Mercedes-Benz E-class 1999 User Manual

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E300

E-class

Operator’s Manual

E 320

E430

E55AMG

Product information

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introduction

Seat belts and Supplemental Restraint

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 Front Center Console Compart. Ventilation

Rear Passenger Compartment

Adjustable Air Outlet

2 Car keys 29 Headlamp Cleaning System 65 4 Start Lock-out 30 Exterior Lamp Switch 66 162 Central Locking System 31 Night Security Illumination 67 163 Radio Frequency and Inside RearView Mirror 67 163 Infrared Remote Control 31 Exterior Rear View Mirror 68 166 Mechanical Keys 34

Doors Central Locking Switch Trunk

Power Window and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof

12 Anti-Theft Alarm System 40 13 Power Seats, Front 42 Cup Holder 73 15 Multicontour Seat 45 Sliding Pop-Up Roof 74 16 Heated Seats 46 Power Windows 75 17 Adjusting Steering Wheel 47 Parcel Net 76 18 Arm Rest, Rear Bench 47 Trunk Lid Release Switch 77

First Aid Kit

Head Restraints, Rear

Cargo Tie-Down Hooks

Shelf below Rear Window

24 25

System (SRS)

26 Seat belts 49 Garage Door Opener 79 26

BabySmart Airbag Deactivation System

Self Test

Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR)

27 Airbag 55 28 Child Restraint 60 Drinking and driving 82

Steering Lock 62

28 Combination Switch 64

Ashtrays

35 Lighter 71 36 Sun Visors 71 38 Illuminated Vanity mirrors 71 39 Interior Lighting 72

Storage Compartments

47 Rear Window Sunshade 77 48 Instrument Lamps 78 48 Display Illumination 78 48 Trip Odometer 78 49 Clock 78

53 Cellular telephone 80 53 54

Driving

Parking Brake 82

Automatic Trans. Fluid Level

Driving off Automatic Transmission Cruise Control Multifunction Indicator

Language Selection Multiple Malfunctions Temporarily Switching off

Defective Charge Indicator Lamp 91 Checking Engine Oil Level 110 Identification Labels 146 Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp Engine Oil Consumption Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Placement

Warning Tachometer Outside Temperature Indicator Coolant Temperature Gauge Low Engine Coolant Level Warning Lamp

Low Windshield and Headlamp

Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp Brake Warning 94 Fuses 129 Premium Unleaded Flexible Service System (FSS) Antilock Brake System (ABS) Brake Assist System (BAS) Electronic Traction System (ETS) Acceleration Stability Program (ASR) Electronic Stability program (ESP) Emission Control

On-Board Diagnostic System

Winter Driving Snow Chains

Traveling Abroad

83 88 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 144

Practical Hints

90 90 Hood 108 90 Checking Coolant Level 109 90 Adding Coolant 109

91 Bleeding of Diesel Fuel System 111 Warranty Coverage 147 91

Trunk Lamp 112 E 320 150

91 Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, E 430 152 92 Storage Compartment 112 E 55 AMG 154 92 Stowing Thongs in the Vehicle 112 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 156 92 Vehicle Jack 113 Capacities 156 93 Wheels 113 Engine Oils 158

Changing Wheels 117 Engine Oils Additives 158

93 Tire in Inflation Pressure 119 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 158 94 Exterior Lamps 120 Brake Fluid 158 94 Battery 127 Vehicle with Gasoline Engine

95 Jump Starting 130 Gasoline 159 97 Towing the Vehicle 131 Fuel Requirements 159 98 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 134 Gasoline Additives 159 99 Electronic Main Key, Remote Control 138 Vehicle with Diesel Engine 100 Front Head Restraint 140 Diesel Fuels 160 104 Rear Seat Cushion 141 Coolants 161 104

Emergency Operation of Sliding/Pop-Up Roof

104 Replacing Wiper Blades Insert 142 Check Regularly Before a Long Trip 172

105 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 142 106 Roof Rack 143 106

MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Part Service

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

111 Technical Data E 300 Diesel 148

141 Service and Literature 171

143

Instruments and Controls

For more detailed descriptions see Index For adjustment of air outlets, refer to Automatic Climate Control (see Index).

Side defroster outlet

Side air outlet, adjustable

Air volume control for side outlet

Exterior lamp switch

Parking brake release

Parking brake pedal

Hood lock release

Combination switch

Cruise control switch

Instrument cluster

Horn, airbag

Gasoline engine: Steering lock with ignition/starter switch

Diesel engine: Steering lock with preglow/starter switch

Center air outlet, adjustable

Air volume control for center outlet

Left front seat heater switch

Headlamp washer switch

Rear seat heater restraint switch

Hazard warning flasher switch

Central locking switch Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system

Right front seat heater switch

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

Automatic climate control, Rear window defroster switch

Activated charcoal filter switch Audio system

Storage/eyeglasses compartment

Ashtray with lighter

ASR or ESP control switch

Power window switches, front doors

Power window safety, rear doors

Airbag Off indicator lamp

Power window switches, rear doors

Trunk lid release switch

Mirror adjustment switch

Rear window sunshade switch

Instrument Cluster

Push buttons for intensity of instrument lamps. See Index

Push button for resetting trip

odometer. See Index

Coolant temperature gauge.

See Index

Fuel gauge with reserve and

fuel cap placement warning lamp (yellow). See Index

5 Left turn signal indicator lamp

(green) ASR, ESP or ETS warning lamp

(yellow). See Index

Speedometer

Trip odometer. See Index

Outside temperature indicator.

See Index Main odometer

Clock. See Index

8-11 Multifunction indicator, or FSS

indicator. See Index

Right turn signal indicator lamp

(green)

Tachometer. See Index

14 Push buttons for setting clock.

See Index

Push button for resetting

multifunction indicator. See Index

Multifunction Indicator

Engine oil level low. See Index

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.

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.

Indicator Lamp Symbols

Symbols and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator

Brake pads worn down. See Index See Multifunction Indicator in Index

Exterior lamp failure. 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.

FSS indicator. See Index

Parking brake engaged. See Index

Display defective. See Multifunction Indicator

in Index

Multifunction indicator for several messa ges.

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

BAS malfunction. See Index ASR malfunction. See Index

BAS malfunction. See Index ESP malfunction. See Index

Function Indicator Lamp

on the Center Console

Passenger Airbag automatically switched off. 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

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.

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.

Starting and Turning Off the Engine

Important!

Turning Off

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.

Starting

Do not depress accelerator.

Briefly turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to the stop and release. The starter will engage until the engine is running.

If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops, turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat starting the engine.

After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

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.

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".

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.

Starting

Turn electronic key to steering lock position 2. Preglow indicator lamp should come on with cold engine. The preglow process starts. When the preglow indicator lamp goes out, the engine is ready for starting.

Do not depress accelerator.

Briefly turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to the stop and release. The starter will engage until the engine is running. If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops, turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat starting the engine. After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

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.

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.

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

/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.

Tire Traction

c speed limiter for models E

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.

Tire Speed Rating

E 300 Turbodiesel, E 320 and E 430: Your vehicle is factory equipped with "H"-rated tires, which have a European speed rating of 130 mph(210 km/h). An electroni 320 and E 430 prevents your vehicle from exceeding the speed rating.

Model E 55 AMG:

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

An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from exceeding a speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

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.

Mercedes-Benz E-class 1999 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual