Mercedes W140 1998 User Manual

Mercedes-Benz

S600

Operator's Manual

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.

Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy

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

• New Car Limited Warranty,

• Emission System Warranty,

• Emission Performance Warranty,

• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles

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

directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to perform the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet.

Maintenance

The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.

Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

Roadside assistance

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

1-800-222-0100 (inthe USA) only

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

Change of address or ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Owner's Service and Warranty Policy Booklet. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.

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

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Owner's Service and Warranty Policy Booklet.

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available.

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

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

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator's Manual might differ from your vehicle.

Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.

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

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

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

See Index

The First 1000 Miles (1500 km)

The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its performance

later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first 1500 km (1000 miles) at moderate vehicle and engine-speeds. During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and high RPM (no more than 2/3 of maximum permissible speed in each gear as indicated on the speedometer). Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We recommend to select positions "3" or "2"only at moderate speeds (for hill driving). After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum

Maintenance

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

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

Radio Transmitters

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

Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citicens band unit should only be used inside the passenger compartment, if they are connected to a Mercedes-Benz approved antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle.

Introduction

Product information 2 Trunk 35 Sliding roof with rear pop-up feature 69 Operator's manual Consumer Information Problems with your vehicle Reporting Safety Defects 147 Power Seats, Front 39 Shelf Below Rear Window 72 Index

Instruments and controls

Instruments and controls 10 Instrument Cluster Indicator Lamp Symbols Catalytic Converter Starting and Turning Off the Engine Driving Instructions

Operation

Automatic Climate Control Basic Setting – Automatic Mode 24 Child Restraint 56 Cruise Control 83 Defogging Windows 24 Steering lock 58 Parking Assist (Parktronic) 85 Defrosting Air circulation Activated Charcoal Control Rear passenger compartment Climate Control 27 Exterior Rear View Mirror 62 Fuel Consumption Gauge 89 Car keys Start Lock-out 29 Interior Lighting 65 Placement Warning Lamp 89 Central Locking System Radio Frequency Infrared Remote Control

, Rear Window Defroster 24 Combination Switch 59 Charge Indicator Lamp 88

Doors Central Locking Switch

Power Window and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof

145

Power Closing Ass. f Door and Trunk lid

146 Anti-Theft Alarm System 38 Trunk Lid Release switch 72

150 Multicontour Backrest 42 Instrument Lamps 73

Heated Seats Armrest, Front Power Seats, Rear

Head Restraints, Rear

12 Armrest, Rear 47 Antenna 75 13 Adjustable Steering Wheel 47 Cellular telephone 75

Seat belts and Supplemental

15 16 17 Seat belts 48

22 Airbag 53

25 Exterior Lamp Switch 61 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 88 26 Night Security Illumination 62 27 Inside Rear View Mirror 62 Engine Oil Consumption 89

28 Sun Visors, Vanity mirrors 64 Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap

29 29 First Aid Kit 67 Tachometer 90

Restraint system (SRS)

Baby Smart Airbag

Emergencytensioning retractor(ETR) 52 Driving off 78

Storage Compartments

DeactivationSystem 51 Drinking and driving 78 Self Test

33 Stowing Things in the Vehicle 67

Ashtrays

36 Power Windows 70 37 Rear Window Sunshade 72

43 Display Illumination 73 44 Trip Odometer 73 45 Clock 73 46 Garage Door Opener 74

Driving

52 Parking Brake 78

Automatic Transmission

Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp

66 Outside Temperature Indicator 90

, Lighter

Coolant Temperature Gauge 90 Automatic Trans. Fluid Level 106 Low Engine Coolant Level

Warning Lamp

Low Windshield and Headlamp Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp

Exterior Lamp Failure

Indicator Lamp

Seat Belt and Lock Warning Lamp Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp

Brake Warning Lamp Flexible Service System (FSS)

ABS (Antilock Brake System) Brake Assist System (BAS) Electronic Stability program (ESP)

Adaptive damping system (ADS) Emission Control

On-Board Diagnostic System Traveling Abroad Winter Driving Snow Chains

Practical Hints

Hood 104 Roof Rack 133 Checking Coolant Level 105 MERCEDES-BENZ Adding Coolant 105 Spare Part Service 133 Checking Engine Oil Level 106 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 133

Spare Wheel

Trunk Lamp Vehicle Jack

Vehicle Tools

Storage compartment below vehicle Vehicle Data Card 137

92 tool box 108 Warranty Coverage 137 92 Wheels 109 Technical Data 138 92 Changing Wheels 110 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 140 93 Tire in Inflation Pressure 113 Capacities 140 93 Exterior Lamps 114 Engine Oils 142 95 Battery 120 Engine Oils Additives 142 96 Fuses 121 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 142 97 Jump Starting 121 Brake Fluid 142 99 Towing the Vehicle 123 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 142 100 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 124 Fuel Requirements 143 100 Testing Infrared Remote Control 128 Gasoline Additives 143 101 Front Head Restraints 129 Coolants 144 101 Rear Bench Seat Cushion 130 Service and Literature 155 101 Emergency Operation of Sliding Roof 130 Check Regularly Before a Long trip 156

Replacing Wiper Blades

Manual Closing of Trunk Lid

Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 132

107 107 108 108 Identification Plates 136

131 132

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

Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see Index

Left Front Parktronic warning indicator

Side air outlet, adjustable

Exterior lamp switch

Parking brake release

Hood lock release

Parking brake pedal

Steering wheel adjustment switch

Combination switch

Cruise control

Horn, airbag

Instrument cluster

Steering lock with ignition/starter

Right front Parktronic warning indicator

Center air outlet, adjustable

Heated air supply button - center air outlet

Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet

Air volume control for left air outlet

Air volume control for left center air outlet

Air volume control for right center air outlet

Air volume control for right air outlet

Storage/eyeglasses compartment

Lock for storage/eyeglasses compartment and eye glove

Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)

Switch for rear seat head restraints

Trunk lid release switch

Central locking switch, Indicator for anti-theft alarm

Hazard warning flasher switch

Automatic climate control, Power window defroster switch Activated charcoal filter switch

Radio

ESP control switch

Ashtray with lighter

Adaptive damping system adjustment switch

Seat heater switch

Mirror adjustment switch

Power window switch, front doors

Power window safety switch, rear doors

Airbag Off indicator lamp

Power window switches, rear doors

Parktronic switch

Switch for rear window sunshade

system

Instrument Cluster

ESP function indicator lamp (yellow).

Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement warning

lamp (yellow). See Index

Coolant temperature gauge. See Index

Fuel consumption gauge. See Index

Engine oil pressure gauge (bar). See Index

Left turn signal indicator lamp (green). See Index

Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer. See Index

Speedometer See Index

Main/trip odometer. See Index

Outside temperature indicator. See Index

Right turn signal indicator lamp (green) See Index

Knob for setting clock. See Index

Tachometer. See Index

Clock. See Index

Indicator Lamp Symbols

BAS malfunction. See Index

Function Indicator Lamp

High beam

Warning Lamp

(should go out with the engine running unless)

ESP Adjust driving to road condition. See Index Exterior lamp failure. See Index.

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

Coolant level low. See Index.

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

Brake pads worn down. See Index. SRS malfunction. See Index

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

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

Fasten seat belts. See Index.

Battery not being charged properly. See Index

ADS malfunction. See Index

ESP malfunction. See Index

Engine malfunction. If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the 02-sensor on Federal version vehicles, and fuel injection system or emission control system on the California version vehicles. In either case, we recommend that you have the malfunction checked as soon as possible. See Index.

Additional Function Indicator Lamps in the Odometer Display

FSS indicator (distance). See Index Passenger Airbag automatically switched off.

FSS indicator (days). See Index

Start Lock-Out malfunction. See Index.

Additional Function Indicator Lamp on the Center Console

See Index

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 and cause a vehicle fire.

Starting and Turning off the Engine

The charge indicator lamp should go out

20°C) we recommend

Important!

Turning Off

Before Starting

Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector lever is in position "P" or "N". Turn key in steering lock to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.

Starting

Do not depress accelerator.

Turn key in steering lock clockwise to the stop. Release key only when the engine is firing regularly

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.

as soon as the engine has started.

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

Turn the key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the engine.

The key can only be removed with the foot off the brake pedal and the selector lever in position "P".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 "4", "3", "2" or "1". This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear.

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!

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 approx. 2 mm (1/16 in), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced.

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

Warning!

Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. With less than 3 mm (1/8 in) of tread, the adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.

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

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.

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

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 "H" -rated tires, which have a European speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from exceeding the speed rating.

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, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

1. Keep foot on brake pedal.

2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.

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

4. Slowly release brake pedal.

5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb,

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

7. Take your key and lock

vehicle when leaving.

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 repeatedly when traveling on salt-strewn roads at length. This can bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this is possible without endangering other drivers on the road.

If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as possible after driving is resumed while observing the safety rules in the previous paragraph.

Warning!

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle with engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.

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

Deep Water

Caution!

Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown depth.

If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to prevent water from entering the engine compartment or being ingested by the air intake, possibly causing damage to electrical components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Passenger Compartment

Warning!

Always fasten items being carried as securely as possible.

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

Operation

Automatic Climate Control

The system is always at operational readiness, except when manually switched off.

The automatic climate control only operates with the engine running

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

The system will not heat or cool any quicker by setting a higher or lower temperature.

1 Air volume control

for left air outlet, turn left to open

2 Air volume control

for left center air outlet, turn left to open

3 Air volume control

for right center air outlet, turn left to open

4 Air volume control

for right air outlet, turn left to open

5 Left center air outlet,

adjustable

6 Right center air outlet,

adjustable

7 Side air outlet,

left and right, adjustable

Push-buttons for center air outlets

8 Heated air supply 9 Non-heated/cooled air supply

Basic mode: None of the push-buttons

(8 or 9) is pressed.

10 Display and Controls

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

The desired interior temperature can be selected separately for the left and right side of the passenger compartment.

Display and Controls

Press to activate, indicator lamp is on while activated.

Automatic mode

Raise temperature

Lower temperature

Defrost

Air recirculation

Activated charcoal filter

Rear window defroster

Air distribution, manual

Economy mode

Air volume, manual

Residual engine heat utilization

Important!

This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system that uses HFC-134a (ozone-friendly hydrofluorocarbon) as a refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected in a recovery system for recycling.

Basic Setting - Automatic Mode

Press left and right for automatic mode.

Special Settings (use only for short duration)

Defogging Windows

Rear Window Defroster

Turn key in steering lock to position 2.

Simultaneously press both

and for temperature setting of

72° F.

Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically.

This setting can be used all year around.

Economy

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

Press button to activate. Press button once again to return to previous setting.

Switch off button. Press left and right buttons. Press button repeatedly until air is directed upward.

Turn wheels (1 and 4) left to open left and right air outlets (7). Adjust air outlets upward.

Defrosting

Turn wheels (1 and 4) left to open left and right air outlets (7). Adjust air outlets upward.

Press button once again to return to previous setting.

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

To select, press button. To cancel, press button again.

Note:

Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed before activating the defroster.

The rear window defroster uses a large amount of power. To keep the battery drain to a minimum, turn off the defroster as soon as the window is clear. The defroster is automatically turned off after a maximum of 12 minutes of operation.

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.

Air Distribution

Air Recirculation

Dust Filter

Press button repeatedly until the requested symbol is displayed.

Air Volume

Press - or + side of rocker switch until

the requested blower speed is attained. A choice of 7 blower speeds is available.

To switch the automatic climate control off, press - side of rocker switch until symbol OFF is displayed.

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

To switch the automatic climate control on again, press , or +side of .

This mode can be selected to prevent annoying odors or dust from entering the car's interior. Outside air is not supplied to the car's interior.

To select, press button. To cancel, press button again.

The system will automatically switch from recirculated air to fresh air

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

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

• after approx. 5 minutes, if button is pressed.

Notes:

If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch from recirculated air back to fresh air. At high outside temperatures, the system automatically engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially fresh air within 20 minutes.

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

Notes:

Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air flow-through exhaust slots below the rear window.

Also keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of snow and debris.

Activated Charcoal Filter

Notes:

Residual Engine Heat Utilization

To select, press button. To cancel, press button again.

An activated charcoal filter markedly reduces bad odors and removes pollutants from the air entering the passenger compartment.

The blower speed is slightly increased to supply a constant volume of air.

The system switches automatically to the air recirculation mode, if the carbon monoxide (CO) or nitric oxide (NOX) of the outside air increases.

When pressing button or

, the filter is also switched off.

The automatic air recirculation does not function when selecting the Economy mode , or the outside temperature is below 45°F (7°C).

The activated charcoal filter should be switched off when windows fog up on the inside, or if the passenger compartment needs to be quickly heated or cooled down.

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. Close air outlet in rear passenger compartment.

Press button.

This function selection will not activate if the battery charge level is insufficient.

To cancel:

Press button.

The system will automatically shut off

• if you turn key in steering lock to position 2,

• after approx. 30 minutes,

• if the battery voltage drops.

Rear Passenger Compartment Climate Control

4 Adjustable air outlet, left side

5 Adjustable air outlet, right side

1 Temperature selector, left side 2 Temperature selector, right side

A basic setting in the white field of the selector is recommended.

3 Air volume selector

The air volume can be varied continuously. The air flow is switched off with selector in position "0".

6 Air distribution slide

Top position: air flow from air outlets (4 and 5).

Bottom position: air flow from air outlets beneath front seats.

Intermediate positions can be selected for a mixed air flow.

Note:

The rear passenger climate control does not operate with automatic climate control in mode or switched off with the air volume control .

Car Keys

Included with your vehicle are

The infrared receivers are located in

the door front handles.

Notes:

Do not give the master key to an unauthorized person.

• Master keys with infrared remote

control

• 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 in the driver's door handle, front passenger door handle, and next to the trunk lock.

The valet key works only in the driver's door lock and the steering lock.

Thevalet key willnot work in thetrunk and storage compartments locks.

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.

Starter Lock-Out

Central Locking System

Important!

Removing the key from the steering lock activates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.

Turning the key in the steering lock to position 2 deactivates the start lock-out.

Note:

In case the engine cannot be started, and the message START-ERROR shows in the odometer display field, the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.

Radio Frequency and Infrared Remote Control

The master key has an integrated radio

frequency and infrared remote control. Due to the extended operational range of the remote control, it could be possible to unintentionally lock or unlock the vehicle by pressing the transmit button.

The vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler flap can be centrally locked and unlocked.

Opening and closing the windows and sliding/pop-up roof can only be done with the infrared portion of the remote control. Aim transmitter eye (4) at a receiver (5 or 6) and press transmit button.

With vehicle centrally locked, the trunk can also be opened by using the remote control.

If the key is inserted in steering lock, the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote control.

1 Transmit button

Locking

Unlocking

Opening trunk (if not key locked)

2 PANIC button

3 Key release button

4 Lamp for battery check and

transmitter eye

Locking and Unlocking

Unlocking:

5 Infrared receiver in driver's door

handle

6 Infrared receiver in front

passenger door handle

Press transmit button signal lamps blink once to indicate that the vehicle is unlocked.

The remote control can be programmed for two kinds of unlocking methods (see below):

Selective unlocking mode - Press transmit button driver's door and fuel filler flap. Press transmit button unlock doors, fuel filler flap, and trunk. Global unlocking mode-Press transmit button filler flap, and trunk.

Notes:

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

The presently active unlocking mode (selective or global) can only be determined by unlocking the vehicle with the remote control (see below for changing mode).

once to unlock doors, fuel

. All turn

once to unlock

twice to

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