Mercedes-Benz 280 E 1979, 280 CE 1979 Owner's Manual

You have chosen to drive a MERCEDES-BENZ, a car in whose
construction and production we have taken great pains because
we believe that quality is not a m atter of chance.

Perhaps you have already had experience with a MERCEDES,
maybe this is your first car from the DAIMLER-BENZ company.
In both cases — for your own benefit — please read this owner’s
manual before putting it away. Even though you have been driving
a car for years, some things in this car may be new to you, and this
manual certainly contains a few hints which will help you to make
the most of your new car.

We wish you safe and pleasant motoring.
DAIMLER-BENZ Aktiengesellschaft

3

Contents

This Owner’s Manual also

describes optional extras as far as
an introduction on their handling
is required. As these extras need
to be ordered separately, the
equipment of your vehicle may
deviate from the descriptions and
illustrations to some extent.

The last page

What you should know at the

gas station

Vehicle Operation

Instruments and Controls 8
Instrument Cluster
Keys, Doors

Master and Supplementary
key

............................................

Opening, Locking and
Unlocking of Doors
Master Lock System

Seats

............................................

Adjustment of Driver’s Seat
and Front Passenger Seat ... 14
Safety Headrest
Arm Rest (Rear Seat)
Safety B elts

Controls

Steering Lock
Light Switch
Combination Switch
Cruise C ontrol

Various Equipment

Interior Lights
Rear View M irro rs
Sun V isor

Heated Rear Window
Shelf below Rear Window ... 23
Electric Lighter

Sliding Roof............................. 24

Electric Window Lifte rs 25
Automatic Climate Control 26
Radio

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10
12

12
12

13

14

15
15
16

18
18
19
20
21
22
22
22
23
23

24

29

Driving

Hood

..........................................

Regular Inspections
Parking Brake
Catalytic Converter Cautions ... 37
Starting and Turning off the
Engine
Starting and Shifting Gears 39
Safe Driving

Driving Economically

The First 1,000 Miles (1,500 km) 44
Special Operating Conditions .. 45

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Brake Pad Wear Indicator ... 43
Brake Fluid
Charge Indicator Light 43

Oil Pressure G auge.............. 43

Coolant Temperature Gauge . 43
Emission Control

Fuel Consumption

Engine Oil Consumption .... 44

Winter Driving
Hints for Driving

High Altitude Engine
Adjustment
Tire Chains
Traveling Abroad

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34
35
36

38
41
43

44
44
44

45

45
46

46

46

4

Contents

Vehicle Care

MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance
System

Spare Parts Service
Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 50

Practical Hints
Ash trays

First Aid K it

Rear Seat Cushion
Spare Wheel, Jack, Vehicle
Tool K it

Luggage or Ski R acks

Wheels, Tires, Changing Wheels 56

Checking Fuels, Coolants,
Lubricants, etc

......................................

Severe Operating Conditions 48
Engine Oil Change and Filter
Change
Automatic Transmission -
Fluid and Filter Change 48

Jobs related to Care

Wheels, T ires
Changing Wheels
Tire Pressure

Engine Oil Level C heck 59
Replenishing Coolant
Fluid Level - Automatic
Transmission

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48

48

49

51

54
54
55

55
55

56
57
58

59
59

60

Electrical System

Fuses

Battery
Spark P lugs
Replacing Bulbs

Emergency Operating of
Sliding Roof

Unlocking of the Fuel Tank

Filler F lap

Emergency-starting and

Towing the Vehicle

Technical Data — Fuels,
Coolants, Lubricants, etc.

Identification Plates
Vehicle Data Cards

Technical Data

Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc. 74

Capacities
Engine O ils
Brake Fluid
Coolants

Service-Literature

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61
61
61
61
62

66
66
67

70
71
72

74
76
76
77
78

Vehicle Operation

Driving

Vehicle Care

Practical Hints

Technical Data — Fuels,

Coolants, Lubricants, etc.

5

Vehicle Operation

Instruments and Controls

For more detailed descriptions see quoted pages.

1 Speaker grilles

2 Swivelling side ventilation outlets (page 26)

3 Parking brake release knob (page 36)

4 Hood lock release handle (page 34)

5 Parking brake pedal (page 36)

6 Combination switch (page 20)

7 Light switch (page 19)

8 Cruise control (page 21)

9 Instrument cluster (page 10)

10 Horn control

11 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch (page 18)

12 Swivelling outlets for cooled air (page 26)

13 Switch for rear courtesy light

14 Switch for automatic antenna (page 31)

15 Switch for electric sliding roof (page 24)

16 Switch for heated rear window (page 23)

17 Automatic climate control (page 26)

18 Radio (page 29)

19 Ash tray with electric lighter (page 24, 54)

20 Speaker - fader control (page 30)

21 Switch group for window lifters (page 25)

22 Hazard warning flasher switch

Push switch = hazard warning flasher system
switched on
Push switch once more = hazard warning
flasher system switched off

23 Glove compartment, illuminated (only if steering

lock is in position “1” or “2”)
To open, move handle sideways

Instruments and Controls

9

instrument Cluster

1 Coolant temperature gauge (° F)

Up to red marking: Maximum permissible
temperature for an antifreeze-blended fill
protecting down to -22° F (-30° C)

2 Fuel gauge with reserve warning light (red)

Fuel reserve for approx. 25 miles (40 km)

For capacity, refer to page 75 and last page

3 Oil pressure gauge

4 Turn signal indicator light, left (green)

5 Main odometer

6 Trip odometer

7 Turn signal indicator light, right (green)

8 Electric clock

9 Catalyst replacement indicator light (red)

(only California vehicles). When the indicator light
comes on, the catalyst must be replaced.

10 Seat belt warning light (red)

11 Knob for clock adjustment

(press in for adjustments)

12 Knob for instrument lighting and trip odometer

Rotate knob: instrument lighting is infinitely
variable

Depress knob: trip odometer is turned back

13 Brake warning light (red) comes on if

• the parking brake is engaged

• too little brake fluid is in the reservoir

14 Brake pad wear indicator light (red):

Light comes on while braking and driving
if the front wheel brake pads are worn down.
Refer to page 43

15 Charge indicator light (red):

Comes on when the steering lock key is
moved to driving position “2” and must go
out when the engine is idling

16 High beam indicator light (blue)

11

Keys Doors

IT

0=U

8878

Master Key — square head - fits all

locks on the car.

Supplementary Key — rounded head
— fits only the door locks and the
steering lock. This key is intended
to be used whenever the car is left
with an attendant. Be sure to lock
glove compartment and trunk
with the master key.

Opening the Doors

From outside: pull handle
outwards (1).
From the inside: pull handle in door
trim panel.

Locking and Unlocking of Doors

From the outside: turn key.

From the inside: actuate safety
plunger (sedan) or safety lever

(coupe).
2 Unlocking

3 Locking

a 8916

When the rear door plunger’s are
pushed down the rear doors
cannot be opened from the outside
or the inside. They can be opened
after pulling plungers up.

One cannot lock:

• the driver’s door if it is open.

• any door if the door lock has
not engaged fully. In this case
open the door and close it again.

Keys Doors

Master Lock System

The master lock system simultane
ously locks or unlocks together
with the driver’s door all other
doors, fuel tank filler flap and trunk

lid. As the driver’s door plunger is
moved, the plungers of all other
doors must move at the same time.
If this is not the case, the lock of
the corresponding door has not
engaged fully. Open the door once

more and close it correctly.
When the master lock system has

been applied, the lock plungers of
the front passenger door and the
rear doors can also be operated
manually from inside. In addition to
this, the front passenger door can
be locked or unlocked by means
of the key.

The master lock system can only be
applied by depressing the plunger
on the driver’s door. Lock plungers
of the other doors cannot be
depressed individually.

The trunk lid can also be unlocked
separately by turning master key

counterclockwise to the stop. Push
the trunk lock button in with
it and lift the lid. Return the key to
its initial position and withdraw it.

To lock the lid, close it firmly. It will
then be locked again by the master

lock system.

A provision has been made to
facilitate permanent locking of the
trunk lid for positive prevention
of access to trunk by unauthorized
persons.

Before leaving vehicle with an
attendant, lock trunk with master
key (square head) by turning key
clockwise to stop (tumbler slot
vertical), then provide attendant
with round-headed supplementary
key. Thus, the trunk lock has been
excluded from the operation of the
master lock system and cannot be
opened except with the square
headed master key.

To reverse this, turn trunk lock
counterclockwise back to hori
zontal position of the tumbler
slot with master key. Lock will then
be reengaged in master lock

system; that is, it will automatically
be locked or unlocked depending
on whether the driver’s door
is locked or unlocked.

The master lock system operates
on vacuum generated by the
engine. A reservoir allows the
master lock system to be actuated
about five times after the engine
is turned off. If the system can then
no longer be engaged, idle engine
for a short period.

If no vacuum is available, the locks
can be actuated individually in the
normal manner. The fuel tank filler
flap, however, remains unlocked.

Note:
If the filler flap cannot be opened

when the master lock system is
unlocked, refer to “Unlocking of the

Fuel Tank Filler Flap” (page 66).

>

Seats

Adjustment of Driver’s Seat and

Front Passenger Seat

Forward and backward adjustment:

lift handle (1); slide seat to desired
position and allow handle to re
engage.

Height of seat: raise lever (2);
to raise seat, move seat forward;
to lower seat, move seat backward;

allow lever to reengage.
Seat back position: turn handwheel

(3) forward or backward.

For full reclining of backrest, seat
should be moved to one of the

forwardmost positions and headrest

removed. For driving, return back
rest to upright position and push

seat back. Replace headrest.

Note:

Prior to operating the vehicle, the
driver should adjust the seat height
for proper vision as well as fore-aft

placement and seat back angle to

insure adequate control, reach,

operation, and comfort. The head

rest should also be adjusted for
proper height so that when the
cushion is tipped completely
forward, it should form a cradle

behind the seat occupant’s head.

Both the inside and outside rear
view mirrors should then be
adjusted for adequate rearward
vision. Fasten seat belts. Children

under the age of six or under the

weight of 50 lbs. (23 kg) should be

seated in the back seat with an

approved restraint system properly
secured.

All seat, headrest, and rearview

mirror adjustments as well as
fastening of seat belts should be

accomplished before the vehicle

is put into motion.

Coupe: When the doors are closed
the backrests are locked by means
of vacuum. The locks can be

released by pushing button (4).

When the doors are opened the

backrests can be folded forward
readily.

14

Seats

Safety Headrest

Adjust headrest to support the back
of the head at the level of the upper
end of the ear.

Height adjustment:
Press headrest slightly forward (1)

and reset upward or downward.
Detaching headrests:
Pull headrest out to the stop.

Release arrester by depressing

locking knob to be felt under the

backrest covering material and pull
up headrest, holding it by the LH
headrest post (viewed in driving
direction). Finally pull out headrest
completely with both hands.

The headrest locking knob of the
front seat is located below the LH
headrest post (2).

The headrest locking knob of the
rear seat is located between the two
headrest posts.

Arm Rest (Rear Seat)
A center arm rest is provided in the

rear seat which can be pulled out
with a loop. When replacing, lift at
the rear. For the removal of the rear
seat cushion see “Practical Hints”.

15

Seats

)

8759

Safety Belts

Warning system:
The indicator marked “ FASTEN

SEAT BELTS” is illuminated for 4—8
seconds after turning the steering
lock key to position “2”. If the safety
belt of the driver’s seat is not
fastened a warning buzzer sounds
simultaneously.

16

Fastening of front and outer rear
seat belts (with inertia reel):

• Pull belt with tongue (1) across
shoulder and lap. The belt must
not be twisted and must be tight.

• Press tongue (1) into buckle (2)
and allow to engage audibly.

Unfastening, front and rear:

• Depress red button “PRESS” (3)
in buckle (2).

• Return tongue (1) to initial
position.

Fastening of rear center seat belt
(without inertia reel):

• Pull belt across the lap. It must
not be twisted and must be tight.

• Press tongue into, buckle and
allow to engage audibly.

Adjustment of rear center seat belt:
To lengthen, turn belt buckle (on

LH side of belt) to be at right angles

to the belt and pull the tongue.
To shorten, pull loose end of belt.

Seats

Operation of belts with inertia reel:
The safety belt inertia reel stops

the belt from unwinding further in
case of vehicle deceleration in any
direction or if the belt is pulled out
quickly.

Functional test:
The locking function of the inertia

reel can be tested by braking,
driving around a bend or by pulling

the belt out quickly.

Note:
No safety belt can be used for more

than one person. Belts are not

intended for children.
After an accident, inspect the safety

belts and replace them, if required.

The belt anchors in the vehicle
should also be checked.

Belt webbing must not be routed

via sharp edges.

No modifications which may affect

the efficiency of the belts must be

made.
For cleaning and care of belt

webbing, refer to page 51.

(

17

Controls

Steering Lock
0 Steering is locked when the

key is removed. Key can be
removed only in this position.

Note:
Do not remove key from steering
lock while the vehicle is in motion
as this will cause the engagement
of the steering lock thus rendering
the vehicle inoperable.

1 Steering is unlocked. (If neces
sary, move steering wheel
slightly to turn the key clockwise
to position “1”.)

H i: 868 8

2 Driving.
Starting position:

Continue turning key clockwise
to the stop. The starter is
engaged when the key is

pressed against the stop. The

starter non-repeat unit requires the

key to be returned to position “0”

prior to a new starting attempt.

Notes:
The following items can be

operated with the key in steering
lock position “1”:

Wipers, windshield washer,
headlight flasher, electric lighter,
glove compartment light, radio,
electric seat heater for front seats.

The power supply to the standing
lights is disrupted if the key
in the steering lock is in
position “2”.

A warning buzzer sounds when
the key has been left in steering
lock positions “1” or “0” and the
driver’s door is opened.

18

Controls

Light Switch

0 Off-position
1 Parking lights (includes side mar

ker lights, tail lights, license plate
lights, instrument panel lights)

2 Same as pos. 1 plus headlights

3 Standing lights, right
4 Standing lights, left

A Turn to position 2 and pull out

to first detent = same as
position 2 plus fog lights

B Available for an option

Note:

With the steering lock key removed

and the driver’s door open a signal
sounds if the vehicle’s exterior
lighting is not switched off
(standing lights excepted).

Controls

Combination Switch

1 Low beam (turn light switch

clockwise two notches)

2 High beam (turn light switch

clockwise two notches)

3 Headlight flasher (high beam

available independent of light
switch position)

4 Turn signals, right
5 Turn signals, left
To operate the turn signals, move

the combination switch past the

point of resistance (up or down).

The switch is automatically

cancelled when the steering wheel
is turned by a large enough angle.

To signal minor directional changes

of the vehicle, such as changing

lanes on a highway, move com
bination switch to the point of
resistance only and hold it there.

6 Control for windshield washer

system
When the washer system is
switched on, the wipers also
operate

7 Windshield wiper control

0 Windshield wiper switched off

1 Intermittent wiping
II Normal wiper speed
III High wiper speed

Hints:
If one of the turn signals fails,

the turn signal indicator system
flashes and sounds at a faster
sequence than under normal
operating conditions.

Fog lights will only operate together
with low beam headlights. Fog
lights are turned off automatically
when light switch is returned to
off-position.

20

Controls

862 3

Cruise Control

Any given speed above a range of
approximately 10—25 mph

(16—40 km/h), depending on model,
can be maintained with the cruise
control by operating the switch.

1 = Setting (touch switch)

Accelerating (hold switch)

2 = Setting (touch switch)

Decelerating (hold switch)
Normally the vehicle is accele

rated to the desired speed with
the accelerator. Speed is set by
briefly pushing the switch to
position “1” or “2”, and the

accelerator can be released.
The speed can be increased
(e. g. for passing) by using the
accelerator. As soon as the
accelerator is released, the
previously set speed will be
resumed automatically.

If the set speed is to be in
creased or decreased slightly
(e.g. for adaptation to the flow
of traffic), hold switch in

position “1” or “2” until the
desired speed is reached. When
the switch is released, the newly
set speed remains constant.

3 = Cancelling

To cancel the cruise control,
briefly push lever to position

“3”.
The cruise control will also be

cancelled if the brake pedal is
actuated or if the vehicle speed
drops on steep grades by more
than 20% below the set speed.

4 = Resume

If the lever is briefly pushed to
position “4” when driving at a

speed exceeding approxima
tely 10-25 mph (16-40 km/h),
depending on model, that
speed is resumed which was
set prior to the cancellation of
the cruise control. The last
memorized speed is cancelled
when the key in the steering
lock is turned to position “1”
or “0”.

Important:
Please do not use the cruise control

if traffic conditions do not make it
advisable to maintain a steady
speed, i. e. in heavy traffic or on
twisting or slick and muddy roads.

Position “Resume” should be
engaged only if the driver is fully
aware of the previously set speed
and wishes to resume this parti
cular preset speed.

When driving with the cruise control,
the selector lever must not be

shifted to position “N" as otherwise

the engine will overrev.

>

Various Equipment

1)8640

Interior Lights

The switch for the front light has
3 positions.

Position i: light is switched on and
off by the front door contact
switches.
Position II: light is continuously
switched off.

Position III: light is continuously
switched on.

The rear passenger compartment

light is switched on and off by the rear
door contact switches or by the rock
er switch on the instrument panel.

22

Rear View Mirrors

Outside rearview mirror:
Outside rear view mirror (2) can be

randomly adjusted from inside by
means of lever (1).

If the mirror housing has been
forcibly removed from its safety
catch, it must be repositioned by
applying firm pressure.

Inside rearview mirror:

Mirror housing can be randomly
adjusted. In addition mirror can be
dimmed by means of lever on lower
mirror edge. Lever in opposite
driving direction = normal position.

Lever in driving direction = anti
dazzle position.

Sun Visor

To protect against sunlight from
ahead, fold the sun visor down
wards.

In the event of strong sunlight
through the side windows, remove
the sun visor from its inner fixture
and swing it sideways.

Heated Rear Window

Turn key in steering lock to

position “2”.

When the rear window heater is
turned on, the white indicator light

in the switch (1) comes on.

A heavy load is imposed on the

battery due to the high power

Various Equipment

requirement. For this reason, switch
off the heated rear window as soon
as it is demisted or defrosted. It is
shut off automatically after a

maximum of 30 minutes. Always
remove heavy layers of ice and
snow first.

Shelf below Rear Window

Do not carry heavy or hard objects
on the shelf below the rear window.

Such items could become dis

lodged during hard braking or upon
a vehicle crash causing distraction
or serious injury to the vehicle
occupants.

23

Various Equipment

AIR CON D

II I

909 8

Electric Lighter

Key in steering lock position
“1” or “2”.

Press in electric lighter; it will pop

out automatically when hot.

24

Sliding Roof

Manual operation
To release, swing down locking

lever and turn by half a revolution
to the stop. Slide roof to the
desired position. To secure, turn
back the locking lever to the stop
and swing up.

Note:
For safety reasons the locking lever

must be swung up every time the
sliding roof is moved.

Electrical Control
Turn key in steering lock to posi

tion “2”.
Press upper end (symbol) of rocker

switch (1) to open roof, press lower
end to close.

If the electric drive fails, the sliding
roof can also be moved by hand.
Refer to “Emergency Operating of
Sliding Roof”.