wheels is  
about to lock up, a slight pulsation can  
be felt in the brake pedal, indicating  
that the ABS is in the regulating mode.  
Keep firm and steady pressure on the  
brake pedal while experiencing the  
pulsation.  
To alert following vehicles to slippery  
road conditions you discover, operate  
your hazard warning flashers as  
appropriate.  
If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp  
does not go out or comes on while  
driving, it indicates that the ABS has  
detected a malfunction and has  
switched off. In this case, the brake  
system functions in the usual manner,  
but without antilock assistance.  
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will  
respond even with light brake pedal  
pressure because of the increased  
likelihood of locking wheels. The  
pulsating brake pedal can be an  
indication of hazardous road conditions  
and functions as a reminder to take  
extra care while driving.  
Have the system checked at your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as  
soon as possible.  
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Brake Assist System (BAS)  
Warning!  
The Brake Assist System is designed to  
maximize the vehicle's braking  
capability during emergency braking  
maneuvers by having maximum power  
boost applied to the brakes more  
quickly in emergency braking  
conditions than might otherwise be  
afforded solely by the driver's braking  
style. This can help reduce braking  
distances over what ordinary driving  
and braking style might do. The BAS  
complements the Antilock Brake  
System (ABS).  
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator  
lamp comes on while the engine is  
running, a malfunction has been  
detected in either system. As a result, it  
is possible that now only partial engine  
output will be available, and pressing  
the accelerator pedal will require more  
effort. If the BAS malfunctions, the  
brake system functions in the usual  
manner, but without BAS.  
BAS cannot prevent the natural  
Saws of physics from acting on the  
vehicle, nor can it increase braking  
efficiency beyond that afforded by  
the condition of the vehicle brakes  
and tires or the traction afforded.  
The BAS cannot prevent accidents,  
including those resulting from  
If the charging voltage falls below 10  
volts, the malfunction indicator lamp  
comes on and the BAS is switched off.  
When the voltage is above this value  
again, the malfunction indicator lamp  
should go out and the BAS is  
excessive speed in turns, following  
another vehicle too closely, or  
aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive,  
and skillful driver can prevent  
accidents. The capabilities of a BAS  
equipped car must never be exploited  
in a reckless or dangerous manner  
which could jeopardize the user's  
safety or the safety of others.  
To receive the benefit of the system  
you must apply continuous full braking  
power during the stopping sequence.  
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.  
operational.  
Once the brake pedal is released, the  
BAS is deactivated  
With the ABS malfunctioning, the  
BAS or ESP is also switched off. Both  
malfunctions indicator lamps come on  
with the engine running.  
The indicator lamps for the ESP are  
combined with the BAS indicator  
lamp.  
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as  
soon as possbile.  
The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator  
lamp in the instrument cluster come on  
with the key in steering lock position 2  
and should go out with the engine  
running.  
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Electronic Stability Program (ESP)  
Notes:  
Driving the vehicle with varied size  
tires will cause the wheels to rotate at  
different speeds, therefore the  
electronic stability program may  
activate (yellow ESP malfunction  
indicator lamp in instrument cluster  
comes on). For this reason, all wheels,  
including the spare wheel, must have  
the same tire size.  
The ESP enhances directional control  
and improves traction of the vehicle  
under any driving condition.  
The indicator lamp for the ESP is  
combined with that of the BAS.  
With the key in steering lock position  
2, the yellow BAS/ESP malfunction  
indicator lamps in the instrument  
cluster and the yellow warning lamp in  
the speedometer dial come on. They  
must go out when the engine is  
running.  
Over/understeering of the vehicle is  
counteracted by applying brakes to the  
left or right side wheels. The ESP  
warning lamp, located in the  
speedometer dial, starts to flash.  
When testing the parking brake on a  
brake test dynamometer, the engine  
must be shut off. Otherwise, the  
electronic stability program will  
immediately be engaged and will apply  
the rear wheel brakes.  
Important!  
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator  
lamp comes on with the engine  
running, a malfunction has been  
detected in either system. Pressing the  
accelerator pedal will require greater  
effort. Only partial engine output will  
be available.  
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt  
your speed and driving to the prevailing  
road conditions.  
In winter operation, the maximum  
effectiveness of the electronic stability  
program is only achieved with  
Mercedes-Benz recommended M + S  
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.  
Caution!  
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle  
raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index),  
the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,  
the electronic stability program will  
immediately be engaged and will apply  
the rear wheel brakes.  
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as  
soon as possible.  
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP  
is also switched off.  
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With the ESP system switched off, the  
engine torque reduction feature is  
cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced  
vehicle stability offered by ESP is  
unavailable.  
The ESP warning lamp, located in the  
speedometer dial, starts to flash at any  
vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose  
traction and the wheels begin to spin.  
To switch off: press lower half of the  
switch (the ESP warning lamp in the  
speedometer dial goes out).  
Adapt your speed and driving to the  
prevailing road conditions.  
To return to the enhance vehicle  
A portion of the ESP system remains  
active, even with the switch in the OFF  
position.  
stability offered by ESP: press lower  
half of the switch (the ESP warning  
lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).  
If one drive wheel loses traction and  
begins to spin, the brake is applied  
until the wheel regains sufficient  
traction. The traction control engages  
at vehicle speeds up to approximately  
24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at  
50 mph (80 km/h).  
Important!  
If the ESP warning lamp flashes:  
ESP Control Switch  
during take-off, apply as little  
throttle as possible,  
while driving, ease up on the  
accelerator.  
ESP control switch located in center  
console  
To improve the vehicle's traction when  
driving with snow chains, or starting  
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press  
the upper half of the ESP switch. The  
ESP warning lamp, located in the  
speedometer dial, is continuously  
illuminated.  
Note:  
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel.  
Doing so may cause serious damage to  
the drive train which is not covered by  
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.  
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Adaptive Damping System (ADS)  
Adaptive Damping System  
Adjustment  
Depending upon road surface  
conditions, load, driving style, ADS  
will automatically adjust the optimal  
ride firmness.  
The switch is located in the center  
console.  
1
Firm dampening program.  
This setting should be used for  
sporty driving.  
The malfunction indicator lamp comes  
on with the key in steering lock  
position 2 and goes out when the  
engine is running.  
During the setting for sporty  
driving the indicator lamp in the  
switch lights up.  
If the malfunction indicator lamp stays  
on after the engine is running or comes  
on while driving, then the system has  
detected a malfunction.  
2
Soft dampening program.  
This setting should be used for  
regular driving.  
We recommend that you visit an  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as  
soon as possible to have the system  
checked out.  
Note:  
If the power supply was interrupted  
(battery disconnected or empty), the  
malfunction indicator lamp will light  
up when the engine is running.  
Turn the steering wheel from full left  
to full right lock position. The light  
should go out.  
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Emission Control  
Warning!  
On-Board Diagnostic System  
Certain systems of the engine serve to  
keep certain components of the exhaust  
gases within permissible limits  
required by law.  
Inhalation of exhaust gas is  
The Sequential Multiport Fuel  
hazardous to your health. All  
exhaust gas contains carbon  
Injection (SFI) control module  
monitors emission control components  
that either provide input signals to or  
receive output signals from the control  
module. Malfunctions resulting from  
interruptions or failure of any of these  
components are indicated by the  
"CHECK ENGINE" malfunction  
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster  
and are simultaneously stored in the  
SFI control module.  
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause  
unconsciousness and lead to death.  
These systems, of course, will function  
properly only when maintained strictly  
according to factory specifications.  
Any adjustments on the engine should,  
therefore, be carried out only by  
qualified Mercedes-Benz technicians.  
Engine adjustments should not be  
altered in any way. Moreover, the  
specified service and maintenance jobs  
must be carried out regularly according  
to Mercedes-Benz servicing  
Do not run the engine in confined  
areas (such as a garage) which are  
not properly ventilated. If you think  
that exhaust gas fumes are entering  
the vehicle while driving, have the  
cause determined and corrected  
immediately. If you must drive  
under these conditions, drive only  
with at least one window fully open.  
If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction  
indicator lamp comes on, have the  
system checked at your authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as  
possible.  
requirements. For details refer to the  
Maintenance Booklet.  
An on-board diagnostic connector  
allows the accurate identification of  
system malfunctions through the  
readout of diagnostic trouble codes.  
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Traveling Abroad  
• Additive for the windshield washer  
and headlamp cleaning system: Add  
MB Concentrate "S" to a premixed  
windshield washer solvent/  
Snow Chains  
Abroad, there is a widely-spread  
Use only snow chains that are tested  
and recommended by Mercedes-Benz.  
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer  
will be glad to advise you on this  
subject.  
Mercedes-Benz service network at your  
disposal. If you plan to travel into areas  
which are not listed in the index of  
your dealer directory, you should  
request pertinent information from your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
antifreeze which is formulated for  
below freezing temperatures (see  
Index).  
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops  
with decreasing ambient  
Chains should only be used on the rear  
wheels. Follow the manufacturer's  
mounting instructions.  
Winter Driving  
temperature. A well charged battery  
ensures that the engine can always  
be started, even at low ambient  
temperatures.  
Have your car winterized at your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer  
before the onset of winter.  
Snow chains should only be driven on  
snow covered roads at speeds not to  
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove  
chains as soon as possible when driving  
on roads without snow.  
• Tires: We recommend M + S radial  
tires on all four wheels for the  
Change the engine oil if the  
engine contains an oil which is  
not approved for winter operation.  
For viscosity (SAE class) and  
filling quantity, see Capacities:  
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. in  
Index.  
winter season. Observe permissible  
maximum speed for M + S radial  
tires and the legal speed limit.  
For tips on driving on slippery winter  
roads, refer to Index.  
Note:  
When driving with snow chains,  
press the ASR control switch or the  
ESP control switch, refer to Index.  
In winter operation, the maximum  
effectiveness of the electronic stability  
program can only be achieved with  
M+S radial-ply tires and/or snow chains  
recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Snow  
chains maximize performance.  
Check engine coolant anticorrosion/  
antifreeze concentration.  
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102  
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Practical Hints  
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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.  
The engine is equipped with a  
transistorized ignition system.  
Because of the high voltage it is  
dangerous to touch any components  
(ignition coil, distributor, spark plug  
sockets, ignition cables, diagnostic  
socket) of the ignition system  
Hood  
Pull handle (2) out of radiator grill to  
stop and open hood. Do not lift hood at  
louvers of grill! Make certain the  
windshield wiper arm is not folded  
forward.  
with the engine running,  
while starting the engine,  
if the ignition is "on" and the  
engine is turned manually.  
To open:  
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1)  
under the driver's side of the instrument  
panel. At the same time handle (2) will  
extend out of the radiator grill (it may be  
necessary to lift the hood up slightly).  
If you see flames, steam or smoke  
coming from the engine  
compartment, or if the coolant  
temperature gauge indicates that the  
engine is overheated, do not open the  
hood. Move away from vehicle and, if  
necessary, call a fire department.  
To close:  
Lower hood and let it drop into lock  
from a height of approx. 30 cm (1 ft).  
Do not press down on hood with hands.  
Caution!  
To avoid damage to the windshield  
wipers or hood, open the hood only  
with wipers in the parked position.  
To avoid hood damage, if hood is not  
fully closed, repeat closing procedure.  
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Adding Coolant.  
• Do not remove pressure cap on  
coolant reservoir if engine  
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50  
mixture of water and MB anticorrosion/  
antifreeze should be added.  
temperature is above 90°C (194°F).  
Allow engine to cool down before  
removing cap. The coolant  
reservoir contains hot fluid and is  
under pressure.  
The drain plugs for the cooling system  
are located on the right and left sides  
of the engine block and at the bottom of  
the radiator.  
Using a rag, slowly open cap  
approximately 1/2 turn to relieve  
excess pressure. If opened  
immediately, scalding hot fluid  
and steam will be blown out  
under pressure.  
Anticorrosion/antifreeze, see Coolants  
in Index  
Warning!  
Do not spill antifreeze on hot  
engine parts. Antifreeze contains  
ethylene glycol which may burn if  
it comes into contact with hot  
engine parts.  
Checking Coolant Level  
In order to avoid possibly serious  
burns:  
To check the coolant level, the vehicle  
must be parked on level ground and the  
engine stopped.  
• Use extreme caution when opening  
the hood if there are any signs of  
steam or coolant leaking from the  
cooling system, or if the coolant  
temperature gauge indicates that  
the coolant is overheated.  
Check coolant level only when coolant  
is cold.  
The coolant should reach the top of the  
tab inside the filler neck.  
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Check engine oil level approximately 5  
minutes after stopping the engine,  
allowing for the oil to return to the oil  
pan.  
Automatic Transmission Fluid  
Level  
The transmission has a permanent  
fill of automatic transmission fluid.  
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.  
Regular automatic transmission fluid  
level checks and changes are not  
required. For this reason the dipstick  
is omitted.  
Oil level must be between  
the lower (min) and  
upper(max) mark of the  
dipstick  
When noticing fluid loss or gear  
shifting malfunctions, have your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer  
check the transmission fluid level.  
Checking Engine Oil Level  
1 Oil dipstick  
Fill quantity between upper and lower  
dipstick marking level is approximately  
2.1 US qt (2.0 l).  
2 Oil filler cap  
To check the engine oil level, park  
vehicle on level ground, with engine at  
normal operational temperature.  
Do not overfill the engine. Excessive  
oil must be drained or siphoned. It  
could cause damage to engine and  
catalytic converter not covered by the  
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.  
For low engine oil level warning lamp,  
see Index.  
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If the trunk is to remain open for a long  
period of time, the trunk lamp can be  
switched off. This prevents the vehicle  
battery from being discharged.  
When the trunk lid is closed, the switch  
will reset and turn on the lamp next  
time the lid is opened.  
When switching the lamp off, the trunk  
lid handle also retracts. The handle  
extends when switching the lamp on.  
Spare Wheel  
First Aid Kit  
1 Trunk floor  
2 Strap  
3 Luggage bowl  
1 Opening lid  
The first aid kit is stored in the shelf  
below the rear window.  
Roll back the floor mat. Lift the trunk  
floor (1) and engage strap (2) in the  
eyelet on the edge of the trunk lid.  
To remove the spare tire, turn luggage  
bowl (3) to the left and remove.  
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Warning!  
The jack is designed exclusively for  
jacking up the vehicle at the jack  
tubes built into either side of the  
vehicle. Use the jack only to lift the  
vehicle during a wheel change. Never  
get beneath the vehicle while it is  
supported by the jack. Keep hands  
and feet away from the area under  
the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set  
parking brake and block wheels  
before raising vehicle with jack.  
Do not disengage parking brake  
while the vehicle is raised. Be certain  
that the jack is always vertical when  
in use, especially on hills. Always try  
to use the jack on level surface. Be  
sure that the jack arm is fully  
inserted in the jack tube. Always  
lower the vehicle onto sufficient  
capacity jackstands before working  
under the vehicle.  
Vehicle Jack  
Vehicle Tools, Storage  
Compartment below Tool Box  
1 Jack arm  
2 Jack base  
1 Lock tool box lid  
2 Unlock tool box lid  
See illustration for proper storage of  
jack.  
To open the storage compartment:  
Lift out tool box.  
Before storing the jack on the felt in  
the spare wheel well, the jack arm  
must be lowered almost to the base of  
the jack.  
To insert the tool box:  
Position rear end of tool box, press  
down its front end.  
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Wheels  
Tire Replacement  
Warning!  
Replace rims or tires with the same  
designation, manufacturer and type as  
shown on the original part. See your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for  
further information.  
Front tires should be replaced in sets.  
Furthermore - in the event of tire  
replacement - the spare wheel, if  
possible, should be used on the rear  
axle. Rims and tires must be of the same  
size and type. For dimensions, see  
"Technical Data".  
Worn, old tires can cause accidents.  
If the fire tread is badly worn, or if  
the tires have sustained damage,  
replace them.  
When replacing rims, use only  
genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts  
(identified by Mercedes star)  
specified for the particular rim type.  
Failure to do so can result in the  
bolts loosening and possibly an  
accident.  
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz  
dealer for information on tested and  
recommended rims and tires for  
summer and winter operation. They  
can also offer advice concerning tire  
service and purchase.  
We recommend that you break in new  
tires for approx. 60 miles (100 km) at  
moderate speed.  
It is imperative that the wheel mounting  
bolts be fastened to a tightening torque  
of 110 ft.lb. (150 Nm) whenever wheels  
are mounted.  
Rotating Wheels  
The wheels can be rotated according to  
the degree of tire wear while retaining  
the same direction of travel.  
For rim and tire specifications, refer to  
"Technical Data".  
Rotating, however, should be carried  
out at a mileage of 3000 -6000 miles  
(5000 - 10 000 km), before the  
characteristic tire wear pattern  
(shoulder wear on front wheels and  
tread center wear on rear wheels)  
becomes visible, as otherwise the  
driving properties deteriorate.  
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Important!  
Warning!  
Changing Wheels  
Unidirectional snow tires must always  
be mounted with arrow on tire sidewall  
pointing in direction of vehicle forward  
movement.  
The jack is designed exclusively for  
jacking up the vehicle at the jack  
tubes built into either side of the  
vehicle. To help avoid personal  
injury, use the jack only to lift the  
vehicle during a wheel change. Never  
get beneath the vehicle while it is  
supported by the jack. Keep hands  
and feet away from the area under  
the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set  
parking brake and block wheels  
before raising vehicle with jack.  
Move vehicle to a level area which is a  
safe distance from the roadway.  
1. Set parking brake and turn on  
hazard warning flasher.  
Note:  
2. Move selector lever to position  
"P" and turn off engine.  
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the  
wheels any time you rotate the wheels  
or wash the vehicle underside.  
3. Prevent vehicle from rolling away  
by blocking wheels with wheel  
chocks (not supplied with vehicle)  
or sizable wood block or stone.  
When changing a wheel on a hill,  
place chocks on the downhill side  
blocking both wheels of the other  
axle. On a level road, place one  
chock in front of and one be hind  
the wheel that is diagonally  
The use of retread tires is not  
recommended. Retread tires may  
adversely affect the handling  
Do not disengage parking brake  
while the vehicle is raised. Be certain  
that the jack is always vertical when  
in use, especially on hills. Always try  
to use the jack on level surface. Be  
sure that the jack arm is fully  
inserted in the jack tube. Always  
lower the vehicle onto sufficient  
capacity jackstands before working  
under the vehicle.  
characteristics and safety of the vehicle.  
Dented or bent rims can cause tire  
pressure loss and damage to the tire  
beads. For this reason, check rims for  
damage at regular intervals. The rim  
flanges must be checked for wear before  
a tire is mounted. Remove burrs, if any.  
Check and correct tire inflation pressure  
after rotating the wheels. For Tire  
Inflation Pressure refer to Index.  
opposite to the wheel being  
changed.  
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4. Remove lug wrench (1) and  
extension (2) from tool kit and  
assemble. Loosen but do not yet  
remove the wheel bolts.  
The tube openings are located  
directly behind the front wheel  
housings and in front of the rear  
wheel housings.  
7. Jack up the vehicle until the wheel  
is clear of the ground. Never start  
engine while vehicle is raised.  
8. Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt  
and install alignment bolt (1)  
supplied in the tool kit. Remove  
the remaining bolts. Keep bolt  
threads protected from dirt and  
sand.  
5. Remove the protective cover from  
the jack support tube opening by  
inserting a screw driver in the  
opening and prying it out.  
6. Insert jack arm fully into the tube  
hole up to the stop. Place jack on  
firm ground. Position the jack so  
that it is always vertical (plumb-  
line) as seen from the side (see  
arrow), even if the vehicle is parked  
on an incline.  
9. Remove wheel. Grip wheel from the  
sides. Keep hands from beneath the  
wheels.  
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Warning!  
Always replace wheel bolts that are  
damaged or rusted.  
Never apply oil or grease to wheel  
bolts.  
Damaged wheel hub threads should  
be repaired immediately.  
Incorrect mounting bolts or  
improperly tightened mounting bolts  
can cause the wheel to come off. This  
could cause an accident. Be sure to  
use the correct mounting bolts.  
10. Clean contact surfaces of  
wheel and wheel hub. Install  
spare wheel on wheel hub.  
Insert wheel bolts and tighten  
them slightly.  
12. Using the wrench, tighten the  
five bolts evenly, following the  
sequence illustrated above, until  
all bolts are tight. Observe a  
tightening torque of 110 ft.lb.  
(150 Nm).  
To avoid paint damage, place  
wheel flat against hub and hold it  
there while installing first wheel  
bolt.  
13. Correct tire pressure.  
Unscrew the alignment bolt (1) to  
install the last wheel bolt.  
11. Lower car. Remove jack and  
insert jack tube cover.  
Before storing the jack, the jack arm  
must be lowered almost to the base of  
the jack  
112  
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Tire Inflation Pressure  
with lighter loads and are perfectly  
permissible. The ride of the vehicle,  
however, will become somewhat  
harder.  
Warning!  
A table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tire  
inflation pressures specified for  
summer and winter tires as well as for  
the varying operating conditions.  
Do not overinflate tires,  
Overinflating tires can result in  
sudden deflation (blow-out) because  
they are more likely to become  
punctured or damaged by road  
debris, potholes, etc. Follow recom-  
mended inflation pressures.  
Tire temperature and pressure increase  
with the vehicle speed. Tire pressure  
should therefore only be corrected on  
cold tires. Correct tire pressure in  
warm tires only if pressure has  
dropped below the pressure listed in  
the table and the respective operating  
conditions are taken into  
Important!  
Tire pressure differs by approx. 0.1 bar  
(1.5 psi) per 10°C (18°F) of air  
temperature change. Keep this in mind  
when checking tire pressure inside a  
garage especially in the winter.  
Do not overload the tires by  
exceeding the specified vehicle  
capacity weight (as indicated by the  
label on the driver's door latch post).  
Overloading the tires can overheat  
them, possibly causing a blow-out.  
consideration.  
Example:  
An underinflated tire due to a slow  
leak (e.g. due to a nail in the tire) may  
cause damage such as tread separation,  
bulging, etc.. Regular tire pressure  
checks (including the spare tire) at  
intervals of no more than 14 days are  
therefore essential.  
If garage temperature =  
approx. + 20°C ( + 68°F) and  
ambient temperature =  
approx. 0°C ( + 32°F) then the  
adjusted air pressure =  
specified air pressure + 0.2 bar (+ 3 psi).  
If a tire constantly loses air, it should  
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  
113  
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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  
6
Headlamp horizontal adjustment  
screw  
1 Cover for low beam headlamp  
bulb and fog lamp  
7
8
Scale for horizontal adjustment  
2 Latch for cover (1)  
Electrical connector for low  
beam headlamp bulb  
3 Cover for high beam headlamp  
and level for vertical adjustment  
9
Electrical connector for fog lamp  
bulb  
4 Latch for cover (3)  
10 Electrical connector for high beam  
5 Headlamp vertical adjustment  
headlamp bulb  
screw  
114  
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Replacing bulb:  
Bulb for Low Beam (Xenon)  
Bulb for high beam H1 (55 W)  
Warning!  
Open hood.  
To prevent a possible electrical short  
circuit, switch off lamp prior to  
replacing a bulb.  
Because of high voltage in Xenon  
lamps, it is dangerous to replace  
the bulb or repair the lamp and its  
components. We recommend that  
you have such work done by a  
qualified technician.  
Depress latch (2) and remove  
cover (1).  
Pull off electrical connector (9).  
Unhook clamping ring and remove  
bulb.  
When replacing bulbs, install only 12  
volt bulbs with the specified watt  
rating.  
Bulb for High Beam H1 (55 W) Open  
hood.  
Insert new bulb (seating properly in  
cutouts of bulb socket), and mount  
clamping ring. Reinstall and push  
electrical connector on securely.  
When replacing halogen bulbs do not  
touch glass portion of bulb with bare  
hands. Use plain paper or a clean cloth.  
Depress latch (4) and remove cover (3).  
Pull off electrical connector (10).  
Warning!  
Reinstall bottom end of cover (1) and  
push against top end of cover until  
properly seated.  
Halogen lamps contain pressurized  
gas. A bulb can explode if you:  
Unhook clamping ring and remove  
bulb.  
Check lamp for proper operation.  
touch or move it when hot,  
• drop the bulb,  
scratch the bulb.  
Insert new bulb (seating properly in  
cutouts of bulb socket), and mount  
clamping ring. Reinstall and push  
electrical connector on securely.  
Reinstall bottom end of cover (3) and  
push against top end of cover until  
properly seated.  
Check lamp for proper operation.  
115  
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Turn Signal, Parking, Side Marker  
and Standing Lamp  
(2357 NA [28.5/8.3 W/30/2.2 cp] bulb)  
1 Latch for turn signal, parking,  
side marker and standing lamp  
assembly  
Open hood.  
2 Bulb socket for turn signal, parking,  
side marker and standing lamp  
Squeeze latch (1) together and lift  
complete lamp assembly out to front  
of vehicle. Twist bulb socket (2)  
counterclockwise and pull out. Push  
bulb into socket, turn counterclockwise  
and remove.  
3 Tab  
4 Guide  
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and  
twist clockwise. Reinstall bulb socket.  
Reinstall lamp assembly by sliding tabs  
(3) into guides (4) until properly  
seated.  
116  
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Adjusting Headlamp  
1. Park vehicle on level surface  
approximately 6 inches (152 mm)  
from a vertical test screen or wall.  
The centerline of the vehicle must be  
at a 90° angle to the test screen.  
3. Move vehicle on the level surface 25  
feet (7.6 m) straight back from the  
wall.  
4. Open hood, depress latch (1) and  
remove access cover (2) from the  
headlamp.  
5. Turn key in steering lock to position  
2.  
6. Vertical headlamp aim (low beams  
on): Turn adjusting screw (3)  
(counterclockwise to adjust  
headlamp downward, clockwise  
upward) until bubble in the level (4)  
is centered on the "0" mark.  
Correct headlamp adjustment is  
extremely important. To check and  
readjust a headlamp do the following:  
Horizontal aim will change and must  
be corrected as described below,  
whenever a vertical adjustment is  
made.  
2. Using a "T" square and a carpenter's  
level align and mark a vertical  
centerline (10) on the test screen  
using the outer reference point (low  
beam) found on each headlamp lens.  
As a check, the distance between  
centerlines should be 52 3/8 inches  
(1328 mm).  
• Adjustments to low beam  
simultaneously aim the high beam  
and fog lamp.  
• Vehicle should have a normal trunk  
load.  
Graduations: 0.18° pitch.  
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7. Horizontal headlamp aim (low  
beams on):  
Turn adjusting screw (5) (Right  
front headlamp: counterclockwise to  
adjust to the left, clockwise to the  
right; left front headlamp:  
counterclockwise to adjust to the  
right, clockwise to the left.) 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 (10) of each lamp.  
The left and right headlamps must  
be adjusted individually.  
8. The indicator (6 and 8) in the sight  
glass should align with the "0" mark  
after any horizontal adjustment. If it  
does not, slide the "0" mark on the  
scale (7 and 9) until it aligns with  
the indicator (6 and 8).  
Graduations: 0.38° pitch.  
9. Reinstall access cover (2).  
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Taillamp Assemblies  
6 Trunk lamp (10 W/6 cp bulb)  
7 Cover  
License Plate Lamps  
(5 W bulb)  
1 Turn signal lamp  
(21 W/24 cp bulb)  
Loosen both securing screws (1),  
remove lamp and take out bulb.  
To replace bulbs:  
2 Stop, side marker lamp  
(21/5 W/32/2 cp bulb)  
Open trunk lid. Swing cover (7) aside.  
Twist bulb socket counterclockwise  
and pull out. Push bulb into socket,  
turn counterclockwise and remove.  
3 Tail, parking, standing lamp  
(5 W/4 cp bulb)  
4 Driver's side: Rear fog lamp  
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and  
twist clockwise. Reinstall bulb socket.  
(21 W/32 cp bulb)  
5 Backup lamp  
(21 W/32 cp bulb)  
119  
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Battery  
The service life of the battery is  
dependent on its condition of charge.  
The battery should always be kept  
sufficiently charged, in order to last an  
optimum length of time.  
While the engine is running the battery  
terminal clamps must not be loosened  
or detached, otherwise the generator  
and other electronic components would  
be damaged.  
Warning!  
Failure to follow these instructions  
can result in severe injury or death.  
Never lean over batteries while  
connecting, you might get injured.  
Therefore, we strongly recommend  
that you have the battery charge  
checked frequently, and corrected if  
necessary, especially if you use the  
vehicle less than approximately 200  
miles (300 km) per month, mostly for  
short distance trips, or if it is not  
used for long periods of time.  
Note:  
After reconnecting the battery also  
resynchronize the Express feature of  
the power windows and the Adaptive  
Damping System (ADS) (see Power  
Windows and ADS in Index).  
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid.  
Do not allow this fluid to come in  
contact with eyes, skin or clothing.  
In case it does, immediately flush  
affected area with water and seek  
medical help if necessary.  
Battery Recycling  
Only charge a battery with a battery  
charger after the battery has been  
disconnected from the vehicle  
electrical circuit.  
A battery will also produce  
hydrogen gas, which is flammable  
and explosive. Keep flames or sparks  
away from battery, avoid improper  
connection of jumper cables,  
smoking etc..  
Batteries contain materials that can  
harm the environment with improper  
disposal.  
Always disconnect the battery negative  
lead first and connect last.  
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain  
lead.  
The maintenance-free battery is located  
in the trunk under the right-hand wheel  
well cover panel.  
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 and its vent tube must always  
be securely installed when the car is in  
operation.  
Recycling of batteries is the preferred  
method of disposal.  
Many states require sellers of batteries  
to accept old batteries for recycling.  
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Jump Starting  
Warning!  
Failure to follow these directions  
will cause damage to the electronic  
components, and can lead to a  
battery explosion and personal  
injury.  
Never lean over batteries while  
connecting or jump starting, you  
might get injured.  
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid.  
Do not allow this fluid to come in  
contact with eyes, skin or clothing.  
In case it does, immediately flush  
affected area with water, and seek  
medical help if necessary.  
Main fuse box in engine compartment  
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk behind  
right side cover  
Fuses  
Always use a new fuse for replacement.  
Never attempt to repair or bridge a  
blown fuse.  
Before replacing a blown fuse,  
determine the cause of the short circuit.  
A battery will also produce hydrogen  
gas, which is flammable and very  
explosive. Keep flames or sparks  
away from battery, avoid improper  
connection of jumper cables,  
smoking etc..  
Spare fuses are supplied inside the  
main fuse box. Observe amperage and  
color of fuse.  
After replacing a blown fuse, close  
fuse box cover.  
Read all instructions before  
proceeding.  
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If the battery is discharged, the engine  
should be started with jumper cables and  
the (12V) battery of another vehicle.  
Important!  
6. After the engine has started,  
remove jumper cables by exactly  
reversing the above installation  
sequence, starting with the last  
connection made first. When  
removing each clamp, make sure  
that it does not touch any other  
metal while the other end is still  
attached.  
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper  
cable to the positive (+) terminal of  
the discharged battery and the other  
end to the positive (+) terminal of the  
charged battery. Make sure the cable  
clamps do not touch any other metal  
parts.  
The battery is located in the trunk behind  
the right-hand cover panel.  
Proceed as follows:  
1. Position the vehicle with the charged  
battery so that the jumper cables will  
reach, but never let the vehicles  
touch. Make sure the jumper cables  
do not have loose or missing  
insulation.  
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper  
cable to the grounded negative (-)  
terminal of the charged battery and  
the final connection to the negative  
(-) terminal of the discharged  
battery.  
Important!  
A discharged battery can freeze at  
approx. +14°F (-10°C). In that case, it  
must be thawed out before jumper  
cables are used. A frozen battery can  
explode and cause personal injury.  
2. On both vehicles:  
Important!  
• Turn off engine and all lights and  
accessories, except hazard  
warning flashers or work lights.  
Jumper cable specifications:  
5. Start engine of the vehicle with  
the charged battery and run at high  
idle. Make sure the cables are not  
on or near pulleys, fans, or other  
parts that will move when the engine  
is started. Then start engine of the  
disabled vehicle in the usual manner.  
Minimum cable cross-section of  
25 mm2 or approx. 2 AWG  
• Apply parking brake and shift  
selector lever to position "P".  
Maximum length of 11.5 ft.  
(3.5 m).  
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Caution!  
To positively avoid a possibility of  
damage to the transmission, however,  
we recommend to disconnect the drive  
shaft at the rear axle drive flange on  
any towing beyond a short tow to a  
nearby garage.  
If the vehicle is towed with the front  
axle raised, the engine must be shut off.  
Otherwise, the ASR or ESP will  
immediately be engaged and will apply  
the rear wheel brakes.  
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.  
Towing with sling-type equipment  
over bumpy roads will damage radiator  
and supports.  
Warning!  
With the engine not running, there is  
no power assistance for the braking  
and steering systems. In this case, it is  
important to keep in mind that a  
considerably higher degree of effort is  
necessary to brakes and steer the  
vehicle.  
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed  
equipment, with key in steering  
lock turned to position 0.  
Towing the Vehicle  
Note:  
The rear towing eye is located at the  
right, below the bumper. The front  
towing eye is located on the passenger  
side behind a flap in the bumper panel.  
We recommend that the vehicle be  
transported using flat bed equipment.  
This method is preferable to other types  
of towing.  
To signal turns while being towed with  
hazard warning flasher in use, turn key  
in steering lock to position 2 and  
activate combination switch for left or  
right turn signal in usual manner - only  
the selected turn signal will operate.  
Flap removal: Insert finger in recess of  
flap and pull flap out.  
The vehicle may be towed with all  
wheels on the ground and the selector  
lever in position "N" for distances up to  
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to  
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). The key must  
be in steering lock position 2.  
Upon canceling the turn signal, the  
hazard flasher will operate again.  
Flap installation: Engage flap at bottom  
and press in top securely.  
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Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle  
Warning!  
More frequent washings are necessary  
to deal with unfavorable conditions; for  
example, near the ocean, in industrial  
areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or  
during winter operation.  
We have selected car care products and  
compiled recommendations which are  
specially matched to our vehicles and  
which always reflect the latest  
technology. You can obtain Mercedes-  
Benz approved, car care products at  
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
Many cleaning products can be  
hazardous. Some are poisonous,  
others are flammable. Always follow  
the instructions on the particular  
container. Always open your car's  
doors or windows when cleaning the  
inside.  
You should check your vehicle from  
time to time for stone chipping or other  
damage. Any damage should be  
repaired as soon as possible to prevent  
the start of corrosion.  
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion  
or damage due to negligent or incorrect  
care cannot always be removed or  
repaired with the car care products  
recommended here. In such cases it is  
best to seek aid at your authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
Never use fluids or solvents that are  
not designed for cleaning your car.  
In doing so, do not neglect the  
underside of the car. A prerequisite for a  
thorough check is a washing of the  
underbody followed by a thorough  
inspection. Damaged areas need to be  
re-undercoated.  
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to  
varying external influences which, if  
gone unchecked, can attack the paint-  
work as well as the underbody and cause  
lasting damage.  
The following topics deal with the  
cleaning and care of your vehicle and  
give important "how-to" information as  
well as references to Mercedes-Benz  
approved car care products.  
Your vehicle has been treated at  
the factory with a wax-base rust-  
proofing in the body cavities which  
will last for the lifetime of the  
vehicle. Post-production treatment is  
neither necessary nor recommended  
by Mercedes-Benz because of the  
possibility of incompatibility between  
materials used in the production  
process and others applied later.  
Such damage is caused not only by  
extreme and varying climatic conditions,  
but also by air pollution, road salt, tar,  
gravel and stone chipping. Grease and  
oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, bird  
droppings, tree resins etc. should be  
removed immediately to avoid paint  
damage. Frequent washing, however,  
reduces and/or eliminates the  
Additional information can be found in  
the booklet titled "Car Care".  
aggressiveness and potency of the above  
adverse influences.  
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Engine Cleaning  
Use plenty of water and rinse the  
sponge and chamois frequently.  
Tar Stains  
Prior to cleaning the engine  
compartment make sure to protect  
electrical components and connectors  
from the intrusion of water or cleaning  
agents.  
Quickly remove tar stains before they  
dry and become more difficult to  
remove. MB Tar Remover is  
recommended.  
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly  
wipe dry with a chamois. Do not allow  
cleaning agents to dry on the finish.  
Before running the vehicle through an  
automatic car wash, fold back the  
outside mirrors to prevent them from  
getting damaged.  
Window Cleaning  
Corrosion protection, such as MB  
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied  
to the engine compartment after every  
engine cleaning. Before applying, all  
control linkage bushings and joints  
should be lubricated. The poly-V-belt  
and all pulleys should be protected  
from any wax.  
Use a window cleaning solution on  
all glass surfaces. MB Glass Cleaner  
is recommended.  
If the vehicle has been run through an  
automatic car wash -in particular one  
of the older installations - rewipe the  
recessed sections in the taillamps  
(designed to prevent soiling) if  
necessary. No solvents (fuels, thinners  
etc.) must be used.  
Wiper Blades  
Clean the wiper blade rubber with a  
clean cloth and detergent solution.  
Replace blades twice a year; once  
before and once after winter.  
Car Washing  
Before washing your vehicle, remove  
insect residues. MB Insect Remover is  
recommended. Do not use hot water or  
wash your car in direct sunlight. Use  
only a mild car wash detergent, such as  
MB Autoshampoo.  
In the winter, thoroughly remove all  
traces of road salt as soon as possible.  
Headlamp Cleaning System  
When washing the underbody, do not  
forget to clean the inner sides of the  
wheels.  
The condition of the wiper blades is  
important for satisfactory cleaning of  
the headlamp lenses. We therefore  
recommend that the blades be  
inspected regularly.  
Thoroughly spray the car with a  
diffused jet of water. Direct only a very  
weak spray towards the ventilation  
intake.  
Replace damaged wiper blades.  
125  
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Plastic Parts, Headliner and Rubber  
Parts  
Instrument Cluster  
Leather Upholstery  
Use a gentle dish-washing detergent or  
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a  
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth  
moistened in lukewarm solution. Do  
not use scouring agents.  
Using aftermarket seat covers or  
wearing clothing that have the  
tendency to give off coloring (e.g.  
when wet etc.) may cause the  
upholstery to become permanently  
discolored. By lining the seats with a  
proper intermediate cover, contact-  
discoloration will be prevented.  
Do not use oil or wax on these parts. See  
separate subject for additional  
information.  
Seat Belts  
Steering Wheel and Gear  
Selector Lever  
The webbing must not be treated with  
chemical cleaning agents. Use only  
clear, lukewarm water and soap. Do not  
dry the webbing at temperatures above  
176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.  
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry  
thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-  
Benz approved Leather Care.  
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp  
cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with  
Mercedes-Benz approved Leather  
Care. Exercise particular care when  
cleaning perforated leather as its  
underside should not become wet.  
Warning!  
Hard Plastic Trim Items  
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this  
may severely weaken them. In a crash  
they may not be able to provide  
adequate protection.  
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior  
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply  
with light pressure.  
Headliner and  
Shelf below Rear Window  
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a  
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of  
excessive dirt.  
126  
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Paintwork, Painted Body  
Components  
Light Alloy Wheels  
Ornamental Moldings  
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care  
should be used for regular cleaning of  
the light alloy wheels.  
For regular cleaning and care of very  
dirty chrome-plated parts, use a chrome  
cleaner.  
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care  
should be applied when water drops on  
the paint surface do not "bead up";  
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending  
on climate and washing detergent used.  
If possible, clean wheels once a week  
with Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel  
Care using a soft bristle brush and a  
strong spray of water.  
Automatic Antenna  
For trouble-free operation of the  
automatic antenna and rear fender  
indicators, we recommend that you  
clean them periodically.  
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner  
should be applied if paint surface  
shows signs of dirt embedding (i.e. loss  
of gloss).  
Follow instructions on container.  
Note:  
Do not apply any of these products or  
wax if your car is parked in the sun or  
if the hood is still hot.  
Use only acid-free cleaning materials.  
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.).  
127  
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Testing Remote Control  
Checking Batteries:  
Change batteries, inserting new ones  
with plus (+) side facing up.  
Sychronizing System:  
To synchronize system, aim transmitter  
eye (1) at vehicle and briefly press  
If transmit button  
or  
is  
Press battery cover onto housing until  
locked in place.  
pressed longer than 1 second, the  
battery indicator lamp in the transmitter  
eye (1) briefly illuminates -indicating  
that the batteries are in order.  
transmit button  
or  
twice.  
Within approx. 30 seconds, insert key  
in steering lock and turn it to position 2.  
Important!  
Batteries contain materials that can  
harm the environment if disposed of  
improperly. Recycling of batteries is  
the preferred method of disposal. For  
disposal, please follow manufacturer's  
recommendation on battery package.  
The remote control should once again  
be operational.  
Change batteries if the indicator lamp  
does not come on.  
Changing Batteries:  
Unfold key from holder by pressing  
lock button (2). Pull off battery cover  
(3).  
Replacement battery:  
Lithium, type CR 2025 or equivalent.  
128  
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Installation:  
Push button (1) up for approximately 5  
seconds.  
Insert the head restraint and push it  
down to the stop.  
Adjust head restraint to the desired  
position.  
Warning!  
For your protection, drive only with  
properly positioned head restraints.  
Front Head Restraints  
Depress release button (2) beneath the  
seatback covering material and pull  
head restraint up sharply, holding it by  
the left head restraint post (viewed in  
driving direction).  
Do not drive the vehicle without the  
seat head restraints. Head restraints  
are intended to help reduce injuries  
during an accident.  
Removal:  
Push button (1) up to bring the head  
restraint to its highest position.  
For positioning of head restraints refer  
to sections Power Seats, Front, and  
Head Restraints, Rear in Index.  
Pull out head restraint completely with  
both hands.  
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Assemble the lug wrench and extension  
(from tool kit). Insert extension  
through opening in panel and place on  
the hex-drive of the electric motor.  
Turn lug wrench (manually) to open or  
close roof as desired.  
To slide the roof closed or to raise the  
roof at the rear: turn clockwise.  
To slide the roof open or to lower the  
roof at the rear: turn counterclockwise.  
Rear Bench Seat Cushion  
Emergency Operation of  
Sliding/Pop-Up Roof  
Removal: Push in locking tabs (1) (on  
left and right side of seat) and pull up  
seat at the front.  
The sliding roof can be opened or  
closed manually should an electrical  
malfunction occur.  
Installation: Slide rear edge of cushion  
under the backrest. Push front of  
cushion down until it locks in place.  
Caution!  
Watch out for sharp edges when  
removing or installing the rear seat  
cushion, and make sure that it is  
securely locked in place again, to  
prevent personal injury.  
130  
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Note:  
Do not open engine hood with wiper  
arms folded forward.  
Do not allow wiper arms to contact the  
windshield glass without wiper blades  
inserted. The glass may be scratched or  
broken.  
Make certain that the wiper blade is  
properly installed. An improperly  
installed blade may cause windshield  
damage.  
Replacing Wiper Blades  
Fold wiper arm forward. Press safety  
tab down (1), push wiper blade  
downward (2) and remove.  
For safety reasons, remove key from  
steering lock before replacing a wiper  
blade, otherwise the motor can  
Installation - driver's side:  
suddenly turn on and cause injury.  
Press safety tab of new wiper blade  
down. Insert wiper blade between the  
tabs (3) on the wiper arm and slide into  
end of wiper arm. Then press safety tab  
upward until it locks in place.  
Windshield Wiper Blades  
Removal:  
Pull wiper blade arms upward from the  
rest position to their stop.  
Installation - passenger side:  
Replace wiper blades one at a time to  
prevent the wiper arms from sliding  
back to the rest position.  
Fold wiper arm forward and slide  
wiper blade into end of wiper arm until  
safety tab locks in place.  
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Headlamp Wiper Blades  
Manual Closing of Trunk Lid  
Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap  
Removal:  
The trunk lid can be closed manually  
should a malfunction occur on the  
power closing system.  
The manual release knob is located  
behind the right side trunk panel and  
felt pad.  
Fold wiper arm forward. Push pin (1)  
and remove wiper blade.  
Installation;  
With the trunk lid open:  
In case the central locking system does  
not release the fuel filler flap, pull the  
manual release knob while  
simultaneously opening the fuel filler  
flap.  
Place wiper blade on wiper arm and  
press in pin (1).  
push sliding switch to position (1),  
press eye of latch in (2),  
push sliding switch to position (3).  
Close trunk lid.  
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Spare Parts Service  
All authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers  
maintain a stock of original spare parts  
required for maintenance and repair  
work. In addition, strategically located  
parts distribution centers provide quick  
and reliable parts service.  
More than 300,000 different spare parts,  
even for older models, are available.  
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  
Roof Flack  
Layout of PoIy-V-belt Drive  
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.  
Use only those roof racks approved  
by Mercedes-Benz to avoid damage  
to the vehicle. Follow manufacturer's  
installation instructions.  
1 Automatic belt tensioner  
2 Crankshaft  
Therefore, Mercedes-Benz original  
spare parts should be installed.  
3 Air conditioning compressor  
4 Fan  
Important!  
5 Air pump  
Mount supports only between  
markings on border of roof which are  
visible when doors are opened.  
6 Generator (alternator)  
7 Idler pulley  
The use of non-genuine parts and  
accessories not authorized by  
Mercedes-Benz could damage the  
vehicle or compromise its durability or  
safety.  
8 Power steering pump  
9 Coolant pump  
For dimensions of the poly-V-belt, see  
Technical Data in Index.  
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Technical Data  
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Identification Plates  
When ordering spare parts, please specify  
vehicle identification and engine numbers.  
1 Vehicle Identification No.  
2 Certification Tag  
3 Identification Tag  
(lower edge of windshield)  
4 Engine No.  
5 Body No. and Paintwork No.  
6 Emission Control Tag  
7 Information Tag  
California version  
Vacuum line routing for  
emission control system  
136  
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Warranty Coverage  
Loss of Owner's Service and  
Warranty Policy  
Your car is covered under the terms of  
the "warranties" printed in the Owner's  
Service and Warranty Policy Booklet  
and your authorized MERCEDES-  
BENZ dealer will exchange or repair  
any defective parts in accordance with  
the terms of the following warranties:  
Should you lose your Owner's Service  
and Warranty Policy Booklet, have  
your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ  
dealer arrange for a replacement. It will  
be mailed to you.  
1. New vehicle limited warranty  
2. Emission systems warranty  
3. Emission performance warranty  
Vehicle Data Card  
4. California emission control  
systems warranty  
The vehicle data card contains all  
important data pertaining to the  
vehicle. It should be kept in the  
maintenance booklet where indicated,  
and it is needed when obtaining  
replacement or additional keys at your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
137  
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Technical Data  
Rims – Tires  
Model  
S 600 (140 057)1  
Rims  
(light alloy rims)  
Wheel offset  
Summer tires:  
Radial-ply tires  
Winter tires:  
Radial-ply tires  
7 1/² J x 16 H 2  
51 mm (2.0 in)  
120  
Engine  
Mode of operation  
4-stroke engine,  
gasoline injection  
12  
89.00 mm (3.50 in)  
80.20 mm (3.16 in)  
5987 m³ (365.4 cu.in)  
10:1  
290 kW/5200rpm  
(389 hp/5200 rpm)  
570 Nm/3800 rpm  
(421 ft-lb/3800 rpm)  
6000 rpm  
235/60 ZR 16  
No. of cylinders  
Bore  
Stroke  
Total piston displacement  
Compression ratio  
Output acc.to SAE J 1349  
235/55 R16 100H M+S  
Electrical System  
Generator (alternator)  
Starter motor  
Battery  
14 V/143A  
12 V/2.2 kW  
12 V/100 Ah  
Bosch F 9 DCO  
Beru 14 F-9 DUO  
Champion C 10 YCC  
Maximum torque acc. to SAE J 1349  
Spark plugs  
Maximum engine speed  
Firing order  
1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-  
11-4-9  
Poly – V - belts length  
2585 mm  
Electrode gap  
0.8 mm (0.032 in)  
Tightening torque  
15-22 ft.lb. (20-30 Nm)  
1
The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle.  
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for the  
corresponding data of all special bodies and special  
equipment.  
138  
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Technical Data  
See certification tag  
100 kg (220 lb)  
100 kg (220 lb)  
Weights  
Roof load max.  
Trunk load max.  
Main Dimensions  
Overall vehicle length  
Overall vehicle width  
Overall height:  
Wheel base  
5213 mm (205.2 in)  
1886 mm ( 74.3 in)  
1482 mm ( 58.3 in)  
3140 mm (123.6 in)  
1606 mm ( 63.2 in)  
1579 mm ( 62.2 in)  
Track, front  
Track, rear  
139  
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Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. - Capacities  
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match.  
Therefore use only brands tested and recommended by us.  
Inquire at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
Capacity  
10.0 l (10.0 US qt)  
9.4 l ( 9.9 US qt)  
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.  
Recommended engine oils  
Automatic transmission fluid  
Engine with oil filter  
Automatic  
transmission  
Rear axle  
1.4 l (1.5 US qt)  
Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90  
Hydraulic system for  
adaptive damping system  
(ADS)  
approx. 2.1 US qt (2.0 l)  
approx. 1.4 US qt (1.3 l)  
MB Hydraulic fluid  
Power steering  
MB Power steering fluid  
Front wheel hubs  
approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each  
High temperature roller bearing grease  
Hydraulic fluid  
Accelerator control linkage  
approx. 0.7 US qt (0.7 l)  
MB Brake fluid (DOT 4)  
Brake system  
140  
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Capacity  
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.  
approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 l)  
MB Windshield washer  
concentrate "S"1  
Windshield washer and  
headlamp cleaning system  
approx. 16.4 US qt (15.5 l)  
MB Anticorrosion/antifreeze  
Cooling system  
Fuel tank  
including a reserve of  
approx. 26.4 US gal (100 l)  
approx. 3.3 US gal (12.5 l)  
Premium unleaded gasoline: Posted  
Octane 91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON)  
Air conditioner system  
R-134a refrigerant and special  
lubricant(Never R-12)  
(selected vehicles - see underhood label)  
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.  
141  
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Engine Oils  
Air Conditioner Refrigerant  
Premium Unleaded Gasoline  
Caution!  
Engine oils are specifically tested for  
their suitability in our engines.  
Therefore, use only engine oils  
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.  
Information on recommended brands is  
available at your authorized Mercedes-  
Benz dealer.  
Ozone-friendly HFC-134a refrigerant  
and special lubricating oil is used in the  
air conditioner system.  
To maintain the engine's durability and  
performance, premium unleaded  
gasoline must be used. If premium  
unleaded is not available and low  
octane fuel is used, follow these  
precautions:  
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-  
based lubricating oil, otherwise damage  
to the system will occur.  
Please follow maintenance booklet  
recommendations for scheduled oil  
changes. Failure to do so could result in  
engine damage not covered by the  
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty  
Brake Fluid  
have the fuel tank filled only  
partially with unleaded regular  
and fill up with premium un  
leaded as soon as possible,  
During vehicle operation, the boiling  
point of the brake fluid is continuously  
reduced through the absorption of  
moisture from the atmosphere. Under  
extremely hard operating conditions,  
this moisture content can lead to the  
formation of bubbles in the system thus  
reducing the system's efficiency.  
Engine Oil Additives  
avoid full throttle driving and  
abrupt acceleration,  
Do not blend oil additives with engine  
oil. They may be harmful to the engine  
operation.  
do not exceed an engine speed  
of 3000 rpm, if the vehicle is  
loaded with a light load such as  
two persons and no luggage,  
The brake fluid must therefore be  
replaced every two years, preferably  
in the spring.  
Damage or malfunctions resulting from  
blending oil additives are not covered  
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited  
Warranty.  
do not exceed 2/s of maximum  
accelerator pedal position, if the  
vehicle is fully loaded or operating  
in mountainous terrain.  
It is recommended to use only brake  
fluid approved by Mercedes-Benz.  
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer  
will provide you with additional  
information.  
142  
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Fuel Requirements  
The ratio of Methanol to gasoline  
must not exceed 3% plus additional  
cosolvents.  
Gasoline Additives  
Use only Premium unleaded meeting  
ASTM standard D 439:  
A major concern among engine  
manufacturers is carbon build up  
caused by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz  
recommends to use only quality  
gasoline containing additives that  
prevent the build up of carbon deposits.  
Using mixtures of Ethanol and  
Methanol is not allowed. Gasohol,  
which contains 10% Ethanol and  
90% unleaded gasoline, can be used.  
The octane number (posted at the  
pump) must be 91min. It is an average  
of both, the Research (R) octane  
number and the Motor (M) octane  
number: [(R + M)/2]. This is also  
known as ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.  
These blends must also meet all other  
fuel requirements such as resistance  
to spark knock, boiling range, vapor  
pressure etc..  
After an extended period of using fuels  
without such additives, carbon deposits  
can build up especially on the intake  
valves and in the combustion area,  
leading to engine performance  
problems such as:  
Unleaded gasoline containing  
oxygenates such as Ethanol, I PA, IBA  
and TBA can be used provided the ratio  
of any one of these oxygenates to  
gasoline does not exceed 10%, MTBE  
not to exceed 15%.  
warm-up hesitation,  
unstable idle,  
knocking/pinging,  
misfire,  
power loss.  
Do not blend other specific fuel  
additives with fuel. They only result in  
unnecessary cost, and may be harmful  
to the engine operation.  
Damage or malfunctions resulting from  
poor fuel quality or from blending  
specific fuel additives are not covered  
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited  
Warranty.  
143  
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Coolants  
Heat transfer capability of the solution.  
Therefore, do not use more than this  
amount of anti-corrosion/antifreeze.  
Therefore the following product is  
strongly recommended for use in your  
car: Mercedes-Benz  
The engine coolant is a mixture of water  
and anticorrosion/anti-freeze, which  
provides:  
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent.  
If the coolant level is low, water and  
MB anticorrosion/antifreeze should be  
used to bring it up to the proper level  
(have cooling system checked for signs  
of leakage).  
Before the start of the winter season (or  
once a year in the hot southern regions),  
you should have the anticorrosion/  
antifreeze concentration checked. The  
coolant is also regularly checked each  
time you bring your vehicle to your  
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for  
maintenance service.  
corrosion protection  
freeze protection  
boiling protection (by increasing  
the boiling point).  
The water in the cooling system must  
meet minimum requirements, which are  
usually satisfied by normal drinking  
water. If you are not sure about the  
water quality, consult your authorized  
Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
The cooling system was filled at the  
factory with a coolant providing freeze  
protection to approx. -22 °F (-30 °C) and  
corrosion protection.  
The coolant solution must be used year  
round to provide the necessary corrosion  
protection and increase in the boil-over  
protection. You should have it replaced  
every 3 years.  
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity  
Anticorrosion/antifreeze  
Your vehicle contains a number of  
aluminum parts. The use of aluminum  
components in motor vehicle engines  
necessitates that anticorrosion/  
antifreeze coolant used in such engines  
be specifically formulated to protect the  
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such  
anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will  
result in a significantly shortened  
service life.)  
Approx. freeze  
Anticorrosion  
/antifreeze  
-35 °F  
(-37 °C)  
-49 °F  
10.6 US qt (10.00 l)  
To provide the important corrosion  
protection, the solution must be at least  
45% anticorrosion/antifreeze (equals  
a freeze protection to approx. -22 °F  
[-30 °C]). If you use a solution that is  
more than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze  
(freeze protection to approx. -49 °F  
[-45°C]), the engine temperature will  
increase due to the lower  
11.6 US qt (11. 0 l)  
(-45 °C)  
144  
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Consumer Information  
and may depart significantly from the  
norm due to variations in driving habits,  
service practices and differences in road  
characteristics and climate.  
tested under controlled conditions on a  
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.  
Sustained high temperature can cause  
the material of the tire to degenerate  
and reduce tire life, and excessive  
temperature can lead to sudden tire fail-  
ure. The grade "C" corresponds to a  
level of performance which all  
passenger car tires must meet under the  
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard  
No. 109 Grades "B" and "A" represent  
higher levels of performance on the  
laboratory test wheel than the minimum  
required by law.  
This has been prepared as required of all  
manufacturers of passenger cars under  
Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal  
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the  
"National Traffic and Motor Vehicle  
Safety Act of 1966".  
Traction "A", "B", "C"  
The traction grades, from highest to  
lowest, are "A", "B" and "C" and they  
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet  
pavement as measured under controlled  
conditions on specified government test  
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire  
marked "C" may have poor traction  
performance.  
Uniform Tire Quality Grading  
Refer to the tire sidewall for the specific  
tire grades for the tires with which this  
vehicle is equipped.  
All passenger car tires must conform to  
federal safety requirements in addition to  
these grades.  
Warning!  
Warning!  
The temperature grade for this tire is  
established for a tire that is properly  
inflated and not overloaded.  
Excessive speed, underinflation, or  
excessive loading, either separately or  
in combination, can cause excessive  
heat build up and possible tire  
failure.  
Treadwear  
The traction grade assigned to this  
tire is based on braking (straight  
ahead) traction tests and does not  
include cornering (turning) traction.  
The treadwear grade is a comparative  
rating based on the wear rate of the tire  
when tested under controlled conditions  
on a specified government test course.  
For example, a tire graded 150 would  
wear one and one-half (11/2) times as  
well on the government course as a tire  
graded 100. The relative performance of  
tires "depends upon the actual conditions  
of their use, however  
Temperature "A", "B", "C"  
The temperature grades are "A" (the  
highest). "B" and "C", representing the  
tire's resistance to the generation of heat  
and its ability .to dissipate heat when  
145  
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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 the Owner Service Manager at the Mercedes-Benz  
Regional Office nearest you (see Owner's Service and Warranty Information booklet for  
addresses). You may also write directly to us at the following addresses:  
In the U.S.A.:  
Owner Service Department  
Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc.  
One Mercedes Drive  
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350  
In Canada:  
Owner Service Department  
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.  
849 Eglinton Avenue East  
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5  
146  
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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.  
147  
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148  
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Index:  
149  
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ABS 81, 95-97  
BabySmartTM 51  
Capacities: Fuels, coolants,  
lubricants etc. 140  
ADS 99, 120, 140  
BAS 96-97  
Air conditioner refrigerant 142  
Air distribution 25  
Battery 120  
Catalytic converter 15  
Cellular telephone 75  
Central locking switch 34  
Central locking system 29  
Check regularly and before a long  
trip 156  
Child restraint 41, 44, 48, 51, 56-57  
Cleaning and care of the vehicle 124  
Clock, setting 73  
Battery not being charged  
Charge indicator lamp 16, 88  
Brake assist system 96  
Brake fluid 17, 93, 124, 140, 142  
Brake pads worn  
Air volume 25  
Airbag 53  
Airbag deactivation system 51  
Alarm system 38  
Antenna 75, 127  
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 101, 105,  
141, 144  
Antilock brake system (ABS) 95  
Antitheft alarm system 38  
Armrest, front 44  
Armrest, rear 47  
Ashtrays 68  
Automatic climate control  
Activated charcoal filter 23, 26  
Air recirculation 23, 25 - 26  
Basic setting 24  
Brake pad wear indicator lamp  
92  
Brake warning lamp  
Brake fluid low 93  
Brake warning lamp test 93  
Brakes 17-18,78,80-81, 84-85,96-  
97, 123  
Combination switch 59  
Consumer information 145  
Coolant level low  
Adding coolant 105  
Low engine coolant level  
warning lamp 91  
Coolant level, checking 105  
Coolant temperature gauge 90-91,  
104-105  
Coolants 144  
Cruise control 83  
Dust filter 25  
Economy 23 - 24, 26  
Special setting  
Defogging windows 24  
Defrosting 24  
Automatic transmission fluid level 106  
150  
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Daytime running lamps 61  
Display illumination 73  
Doors 33  
Drinking and driving 78  
Driving instructions 17  
Driving off 78  
First aid kit 67  
Jump starting 121  
Flexible service system 93  
FSS 14,93-94  
Keys, vehicle 28  
Fuel  
Gasoline additives 143  
Premium unleaded gasoline  
15,141-142  
Lamps, exterior Fog  
lamps 61  
Headlamps 61, 92, 114, 118  
High mounted stop lamp 92  
License plate lamp 61, 119  
Standing lamps 61,69  
Electronic stability program (ESP)  
97, 99  
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 52  
Emission control 100  
Emission control label 136  
Engine malfunction "CHECK ENGINE"  
malfunction indicator lamp 82, 100  
Engine oil consumption 89  
Engine oil level low  
Low engine oil level warning  
lamp 106  
Engine oil level, checking 106  
Engine oil pressure gauge 16, 88  
Engine oils 140, 142  
Engine overheating 90  
Engine speed limit Overrewing 81  
ESP 95-98, 101  
Exterior lamp failure indicator lamp 92  
Exterior lamp switch 61  
Fuel cap placement warning 89  
Fuel consumption gauge 89  
Fuel filler flap, manual release 132  
Fuel Requirements 143  
Fuel reserve warning lamp 89  
Fuses 121  
Taillamps 61, 119, 125  
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 133  
Lighter 68  
Locking and unlocking 29 - 30  
Low engine oil Level warning lamp 89  
Garage door opener 74  
Head restraints, front 39  
Head restraints, rear 46  
Head restraints, removal 129  
Headlights 61  
Heated seats 43  
Hood 104  
Maintenance 4, 7  
Memory  
Recalling 40-41  
Storing 40,47, 63, 108, 112  
Mirror, inside, rear view 62  
Mirrors, adjusting 62  
Mirrors, exterior, rear view 62  
Multicontour backrest 42  
Identification labels 136  
Indicator lamp symbols 13  
Instrument cluster 12  
Instrument lamps 73  
Interior lighting 65  
Night security illumination 62  
Outside temperature indicator 90  
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Parking assist (Parktronic) 85  
Parking brake 16-17, 19, 68, 78-81, 93,  
97, 100, 108, 110, 122  
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,  
emergency tensioning retractor  
and airbag 56  
Seat belt warning lamp 92  
Seat belts and warning system 48  
Shelf below rear window 72  
Sliding/pop-up roof 29, 32, 36,  
69, 130  
Towing the vehicle 123  
Transmission 79  
Traveling abroad 101  
Trip odometer 73  
Trunk 35  
Trunk lamp 107  
Trunk lid  
Manual closing 132  
Release switch 72  
Trunk, remote opening 31  
Trunk, separately locked 35  
Turn signals 59  
Power closing assist for doors and  
trunk lid 37  
Power seats, front 39  
Power seats, rear 45  
Power windows  
Opening and closing 29, 70 - 71  
Synchronizing remote control 128  
Electrical operation 69  
Emergency operation 130  
Snow chains 101  
Problems with your vehicle 146  
Radio transmitters 7  
Reading lamps 65  
Rear bench seat cushion 130  
Rear passenger compartment  
climate control 27  
Rear window defroster 24  
Rear window sunshade 72  
Remote control 29,128  
Replacing bulbs 115  
Spare parts service 133  
Spare wheel 107  
Special settings 24  
Vanity mirrors 64  
Vehicle data card  
Vehicle jack 108  
Vehicle tools 108  
SRS malfunction 53  
Start lock-out 29  
Starting and turning off the engine  
16  
Steering lock 58  
Warranty coverage 137  
Washing the car 125  
Wheels  
Alloy wheels 127  
Rims and tires 109  
Wheels, changing 110  
Windshield/headlamp washer system  
Fluid level low 91  
Washer fluid mixing ratio 60  
Winter driving 101  
Winter driving instructions 20  
Wiper blades, replacing 131  
Steering wheel, adjustable 47  
Storage compartments 66  
Stowing things in the vehicle 67  
Sun visors 64  
Residual engine heat utilization 26  
Roadside assistance 5  
Roof rack 133  
Supplemental restraint system  
(SRS) 48, 52  
Tachometer 90  
Technical data 138  
Tire inflation pressure 113  
Tires 17-19,96-98, 101, 109-  
110, 113, 138, 145  
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Service and Literature  
Warning!  
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has trained  
technicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to service  
your vehicle properly. For expert advice and quality service,  
see your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.  
To help avoid personal injury, be extremely careful  
when performing any maintenance work or repairs.  
Improper or incomplete service may damage the vehicle  
or its equipment, which may in turn result in personal  
injury.  
If you are interested in obtaining service literature for your  
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 to obtain  
accurate information for your vehicle.  
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1 Fuel Supply  
Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip  
To add fuel turn cap to the left  
and hold on to it until possible  
pressure in tank has been  
released, then remove cap.  
Failure to do so could result in  
personal injury.  
2 Tire Inflation Pressure  
Check at least every two  
weeks. For details see Index.  
3 Coolant Level  
See Adding coolant in Index.  
4 Windshield Washer System,  
Headlamp Cleaning System  
For refilling reservoir see  
Index.  
5 Engine Oil Level  
See Index.  
6 Brake Fluid  
See Index.  
Vehicle Lighting:  
Check function and cleanliness.  
For replacement of light bulbs,  
see Index.  
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What You Should Know at the Gas Station  
Coolant:  
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water quality).  
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion/antifreeze), refer  
to Index.  
Fuel:  
Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane index  
91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON).  
Fuel tank capacity approx. 21.1 US gal (80 l). This  
includes approx .2.6 US gal (10 l) reserve.  
Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out -  
do not overfill.  
Spark Plugs:  
Approved spark plugs, refer to " Technical Data"  
(also see Index).  
Bulbs:  
Warning!  
High and low beams: Halogen type 9004,  
fog lamps: Halogen type H 1 (55 W),  
tail, parking, standing and driver's side  
rear fog lamp 21/4 W/ 35/ 1.2 cp,  
turn signal, standing, side marker and parking  
lamps, front 21/5 W/ 32P/3 cp,  
turn signal lamps, rear 21W/ 32 cp,  
stop lamps 21 W/ 32 cp,  
Gasoline vapor is highly flammable. It burns  
violently and can cause serious injury. Whenever  
you are around gasoline, extinquish all smoking  
materials. Never get sparks, flame or smoking  
materials near gasoline!  
Engine Oil:  
license plate lamps 5 W.  
Engine oil level check, see Index.  
Quantity differential between upper and lower dipstick  
marking level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 l).  
Recommended engine oils, see Index.  
Tire Pressure:  
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure inside the fuel filler  
flap.  
Automatic Transmission:  
Automatic transmission fluid. For level  
checks refer to Index.  
Air Conditioner:  
R-134a refrigerant and special lubricant (in selected  
vehicles - see underhood label), refer to "Technical Data"  
(also see Index).  
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