Mercedes R129 1996, SL 600 1996, SL 500 1996, SL 320 1996 User Manual

Mercedes-Benz

SL Operator's Manual

SL 320 SL 500 SL 600

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

Operator's manual

This Operator's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving. For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized MercedesBenz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures. Service and warranty information The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including:

• New Car Limited Warranty,

• Emission System Warranty,

• Emission Performance Warranty,

• California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty

(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),

• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz USA,LLC or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an

opportunity to perform the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet.

Maintenance

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

Roadside assistance

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

1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in 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.

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

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator's Manual might differ from your vehicle. Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.

If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator's Manual, your authorized MercedesBenz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.

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

The First 1000 Miles (1500km)

The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first 1000 miles (1500 km) at moderate vehicle and engine speeds.

During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds.

Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We recommend to select positions "3", "2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).

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

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

See Index

Maintenance

We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet.

Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Maintenance Booklet may result in vehicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz. Limited Warranty.

Radio Transmitters

Warning!

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

Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citizens band unit, should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle. Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions regarding use of an external antenna.

Introduction Power seats 34 Interior Lighting 60

Product information 2 Heated Seats 38 Power Windows 61 Operator's manual Consumer Information 151 Adjusting steering column 39 Hardtop 64 Problems with your vehicle 152 Seat belts and Supplemental

Reporting Safety Defects Index 156 Emergency tensioning retractor

Instruments and controls Child Restraint 49

Instruments and controls Instrument Cluster 12 Exterior Lamp Switch 53 Drinking and Driving 76 Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Night security illumination 54 Parking Brake 76 Catalytic Converter Starting and Turning Off the Engine 15 Inside rear view mirror 55 Automatic Transmission 77 Driving Instructions 16 Sun Visors 55 Cruise Control 83

Operation Instrument lamps 56 Engine oil pressure Gauge Low Engine

Automatic Climate Control 22 Trip Odometer 56 Fuel Consumption Gauge 86 Car Keys 26 Clock 56 Fuel Reserve Warning Lamps 87 Infrared Remote Control

Central locking system 29 Console storage compartments 58 Coolant Temperature Gauge 87 Door

Trunk 30 Rear Storage Compartments 58 Interior Central Locking System Anti-Theft Alarm System

Backrest 36 Rear Window Defroster 61

4 Arm Rest 39 Roll Bar 62

Soft top

153 Seat belts 40 Wind Screen 71

10 Combination Switch 51

14 Exterior rear view mirror 54 Driving off 76

27 Storage Compartments (Eyeglasses

29 Door pockets 58 Low Engine Coolant Level

32 Ashtray 59 33 Lighter 59

restraint system (SRS) 40

(ETR)

44 Antenna 73

Airbags

Steering Lock 50 Driving

Vanity Mirrors

Display illumination

compartment) in dashboard 57

45 Cellular Telephone 73

55 Charge Indicator Lamp 85

Oil Level Warning Lamp 85

56 Engine Oil Consumption 86

Outside Temperature Indicator 87

Warning Lamp 88

Low windshield and headlamp washer system fluid level warning lamp 88 Roll Bar Warning Lamp Seat Belt and Backrest Lock Warning Lamp Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 90 Stowing things in vehicle 108 Vehicle Data Card 139 Brake Warning Lamp 90 Vehicle Tools 108 Warranty Coverage 139 ABS (Antilock Brake System) 91 Vehicle Jack 109 Technical Data Electronic stability program Acceleration Slip Control (ASR) 93 Changing Wheels 111 SL 500 142

Electronic stability program (ESP) 95 Tire inflation Pressure 114 SL 600 144 Adaptive damping system (ADS) 97 Battery 115 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 146 Emission Control 100 Exterior lamps 116 Capacities 146 On-Board Diagnostic System (California models only) 100 Traveling Abroad 101 Towing the Vehicle 124 Engine Oils additives 148 Winter Driving 101 Jump Starting 125 Air conditioner refrigerant 148 Snow Chains 101 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 126 Brake Fluid 148

Practical Hints Testing Infrared Remote Control 127 Fuel Requirements 149

Hood 104 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 130 Coolants 150 Checking Coolant Level 105 Replacing Wiper Blades 131 Check regularly and before a long trip 160 Adding Coolant 105 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 132 Checking engine oil level 106 MERCEDES-BENZ Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid Level 107

Trunk Lamp 108 Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants,

Lubricants etc. Consumer Information

89 Spare Wheel 108 89 First Aid Kit 108 Identification Plates 138

92 Wheels 110 SL 320 140

Fuses 123 Engine Oils 148

Ski rack 126 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 149

Raising soft top manually 128 Gasoline Additives 149

Spare Parts Service 136

Instruments and Controls

For more detailed descriptions see specified pages

1 Side air outlet, adjustable 18 Air volume control for center air outlet

Level control switch and

wheel change switch

Exterior lamp switch

4 Parking brake release 21 Automatic climate control

5 Hood lock release 22 Audio system

6 Parking brake pedal 23 Trunk lid release switch

7 Combination switch 24

8 Cruise control 25 Central locking switch

9 Horn 26 Hazard warning flasher switch

10 Airbag 27 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch

11 Instrument cluster 28 ASR or ESP control switch

12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 29 Roll bar operation switch

13 Center air outlet adjustable 30 Ashtray with lighter (to open press bottom of cover)

14 Heated air supply button - center air outlet 31 Soft/hardtop operation switch

15 Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet 32 Mirror adjustment switch

16 Storage/eyeglasses compartment 33 Power window switch

17 Air volume control for left air outlet 34 Seat heater switch

19 Air volume control for right air outlet

20 Airbag off indicator lamp

Rear window defroster switch

Indicator lamp for anti-theft alarm system

Instrument Cluster 8 ESP warning lamp (yellow) or

ASR warning lamp (yellow) or

1 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index. ETS warning lamp (yellow). See Index. 2 Coolant temperature gauge. See Index. 9 Trip odometer. See Index. 3 Fuel consumption gauge. See Index. 10 Main odometer 4 Engine Oil pressure gauge (bar). See Index. 11 Outside temperature indicator. See Index. 5 Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) 12 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green) 6 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer. See Index. 13 Knob for setting clock. See Index. 7 Speedometer 14 Tachometer. See Index.

15 Clock See Index.

Indicator Lamp Symbols Function Indicator Lamp

High beam

Electronic power control malfunction. See Index.

Exterior lamp failure. See Index.

Warning Lamp

(should go out with the engine running unless)

Adjust driving to road condition. See Index Brake fluid low (except Canada).

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

Engine oil level low. See Index. Fasten seat belts. Backrest not locked.

Roll bar malfunction. See Index.

ABS malfunction. See Index.

ADS malfunction. See Index.

ESP malfunction. See Index.

ASR malfunction. See Index.

ETS malfunction. See Index.

Brake pads worn down. See Index.

Battery not being charged properly. See IndexASR or ETS.

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

See Index. Engine malfunction indicator lamp. 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 Index.

Catalytic Converter

Caution!

Warning!

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

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

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

As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited.

Starting and Turning off the Engine

Cold Engine

Important!

Starter Lock-Out

Important!

The engine can only be started, if the vehicle was unlocked from the outside.

Before Starting

Engage parking brake and ensure gearshift lever is in neutral (selector lever position "P" or "N" on automatic transmissions). Turn key in steering lock to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.

Note: If transmit button of the remote control is inadvertently pressed again prior to starting the engine, the start lock-out is activated. In this case press transmit button again to deactivate the start lockout.

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

Hot Engine

Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in steering lock clock-wise to the stop. 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 to stop the engine.

The key can only be removed with the selector lever in position

"P".

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. If you do not see the gauge register oil pressure, stop the engine and have it checked.

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

In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4°F (-20°C) we recommend that an engine block heater be installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will advise you on this subject.

Driving Instructions

Warning!

If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the hazard flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe distance from the roadway. Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz or tire dealer for repairs.

Power Assistance

Warning!

When the engine is not running, the brake and steering systems are without power assistance. Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.

Brakes

Warning!

After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal pressure may be necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front. 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.

The condition of the parking brake system is checked each time the car is in the shop for the required maintenance.

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

If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low. Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.

Have the brake system inspected at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.

Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz.

Warning!

If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired.

Caution!

When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into "3", "2" or "1" (for models SL 500 and SL 600). This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear.

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.

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 approximately

/16in (2 mm), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced. The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

Warning!

Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. With less than

/16in (1.5 mm) of tread, the adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced. Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions), the tire traction varies widely.

Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This applies particularly if the tires are subjected to high loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temperatures).

Warning!

Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose control of the car. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.

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 and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.

Tire Traction

Tire Speed Rating

Parking

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

Your vehicle is factory equipped with "Z"-rated tires.

Despite the tire rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions.

Warning!

Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires.

Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of vehicle control and resulting in personal injury and possible death.

Warning!

To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement,

turning off the engine and

before leaving the vehicle always:

1. Keep foot on brake pedal.

2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.

3. Engage first or reverse gear (selector lever position "P" in the case of automatic transmissions).

4. Slowly release brake pedal.

5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.

6. Turn the key to steering lock position 0 and remove.

Important!

It is advisable to set the parking brake whenever parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, engage first or reverse gear (selector lever position "P"). When parking on hills, always set the parking brake.

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 periodically when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this is done 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.

Passenger Compartment

Warning!

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

Operation

Automatic Climate Control

1. Temperature selector

2. Temperature indicator

3. Conversion switch

4. Function selection buttons

Normal setting

Defrost

Economy ( no cooling ) 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)

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 (red indicator lamp)

10. Non-heated/cooled air supply

button for center air outlet

(blue indicator lamp)

11. Air volume control for left air

outlet, turn left to open

12. Left air outlet, adjustable

13. Air volume control for right air

outlet, turn left to open

14. Right air outlet, adjustable

Notes: The temperature selected with the temperature selector is reached as quickly as possible. The temperature selector should be left at the desired temperature setting.

With the center air outlet (8) open and the system in heating mode, switch outlet to warm air by pressing button 9 (red indicator lamp lights up), or to non-heated/cooled air by pressing button 10 (blue indicator lamp lights up).

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.

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: Keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of snow and debris.

Dust Filter

Dust particles (down to a certain size) and pollen are filtered out before outside air enters the passenger compartment through the air distribution system.

Important!

This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system that uses HFC-134a (ozone-friendly hydro-fluorocarbon) as a refrigerant.

Repairs should always be performed by a qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected in a recovery system for recycling.

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 °F or °C.

4. Function Selection Buttons

lights up). The indicator lamp for

Defrost

Defogging Windows

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

- button goes out.

• Press button 6 (indicator lamp

- button goes out.

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.

Turn air volume controls 11 and 13 left to open air outlets 12 and 14. Direct airlets towards the side windows.

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

To select:

Press button (indicator lamp lights up).

Switch on .

Switch off .

Economy

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

Residual Engine Heat Utilization

With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue heating the interior for a short while. Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically.

To select: Turn key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or remove key.

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

To cancel:

• Press button (indicator lamp goes out).

• Turn key in steering lock to position 2.

The system will automatically shut off:

• after approx. 30 minutes,

• 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. 40° (5°),

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

If button is pressed:

• after approx. 5 minutes.

Note: If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch from recirculated air back to fresh air.

At high outside temperatures, the system automatically engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing the cooling capacity performance.

Off

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

Car Keys

Included with your vehicle are

Notes: Do not give the master key to an unauthorized person.

• 2 Infrared remote controls with folding master key

• 1 Master key

• 1 Valet key

• 1 Flat key

Infrared Remote Control with Folding Master Key

The master key fits all locks on the car. To release the key, press button (1). The key unfolds from the holder by itself. 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.

The master key fits all locks on the car.

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

The flat key fits all locks on the car.

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 from your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Infrared Remote Control

Starter Lock-Out

Important!

Locking the vehicle activates the starter lock-out.

The engine can only be started, if the vehicle was unlocked from the outside.

1. Transmit button

2. Transmitter eye and battery

check

3. Receiver on inside rear view mirror

4. Red indicator lamp (locking)

The vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler flap can be centrally locked and unlocked, as well as the windows closed with infrared remote control.

The transmitter is located in the key holder, the receiver is located on the inside rear view mirror.

5. Green indicator lamp (unlocking)

Locking and Unlocking

Aim transmitter eye at receiver on inside rear view mirror and press transmit button. Distance to receiver max. 20 ft (6 m).

The red or green indicator lamp on the receiver should blink. It stops blinking when the vehicle is properly locked or unlocked.

Notes: If the trunk was previously locked separately, it will remain locked (see Index).

If the green and red indicator lamps simultaneously flash for approx. 30 seconds, or the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressing the transmit button, then it may be necessary to change the batteries in the transmitter (if ok, battery indicator lamp in transmitter will light briefly when transmitting) or to synchronize the system, see Remote Control, Infrared in Index.

Closing Windows from Outside

Continue to press transmit button (1) after locking car. Distance to receiver max. 10 ft (3 m). The windows begin to close after approx. 1 second.

Warning!

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

In case the closing procedure causes potential danger, 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 side windows cannot be closed automatically by using the key or by pressing the transmit button of the infrared remote control (e.g. after a battery change), press power window switch in center console until the window is completely closed and hold for additional 2 seconds. Repeat procedure for each window.

The automatic closing procedure of the windows should now be restored.

side of

Central Locking System

Start Lock-Out Important!

Central locking switch

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

Note: If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual Release (see Index).

Locking the vehicle activates the start lock-out. The engine can only be started, if the vehicle was unlocked from the outside.

Doors

1 Opening - pull handle 2 Unlocking 3 Locking 4 Individual door from inside:

• Push lock button down to

lock.

• Pull lock button up to unlock.

When opening a door, the window lowers slightly. After closing the door, the window closes again.

When you lock the car, all door lock buttons should move down. If any one stays up, the respective door is not properly closed.

You should then unlock the car, open and reclose this door, and lock the car again. Each individual door can be locked with door lock button - the driver's door can only be locked when it is closed.

The doors can only be locked with the central locking switch, if they are closed.

The doors cannot be unlocked with the central locking switch, if car was previously locked from outside.

When opening a door, the entire car is unlocked, if it was previously locked with the central locking switch.

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

Important!

Do not close a door with the windows fully closed while the power supply is interrupted (battery disconnected or empty). Doing so could damage the window frame. The power windows should first be resynchronized. See Index.

Trunk

1. Neutral position - push to open

2. Unlocking

3. Locking (detent)

4. Separate locking of trunk -

remove key in this position.

When the trunk is separately locked, it remains locked when unlocking any door.

To deny any unauthorized person access to the trunk, lock it separately. Leave only the valet key with the vehicle.

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