Kindly observe the following in your own best interests:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for
your vehicle model.
We have subjected these parts to a special test in which their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles have been determined.
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 Mercedes-Benz
authorized dealer where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where
proper installation will be performed.
Printed in the U.S.A.
We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of
this Owner's Manual. Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our
prior authorization in writing.
Press time 09/30/98 MBNA/TI
2
Operator's manual
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.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
3
Introduction
This Owner'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 dealer will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Owner's Service and Warranty Information
The Owner's Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your MercedesBenz, including:
• New Car Limited Warranty,
• Emission System Warranty,
• Emission Performance Warranty,
• California and Massachusetts Emission Control System Warranty (California and Massachusetts 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 of
North America, Inc. or its authorized dealer 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 nonconformity 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 Owner's
Service and Warranty Information Booklet.
4
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 dealer 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 U.S.A.) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer 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
Information booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes. 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
Information booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.
5
Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. 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 dealer or write to:
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645
In Canada write to:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East 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 Owner'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 Owner's Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will
be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.
The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.
6
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 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
that you 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 last page.
Maintenance
Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles (2 000 km) prior to the next recommended service, the remaining distance or days are
displayed in the multifunction indicator. See Flexible Service System (FSS) in Index.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the
Service Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Service 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 being 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.
7
Introduction
Product information
Operator's manual
Consumer Information
Problems with your vehicle
Reporting Safety Defects
Index
Instruments and controls
Instruments and controls
Instrument Cluster
Indicator Lamp Symbols
Catalytic Converter
Starting and Turning Off
Gasoline Engine
Diesel Engine
Driving Instructions
Operation
Automatic Climate Control
Basic Setting – Automatic Mode
Defogging Windows
Defrosting
Rear Window Defroster
Air Recirculation
Activated Charcoal Filter
Warning Lamp82Exterior Lamps104 Engine Oils Additives136
Low Windshield and Headlamp
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp83Towing the Vehicle113Premium Unleaded
Brake Warning83Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle115Gasoline137
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Electronic Traction System (ETS)
Acceleration Stability Program (ASR)
Electronic Stability program (ESP)
Emission Control
On-Board Diagnostic System
Winter Driving
Snow Chains
Traveling Abroad
73Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive124
Practical Hints
77
91
Hood94
79Checking Coolant Level95
79Adding Coolant95
79Checking Engine Oil Level96Identification Plates126
79Bleeding of Diesel Fuel System96Vehicle Data Card127
8Tachometer. See Index
9Push buttons for setting clock.
10Push button for resetting
11Outside temperature indicator.
12Trip odometer. See Index
13Main odometer. See Index
14Clock. See Index
or
11-14 Malfunction indicator
instrument lamps. See Index
odometer. See Index
See Index
warning lamp (yellow).
See Index
(green)
(green)
See Index
multifunction indicator.
See Index
See Index
12
Multifunction Indicator
If a malfunction occurs, the appropriate warning symbol
appears, supplemented by a message in the field normally
occupied by the displays for outside temperature, odometers,
and clock.
In the case of more than one malfunction, symbols and
messages are displayed in sequence. Push reset button (R) for
subsequent messages.
Indicator Lamp Symbols
Symbols and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator
Brake pads worn down. See Index
Exterior lamp failure. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index
A warning sounds at the beginning of each message.
Notes:
Refer to Multifunction Indicator in the Index for temporarily
switching off a Warning Symbol and its message.
Warning message selection is available in the English,
French, German, Italian, or Spanish language. See
Index.
Coolant level low. See Index
Battery not being charged properly. See Index
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system
low. See Index
Exterior lamps are on. See Index
Take key.
Remove electronic key from steering lock.
Display defective. See Multifunction Indicator in Index
See Multifunction Indicator in Index
Multifunction indicator for several messa ges.
13
Additional Lamp Symbols in the Instrument
Cluster, and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator
Fasten seat belts. See Index.High beam
Function Indicator Lamps in the Instrument Cluster
Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
ETS malfunction. See Index
ASR 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.
Preglow (Diesel engine only). See Index
ABS malfunction. See Index
SRS malfunction. See
ASR, ESP or ETS.
Adjust driving to road condition. See Index
14
Catalytic Converter
Caution!
Warning!
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with
the oxygen sensors 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 Service 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, which could
start a fire.
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.
15
Starting and Turning Off the Engine
Hot Engine
Important!
Before Starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged
and that selector lever is in position "P"
or "N". Turn electronic key in steering
lock to position 2.
Cold Engine
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in
steering lock clockwise to the stop.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in
steering lock clockwise 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 electronic key in the steering
lock to position 0 to stop the engine.
The electronic key can only be
removed with your foot off the brake
pedal and the selector lever in position
"P".
Due to the installed starter non-repeat
feature, the electronic key must be
turned completely to the left before
attempting to start the engine again.
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.
16
Starting and Turning Off Diesel
Engine
Before Starting
Engage parking brake and ensure
selector lever is in position "P" or "N".
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
Cold Engine
Turn key to steering lock position 2.
Preglow indicator lamp should come on.
The preglow process starts. When the
preglow indicator lamp goes out, the
engine is ready for starting.
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in
steering lock clockwise to the stop.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly.
Do not interrupt the starting process, but
limit it to maximum 20 seconds. If the
engine is very cold, it is possible that it
will fail to start on subsequent attempts.
Hot Engine
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop and start engine immediately
without depressing the accelerator.
Turning off
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position 0 only when the vehicle has
stopped moving.
The key can only be removed with the
selector lever in position "P".
Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat
feature, the key must be turned
completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
If the preglow indicator lamp fails to
light up, or lights up while driving, the
preglow system is defective and should
be repaired at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer at the earliest
possible date.
The engine is equipped with a block
heater to provide reliable starting at
temperatures below 0°F(-18°C). Refer
to Winter Driving in Index.
17
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 warning 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 vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the
vehicle is in the shop for the required
service.
All checks and service work on the
brake system should be carried out by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Install only brake pads and brake
fluid recommended by MercedesBenz.
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. This could result in an
accident.
18
Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine's braking power. 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
tread depth of approximately1/16in
(1.5 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. As tread depth approaches
1
/16in (1.5 mm), 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 vehicle. 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. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid
track grooves in the road and apply
brakes cautiously in the rain.
19
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 whenever the
outside temperatures are 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 rated 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 not snow or ice covered.
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
"H"-rated tires, which have a European
speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h).
Despite the tire rating, local speed limits
should be obeyed. Use prudent driving
speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
Models E 320, E 420: An electronic
speed limiter prevents your vehicle from
exceeding the speed rating.
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 right foot on brake pedal.
2.Firmly depress parking brake
pedal.
3.Move the selector lever to
position "P".
4.Slowly release brake pedal.
5.Turn front wheels towards the
road curb.
6.Turn the electronic 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, move selector lever to
position "P".
When parking on hills, always set the
parking brake.
20
Winter Driving Instructions
The most important rule for slippery or
icy roads is to drive sensibly and to
avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not use the
cruise control system under such
conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, 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 be
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 vehicle not facing
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.
21
22
Operation
23
1 Air volume control for center air
outlets, turn wheel up to open.
2 Air volume control for side air
outlet.
To open air outlets: Turn
wheel to position.
3 To open defroster outlets: Turn
wheel to position
4 Center air outlet, adjustable
5 Side air outlet, adjustable
6 Side defroster outlets
7 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.
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.
24
Basic Setting - Automatic Mode
Press left and rightbutton for
automatic mode.
Simultaneously press bothand
buttons for temperature setting of
72°F.
Air volume and distribution are
controlled automatically.
Display and Controls
Press the desired button 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.
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.
Pressbutton to activate.
Pressbutton once again to return
to previous setting.
25
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