Mercedes-Benz E-class 1997 User Manual

S Standard mode

in 1 st gear, or with

Press switch on symbol "S". Use
this mode for all regular driving.

The vehicle starts out in 1st
gear.

W Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode

Emergency Operation
(Limp Home Mode)

If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the
transmission no longer shifts, the
transmission operates in Limp Home
Mode. In addition the "CHECK
ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster may come on.

Program Mode Selector Switch

The transmission is provided with a
selector switch for Standard "S" and
Winter/Wet (snow and ice) "W"
program modes.

Warning!

Always be certain of the program mode
selected since the vehicle driving
characteristics change with the
selection of the program mode.

Press switch on symbol "W". The
vehicle starts out in 2nd gear, except
with selector lever
accelerator pedal in kick-down
position.

The "W" mode helps to improve
traction and driving stability of the
vehicle.

With hard acceleration the upshifts
occur at lower vehicle and engine
speeds than in the "S" program mode.

Warning!

During stops use the brake, especially
on an incline, to prevent the vehicle
from rolling.

In this mode only the 2nd gear or
reverse gear can be activated.

To engage 2nd gear or reverse:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Move selector lever to
position "P".

3. Turn off the engine.

4. Wait 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Move selector lever to
position "D" (for 2nd gear), or
move selector lever to
position "R" (for reverse gear).

Have the transmission checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.

76

Cruise Control

maintained with the

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

1 Accelerate and set:

Lift lever briefly to set speed. Hold
lever up to accelerate.

2 Decelerate and set:

Depress lever briefly to set
speed.
Hold lever down to decelerate

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

Speed is set by briefly pushing the lever
to position 1 or 2. The accelerator can
be released.

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

If a set speed is to be increased or
decreased slightly, e.g. to adapt to the
traffic flow, hold lever in position 1 or 2
until the desired speed is reached, or
briefly tip the lever in the appropriate
direction for increases or decreases in

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

3 Canceling

To cancel the cruise control, briefly
push lever to position 3.

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

If the cruise control cancels by itself
and remains inoperative until the
engine is restarted, have the system
checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as
possible.

4 Resume

If the lever is briefly pushed to
position 4 when driving at a speed
exceeding approx. 25 mph (40
km/h), the vehicle resumes the
speed which was set prior to the
cancellation of the cruise control.
The last memorized speed is
canceled when the electronic key in
the steering lock is turned to
position 1 or 0.

77

Notes:

Important!

Warning!

If the engine does not brake the vehicle
sufficiently whiledriving on a downgrade,
the speed you set on the cruise control
may be exceeded and you may have to
step on the brake pedal to slow down. As
soon as the grade eases, the cruise
controlled speed will again be maintained
as long as the brakes were not previously
applied, or the lever may be used to re­sume the previously set speed if the
brakes were applied.

Moving gear selector lever to position
"N" switches the cruise control off.

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

• The use of cruise control can be

dangerous on winding roads or
in heavy traffic because
conditions do not allow safe
driving at a steady speed.

• The use of cruise control can be

dangerous on slippery roads.
Rapid changes in tire adhesion
can result in wheel spin and loss
of control.

The "Resume" function should only
be operated if the driver is fully
aware of the previously set speed and
wishes to resume this particular
preset speed.

78

Multifunction Indicator

until the presently

Temporarily Switching Off

Charge Indicator

Language Selection

Warning message selection is available
in the English, French, German, Italian,
or Spanish language.

With the electronic key in steering lock
position 2, simultaneously press reset
buttons for Trip Odometer (O) and
Multifunction Indicator (R), located in
the instrument cluster,
selected language appears on the screen.

Press button O until the requested
language appears.

Turn the electronic key in steering lock
to position 0.

Multiple Malfunctions

When the multiple malfunction symbol
appears, this indicates that several
malfunction messages are stored in
memory.

Push reset button (R) in the instrument
cluster for subsequent messages.

To temporarily switch off the
multifunction indicator warning
symbol and message, push reset button
(R) in the instrument cluster.

The multifunction indicator display is
inoperative until the electronic key in
steering lock is turned again to position
0 or 2.

The symbols and messages for Parking
Brake, Seat Belts, Exterior Lights, and
Display Defective cannot be switched
off.

Defective

When the message "Display Defective"
appears, this indicates that the system
is not operational, and possibly other
warnings cannot be shown.

Have the vehicle electronic system
checked at your authorized Mercedes­Benz dealer as soon as possible.

When the symbol and message appear
while the engine is running, this
indicates a fault which must be
repaired at an authorized Mercedes­Benz dealer immediately.

It may indicate that the poly-V-belt has
broken. Should this condition occur,
the poly-V-belt must be replaced
before continuing to operate the
vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will
overheat due to an inoperative water
pump which may result in damage to
the engine.

Do not continue to drive the vehicle
with the charge indicator symbol
displayed. Doing so could result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

79

Low Engine Oil Level Warning

Engine Oil Consumption

Tachometer

When the symbol and message appear
while the engine is running and at
operating temperature, the engine oil
level has dropped to approximately the
minimum mark on the dipstick.

When this occurs, the warning will first
come on intermittently and then stay on
if the oil level drops further.

If no oil leaks are noted, continue to
drive to the nearest service station
where the engine oil should be topped
to the "full" mark on the dipstick with
an approved oil.

The low engine oil level warning
should not be ignored. Extended
driving with the symbol displayed
could result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes­Benz Limited Warranty.

In addition to the warning symbol, the
engine oil level should be periodically
checked with the dipstick or via the
multifunction indicator, for example
during a fuel stop, or before a long trip
(see Index).

Engine oil consumption checks should
only be made after the break-in period.
During the break-in period, higher oil
consumption may be noticed and is
normal. Frequent driving at high engine
speeds results in increased consumption.

Fuel Reserve Warning

When the symbol and message appear
after starting the engine, or if it comes
on while driving, it indicates that the
fuel level is down to the reserve
quantity of approximately: 2.6 gal (10
liters).

Red marking on tachometer:
Excessive engine speed.

Avoid this engine speed, as it may
result in serious engine damage that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.

For engine protection, the fuel supply
is interrupted if the engine is operated
within the red marking.

80

Outside Temperature Indicator

Coolant Temperature Gauge

Warning!

The temperature sensor is located in the
front bumper area. Due to its location,
the sensor can be affected by road or
engine heat during idling or slow
driving. This means that the accuracy of
the displayed temperature can only be
verified by comparison to a
thermometer placed next to the sensor,
not by comparison to external displays
(e.g. bank signs etc.).

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

Warning!

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

If the antifreeze mixture is effective to

-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressurized cooling
system of your vehicle is approx.
266°F (130°C).

During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise close to the red
marking.

The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature in the red zone.
Doing so may cause serious engine
damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

• Driving when your engine is

badly overheated can cause
some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine
compartment to catch fire. You
could be seriously burned.

• Steam from an overheated

engine can cause serious burns
and can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or
hear steam coming from it.

Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the
vehicle until it cools down.

81

Low Engine Coolant Level
Warning

When the symbol and message appear
while driving, then the coolant level
has dropped below the required level. If
no leaks are noticeable and the engine
temperature does not increase, continue
to drive to the nearest service station
and have coolant added to the coolant
system (see Index).

The low engine coolant level warning
should not be ignored. Extended
driving with the symbol displayed may
cause serious engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

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

Note:

Do not drive without coolant in the
cooling system. The engine will
overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge
while driving.

Warning!

Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene
glycol which may burn if it comes
into contact with hot engine parts.
You can be seriously burned.

Low Windshield and Headlamp
Washer System Fluid Level Warning

When the symbol and message appear
while the engine is running, the level of
the reservoir has dropped to approx.1/
of the total volume. The reservoir
should be refilled with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate "S" and water (or
commercially available premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze,
depending on ambient temperature ­see Index) at the next opportunity. The
reservoir for the windshield and
headlamp washer systems is located in
the engine compartment.

3

82

Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator

after starting the engine, or if it comes on

be certain to connect into the fuse before

Brake Pad Wear Indicator

Brake Warning

When the symbol and message appear

while driving, this symbol indicates a
failure in the parking lamp, taillamps,
stop lamp, or low beam headlamp.
If an exterior lamp fails, the indicator
symbol will come on only when that
lamp is switched on.

If a brake lamp fails, the lamp failure
indicator will come on when applying
the brake and stays on until the engine is
turned off.

Note:

If additional lighting equipment is
installed (e.g. auxiliary headlamps etc.)

the failure indicator monitoring unit in
order to avoid damaging the system.

When the symbol and message appear
during braking, this indicates that the
brake pads are worn down.

Have the brake system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.

When the brake warning lamp and
message appear while the engine is
running, this means:

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

• the parking brake is set (engine
running).

Warning!

Driving with the brake warning
lamp illuminated can result in an
accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake
warning lamp stays on. Don't add
brake fluid before checking the
brake system. Overfilling the brake
fluid reservoir can result in spilling
brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You
can be seriously burned.

Note:

If you find that the minimum mark on
the brake fluid reservoir is reached,
have the brake system checked for
brake pad thickness and leaks.

83

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

electronic key in steering lock position 2

indicator lamps come on with the engine

ABS Control

Warning!

Important!

The ABS improves steering control of
the vehicle during braking maneuvers.
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather
use firm, steady brake pedal pressure.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.

The ABS prevents the wheels from
locking up above a vehicle speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
independent of road surface conditions.

At the instant one of the wheels is
about to lock up, a slight pulsation can
be felt in the brake pedal, indicating
that the ABS is in the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the
pulsation.

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

The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in
the instrument cluster comes on with the

and should go out with the engine
running.

When the ABS malfunction indicator
lamp symbol and warning in the
instrument cluster come on while the
engine is running, it indicates that the
ABS has detected a malfunction and has
switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner,
but without antilock assistance.

With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS,
ASR or ESP, if vehicle so equipped, are
also switched off. Both malfunction

running.

If the charging voltage falls below 10
volts, the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on and the ABS is switched off.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the malfunction indicator lamp
should go out and the ABS should be
operational.
Have the system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.

ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction made
available by the road conditions. The
ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ABS
equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the
user's safety or the safety of others.

Note:

To alert following vehicles to slippery
road conditions you discover, operate
your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.

84

Electronic Traction System (ETS)

ETS Control

Caution!

The ETS improves vehicle traction,
especially under slippery road
conditions. It engages at vehicle speeds
up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h),
and applies the brakes to the spinning
drive wheel. At approximately 50 mph
(80 km/h), the ETS switches off.
The ETS warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash at any
vehicle speed, as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin.

Important!

If the ETS warning lamp flashes:

• during take-off, apply as little
throttle as possible,

• while driving, ease up on the
accelerator.

Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.

If the yellow ETS malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while the ETS
warning symbol flashes, with the
engine running, the electronic traction
system is being switched off
temporarily to prevent overheating of
the drive wheel brakes.

If the ETS malfunction indicator lamp
comes on with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected.

Have the ETS checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.

With the ABS malfunctioning, the ETS
is also switched off.

If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in
Index), or when testing the parking
brake on a brake test dynamometer, the
engine must be shut off. Otherwise, the
electronic traction system will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.

Note:

In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the electronic traction
system is only achieved with
Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.

85

Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)

The acceleration slip regulation will
engage at all vehicle speeds, if one or
both drive wheels begin to lose traction
and spin due to excessive acceleration.
While engaged, the yellow warning
lamp in the speedometer flashes.

With the acceleration slip regulation
engaged, the brake is applied to the
spinning drive wheel until it regains
sufficient traction. If both drive wheels
lose traction and spin, the brake is
applied to both drive wheels and
simultaneously, engine torque is
limited, to improve the vehicle's
driving stability.

As traction on the road surface
increases, the allowable engine torque
also increases again and the brake is no
longer applied to drive wheels.

Important!

If the ASR warning lamp flashes, adapt
your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.

Caution!

If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in
Index), the engine must be shut off.
Otherwise, the acceleration slip
regulation will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes.

Notes:

If the ASR malfunction indicator lamp
comes on with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will
require greater effort. Only partial
engine output is available.

Have the ASR checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.

With the ABS malfunctioning, the
ASR is also switched off.

Driving the vehicle with varied size
tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
different speeds, therefore the
acceleration slip regulation may
activate (yellow ASR warning lamp in
instrument cluster comes on). For this
reason, all wheels, including the spare
wheel, must have the same tire size.

When testing the parking brake on a
brake test dynamometer, the engine
must be shut off. Otherwise, the
acceleration slip regulation will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.

In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the acceleration slip
regulation is only achieved with
Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.

86

ASR Control Switch

ASR control switch located on center
console

The ASR warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash at any
vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin.

ASR control switch located in center
console

To improve the vehicle's traction when
driving with snow chains, or starting
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press
the upper half of the ASR switch. The
ASR warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, is continuously
illuminated.
With the ASR system switched off, the
engine torque reduction feature is
cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ASR is
unavailable.

Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.

A portion of the ASR system remains
active, even with the switch in the OFF
position.

If one drive wheel loses traction and
begins to spin, the brake is applied
until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages
at vehicle speeds up to approximately
24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at
50 mph (80 km/h).

To return to the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ASR: press lower
half of the switch (the ASR warning
lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).

Important!

If the ASR warning lamp flashes:

• during take-off, apply as little
throttle as possible,

• while driving, ease up on the
accelerator.

87

Electronic Stability Program
(ESP) Model E 420 (optional)

The ESP enhances directional control
and reduces driving wheel spin of the
vehicle under any driving condition.

Over/understeering of the vehicle is
counteracted by applying brakes to the
appropriate wheel to create a
counterpointing vehicle movement.
The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash.

Important!

If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt
your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.

Caution!

If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in
Index), the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.

Notes:

If the ESP malfunction indicator lamp
comes on with the engine running, a
malfunction has been detected. It is
possible that now only partial engine
output is available.

Have the ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.

With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is
also switched off.

Driving the vehicle with varied size
tires will cause the wheels to rotate at
different speeds, therefore the ESP may
activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in
speedometer dial comes on). For this
reason, all wheels, including the spare
wheel, must have the same tire size.

When testing the parking brake on a
brake test dynamometer, the engine
must be shut off. Otherwise, the ESP
will immediately be engaged and will
apply the rear wheel brakes.

In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ESP is only
achieved with Mercedes-Benz
recommended M+S rated radial-ply
tires and/or snow chains.

88

ESP control switch located on center
console

ESP Control Switch

To improve the vehicle's traction when
driving with snow chains, or starling
off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press
the upper half of the ESP switch. The
ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, is continuously
illuminated.

With the ESP system switched off, the
engine torque reduction feature is
cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced
vehicle stability offered by ESP is
unavailable.

Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.

A portion of the ESP system remains
active, even with the switch in the OFF
position.

If one drive wheel loses traction and
begins to spin, the brake is applied
until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages
at vehicle speeds up to approximately
24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at
50 mph (80 km/h).

The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash at any
vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose
traction and the wheels begin to spin.

To return to the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP: press lower
half of the switch (the ESP warning
lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).

Important!

If the ESP warning lamp flashes:

• during take-off, apply as little
throttle as possible,

• while driving, ease up on the
accelerator.

89

Emission Control

Warning!

Vehicles with gasoline engine

Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the
exhaust gases within permissible limits
required by law.

These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications.
Any adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by
qualified Mercedes-Benz authorized
dealer technicians. Engine adjustments
should not be altered in any way.
Moreover, the specified service jobs
must be carried out regularly according
to Mercedes-Benz servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Service Booklet.

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

Do not run the engine in confined
areas (such as a garage) which are
not properly ventilated. If you think
that exhaust gas fumes are entering
the vehicle while driving, have the
cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive only
with at least one window fully open.

On-Board Diagnostic System

Vehicles with Diesel engine

Whenthe "CHECK ENGINE" mal­function indicator lamp comes on while
the engine is running, this indicates a
malfunction in the fuel injection system.
Only partial engine output is available.
Have the system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as
soon as possible.

The Sequential Multiport Fuel
Injection (SFI) control module
monitors emission control components
that either provide input signals to or
receive output signals from the control
module. Malfunctions resulting from
interruptions or failure of any of these
components are indicated by the
"CHECK ENGINE" malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
and are simultaneously stored in the
diagnostic module.

If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction
indicator lamp comes on, have the
system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as
possible.

An on-board diagnostic connector is
located in the passenger compartment
near to the parking brake pedal,
allowing the accurate identification of
system malfunctions through the
readout of diagnostic trouble codes.

90

Winter Driving

Have your vehicle winterized at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
before the onset of winter.

• Change the engine oil if the engine
contains an oil which is not
approved for winter operation. For
viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and
filling quantity, see Capacities:
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. in
Index.

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

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

Vehicles with diesel engine –

• For diesel fuels, refer to Index.

• Engine block heater:
The engine is equipped with a
block heater. The electrical cable
may be installed free-of-charge at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer by using the coupon in the
"Owner's Service and Warranty
Policy" booklet. The coupon is valid
for 12 months from date of vehicle
delivery.

• Check engine coolant anticorrosion/
antifreeze concentration.

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

Note:

In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the acceleration slip
regulation or of the electronic traction
system can only be achieved with M+S
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains
recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Snow chains maximize performance.

91

Snow Chains

Use only snow chains that are tested
and recommended by Mercedes-Benz.
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
will be glad to advise you on this
subject.

Chains should only be used on the rear
wheels. Follow the manufacturer's
mounting instructions.
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove
chains as soon as possible when
driving on roads without snow.

For tips on driving on slippery winter
roads, refer to Index.

Vehicles with Acceleration Slip
Regulation (ASR) or Electronic
Stability Program (ESP):

When driving with snow chains, press
the ASR control switch or the ESP
control switch, refer to Index.

Vehicles with Sport Package

Use of snow chains in not permissible
with tire size 235/45 ZR 17.

Traveling Abroad

Abroad, there is a widely-spread
Mercedes-Benz service network at
your disposal. If you plan to travel into
areas which are not listed in the index
of your dealer directory, you should
request pertinent information from
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

92

Practical Hints

93

Hood

To open:

To unlock the hood, pull release lever
(1) under the driver's side of the
instrument panel. At the same time
handle (2) will extend out of the
radiator grill (it may be necessary to lift
the hood up slightly).

Pull handle (2) completely out of
radiator grill and open hood (do not
pull upon handle).

To close:

Lower hood and let it drop into lock
from a height of approx. 1 ft. (30 cm),
assisting with hands placed flat on
edges of hood (3).

Warning!

To help prevent personal injury, stay
clear of moving parts when the hood
is open and the engine is running. Be
sure the hood is properly closed
before driving. When closing hood,
use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.

Warning!

Vehicles with gasoline engine:

The engine is equipped with a
transistorized ignition system.
Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets,
ignition cables, diagnostic socket)
of the ignition system

• with the engine running,

• while starting the engine,

• if ignition is "on" and the engine

is turned manually.

Caution!

To avoid damage to the windshield
wiper or hood, open the hood only with
wiper in the parked position.

To avoid hood damage, if hood is not
fully closed, repeat closing procedure.
Do not push down on hood to attempt to
fully close it.

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Adding Coolant

Warning!

Checking Coolant Level

To check the coolant level, the vehicle
must be parked on level ground and
the engine stopped.

Check coolant level only when coolant
is cold.

If coolant has to be added, a 50/50
mixture of water and MB
anticorrosion/antifreeze should be
added.

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

Anticorrosion/antifreeze, see
Coolants in Index.

In order to avoid possible serious
burns or injury:

• Use extreme caution when

opening the hood if there are any
signs of steam or coolant leaking
from the cooling system, or if the
coolant temperature gauge
indicates that the coolant is
overheated.

• Do not remove pressure cap on

coolant reservoir if engine
temperature is above 194°F(90°C).
Allow engine to cool down before
removing cap. The coolant
reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.

• Using a rag, slowly open cap

approximately1/2turn to relieve
excess pressure. If opened
immediately, scalding hot fluid
and steam will be blown out
under pressure.

• Do not spill antifreeze on hot

engine parts. Antifreeze contains
etnylene glycol which may burn if
it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.

95

Checking Engine Oil Level

rument

1 Oil dipstick
2 Oil filler cap

The engine oil level can be checked by
either the oil dipstick or via the
multifunction indicator in the inst
cluster.

To check the engine oil level, park
vehicle on level ground, with engine at
normal operational temperature.

Check engine oil level approximately 5
minutes after stopping the engine,
allowing for the oil to return to the oil
pan.

Oil level must be between
the lower (min) and upper
(max) mark of the dipstick.

Fill quantity between upper and lower
dipstick marking level is approximately

2.1 US qt (2.0 l).

Do not overfill the engine. Excessive
oil must be drained or siphoned. It
could cause damage to engine and
catalytic converter not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Bleeding of Diesel Fuel System

If the engine ran out of fuel, the fuel
system has to be purged of air after
refilling the tank.

Turn the key in steering lock fully to the
right and crank engine (for up to 40
seconds maximum). Only release key
after engine fires evenly.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Level

The transmission has a permanent fill
of automatic transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid
level checks and changes are not
required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.

When noticing fluid loss or gear
shifting malfunctions, have your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
check the transmission fluid level.

For Low engine oil level warning, see
Index.

96

To remove spare tire: Turn luggage
bowl counterclockwise and remove.
To store spare tire: Place spare tire in
wheel well and secure it with luggage
bowl. Turn luggage bowl clockwise to
its stop.

Note:

Always lower trunk floor before
closing trunk lid.

Stowing Things in the Vehicle

Trunk Lamp

If the trunk is to remain open for a long
period of time, the trunk lamp can be
switched off by pulling out the plunger
in the switch (arrow). This prevents the
vehicle battery from being discharged.
When the trunk lid is closed, the switch
will reset and turn on the lamp next
time the lid is opened.

Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, Storage
Compartment

1 Trunk floor
2 Handle
3 Luggage bowl
4 Vehicle tools

Lift trunk floor and engage handle in
upper edge of the trunk.

Warning!

To help avoid personal injury during
a collision or sudden maneuver,
exercise care when stowing things.
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if
possible. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backs. Do
not place anything on the shelf below
the rear window.

97

Warning!

Wheels

Vehicle Jack

1 Jack arm
2 Jack base

The vehicle jack is stored behind the
spare wheel.

See illustration for proper storage ofjack.
To remove, first remove vehicle tools and
spare wheel. Then open clamp and
remove vehicle jack.

Before storing the jack in the spare wheel
well, the jack arm must be lowered
almost to the base of the jack.

The jack is designed exclusively for
jacking up the vehicle at the jack
tubes built into either side of the
vehicle. To help avoid personal
injury, use the jack only to lift the
vehicle during a wheel change. Never
get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands
and feet away from the area under
the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set
parking brake and block wheels
before raising vehicle with jack.

Do not disengage parking brake
while the vehicle is raised. Be certain
that the jack is always vertical when
in use, especially on hills. Always try
to use the jack on level surface. Be
sure that the jack arm is fully
inserted in the jack tube. Always
lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working
under the vehicle.

Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as
shown on the original part. See your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for
further information.

Warning!

Do not mix different tire construction
types (i.e. radial, bias, and bias-belted)
on your car because handling may be
adversely affected and may result in
loss of control.

See your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for
summer and winter operation. They
can also offer advice concerning tire
service and purchase.

98