Mercedes R129 1990 User Manual

Mercedes-Benz

SL Owners Manual

300 SL 500 SL

Product information

Kindly observe the following in your own best interest:

We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model. We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special suitability for MercedesBenz vehicles.

We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them. Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.

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

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

• Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.

• Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.

• Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety of the vehicle operator and occupants.

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

DaimlerChrysler AG

Owners Manual

This Owner 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 MercedesBenz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.

Service and warranty information

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

• New Car Limited Warranty,

• Emission System Warranty,

• Emission Performance Warranty,

• California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty (California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),

• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz 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-FOR-MERCedes (in theUSA)

1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

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.

Change of address or ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

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,

• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,

• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:

In the USA: In Canada: Mercedes-Benz USA, Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. LLCEuropean Delivery Department European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive 849 Eglinton Avenue East Montvale, NI 07645-0350 Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this 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 MercedesBenz 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.

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

See page 144

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).

Downshift at proper engine speed!

On vehicles with automatic transmission avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We recommend to select positions "4" (for model 300 SL), "3" or "2" only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).

After 1500 km (1000 miles) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum.

Introduction

Product information Operator's manual At the Gas Station Check Regularly Service Literature Index

Power Seats

2 Orthopedic Seat Backrest 36 Roll Bar 60 4 Heated Seats 37 Hardtop 62 145 Arm Rest 38 Soft top 66 144 Adjusting steering Column 38 Wind Screen 69

Seat belts and Supplemental restraint

143

system (SRS)

140

Seat belts 39

33 Power Windows 60

Automatic Antenna

Driving

Instruments and controls

Instruments and controls Instrument Cluster Indicator Lamp Symbols Catalytic Converter

Starting and Turning Off the Engine

Driving Instructions

MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance System

Operation

Automatic Climate Control Car keys Infrared Remote Control

Central Locking system Anti-Theft Alarm System

Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 42 Parking Brake 74

Airbag

10 Steering Lock 48 Manual Transmission 75 12 Combination Switch 50 13 Exterior Lamp Switch 52 Cruise Control 81 14 Exterior Rear View Mirrors 53 Charge Indicator Lamp 83 15 Inside Rear View Mirror 54

16 Sun Visors 55

20 Setting Clock 55 Engine Oil Consumption 84

Interior Lighting 56 Fuel Consumption Gauge 84

Storage Compartment (Eyeglasses

Compartment) in the Dashboard

Lighter

26 Console Storage Compartments 58 Coolant Temperature Gauge 85

DoorPockets

29 Rear Storage Compartments 58 32 Rear Window Defroster 59

43 Starting and Shifting Gears 74

Automatic Transmission

Oil Pressure Gauge with Oil Pressure Warning Lamp

Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp

Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp

Outside Temperature Indicator

Low Engine Coolant Level

Warning Lamp Roll Bar Warning Lamp

83 84

85 85

Low Windshield and Head Lamp

Level

Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp 86 Seat Belt and Backrest Lock Warning Lamp

Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 87 Wheels 99 Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp Brake Warning Lamp 88 Tire Pressure 104

ABS (Antilock Brake System) Warning Lamp

Emission Control 90 SparkPlugs 106 Identification Plates 126

On-Board Diagnostic System

(California models only)

Traveling Abroad Winter Driving Snow Chains

Practical Hints

Hood 94 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 112 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 133 Checking Coolant Level 95 Testing Infrared Remote Control 116 Capacities 133 Adding Coolant 95 Locking Soft Top Manually 117 Engine Oils 136 Checking Engine Oil Level 96 Locking Hardtop Manually 120 Brake Fluid 136 Checking Automatic Trans. Fluid Trunk Lamp 98 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 121 Fuel Requirements 136 Spare Wheel 98 Ski Rack 121 Coolants 137 First Aid Kit 98 Replacing Wiper Blades 122 Consumer Information 138

Vehicle Jack

Vehicle Tools

88 Changing Wheels 101

Battery

Fuses

90 91 Adjusting Headlamps 107 Vehicle Data Card 128 91 Replacing Bulbs 107 Warranty Coverage 128 91 Jump Starting 109 Technical Data

Towing the Vehicle

97 Ashtray 121 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 136

99 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 123

MERCEDES-BENZ

Spare Parts Service

Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. Consumer Information

105

106 Theft Prevention 127

300SL 129

111 500SL 131

123

Instruments and Controls

For more detailed descriptions see specified pages

1 Adjustable air outlet (page 22) 16 Air volume control for center air outlet (page 22)

2 Exterior lamp switch (page 52) 17 Air volume control for right air outlet (page 22)

3 Parking brake release (page 74) 18 Automatic climate control (page 22)

4 Hood lock release (page 94) 19 Radio

5 Parking brake pedal (page 74) 20 Rear window defroster switch (page 59)

6 Combination switch (page 50) 21 Hazard warning flasher switch

7 Cruise control (page 81) 22 Automatic antenna switch (page 71)

8 Horn, airbag (page 43) 23 Roll bar operation switch (page 60)

9 Instrument cluster (page 12) 24 Compartment (to open press bottom of cover)

10 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch (page 48) 25 Mirror adjustment switch (pages 53, 54)

11 Adjustable air outlet (page 22) 26 Soft/hardtop operation switch (pages 62, 66)

12 Heated air supply button - center air outlet (page 22) 27 Power window switch (page 60)

13 Non-heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet

(page 22)

14 Storage/eyeglasses compartment (page 57) 29 Ashtray with lighter (page 57)

15 Air volume control for left air outlet (page 22)

28 Seat heater switch (page 37)

Instrument Cluster

Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). p 85

Coolant temperature gauge. See page 85.

Fuel consumption gauge. See page 84.

Oil pressure gauge (bar) with warning lamp (red). p 83.

Left turn signal indicator lamp (green)

Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer.

Rotate knob: To vary intensity of instrument lamps. Depress knob: To reset trip odometer.

Speedometer

Trip odometer

Main odometer

Outside temperature indicator. See page 85.

Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)

Knob for setting clock (to adjust pull knob out

and rotate). See page 55.

Tachometer

Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed.

Electric clock

Indicator Lamp Symbols Function Indicator Lamp

High beam

Warning Lamp

(should go out with the engine running unless)

Battery not being charged properly. See page 83. Front brake pads worn down. See page 88.

Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system low. See page 86.

Coolant level low. See page 86. Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake

Engine oil level low. See page 84. SRS malfunction. See page 43.

Exterior lamp failure. See page 87. Fasten seat belts. Backrest not locked.

Roll bar malfunction. See page 86.

ABS malfunction. See page 89

Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake engaged. See pages 74, 88.

engaged. See pages 74, 88.

See pages 39,87.

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 page 90.

Catalytic Converter

Caution!

Warning!

Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped with monolithic type catalytic converters, an important element in conjunction with the O2sensor to achieve substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating condition by following our recommended maintenance instructions as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.

To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.

Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to overheat.

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.

Starting and Turning off the Engine

Before Starting

• Engage parking brake. Move gearshift lever to neutral (selector lever position "P" on automatic transmissions).

• Turn key in steering lock to position

2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.

Cold Engine

Turn key in steering lock clockwise to the stop. Do not depress accelerator. Release key only when the engine is firing regularly.

Hot Engine

Turn key in steering lock clockwise to the stop. Do not depress accelerator. If the engine has not fired after approx. 4 seconds, depress accelerator and continue cranking until the engine is firing regularly. Release key and back off accelerator. At very high coolant temperatures the engine starting time can be shortened if the accelerator is depressed slowly at the beginning of the starting process.

Turning Off

Turn the key in the steering lock to position 0 only when the vehicle has stopped moving. Note: Vehicles with automatic transmission: the key can only be removed with the selector lever in position "P". If the coolant temperature is very high (e.g. after hard driving on mountain roads), do not shut off the engine immediately, but allow it to run for 1 2 minutes at increased idle speed with selector lever in neutral or position "P".

Note: Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the key must be turned completely to the left before attempting to start the engine again.

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.

The charge indicator lamp should go out as soon as the engine has started.

In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -25°C (-13°F) we recommend that an engine block heater be installed. Your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will advise you on this subject.

Driving Instructions

Power Assistance

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.

Brakes Caution!

When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear (selector lever position "4" [for model 300 SL], "3", "2" or "B" [for model 500 SL] in the case of automatic transmission). This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear. Do not exceed engine speed limits (see

pages 78 or 80). 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.

Warning! 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.

The condition of the parking brake system is checked each time the car is in the shop for the required maintenance. Between maintenance checks, it is a good practice to apply the parking brake once or twice while driving at approximately 50 km/h (30 mph) on a dry straight road. Apply parking brake lightly until a slight drag on the wheels is felt. Keep applying the brake for about 10 seconds while pulling the release handle out before releasing the parking brake completely. This practice will keep the parking brake at maximum efficiency.

Warning! The stop lamps will not come on when applying the parking brake only. Perform the procedure in the previous paragraph only when the road is clear of other traffic.

Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause excessive and premature

wear of the brake pads. 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.

All checks and maintenance work on the brake system should be carried out by an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.

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.

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.

Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by MERCEDES-BENZ.

Warning! If other than recommended brake pads are installed, the braking properties of the vehicle can be affected to an extent that the safety is substantially impaired.

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. The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

Warning!

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 upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions), the tire traction varies widely.

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).

Warning! 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 blow-out.

Aquaplaning

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.

Tire Traction

The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road.

You should pay particular attention to the condition of the road as soon as the prevailing temperatures fall close to the freezing point.

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.

We recommend M + S radial-ply tires for the winter season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced handling characteristics.

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.

Parking

Warning!

To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

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.

Important!

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.

Clutch

Caution!

Resting your foot on the clutch pedal will cause excessive and premature wear of the clutch components.

Winter Driving Instructions

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.

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. 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 prerequisite is, however, that this is possible without endangering other drivers on the road.

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.

Warning!

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.

To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the car that is out of the wind.

MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance System

A maintenance booklet is included with your car, listing all the maintenance jobs that must be carried out after the following mileages:

Routine Maintenance

Inspection at 1 300 – 1 600 km (800 - 1000 miles) Lubrication Service every 12 000 km (7 500 miles) Maintenance Service every 24 000 km (15 000 miles) Additional Work every 48 000 km (30 000 miles) For additional details refer to the Maintenance Booklet. In the case of low mileage operation, the Maintenance Service must be carried out at least once every 2 years.

Engine Oil and Filter Change

Required every 12 000 km (7500 miles), or at least once a year. For engine oil recommendations, see page 133.

Severe Operating Conditions

Under severe operating conditions or heavy use, it may be necessary to carry out prescribed maintenance jobs at shorter intervals, for example:

Engine: Oil change with filter change every 6000 km (3750 miles)

Automatic transmission: Fluid change without filter change every 24 000 km (15 000 miles)

Tires: Inspect every 12 000 km (7500 miles)

Air filter: Clean or replace element every 24 000 km (15 000 miles)

Note: Severe operating conditions or heavy use include: predominant city or short distance driving, frequent mountain driving, poor roads, dusty or muddy conditions, etc..

Special Maintenance Measures

Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years, preferably in the spring. It is recommended to use only brake fluid approved by MERCEDES-BENZ. Do not mix different types of brake fluids. Have the engine coolant (water/anticorrosion/antifreeze mixture) replaced every three years (see "Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.").

Maintenance Vouchers

Your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will certify in the maintenance booklet that all lubrication and maintenance services have been carried out at the correct intervals.

Operation

Automatic Climate Control

1 Temperature selector 2 Temperature indicator

3 Conversion switch 4 Function selection buttons

Normal setting

Defrost

Economy Residual engine heat

utilization Air recirculation

Off

7 Air volume control for center

air outlet, turn left to open 8 Center air outlet, adjustable 9 Heated air supply button

(center air outlet)

10 Non-heated/cooled air supply

button (center air outlet)

11 Air volume control for left air

outlet, turn left to open

12 Left air outlet, adjustable 13 Air volume control for right air

outlet, turn left to open

14 Right air outlet, adjustable 5 Fan speed buttons, 4 stages 6 Air distribution buttons

Air is directed to windshield Air is directed to windshield, foot area and doors Air is directed to foot area and doors Air is directed only to air outlets 8, 12 and 14 (open outlets)

The temperature selected with the temperature selector is reached as quickly as possible.

The temperature selector should be left at the desired temperature setting.

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.

Higher engine rpm results in higher coolant compressor rpm, thereby increasing cooling capacity

If a higher heating or cooling capacity is required due to extreme outside temperatures, select a higher blower setting.

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.

Note: Outside air is drawn in through a filter. Dust particles (up to a certain size) and pollen are filtered out

1 Temperature Selector

Select the desired temperature with the temperature selector. A basic setting in the white field of the selector is recommended.

The selected temperature is shown in the indicator window 2. With conversion switch 3, the selected temperature can be displayed in either °C or °F.

Note:

If the temperature regulation becomes defective, move the selector to either the "10°C" ("50°F") or "40°C" ("104°F") setting.

10°C (50°F) = Heater turned off

40°C (104°F) = Heater turned on

In these cases, we recommend that you have the system checked at your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.

4 Function Selection Buttons

Normal Setting

Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically.

To select:

Press button (indicator lamp lights up)

To change selection:

• Press , or button (indicator lamp of selected button lights up). The indicator lamp for

button goes out.

• Press either button 5 or 6 (indicator lamp of selected button lights up). The indicator lamp for button goes out.

Defrost

Maximum heated and automatically controlled amount of air is directed to the windshield and side windows.

As the engine coolant temperature increases, a higher blower stage is automatically engaged, thereby defrosting as quickly as possible.

Direct air outlets 12 and 14 towards the side windows. The outlets open automatically.

The center air outlets and the foot area ducts are closed.

To select: Press button (indicator lamp lights up).

Economy

The function of this setting corresponds to the normal setting. However, because the air conditioning compressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not possible to air condition in this setting.

Residual Engine Heat

Utilization

With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue heating the interior for a short while.

Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically.

To select: Turn key in steering lock to position 1

or 0 or remove key. Press button (indicator lamp lights up). This function selection will not activate if the engine coolant temperature is below 40°C (105°F) or if the battery charge is insufficient.

To cancel:

• Press button (indicator lamp goes out).

• Turn key in steering lock to position 2.

• Automatically shuts off after

approx. 30 minutes.

• Automatically shuts off if the engine coolant temperature drops below 40°C (105°F).

• Automatically shuts off if the battery voltage drops.

Air Recirculation

Outside air is not supplied to the car's interior.

This mode can be selected to prevent annoying odors or dust from entering the car's interior.

To select: Press button (indicator lamp

lights up).

To cancel: Press button (indicator lamp goes out).

The system will automatically switch from recirculated air to fresh air if button is pressed:

• after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures below approx. 5°C (40°F),

• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside temperatures above approx. 5°C (40°F).

If button is pressed:

• after approx. 5 minutes.

Note:

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.

Off

The fresh air supply to the car interior is shut off. While driving, use this setting only temporarily, otherwise the windows could fog up.

Car Keys

Included with your vehicle are

• 2 Master keys with infrared remote control

• 1 Master key

• 1 Valet key

• 1 Flat key

Master Key with Infrared Remote Control

The master key fits all locks on the car.

The transmitter for the infrared remote control is located in the key holder, the receivers are located next to the door locks and below the trunk lock.

Master Key

The master key fits all locks on the car.

Valet Key

The valet key fits only the door locks and the steering lock. The valet key will not fit the trunk lock or storage compartment eyeglasses compartment lock in the dashboard.

Flat Key

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.

Warning! 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.

Obtaining Replacement Keys

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 via your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.

The flat key fits all locks on the car.

1 Transmit button 2 Transmitter eye and battery check

Infrared Remote Control

The vehicle can be centrally locked and unlocked with infrared remote control.

The transmitter is located in the key holder, the receivers are located next to the door locks and below the trunk lock.

3 Receiver in door handle

Unlocking:

Aim transmitter eye (2) at a receiver (3) and press transmit button (1). Distance to receiver max. 6 m (20 ft).

The green indicator lamps on the receivers should blink. They stop blinking when the vehicle is unlocked.

3 Receiver under trunk lock

Note:

If the trunk was previously locked separately, it will remain locked (see page 30).

Locking:

Aim transmitter eye (2) at a receiver (3) and press transmit button (1). Distance to receiver max. 6 m (20 ft).

The red indicator lamps on the receivers should blink. They stop blinking when the vehicle is locked.

Note:

If a door or the trunk is not properly closed, the red indicator lamps will continue to blink (max. 10 seconds).

Open the door or trunk lid, close it properly, and lock the car again

4 Release button for master key

Master Key in Key Holder

Releasing: press release button (4). The key unfolds from the holder by itself.

Storing: press release button (4) and fold key back into holder.

Closing Windows from Outside

Continue to press transmit button (1) after locking car. The windows begin to close after approx. 1 second.

Warning!

Never close the windows if there is danger of anyone being harmed by the raising window.

In case of obstruction, the closing procedure can be immediately interrupted by releasing the transmit button. However, the windows can only be lowered using the power window buttons inside the car.

Note: If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressing the transmit button (1), then it may be necessary to change the batteries in the transmitter (If ok, battery indicator lamp in transmitter will light when transmitting) or to synchronize the system, see "Practical Hints", page

116.

Central Locking System

The entire vehicle may be locked or unlocked by using the master key in either door or in the trunk lock. The central locking system also locks or unlocks the fuel filler flap.

Locking and Unlocking of Doors

1 Opening - pull handle 2 Unlocking 3 Locking 4 Opening - pull handle 5 Locking 6 Unlocking

Locking - from outside

• With driver's door closed - turn key to the right (3).

• With passenger's door closed – turn key to the left.

Locking - from inside

• With the door closed – push the lock lever down (5).

Unlocking - from outside

• At the driver's door - turn key

to the left (2).

• At the passenger's door - turn

key to the right.

Unlocking - from inside:

• Push the lock lever up (6).

The doors and the trunk are unlocked if previously locked from inside.

If previously locked from outside, only that door will be unlocked (theft deterrence).

Note:

The central locking system can only be engaged at the passenger door if the key is removed from the steering lock or is inserted in the steering lock without having been turned.

Locking

Turn master key to position 3, turn back to position 1 and remove.

Unlocking

Turn master key to position 2, turn back to position 1 and remove.

If a door is not properly closed, unlock the car, open and reclose the door, and lock the car again.

Locking and Unlocking at Trunk Lock

1 Neutral position 2 Unlocking 3 Locking (detent) 4 Separate locking of trunk

Separate Locking and Unlocking

of Trunk

If the trunk is to remain locked (e.g. when leaving the car at a parking garage or workshop), lock the trunk separately. Turn master key to position 4 and remove in this position. Leave only the valet key with the vehicle.

The trunk (and fuel filler flap) remain locked - even if the central locking system is engaged at a door from outside or inside the car (theft deterrence).

To unlock turn master key to position 2, then back to position 1 and remove.

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