Mercedes R129 1991, SL 300 User Manual

Mercedes-Benz

SL Owners Manual

300 SL
500 SL

1

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

2

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).

3

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 the USA)
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.

4

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.
LLC European Delivery Department European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive 849 Eglinton Avenue East
Montvale, NI 07645-0350 Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

5

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.

6

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

See page 150

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.

7

Introduction

Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR)

Product information
Operator's manual
Consumer Information
Problems with your vehicle 142
Reporting Safety Defects 143
Index 145

Instruments and controls

Instruments and controls
Instrument Cluster
Indicator Lamp Symbols
Catalytic Converter 14
Starting and Turning Off the Engine
Driving Instructions
MERCEDES-BENZ
Maintenance System 20

Operation

Automatic Climate Control
Vehicle keys
Infrared Remote Control
Central locking system
Interior Central Locking System
Locking and unlocking
Anti-Theft Alarm System
Power seats
Orthopedic Seat Backrest
Heated Seats
Arm Rest

2
4
141

10
12
13

15
16

22
26
27
29
32
32
33
34
37
38
39

Adjusting steering column
Seat belts and Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) 40
Seat belts

Airbags 45
Steering Lock
Combination Switch
Exterior Lamp Switch 54
Exterior rear view mirrors
Inside rear view mirror
Sun Visors 57
Setting Clock
Storage Compartment (Eyeglasses
Compartment) in the Dashboard
Door Pockets
Rear Storage Compartments
Lighter 59
Interior Lighting
Rear Window Defroster
Power Windows 62
Roll Bar
Hardtop
Soft top
Wind Screen

Driving

Parking Brake
Starting and Shifting Gears
Manual Transmission
Automatic Transmission
Cruise Control
Charge Indicator Lamp

39

40
44

50
52

55
56

57
58

59
59

60
61

62
64
68
71

74
74
75
76
81
83

Oil Pressure Gauge with Oil
Pressure Warning Lamp 83
Low Engine Oil Level
Warning Lamp 84
Engine Oil Consumption

Fuel Consumption Gauge 84
Outside Temperature Indicator
Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp
Coolant Temperature Gauge 85
Low Engine Coolant Level
Warning Lamp 86
Roll Bar Warning Lamp 86
Low Windshield and Head Lamp
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp 86
Seat Belt and Backrest Lock
Warning Lamp 87
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 88
Brake Warning Lamp
ABS (Antilock Brake System)
Warning Lamp 89
Acceleration Slip Control (ASR)
Driving with Snow Chains
Automatic Locking Differential
(ASD)
Adaptive Damping System (ADS)
Emission Control
On-Board Diagnostic System

(California models only) 93
Traveling Abroad
Winter Driving
Snow Chains

84

85
85

87

88

90
90
91

92
93

94
94
94

8

Practical Hints

Transmission Fluid Level

Hood
Checking Coolant Level
Adding Coolant
Checking Engine Oil Level
Checking Automatic

Trunk Lamp
Spare Wheel 100
First Aid Kit 100
Vehicle Jack 101
Vehicle Tools 101
Wheels 101
Changing Wheels 103
Tire Pressure 106
Battery 107
Spark Plugs 108
Fuses 108

96
97
97
98

99
100

Adjusting Headlamps 109
Replacing Bulbs 109
Jump Starting 111
Towing the Vehicle 113
Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 114
Testing Infrared Remote Control 118
Locking Soft Top Manually 119
Locking Hard Top Manually 122
Ashtray 123
Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 123
Ski Rack 123
Replacing Wiper Blades 124
Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 125
MERCEDES-BENZ

Spare Parts Service 125

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

Identification Plates
Theft Prevention 129
Vehicle Data Card 130
Warranty Coverage 130
Technical Data

300SL 131

500SL 133
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 135
Capacities 135
Engine Oils 138
Brake Fluid 138
Premium Unleaded Gasoline 138
Fuel Requirements 139
Gasoline Additives 139
Coolants 140

Check regularly and before long trip
At the Gas Station

128

150
151

9

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 54) 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 96) 19 Radio
5 Parking brake pedal (page 74) 20 Rear window defroster switch (page 61)
6 Combination switch (page 52) 21 Hazard warning flasher switch
7 Cruise control (page 81) 22 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch (page 92)
8 Horn, airbag (page 45) 23 Snow chain switch (page 90)
9 Instrument cluster (page 12) 24 Roll bar operation switch (page 62)
10 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch (page 50) 25 Compartment (to open press bottom of cover)
11 Adjustable air outlet (page 22) 26 Mirror adjustment switch (pages 55, 56)
12 Heated air supply button - center air outlet (page 22) 27 Soft/hardtop operation switch (pages 64, 68)
13 Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet 28 Power window switch (page 62)
14 Storage/eyeglasses compartment (page 58) 29 Seat heater switch (page 38)
15 Air volume control for left air outlet (page 22) 30 Ashtray with lighter (page 59)

10

11

Instrument Cluster

1 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). p 85 9 Trip odometer
2 Coolant temperature gauge. See page 85. 10 Main odometer
3 Fuel consumption gauge. See page 84. 11 Outside temperature indicator. See page 85.
4 Oil pressure gauge (bar) with warning lamp (red). p 83. 12 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
5 Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) 13 Knob for setting clock (to adjust pull knob out

6 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer.

Rotate knob: To vary intensity of instrument lamps.

Depress knob: To reset trip odometer.
7 Speedometer 15 Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed.
8 ASR function indicator lamp (yellow). See page 90

ASD function indicator lamp (yellow). See page 91

and rotate). See page 57.

14 Tachometer

16 Electric clock

12

Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp

High beam

Warning Lamp

(should go out with the engine running unless)

Battery not being charged properly. See Index. Brake pads worn down. See Index.

Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer
system low. See Index.

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

Engine oil level low. See Index. SRS malfunction. See Index.

Exterior lamp failure. See Index. Fasten seat belts. Backrest not locked.

Roll bar malfunction. See Index.

ADS malfunction. See Index.

ASR malfunction. See Index.

ADS malfunction. See Index.

ABS malfunction. See Index.

Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.

engaged. See Index.

See Index.

Engine malfunction.

If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it
indicates a malfunction of the fuel injection system
or emission control system. In either case, we
recommend that you have the malfunction checked
as soon as possible. See page 93.

13

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.

14

Starting and Turning off the Engine

Before Starting

Engage parking brake and 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.

15

Driving Instructions

Warning!

Warning!

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.

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.

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.

16

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!

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).

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 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.

17

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. 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.

18

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 salt­strewn 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.

19

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 1300 - 1600 km
(800 - 1000 miles)
Lubrication Service every 12 000 km
(7500 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 135.

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.

20

Operation

21

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 Rightair outlet, adjustable

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

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)

22

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 control should
malfunction, turn the temperature
selector to either "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.

23

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.

24

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.

25

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.

26

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).

27

Locking:

Closing Windows from Outside

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.

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

118.

28

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).

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

 At the driver's door - turn key

- from outside

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).

29

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.
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

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.

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.

30

If the trunk is unlocked, the doors and
fuel filler flap will also be unlocked.
After closing the trunk, the central
locking system must again be engaged
to re lock the doors and fuel filler flap.
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened,
refer to "Manual Release of Fuel Filler
Flap" (page 123).

Closing Windows from Outside

Turn key in door lock or trunk lock to
the locking position and hold.
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 turning the key back
to the vertical position. However, the
windows can only be lowered using
the power window buttons inside the
car.

Emergency Unlocking in Case of
Accident

The doors unlock automatically a short
time after the roll bar is deployed in an
accident (this is intended to aid rescue
and exit). However, the key in the
steering lock must be in steering lock
positions 1, 2 or returned to position 0,
but not removed.

31

Interior Central Locking System

1. Initial position (integrated with
vehicle central locking system)

2. Separate locking of storage
compartments

3. Emergency operation

The following storage compartments
are part of the interior central locking
system:

• eyeglasses compartment in the
dashboard,

• console storage compartments,

• rear storage compartments,

• door pockets.

Integration with vehicle central
locking system

When locking or unlocking the vehicle
from the outside by using the master
key, the interior storage compartments
and door pockets are also locked or
unlocked (with lock in position 1).

Separate locking of storage
compartments

Locking:
Turn master key to position 2 and
remove from lock. The storage
compartments remain locked -even if
the vehicle is unlocked from the
outside.

Unlocking:

Turn master key to position 1 and

remove from lock.
If the vehicle was locked from the
outside, the storage compartments
remain in the locked mode until the
vehicle is unlocked again from the
outside.

Note:
If the interior storage compartments are
to remain locked (for example while in
a repair shop), leave only the valet key
with the vehicle.
When unlocking a door from the
inside, on a vehicle previously locked
from the outside, the storage
compartments still remain locked.

In case of a malfunction the eye
glasses compartment can still be
opened. To do so, turn the master
key to position 3, return it to
position 1, remove it from the lock
and press button

32

Anti-Theft Alarm System

The anti-theft alarm can be
armed/disarmed with any of your
vehicle's keys or infrared remote
control by locking/unlocking either
door or the trunk.

Operation:

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,
 removes the radio,
 switches on or bridges the

ignition circuit,

 steps on the brake pedal,
 opens the storage compartment

between the front seats,

 opens the eyeglasses compartment

in the dashboard.

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.

Note:
If the radio is removed from its
mounting when the anti-theft alarm is
armed, the radio will automatically be
rendered inoperative! (This is indicated
by a dashed line across the display.)

33

Adjusting

Warning!

Power Seats

The switches are located in each front
door.
Turn key in steering lock to position 1
or 2 (with either door open, the power
seats can also be operated with the key
removed or in steering lock position 0).

Warning!

Do not adjust the driver's seat
while driving. Adjusting the seat
while driving could cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle.

A Seat cushion
B Backrest
C Head restraint (with shoulder belt

height adjustment)

Adjust the head restraint so that the
upper portion of the shoulder belt is
located as close as possible to the
middle of the shoulder. The head
restraint can be tilted forward by hand.

Note:
To prevent the backrest from touching
the soft top storage compartment cover
when the seat cushion is moved back,
the backrest will automatically move to
a more upright position. When
reclining the backrest, the seat cushion
will automatically move forward to
prevent the backrest from touching the
soft top storage compartment cover.

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.
In a normal seated position the belts
provide the best restraint for the
wearer, as they are only then
properly located on the body.

The rear storage area should never
be occupied by passengers since the
vehicle is a 2 seater.

Furthermore, there is a risk of
injury in the rear by adjusting the
power assisted front seats.

34

Storing Position in Memory

D Memory button
E Position buttons "1", "2"

and "3"

After the seat and head restraint are
positioned, push memory button D,
release, and within 3 seconds push
position button "1". Two additional sets
of positions may be stored into memory
using position buttons "2" and "3".

Using the same position button, the
steering column position and rear view
mirror positions will also be stored
together with the seat position.
Adjusting steering column see page 39
and mirror see page 56.

Recalling Stored Positions

Press position button "1", "2" or "3"
and hold until seat/head restraint/
steering wheel/mirror movement has
stopped.

Note:

For safety reasons, the seat/head
restraint/steering wheel/mirror
movement stops after releasing the
position button.

35

Backrest

Folding forward:
Lift lever and fold forwards.
Folding back:
Fold backrest back until it audibly
locks in place.

Warning!

The seat belts provide protection
only with the backrest locked in
place and, therefore, must be locked
in place with the vehicle in motion.
Do not drive the car when the seat­back is not locked in place.

Note:
If the backrest and seat belt warning
lamp does not go out, but is instead lit
continuously, then a backrest is not
engaged in its lock.
Always provide sufficient room behind
the backrest and fold the backrest all
the way back until it can be heard
locking in place.
The warning lamp goes out as soon as
both backrests are locked in place.
If both backrests are locked in place
and the warning lamp does not go out,
have the system checked at your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
immediately.

36

Orthopedic Seat Backrest

1. Pressure regulator

2. Height regulator

Some models may be equipped with
orthopedic seats. These seats have an
inflatable air cushion built into the
backrest to provide additional lumbar
support.
The pressure and height regulators are
located on the driver's seat on the left,
on the passenger's seat on the right.

The amount of cushion height and
curvature may be adjusted after turning
the key to steering lock position 1 or 2.

The inflation pressure of the air
cushion can be varied between position
"0" = without pressure, and position
"4" = maximum pressure, by changing
the pressure regulator (1) setting. In
addition, the cushion height may be
changed to five different settings
between position "a" = lowest setting,
and "e" = highest setting, by varying
the height regulator (2) adjustment.

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.

37

Heated Seats

The seat heaters can be switched on
with the key in steering lock turned to
position 1 or 2.

Turning on heater: Press upper half of
switch = normal heating mode. One
indicator lamp in the switch lights up.
Press lower half of switch = 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.

Turning off heater:
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.

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.
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.
If the blinking of the indicator lamps is
distracting to you, the seat heaters can
be switched off.

38

Storing Steering Column
Position in Memory

The steering column position is stored
in memory together with the seat/head
restraint/mirror position and can be
recalled when necessary, see page 35.

Arm Rest

To adjust: Press button (1) and slide
arm rest forward or backward.

Adjusting Steering Column

Turn key in steering lock to position 1
or 2 (with either door open, the steering
column can be operated with the key
removed or in steering lock position 0).
To extend or retract: Move switch (1)
in desired direction.
To raise or lower: Move switch (1) in
desired direction.

39

Seat Belts and Supplemental
Restraint System

Your vehicle is equipped with lap­shoulder seat belts, emergency
tensioning retractors for the seat belts,
driver airbag and knee bolster and
passenger airbag and knee bolster.

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. We strongly
recommend their use.

Seat Belt Warning System
With the key in steering lock position
2, an audible warning sounds for a
short time if the driver's seat belt is not
fastened.

Warning!

If you are ever in an accident, your
injuries can be considerably more
severe without your seat belt
properly buckled. Without your seat
belt buckled, you can hit the interior
of the vehicle or be ejected from it.
You can be seriously injured or
killed.
In the same crash, the possibility for
injury or death is lessened with your
seat belt buckled.
The seat belts provide protection
only with the backrest locked in
place. If the seat belt warning lamp
does not go out, but is instead lit con­tinuously, then a backrest is not
engaged in its lock.

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.

40

Press switch (4) to adjust seat belt so
that the shoulder portion is located as
close as possible to the middle of your
shoulder.

The shoulder portion of the seat belt
must be pulled snug and checked for
snugness immediately after engaging it
and during driving. Tighten the lap
portion to a snug fit by pulling
shoulder portion up.

1 Latch plate
2 Buckle

3 Release button

Fastening

Pull belt with latch plate (1) across
shoulder and lap. Push latch plate (1)
into buckle (2) until it clicks. The lap
belt should be positioned as low as
possible on your hips and not across
the abdomen. Do not twist the belt. For
safety reasons, avoid adjusting the seat
or seat back into positions which could
affect the correct seat belt position (see
warning on page 43).

41

Unfastening

Operation:

Push in the red button (3) in the belt
buckle (2).
Allow the retractor to completely
rewind the seat belt by guiding the
latch plate (1).

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 on the belt.
The emergency tensioning retractors
tighten the fastened seat belts during
frontal and front-angled impacts
exceeding the first threshold of the
SRS (see page 44).

42

Warning!

• Each occupant should wear

their seat belt at all times.
Together with the "SRS", the
seat belt offers the best
conditions for protection of the
body in case of major frontal
impact.

• 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 apply too much force to the
ribs, this could severely injure
internal organs such as your
liver or spleen. 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.

• Improperly positioned belts do
not provide maximum
protection and may cause
serious or fatal injuries in case
of an accident.

• Infants and small children must
be seated in an infant or child
restraint system, which is
properly secured by the lap belt
portion of the lap-shoulder belt
Children could be endangered in
an accident if their child
restraints are not properly
secured in the vehicle.

• Children too big for child
restraint systems should use
regular seat belts. Position
shoulder belt across the chest
and shoulder, not the face or
neck. A booster seat may be
necessary to achieve proper belt
positioning.

• Adjust the passenger seat as far
as possible rearward from the
dashboard, especially if a child
restraint is installed.

• Each seat belt should never be
used for more than one person at
a time.

• 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.

• Pregnant women should also use
the lap-shoulder belt. The lap
belt portion should be positioned
as low as possible on the hips to
avoid any pressure on the
abdomen.

For cleaning and care of the seat belts,
see page 115.

43

Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS)

The SRS uses two crash severity levels
(thresholds) to activate either the ETR
or airbag or both. Activation depends
on exceeding the thresholds and
fastening of the seat belt.

Seat belt fastened

 first threshold exceeded: ETR

activates

 second threshold exceeded: airbag

also activates

Seat belt not fastened

 first threshold exceeded: airbag

activates, but not ETR

Driver and front passenger systems
operate independently from each other.

Emergency Tensioning
Retractor (ETR)

The seat belts 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.

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.

In cases of other frontal impacts, roll­overs, certain side impacts, rear
collisions, or other accidents without
frontal forces, the emergency
tensioning retractors will not be
activated. The driver and passenger
will then be protected by the fastened
seat belts and inertia reel in the usual
manner.
For seat belt and emergency tensioning

retractor safety guidelines, see page 48.

44

Airbags

The most effective occupant restraint
system yet developed for use in
production vehicles is the three point
seat belt. In some cases, however, the
protective effect of a seat belt can be
further enhanced by an airbag. The
driver airbag (1) is located in the
steering wheel hub. The passenger
airbag (2) is located in the dashboard
ahead of the passenger. In conjunction
with wearing the seat belts with
emergency tensioning retractors (4),
they provide increased protection for
the driver and passenger.
The operational readiness of the airbag
system is verified by the indicator lamp
"SRS" (3) 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
circuitry of the airbag system and will
indicate a malfunction by coming on
again.

45

The following system components are
monitored or undergo a self-check:
crash-sensor, airbag ignition circuits,
driver and passenger seat belt buckles.
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
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.
In the event a malfunction of the "SRS"
is indicated as outlined above, the
"SRS" may not be operational. We
strongly recommend that you visit an
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
immediately to have the system
checked; otherwise the "SRS" may not
be activated when needed.

Important!

The airbags are designed to activate
only in certain frontal and front­angled impacts (within the shaded
area shown in the illustration on
page 44). Only during these types of
impacts 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.

In cases of other frontal impacts, roll­overs, certain side impacts, rear
collisions, or other accidents without
frontal forces, the airbag will not be
activated. The driver and passengers
will then be protected by the fastened
seat belts.

Important!

The "SRS" is designed to reduce the
potential of injury in certain frontal
and front-angled impacts which may
cause injuries, however, no system
available today can totally eliminate
injuries and fatalities.
The activation of the "SRS"
temporarily releases a small amount
of dust from the air-bags. This dust,
however, is neither injurious to your
health, nor does it indicate a fire in
the vehicle.
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.

46

Warning!

It is very important for your safety to
always be in a properly seated
position.
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.
Since the airbag inflates with
considerable speed and force, a
proper seating position will keep you
in a safe distance from the airbag:

• Sit properly belted in an upright
position with your back against
the seat back.

• Do not lean with your head or
chest close to the steering wheel
or dashboard,

• Adjust the passenger as far as
possible rearward from the
dashboard, especially when a
child restraint is installed.

• Infants and small children
should only be seated in an
infant or child restraint which is
properly secured by the seat belt.

Failure to follow these instructions
can result in severe injuries to you or
other occupants.

47

Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt,
Emergency Tensioning
Retractor and Airbag

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.

• Do not pass belts over sharp
edges.

• Do not make any modification
that could change the
effectiveness of the belts.

• The "SRS" is designed to
function on a one-time-only
basis. An airbag or emergency
tensioning retractor (ETR) that
was activated must be replaced.

• No modifications of any
kind may be made to any
components or wiring of the
"SRS". This includes the
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 neat "SRS"
components and wiring.

• Several airbag system
components at the steering
wheel get hot after the air­bag has inflated. Don't try to
touch them.

• Improper work on the system,
including incorrect installation
and removal, can lead to
possible injury through an
uncontrolled activation of the
"SRS".

• 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.

• When scrapping the airbag unit
or emergency tensioning
retractor, it is mandatory to
follow our safety instructions.
These instructions are available
at your authorized MERCEDES­BENZ 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.

48

Infants and Child Restraint Systems

We recommend that all infants and
children be restrained at all times while
the vehicle is in motion.

Important!

The use of infant or child restraints is
required by law in all 50 states and all
Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be
seated in an infant or child restraint
system, which is properly secured by
the lap belt portion of the lap-shoulder
belt, and that complies-with U.S.
Federal Motor 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 using any infant or child
restraint system, be sure to carefully
read and follow all manufacturer's
instructions for installation and use.

Warning!

When the child restraint is not in
use, remove it from the car or secure
it with the seat belt to prevent the
loose child restraint from becoming a
projectile in the event of an accident.
Infants and small children should
never be held on the lap while the
vehicle is in motion. During an
accident they would be almost
impossible to hold, and could be
crushed between the adult and the
dashboard.

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.
Children too big for child restraint
systems should use regular seat belts.
Position shoulder belt across the
chest and shoulder, not the face or
neck. A booster seat may be
necessary to achieve proper belt
positioning.

U.S.A. Models only

Since 1986 all child restraints comply
with U.S. regulations (or FMVSS 213)
without the use of a tether strap.

Canada Models only

This vehicle can be equipped with a
tether anchorage for use with child
restraints that have a top tether strap.
Consult your authorized MERCEDES­BENZ dealer for installation of this
anchorage.

49

Steering Lock

0 Steering is locked when the key

is withdrawn and the steering lock
is engaged.
The key can be withdrawn only in
position 0.
In models equipped with auto­matic transmission, the key can be
removed only with the selector
lever in position "P".
With the key removed, the selector
lever is locked in position "P".

Warning!

Models with manual transmission: Do
not remove key from the steering lock
while the vehicle is in motion as this
will cause the engagement of the
steering lock, thus rendering the
vehicle impossible to steer.

1 Steering is unlocked. (If necessary,

move steering wheel slightly and
turn key clockwise to position 1.)

2 Driving position.
3 Starting position.

Note:
For starting and turning off the engine,
refer to page 15.

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.

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.

50

The following items can be operated

(only in exterior lamp switch positions

with the key in steering lock position 1:

Wiper, windshield washer system,
headlamp cleaning system

_ or ),
headlamp flasher,

radio (also in position 0),
lighter,
rear window defroster,
power windows,
power seats,
orthopedic seat backrest,
heated seats,
steering column adjustment.

An audible warning sounds when the
driver's door is opened with the key in
steering lock positions 1 or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the
charging rate of the alternator (output)
is limited.
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.

Unnecessary drain 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 control blower speed
should be set to stage "1".

51

Combination Switch

1. Low beam (exterior lamp
switch position )

2. High beam (exterior lamp
switch position )

3. High beam flasher (high beam
available independent of
exterior lamp switch position)

4. Turn signals, right

5. Turn signals, left

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.
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.

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
O Wiper off
I Intermittent wiping
II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed

When coming to a stop or driving
slower than approx. 20 km/h (13
mph), the wiper speed
automatically switches to the
next lower setting.
In setting "I", the interval be­tween wipes is lengthened.
Upon accelerating again, the
wiper speed returns to the
previous setting.

Note:
The windshield washer reservoir,
hoses and nozzles are automatically
heated.

52

Windshield Washer Fluid Mixing
Ratio

For temperatures above freezing:
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
"S" and water 1 part "S" to 100 parts
water (40 ml "S" to 1 gallon water).
For temperature below freezing:
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
"S" and commercially available
premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze 1 part "S" to 100
parts solvent (40 ml "S" to 1 gallon
solvent).

Windshield Wiper Smears

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.

Blocked Windshield Wiper

If the windshield wiper becomes
blocked (for example, due to snow),
switch off the wiper motor.
For safety reasons before removing ice
or snow, remove key from steering
lock. Remove blockage.
Activate combination switch again
(key in steering lock position 1).

Emergency Operation of
Windshield Wiper

In case of windshield wiper
malfunction, turn combination switch
to wiper setting II.
Have the system checked at your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
as soon as possible.

Signaling Turns with Hazard
Flasher in Use

For example, when the vehicle is
being towed:
With hazard flasher on, activate
combination switch for left or right
turn signal - only the selected turn
signal will blink.
Upon canceling the turn signal, all four
turn signals will operate again.

Turn Signal Failure

If one of the turn signals fails, the turn
signal indicator system flashes and
sounds at a faster than normal rate. In
addition, the exterior lamp failure
indicator will come on.

53

Off

Standing Lamps

Exterior Lamp Switch

Canada only:
When the engine is running, the low
beam (includes parking lamps, side
marker lamps, taillamps, license plate
lamps and instrument panel lamps) are
automatically switched on.

Note:
For nighttime driving the exterior
lamp switch should be turned to
position to permit activation of
the high beam headlamps.

Parking lamps (includes
side marker lamps, tail­lamps, license plate lamps,
instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the
engine is running, the low
beam is additionally
switched on.
Parking lamps plus low
beam or high beam
headlamps (combination
switch pushed forward)
Standing lamps, right
(turn left one stop).

Standing lamps, left (turn
left two stops)
Fog lamps (pull out one
stop) with parking and/or
headlamps on
Rear fog lamp (pull out to
2nd detent) In addition to
fog lamps. Indicator lamp
in lamp switch comes 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.
The standing lamps can only be
operated with the key in steering
lock position 0 or 1.

Note:
With the key removed and a door open,
an audible warning will sound if the
vehicle's exterior lamps (except
standing lamps) are not switched off.
Fog lamps will operate with the
parking lamps and the low or high
beam headlamps. Fog lamps should
only be used in conjunction with low
beam headlamps. Consult your state
Motor Vehicle Regulations regarding
allowable lamp operation.

Fog lamps are automatically switched
off when the exterior lamp switch is
turned to position O .

54

Exterior Rear View Mirror,
Electrically Adjustable

The switch is located in the center
console.
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
First select the mirror to be adjusted ­turn switch:

1 Left mirror
2 Right mirror

To adjust, move the switch forward,
backward or to either side.

Note:
The exterior mirrors have electric-ally
heated glass. The heater switches on
automatically, depending on the
outside temperature.

If the mirror housing is forcibly
pivoted from its normal position, it
must be repositioned by applying firm
pressure until it snaps into place.

Warning!
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.

55

Inside Rear View Mirror,
Electrically Adjustable

Storing Mirror Positions in
Memory

The switch is located in the center
console.
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
Turn the switch for the exterior rear
view mirror adjustment to its center
position and adjust by moving the
switch forward, backward or to either
side.
Antiglare night position: Tilt the mirror
to the antiglare night position using the
lever at its lower edge.

The exterior and interior rear view
mirror positions are stored in memory
with the seat/head restraint/steering
column position and can be recalled
when necessary, see page 35.

Note:
If the inside rear view mirror was
adjusted manually, the originally stored
position remains in memory.
To recall position, press the desired
position button.

56

Sun Visors

Vanity mirror:

Setting Clock

Location of knob, see page 12.
Adjusting clock ahead:

Pull out adjustment knob, turn to
the right and hold.

Adjusting clock back:

Pull out adjustment knob, turn to
the left and hold.

Adjusting clock one minute ahead

or back:

Pull out adjustment knob, briefly

turn to the left or right and release

knob.

Swing sun visors down to protect
against sun glare.

If sunlight enters through a side
window, disengage visor from inner
mounting and pivot to the side. From
this position, the visor can slide
forward and backward on its shaft.

With the visor engaged in its inner
mounting, the lamp can be switched on
by opening the cover.

Adjusting clock more than one minute
ahead or back:
Pull out adjustment knob, turn to the
left or right and hold until the desired
time is set.

Adjusting speed:
Within the first 2 seconds, the minute
hand advances 8 minutes and
advances another 8 minutes every
additional second thereafter.

57

Opening compartment (1): Press
button (2).

Note:
The storage compartments and
door pockets may be locked and
unlocked by using the master key
in lock (3).
For interior central locking
system see page 32.

Locking:
Turn master key in lock (3) to the
right and remove.
Unlocking:
Turn master key back to vertical
position.

Storage Compartment
(Eyeglasses Compartment)
in the Dashboard

1. Storage compartment
(eyeglasses compartment)

2. Button for storage compartment

3. Lock

Console Storage Compartments

To open front compartment
(cassette storage):
Slide cover (1) back.

Opening rear compartment:
Press button (2).

58

Door Pockets

Rear Storage Compartments

Lighter

To open: Lift cover.

To open compartment:
Press button (1) and lift cover.

1. Cover

2. Lighter

Turn key in steering lock to
position 1 or 2,
Slide cover (1) forward.
Push in lighter (2); it will pop out
automatically when hot.

Warning!

Never touch the heating element or
sides of the lighter, hold at knob
only.

59

Entrance Lamps, Exit Lamps

Entrance lamps are located in the
footwells under the dashboard.
Exit lamps are located in the door
pockets.
These lamps are switched on and off
by the door contact switches.

Interior Lighting

The switch is located above the inside
rear view mirror.

Interior Lamps

1. Interior lamps are switched on,
and off delayed, when
unlocking or locking the vehicle,
or when opening either door.
However, there will be no delay
when the key is in steering lock
position 2.

2. Interior lamps switched off.

3. Interior lamps switched on
continuously.

Reading Lamps

4. Left reading lamp switched on,

5. Reading lamps switched off.

6. Flight reading lamp switched on.

60

Rear Window Defroster

The switch is located in the center
console.
Turn key in steering lock to
position 1 or 2.

When activating the rear window
defroster, the indicator lamp in the
switch will come on.

Note:
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 20
minutes of operation. Heavy
accumulation of snow and ice should
be removed before activating the
defroster.

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.

61

Press switch up to resistance
point:

to close

to open

Release switch when window is in
desired position.

Press switch
and release - window lowers to fully
open position. To interrupt procedure,
briefly press
Note:
If the vehicle is left with a door open
for a long period, the battery could
discharge.

past resistance point

or

Power Windows

The switch is located in the center
console.
Turn key in steering lock to position 1
or 2 (with either door open, the power
windows can also be lowered with the
key removed or in steering lock
position 0).

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.

Roll Bar

The switch is located in the center
console.
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.

Press switch
Upper half = to raise
Lower half = to lower

The lowering or raising procedure is
immediately interrupted by releasing
the roll bar switch.

62

If the roll bar was raised using the
switch, it will be automatically lowered
when activating the soft top switch.
The roll bar will be automatically
raised in an accident or in a potentially
dangerous driving situation. A ratchet
noise can be heard when the roll bar is
automatically raised.
The roll bar can be lowered again after
an automatic deployment by pressing
the upper half of the roll bar switch (for
at least 5 seconds) until the roll bar
drive mechanism audibly engages.
Then press the lower half of the switch
to lower the roll bar.

Warning!

Before operating the roll bar switch
make sure that the roll bar's path is
clear and no persons due to
inattention are injured by the
moving roll bar.
For your own safety we recommend
to drive with the roll bar raised, if

• the outside temperature is below

-15°C (5°F)

• the soft top is closed and pets are
placed in the rear storage area.

Items being transported in the area
behind the seats should be placed in
such a manner as not to affect the
movement of the roll bar when being
raised.

Note:
If the indicator lamps in the switch are
blinking or if the warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on, then a
malfunction has been detected.
In this case, drive only with the roll bar
raised until the defect has been
repaired. Raise the roll bar by pressing
the upper half of the roll bar switch.
The indicator lamps in the switch will
go out, however, the warning lamp in
the instrument cluster will stay on.
Have the system checked at your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
as soon as possible.

Important!

This vehicle is a two occupant
vehicle. The rear storage area should
never be used by any persons.
Raising or lowering of the roll bar
could injure rear seated occupants.

The roll bar is intended to be a safety
enhancement to the other features
designed into the vehicle. No system in
any vehicle can eliminate the
possibility of serious injury or fatality
in an accident. Properly fastened seat
belts and child restraints must be used!

63

Hardtop

The removal or attachment of the
hardtop can be carried out by 2
persons.

Warning!

Do not place your hands between the
hardtop and the car body while the
hardtop is being locked or unlocked.
Serious personal injury may occur.

Removing Hardtop

1. Engage parking brake.

2. Open doors or windows.

3. Disconnect plug for rear

window defroster. Fold cover
(1) away and remove plug.

4. Within 10 seconds of turning

key in steering lock to position 2
(engine not running), slide soft top
switch (2) back and hold.

Please note, if soft top switch is
activated after 10 seconds have
expired, turn the key back to position 0
first before the hardtop removing
procedure can be started again at
step 4.

The unlocking procedure begins after
approx. 2 seconds:

• The roll bar lowers.

• The indicator lamp in the soft top

switch lights up.

• The hardtop unlocks.

64

5. After the hardtop has unlocked
remove the key from the steering
lock and turn radio off to lower
antenna. The indicator lamp in the
soft top switch should go out.

Important!

Removal of the key from the steering
lock is a safety measure ensuring that
the key cannot be turned to position 2
and the soft top switch is without
function should anybody push the
switch forward causing the roof
locking mechanism to work. If hands
are at that moment between roof and
car body they can be badly injured.

6. Lift the hardtop vertically from its
attachment points (3) and locating
points (4) and carefully remove to
the rear. Exercise caution when
maneuvering the top. To avoid
paint damage, the top's mounting
pins must not be allowed to contact
the body.

65

Attaching Hardtop

1. Engage parking brake and turn
key in steering lock to position 2.

2. Lower roll bar,

3. Open doors or windows.

4. Turn radio off to lower power
antenna, turn key in steering lock
to position 0 and remove.

5. From the rear of the vehicle, lift
the hardtop carefully over the
attachment points (1) and locating
points (2). First guide the rear pins
of the top vertically into the rear
attachment points, then lower the
roof onto the vehicle and locate
the front locking pins. Exercise
caution when maneuvering the
top. To avoid paint damage, the
top's mounting pins must not be
allowed to contact the body.

6. Turn key in steering lock to
position 2. The indicator lamp in
the soft top switch lights up.

7. Slide soft top switch (3) forward ­the hardtop should lock and the
indicator lamp in the switch
should go out.

66

8. Disengage cover (4) and fold
back. Connect rear window
defroster plug. Secure cover (4).

Warning!

The hardtop is not locked:

• if the indicator lamp in the soft
top switch does not go out (key in
steering lock position 2),

• if the indicator lamp blinks when
starting to drive and an audible
warning sounds simultaneously.

Before continuing to drive,
lock the hardtop:
Turn key in steering lock to
position 2.
Slide soft/hardtop switch forward.

Note:
For safety reasons, the hardtop can
only be unlocked while the vehicle is
standing still, and within 10 seconds
after turning the key to steering lock
position 2 or beyond.
If the indicator lamp in the soft top
switch blinks while activating the
switch, the battery voltage may be
insufficient - start engine to charge
battery before shutting engine off and
attempting to unlock the roof again.

If the indicator lamp continues to blink,
lock the hardtop manually.
See page 122.
Have the system checked at your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
as soon as possible.

67

Soft Top

A minimum height clearance of 2
meters (6.5 ft) is required to lower or
raise the soft top.
Do not lower a frozen soft top until
thawed and dry.

The soft top must be dry before
lowering it into the storage
compartment.
The soft top should not be lowered or
raised at outside temperatures below-

15°C (+ 5°F).
The lowering or raising procedure is
immediately interrupted by releasing
the soft top switch.

Warning!

Before operating the soft top switch
make sure that no persons due to
inattention are injured by the
moving parts (roll bar, soft top frame
and soft top lid).
Hands must never be placed near the
roll bar, soft top frame, upper
windshield area or soft top storage
compartment while the soft top is
being locked or unlocked. Serious
personal injury may occur.

Lowering Soft Top

1. Engage parking brake.

2. Turn key in steering lock to position

3. Slide soft top switch (1) back
and hold:

• The side windows lower.

• The roll bar lowers.

• The indicator lamp in the soft top

switch lights up.

• The soft top is lowered into the
soft top storage compartment.

• The storage compartment cover
closes and locks.

• The indicator lamp in the switch
goes out - the lowering procedure
is completed.

If the soft top switch is held or is
released and slid back again within
approx. 2 seconds, the side windows
will close. If the roll bar was
previously in the upright position, it
will return to that position.
However, the side windows and the
roll bar can also be activated using
their respective switches.

Note:
A wet or frozen soft top must not be
folded until thawed and dry.

68

Raising Soft Top

1. Engage parking brake.

2. Turn key in steering lock to
position 2.

3. Slide soft top switch (2) forward
and hold:

• The side windows lower.

• The roll bar lowers.

• The indicator lamp in the soft

top switch lights up.

• The soft top closes and locks.

• The indicator lamp in the soft

top switch goes out -the
closing procedure is
completed.

If the soft top switch is held or is
released and slid forward again within
approx. 2 seconds, the side windows
will close. If the roll bar was
previously in the upright position, it
will return to that position.

However, the side windows and the roll
bar can also be activated using their
respective switches.

Note:
If the soft top does not engage in the
windshield header attachment points,
then release the soft top switch. Reach
into the grip (3) and guide the pins into
their respective locks while pulling
down, slide soft top switch (2) forward
again.

69

Warning!

The soft top is not locked:

• if the indicator lamp in the soft
top switch does not go out (key
in steering lock position 2),

• if the indicator lamp blinks
when starting to drive and an
audible warning sounds
simultaneously.

Stop the vehicle and before
continuing to drive, lock the soft
top:
The key should be in steering lock
position 2.
Slide soft top switch forward, if the
soft top is not locked, it may fold
back or forward when driving.

During soft top operation, do not
place your hands near the soft top
frame, upper windshield area or soft
top storage compartment. Serious
personal injury may occur.

For safety reasons, the soft top cannot
be unlocked while driving,

However, if the soft top is not
completely locked, it can be locked
while driving by pushing the
soft/hardtop switch forward.

If the indicator lamp in the soft top
switch blinks while activating the
switch,

• the battery voltage may be
insufficient - start engine and let
run while activating switch,

• the system may be overloaded (for
example after lowering or raising
the soft top approx. 5 consecutive
times) - after approx. 2 minutes
the soft top switch may be
activated again.

If the indicator lamp continues to blink,
lock the soft top manually.
See page 119.

Have the system checked at your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
as soon as possible.

Note:
If the roll bar was raised automatically,
the process of raising or lowering the
soft top will take somewhat longer, as
the roll bar must first be lowered.

Whenever possible, park vehicle in the
shade as continuous exposure to sun
rays can prematurely deteriorate the
soft top material.

The soft top may become moldy if it is
kept in the storage compartment for an

extended period.
Therefore, we recommend raising and
airing it thoroughly with the side
windows open (do not expose it to the
sun) at regular intervals during the wet
and cold seasons.

70

Wind Screen

Installation:

1. Raise roll bar partially using
switch on center console.

2.
Insert screen into roll bar by
positioning hook at bottom of
roll bar, on one side, then push
the opposite side in place.

3. Slide wind screen up into roll bar
(1), using care not to get the
attachment straps (2) caught.

4. Raise roll bar completely.

5. Wrap attachment straps around
roll bar and insert tabs into
latches (3).

6. Tighten straps (4).

7. Lower roll bar.

71

Removal

1. Fold down top of wind screen.

2. Raise roll bar using switch on
center console.

3. Disconnect attachment strap
latches by squeezing latch.

4. Lower roll bar partially.

Setting up

Push top of wind screen fully forward
against internal stop

Warning!

The rear storage area should never
be occupied by passengers since the
vehicle is a 2 seater. Furthermore,
with the wind screen in place there is
a risk of injury, should the roll bar
be deployed.

5. Pull wind screen down out of roll
bar (5) and lift wind screen out on
one side and remove.

72

Driving

73

Starting and Shifting Gears

Warning!

Keep driver's foot area clear at all
times. Objects stored in this area
may impair pedal movement

Test the brakes briefly after driving off.
Perform this procedure only when the
road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the
operating temperature has been
reached.

Warning!

Drinking and driving can be a very
dangerous combination. Even a small
amount of alcohol or drugs can affect
your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment. The possibility of a serious
or even fatal accident is sharply
increased when you drink and drive.
Please don't drink and drive or allow
a friend to drive when he has been
drinking.

Parking Brake

To engage, depress parking brake
pedal. With the key in steering lock
position 2, the brake warning lamp in
the instrument cluster should come on
brightly (function check for lamp).

To release the parking brake, pull
handle on instrument panel. The brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
should go out (also see brake warning
lamp, page 88).

74

Manual Transmission

See illustration for gearshift lever
positions corresponding to the
individual gears.
Stop the vehicle completely before
shifting into reverse; to shift into
reverse, pull the shift lever up.

Recommended Shift Points for
Manual Transmission

For good fuel economy, the
following shift points are re­commended:

Shift

Do not exceed the maximum speed in
the individual gears. See line markings
on the speedometer.

Important!

When vehicle is parked, always be sure
to engage first or reverse gear and
firmly set parking brake.

from 1st to 2nd at
24km/h (15 mph)

from 2nd to 3rd at
40 km/h (25 mph)

from 3rd to 4th at
64 km/h (40 mph)

from 4th to 5th at
72 km/h (45 mph).

75

Automatic Transmission

Driving

Accelerator position

The automatic transmission
selects individual gears auto­matically, dependent upon

• Selector lever position

• Accelerator position

• Vehicle speed

Important!

When parking the car and before
working on the vehicle with the engine
running, firmly depress the parking
brake pedal and shift the selector lever
into "P".

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.
Shift selector lever to the desired
position only when the engine is idling
normally and the service brake is
applied. Do not release the brake until
ready to drive. The vehicle may
otherwise start creeping when the
selector lever is in drive or reverse
position.

Warning!

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.

Partial throttle = early upshifting =
normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid
acceleration
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.

76

Selector Lever Positions 300 SL

The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.

P Parking lock.

The parking lock is an additional
safeguard to the parking brake when
parking the vehicle. Engage only
with the car stopped.

Note:
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".

R Reverse gear.

Shift to reverse gear only with the
car stopped.

N Neutral.

No power is transmitted from the

engine to the rear axle. When the

brakes 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 page 19).

Important!

Coasting the vehicle for an extended
period of time with selector lever in
"N" can result in transmission damage.
That is not covered by the
MERCEDES-BENZ Limited
Warranty.

D The transmission automatically

upshifts to 5th gear. Position "D"
provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.

4 Upshift to 4th gear only.

Suitable for performance
driving.

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 brak­ing power downhill.

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.

77

Important!

Do not exceed the vehicle speed limits
for individual gear selections, which
are indicated by marks (I, II, III, etc.)
on the circumference of the
speedometer.

To avoid over-revving the engine, the
selector lever cannot be moved to a
lower gear if the vehicle speed exceeds
the speed limit of that gear.

Warning!

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.

To prevent the engine from laboring at
low RPM’s, do not allow the engine
speed to drop too low on uphill
gradients.

Depending on the degree of the incline,
shift selector lever to a lower gear
early enough to maintain engine RPM
within the best torque range.

Stopping

For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights,
leave the transmission in gear and hold
vehicle with the service brake.

For longer stops with the engine idling,
shift into "N" or "P".

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.

Warning!
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 rolling, possibly hitting
people or objects. Always set the
parking brake in addition to shifting
to position "P".

Maneuvering

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.

To rock a car out of soft ground (mud
or snow), alternately shift from
forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.
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.

78

Selector Lever Positions 500 SL

The automatic gear shifting process can
be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.

P Parking lock.

The parking lock is an additional
safeguard to the parking brake when
parking the vehicle. Engage only
with the car stopped.

Note:

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".

R Reverse gear.

Shift to reverse gear only with the

car stopped.

N Neutral.

No power is transmitted from the
engine to the rear axle. When the
brakes 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 page 19).

Important!

Coasting the vehicle for an extended
period of time with selector lever in
"N" can result in transmission
damage. That is not covered by the
MERCEDES-BENZ Limited
Warranty.

D The transmission automatically

upshifts to 4th gear. Position "D"
provides optimum driving
characteristics under all normal
operating conditions.

3 Upshift to 3rd gear only. Suitable for

moderately steep hills.

2 Upshift to 2nd gear only. For

driving in mountainous regions. Since
the transmission does not shift higher
than 2nd gear, this gear selection
will allow use of the engine's
braking power downhill.

B In this position, the engine's braking

effect is utilized by shifting into 1st
gear. Use this position while
descending very steep or lengthy
downgrades and only at speeds below
60 km/h (40 mph).

79

Important!

Do not exceed the vehicle speed limits
for individual gear selections, which
are indicated by marks (I, II, III, etc.)
on the circumference of the
speedometer.
Do not brake the vehicle by
downshifting to a lower gear (for
example from "D" to "3") unless the
speedometer needle is below the speed
limit mark of that particular gear
range. Over-revving could result in
serious damage to the engine.

Warning!
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.
This applies particularly for position
"B".

To prevent the engine from laboring at
low RPM’s, do not allow the engine
speed to drop too low on uphill
gradients.

Depending on the degree of the incline,
shift selector lever to a lower gear early
enough to maintain engine RPM within
the best torque range.

Stopping

For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights,
leave the transmission in gear and hold
vehicle with the service brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling,
shift into "N" or "P".
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.

Warning!

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 rolling, possibly hitting
people or objects. Always set the
parking brake in addition to shifting
to position "P".

Maneuvering

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.

To rock a car out of soft ground (mud
or snow), alternately shift from
forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.

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.

80

Cruise Control

Any given speed above approximately
40 km/h (25 mph) can be maintained
with the cruise control by operating the
lever.

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.

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 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 1 km/h (0.6 mph)
increments. When the lever is released,
the newly set speed remains.

3. Canceling:
To cancel the cruise control,

briefly push lever to position 3.

When you step on the brake or

clutch pedal or the vehicle speed
drops below approx. 40 km/h (25
mph), for example when driving
upgrade, the cruise control will be
canceled.

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.

4. Resume

If the lever is briefly pushed to
position 4 when driving at a
speed exceeding approx. 40
km/h (25 mph), 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.

Normally the vehicle is accelerated to
the desired speed with the accelerator.

81

Note:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle
sufficiently while driving on a
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.

Warning!

Only use the cruise control if the
traffic and weather conditions make
it advisable to travel at a steady
speed.

• 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.

Caution!

In the case of manual transmissions,
the vehicle maximum speed in the
individual gears should not be
exceeded. See line markings on the
speedometer. In the case of automatic
transmissions, the selector lever must
not be shifted to position "N" when
driving with cruise control engaged as
otherwise the engine will overrev,
possibly causing serious engine
damage.

82

Charge Indicator Lamp

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
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
immediately.

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.

Oil Pressure Gauge with
Oil Pressure Warning Lamp

With the key in steering lock position
2, the oil pressure warning lamp comes
on and goes out with the engine
running.
The oil pressure at idle speed may drop
if the engine is at operating
temperature. This will not jeopardize
the engine's operational reliability.

Pressure must, however, rise
immediately upon acceleration.

Note:
If the oil pressure warning lamp does
not go out after starting the engine or
comes on while driving and the oil
pressure gauge needle drops to "0",
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.

There is no need for concern should the
oil pressure warning lamp light up
briefly, (for example, in sharp turns or
hard braking) provided the lamp goes
out immediately. We recommend you
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.

83

Low Engine Oil Level Warning
Lamp

With the key in steering lock position
2, the oil pressure warning lamp comes
on and goes out with the engine
running.
If the warning lamp comes on with the
engine running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has
dropped to approximately the
minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp
will first come on intermittently and
then stay on if the oil level drops
further.

If no oil leaks are noted and there is
indicated 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.

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 page 98.

Engine Oil Consumption

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
consumption.

Fuel Consumption Gauge

While driving, instantaneous fuel
consumption is indicated in miles per
gallon (mpg), or in Canada liters per
100 kilometers (I/100 km).
With the engine switched off, the
needle reads "0".
At idle speed, maximum consumption
is indicated.

84

Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp

Warning!

Warning!

With the key in steering lock position
2, the fuel reserve warning lamp comes
on and goes out with the engine
running.
If the warning lamp does not go out
after starting the engine or if it comes
on while driving, it indicates that the
fuel level is down to the reserve
quantity of approx. 10 liters (2.6 gal).

Outside Temperature Indicator

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.).

Adaptation to ambient temperature
takes place in steps and depends on the
prevailing driving conditions (stop­and-go or moderate, constant driving)
and amount of temperature change.

The outside temperature indicator is
not designed to serve as an Ice­Warning Device and is therefore un­suitable for that purpose. Indicated
temperatures just above the freezing
point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.

Coolant Temperature Gauge

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).
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise close to the red
marking.
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature in the red
zone.

• 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.

• 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.

85

Low Engine Coolant Level
Warning Lamp

With the key in steering lock position
2, the warning lamp comes on and goes
out with the engine running.

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 page 97.

In cases of major or frequent minor
coolant loss, have the cooling system
checked at your authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer as soon as
possible.

Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the
cooling system. The engine can
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.

Low Windshield and Headlamp
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp

With the key in steering lock position
2, the warning lamp comes on and
goes out with the engine running.
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 page 53) at the next opportunity.
The reservoir for the windshield and
headlamp washer system is located in
the engine compartment. See page 152.

Roll Bar Warning Lamp

With the key in steering lock position
2, the warning lamp comes on and goes
out with the engine running.

Warning!

If the warning lamp does not go out
after starting the engine, or if it
comes on while driving, and the
indicator lamps in the roll bar switch
blink simultaneously, then the roll
bar system is defective and may not
activate in an accident. In this case,
raise the roll bar manually (see page

62) before continuing to drive

Have the roll bar system checked at
your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer as soon as possible.

.

86

Seat Belt and Backrest Lock
Warning 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.

If a backrest is not engaged in its lock,
an audible warning will sound
intermittently for up to approx. 20
seconds.
After starting the engine, the warning
lamp blinks for a brief period to remind
the driver and passenger to fasten seat
belts before driving off.
If the warning lamp does not go put
after blinking briefly, but is instead lit
continuously, then a backrest is not
engaged in its lock.
The warning lamp goes out as soon as
the backrest is engaged in its lock.

If the backrest is locked and the

warning lamp does not go out, have the

system checked at your authorized

MERCEDES-BENZ dealer as soon as

possible.

Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator
Lamp

With the key in steering lock position
2, a dim indicator lamp comes on and
goes out with the engine 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 (except high
mounted stop lamp).

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.

If an exterior lamp fails, the in­dicator lamp will come on only
when that lamp is switched on.
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.

87

Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp

Brake Warning Lamp

Warning!

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.
If the indicator lamp lights up during
braking, this indicates that the front
wheel brake pads are worn down
(vehicles equipped with ASR front
and/or rear wheel brake pads).

Have the brake system checked at your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
as soon as possible.

The brake warning lamp will come on:

• when there is insufficient brake
fluid in the reservoir (engine
running and parking brake
released)

• when the parking brake is set
(engine running)

• as a lamp function check (key in
steering lock position 2).

When the minimum mark on the
reservoir is reached, have the brake
system checked for brake pad thickness
and leaks.

Driving with the brake warning
lamp on can result in an accident.
Have your brake system checked
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.

88

ABS (Antilock Brake System)

The ABS prevents the wheels from
locking up above a vehicle speed of
approximately 3 km/h (2 mph)
independent of road surface conditions.
It is necessary, however, that the
vehicle speed reaches at least 8 km/h
(5 mph) before commencing to brake.

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.

On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even with only slight brake
pedal pressure. The pulsating brake
pedal can be an indication of hazardous
road conditions and functions as a
reminder to take extra care while
driving.

The ABS warning lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on with the
key in steering lock position 2 and
should go out with the engine running.

If the charging voltage falls below 10
volts, the warning lamp comes on and
the ABS is switched off. When the
voltage is above this value again, the
warning lamp should go out and the
ABS will be operational.

If the ABS warning 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.
Have the system checked at your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
as soon as possible.

Warning!

Even the ABS cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting
on the vehicle. The ABS cannot
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.

89

Acceleration Slip Control (ASR)

The acceleration slip control will
engage at all vehicle speeds, if one or
both drive wheels begin to lose traction
and spin. While engaged, the yellow
function indicator in the speedometer
lights up.
With the acceleration slip control
engaged, the brake is applied to the
spinning drive wheel until it regains
sufficient traction. If both drive wheels
lose traction and spin, the brake is
applied to both drive wheels and
simultaneously, engine torque is
limited.
As traction on the road surface
increases, the allowable engine torque
also increases again and the brake is no
longer applied to drive wheels.

Snow chain switch

Driving with Snow Chains

When driving with snow chains, press
the upper half of the snow chain
switch, located on the instrument panel
(the indicator lamp in the switch
comes on).
This mode is effective at speeds up to
40 km/h (25 mph). It re-mains stored
in memory up to 60 km/h (37 mph)
and automatically engages again when
the vehicle speed drops below 40 km/h
(25 mph).

The mode is canceled in memory
above 60 km/h (37 mph) and the
indicator lamp in the switch goes
out.
To switch off: press lower half of
switch (the indicator lamp in the
switch goes out).

Notes:
With the key in steering lock position
2, the yellow function indicator lamp
and the yellow ASR warning lamp in
the instrument cluster come on. They
must go out with the engine running.
If the ASR warning lamp comes on
with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected. Pressing the
accelerator pedal will require greater
effort. Only 2/3 of engine output is
available.
Have the acceleration slip control
checked at your authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer as soon as
possible.

90

Driving the vehicle with different size
tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
different speeds, therefore the
acceleration slip control will activate
(yellow ASR function indicator lamp in
instrument cluster comes on). For this
reason, all wheels, including the spare
wheel, must have the same tire size.
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the acceleration slip
control is only achieved with M + S
radial tires.
On vehicles equipped with acceleration
slip control, the brake pad wear
warning lamp indicates brake pad wear
for the front as well as the rear brakes.

Caution!

If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised, the key must not be in
steering lock position 2. Otherwise, the
acceleration slip control will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.

Automatic Locking Differential
(ASD)

The automatic locking differential
engages when there is a difference in
speed (slip) between the front and rear
wheels of over 2 km/h (1.2 mph) and
the vehicle speed is less than 25 km/h
(15.5 mph). It will disengage at speeds
above 26 km/h (16.2 mph).

The yellow function indicator in the
speedometer comes on whenever there
is a difference in speed between the
front and rear wheels of over 2 km/h
(1.2 mph), warning of slippery road
conditions.

Note:
The automatic locking differential will
not engage at speeds above 25 km/h
(15.5 mph). However, above this
speed, a limited-slip effect of up to
35% is always present.

In steering lock position 2, the yellow
function indicator lamp and the yellow
ASD indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster should come on and then must
go out with the engine running.
If the ASD indicator lamp comes on
with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected. We recommend that
you visit an authorized MERCEDES­BENZ dealer as soon as possible to
have the ASD checked.

Notes:
When testing the parking brake on a
brake test dynamometer, turn off the
engine to avoid engaging the automatic
locking differential.

In winter operation, the maximum
efficiency of the automatic locking
differential can only be attained
through the use of M + S radial tires on
all four wheels.

91

Adaptive Damping System
(ADS)

Depending upon road surface
conditions, load, driving style, ADS
will automatically adjust the optimal
ride firmness.
The indicator lamp comes on with the
key in steering lock position 2 and goes
out when the engine is running.

If the indicator lamp stays on after the
engine is running or comes on while
driving, then the system has detected a
malfunction.
We recommend that you visit an
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
as soon as possible to have the system
checked-out.

Note:
If the battery was disconnected, the
indicator lamp will only go out after
the engine is started and the steering
wheel is turned from full left - to - full
right lock and returned to the center
position

Lower half = soft damping program.

This setting should be
used for regular driving.

Adaptive Damping System
Adjustment

The switch is located in the center
console.

Press switch

Upper half = firm damping program.

This setting should be
used for sporty driving.
During the setting for
sporty driving the
indicator lamp in the
switch lights up.

92

Emission Control

Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the
exhaust gases within permissible limits
required by law.
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 requirements. For details
refer to the Maintenance Booklet.

Warning!

Inhalation of exhaust gas is
hazardous to your health. All
exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and lead to death.
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.

On-Board Diagnostic System
(California models only)

The CIS-E control unit monitors
emission control components that
either provide input signals to or
receive output signals from the control
unit. Malfunctions resulting from
interruptions or failure of any of these
components are indicated by the
"CHECK ENGINE" indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster and are
simultaneously stored in the CIS-E
control unit.
If the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator
lamp comes on, have the system
checked at your authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer as soon as
possible.
An on-board test connection with
pushbutton and light emitting diode
(LED) is located on the engine
compartment firewall, allowing the
accurate detection of system
malfunctions.

93

Traveling Abroad

Abroad, there is a widely-spread
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.

Winter Driving

Have your car winterized at your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
before the onset of winter.

• 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 "Fuels, Coolants,
Lubricants, etc." page 135.

• Check engine coolant
anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration.

• Additive for the windshield
washer and headlamp cleaning
system: Add MB Concentrate "S"
to a premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze which is
formulated for below freezing
temperatures (see page 53).

• Test battery: Battery capacity
drops with decreasing ambient
temperature. A well charged
battery ensures that the engine can
always be started, even at low
ambient temperatures.

• Tires: We recommend M + S
radial tires on all four wheels for
the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for
M + S radial tires and the legal
speed limit.

Note:
In winter operation, the maximum
efficiency of the acceleration slip
control or of the automatic locking
differential is only achieved with M +
S radial tires.

Snow Chains

Use only snow chains that are tested
and recommended by MERCEDES­BENZ. Your authorized MERCEDES­BENZ dealer will be glad to advise you
on this subject.
Chains should only be used on the rear
wheels. Follow the manufacturer's
mounting instructions.
After driving a short distance, retighten
the mounted chains.
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 50 km/h (30 mph). Remove
chains as soon as possible when
driving on roads without snow.

For tips on driving on slippery winter
roads, refer to page 19.
Vehicles with Acceleration Slip
Control (ASR):
When driving with snow chains, press
the snow chain switch, see page 90.

94

Practical Hints

95

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

To open:
To unlock the hood, pull release lever
(1) under the driver's side of the
instrument panel.

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.

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.

• with the engine running,

• while starting the engine,

• if the ignition is "on" and the

engine is turned manually.

96

Warning!

Adding Coolant

Checking Coolant Level

The coolant level can be checked
visually at the transparent coolant
reservoir.

To check the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground.
Check coolant level only when coolant
is cold:

The coolant should reach the rib in the
filler neck. Also see marking (1) on
reservoir.

• Use extreme caution when
opening the hood if there are
any signs of steam or coolant
leaking from the cooling system.

• Do not remove pressure cap on
coolant reservoir if engine
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.

• Using a rag, turn cap to first
notch to relieve excess pressure.
If opened immediately, hot
scalding fluid and steam will be
blown out under pressure,
possibly causing personal
injury.

• 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.

If coolant has to be added, a 50/50

mixture of water and MB
anticorrosion / antifreeze should be
added.

300 SL:

The drain plugs for the cooling system
are located on the right side of the
engine block and" at the bottom of the
radiator.

500 SL:

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.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze, see

“Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.”,

page 140.

97

Wipe the dipstick clean before
checking.

Add oil, if needed, only to
the upper mark (max). Do
not overfill engine.

For viscosity and capacity, see
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc, page

135.

For low engine oil level warning lamp,
page 84.

300 SL

Checking Engine Oil Level

1 Oil dipstick
2 Oil filler cap

500 SL

The best time to check the engine
oil level is when the oil is warm, such
as during a fuel stop.

With the vehicle on level ground, stop
the engine and wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back to the oil pan.

98

300 SL

Checking Automatic
Transmission Fluid Level

Dipstick locking lever

1 Release
2 Engage

Check transmission fluid level with the
engine idling, parking brake engaged
and selector lever in position "P". The
vehicle must be parked on level ground.

Prior to the check, allow engine to idle
for approx. 1 to 2 minutes.

500 SL

Measure fluid level with the dipstick
completely inserted and the locking
lever released (1).

Extreme cleanliness must be observed!
To wipe the dipstick, use a clean, lint­free cloth.

To fill the transmission with fluid, pour
it through a fine-mesh filter into the
dipstick opening. Even the slightest
impurity may cause operational troubles.

The fluid level in the transmission is
dependent upon its temperature. The
maximum and minimum fluid level
marks on the dipstick are applicable
references only if the transmission fluid
level has reached its normal operating
temperature of 80°C (176°F).

Important!

If the transmission fluid cools down to
20 - 30°C (68 - 86°F), which is the
normal shop temperature range, then
the maximum fluid level will be
approximately 10 mm (0.4 in) below
the minimum mark on the dipstick. We
stress this point because a fluid change
is normally performed when the
transmission fluid has cooled down to
shop temperature.

The fluid level must not exceed the
dipstick maximum mark with the fluid
at operating temperature. Drain or
siphon off excess fluid, if required.

Then push dipstick all the way in and
swing locking lever downwards (2).

99

First Aid Kit

The first aid kit is located in the left
trunk well.

Trunk Lamp

To switch off: Using car key, slide
switch to the left. This prevents the
battery from being discharged if the
trunk is to remain open for an extended
period.

When the trunk lid is closed, the switch
will reset and turn on the lamp the next
time the lid is opened.

Spare Wheel

1 Trunk floor
2 Strap

Roll back the floor mat, lift the trunk
floor (1) and engage strap (2) in the
hooks on the upper edge of the trunk lid.

First remove the vehicle jack, then the
spare wheel; reinstall in reverse order.

100