Mercedes-Benz E-class 1999 Driving Instructions

Parking

Warning!

To reduce the risk of personal injury
as a result of vehicle movement,
before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle always:

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.

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!

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.

7. Take the electronic key and
lock vehicle when leaving.

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.

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 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.

The trunk is the preferred place
to carry objects.

21

Deep Water

Passenger Compartment

Caution!

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

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.

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 .
To open defroster outlets: Turn
wheel to position

3 Center air outlet, adjustable
4 Side air outlet, adjustable
5 Side defroster outlets
6 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 right button for
automatic mode.

Simultaneously press both and

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.

Press button to activate.

Press button once again to return
to previous setting.

25

Special Settings
(use only for short duration)

Defogging Windows

Rear Window Defroster

Turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2.

Air Distribution

Switch off button.

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

Turn wheels (2) to position to
open left and right air outlets (5).

Defrosting

Turn wheels (2) to position to
open left and right air outlets (5).
Adjust air outlets upward. Press
button. Maximum heated and
automatically controlled amount of
air is directed to the windshield and
side windows.

Press button once again to return
to previous setting.

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

Note:

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

The rear window defroster consumes a
large amount of electrical power. To
keep the battery drain to a minimum,
turn off the defroster as soon as the
window is clear.
The defroster is automatically
turned off after a maximum of 12
minutes of operation.
If several power consumers are turned
on simultaneously, or the battery is
only partially charged, it is possible
that the defroster will automatically
turn itself off. When this happens, the
indicator lamp inside the switch starts
blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient
voltage, the defroster automatically
turns itself back on.

Press button repeatedly until the
requested symbol is displayed.

Air Volume

Press - or +side of rocker switch

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

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

The fresh air supply to the car interior
is shut off.

While driving, use this setting only
temporarily, otherwise the windshield
could fog up.

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

26

Air Recirculation

This mode can be selected to temporarily

At high outside temperatures, the system

Dust Filter

Activated Charcoal Filter

reduce the entry of annoying odors or
dust into the vehicle's interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the car's
interior.

To select, press button.
To cancel, press button again.
The system will automatically switch
from recirculated air to fresh air

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

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

• after approx. 5 minutes, if button

is pressed.

If the windows should fog up from the
inside, switch from recirculated air back
to fresh air.

automatically engages the recirculated
air mode thereby increasing the cooling
capacity performance, switching to
partially fresh air within 20 minutes.

Nearly all dust particles and pollen are
filtered out before outside air enters the
passenger compartment through the air
distribution system.

Note:

Do not obstruct the air flow by keeping
the air intake grille in front of
windshield free of snow and debris.

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

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

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

The blower speed is slightly increased
to supply a contant volume of air.
The system switches automatically to
the air recirculation mode, if the carbon
monoxide (CO) or nitric oxide (NO of
the outside air increases.

When pressing button or ‚
the filter is also switched oft.

Notes:

The automatic air recirculation does not
function when selecting the Economy
mode ‚ or the outside temperature
is below
45°F (7°C).
The activated charcoal filter should be
switched oft when windows fog up on
the inside, or if the passenger
compartment needs to be quickly heated
or cooled down.

27

Residual Engine Heat Utilization

With the engine switched off, it is
possible to continue heating the interior
for a short while.

Front Center Console
Compartment Ventilation

The front center console compartment
has its own air outlet.

Air volume and distribution are
controlled automatically.

To select:

Turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 1 or 0 or remove key.

Press button.

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

To cancel: Press button.

The system will automatically shut off

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

• after approx. 30 minutes,

• if the battery voltage drops.

To open: Push lever down.
To close: Push lever up.

The air volume is dependent on the
setting of the

• air volume control

• air distribution control

• air outlets in the dashboard and
rear passenger compartment.

The air temperature is about the same
than that of the dashboard air outlets. It
cannot be regulated separately.

Note:

The compartment can get very warm
due to its confined space. When storing
heat sensitive objects in the
compartment, close the air outlet while
heating the passenger compartment.

Also, do not obstruct the air outlet.

Rear Passenger Compartment
Adjustable Air Outlet

To open air outlet, rotate wheel (1)
upward.

The air outlet is adjustable.

Important!

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

28

Car Keys

Included with your vehicle are:

• 2 electronic main keys with
integrated radio frequency and
infrared remote controls plus
slide out and removable
mechanical key.

• 1 electronic reserve key without
remote control functions, plus
removable mechanical key.

The mechanical key (2) can be
removed by sliding it out of the remote
control. To do so, move lock (3) in
direction of arrow and slide the
mechanical key (2) in direction of
arrow (5).

In the case of using the mechanical key
for lock operations, it can be extended
outward. To do so, move lock (3) in
direction of arrow, slide the mechanical
key (2) in direction of arrow (4) until it
locks in place.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle always
remove the electronic key from the
steering lock, and lock your vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, or with access to an
unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use
of vehicle equipment may cause
serious personal injury.

Electronic main key with integrated
radio frequency and infrared remote
control, plus slide out and removable
mechanical key

The remote control (1) operates all
locks on the car.

The mechanical keys (2) work only in
the driver's door, trunk, and storage
compartment locks.

The remote control transmitter is
located in the electronic main key.

The infrared receivers are located in
the door handles.

Note:

Remove the mechanical key from the
electronic main key when using valet
parking service. To prevent access to
trunk or storage compartments lock
them separately.

29

Note:

Obtaining Replacement Keys

Electronic reserve key without
remote control functions, plus
removable mechanical key.

The electronic reserve key (1) works
only in the steering lock.

The mechanical key (2) works only in
the driver's door, trunk, and storage
compartment locks.

To use the mechanical key (2), remove
it from its electronic reserve key (1).

We recommend that you carry the
electronic reserve key with mechanical
key with you and keep it in a safe place
(e.g. your wallet) so that it is always
handy. Never leave the electronic
reserve key in the vehicle.

Your vehicle is equipped with a theft
deterrent locking system requiring a
special key manufacturing process. For
security reasons, replacement keys can
only be obtained from your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Start Lock-Out

Important!

Removing the electronic key from the
steering lock activates the start lock­out. The engine cannot be started.

Inserting the electronic key in the
steering lock deactivates the start
lock-out.

Note:

In case the engine cannot be started,
the system is not operational. Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or
call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.

30

Central Locking System

Radio Frequency and Infrared
Remote Control

The electronic main key has an
integrated radio frequency and

infrared remote control.
Due to the extended operational
range of the remote control, it could
be possible to unintentionally lock or
unlock the vehicle by pressing the
transmit button. A command received
by the central locking system is
acknowledged by the function control
lamp blinking once.
The vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler
flap can be centrally locked and
unlocked via remote control.

Opening and closing the windows and
sliding/pop-up roof can only be done
with the infrared portion of the remote
control. Aim transmitter eye (5) at a
receiver (6 or 7), press and hold
transmit button or

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

1 Transmit button

Locking

Unlocking

2 PANIC button
3 Release button for

mechanical key

4 Lamp for battery check

and function control

5 Transmitter eye

6 Infrared receiver in driver's door

handle

31

7 Infrared receiver in passenger door

handle

Locking and Unlocking

Unlocking:

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

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

Press transmit button once to
unlock driver's door and fuel filler flap.

Press transmit button twice to
unlock doors, fuel filler flap, and trunk.

Global unlocking mode -Press
transmit button once to unlock
doors, fuel filler flap, and trunk.

Notes:

If the trunk was previously locked
separately, it will remain locked (see
Trunk, separately locked Index).
The presently active unlocking mode
(selective or global) can only be
determined by unlocking the vehicle
with the remote control (see below for
changing mode).

The vehicle is automatically locked
again, if within 40 seconds of un­locking with the remote control, neither
door or trunk is opened, the electronic
key is not inserted in the steering lock,
or the central locking switch is not
activated.

Locking:

Press transmit button once. All
turn signal lamps blink three times to
indicate that the vehicle is locked.

Note:

If the vehicle cannot be locked or
unlocked by pressing the transmit
button, then it may be necessary to
change the batteries in the transmitter,
see Remote control battery replacement
in Index (if ok, battery check lamp in
transmitter will light briefly when
transmitting) or to synchronize the
remote control, see Synchronizing
Remote Control in Index.

Choosing Global or Selective Mode
on Remote Control

Press and hold transmit buttons
and simultaneously for five
seconds to reprogram the remote
control. Battery check lamp will blink
two times indicating the completed
mode change.

32

Opening the Trunk

A minimum height clearance of 5.9 ft
(1.8 m) is required to open the trunk
lid.

Press transmit button until trunk
lid is open.

Important!

Do not place remote control in trunk
since trunk is locked again when
closing the lid.

Note:

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

Opening and Closing Windows from
Outside

Aim transmitter eye (5) of remote
control at door receivers (6 or 7).

To open:

Continue to press transmit button
after unlocking car.

The windows begin to open after
approx. 1 second.

To interrupt opening procedure, release
button.

To close:

Continue to press transmit button
after locking car.

The windows begin to close after
approx. 1 second.

To interrupt closing procedure, release
button.

Warning!

Never operate the windows if there is
the possibility of anyone being
harmed by the opening or closing
procedure.

In case the procedure causes
potential danger, the procedure can
be immediately halted by releasing
the remote control button. To
reverse direction of movement press

for opening or for closing.

Note:

If the windows cannot be operated
automatically by pressing the transmit
button of the remote control then it
may be necessary to change the
batteries in the transmitter (if ok,
battery check lamp in transmitter will
light briefly when transmitting), or to
synchronize the remote control, see
Synchronizing Remote Control in
Index.

33

Note:

Mechanical Keys

Panic Button

To activate press and hold button (1)
for at least one second. The alarm will
last for approximately 3 minutes in
form of blinking exterior lamps, and an
alarm will sound.

To deactivate press button (1) again, or
insert electronic key in steering lock.

For operation in the USA only: This
device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and

(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority
to operate the equipment.

The entire vehicle may be locked or
unlocked by using either the
mechanical key in driver's door or
trunk lock, or central locking switch
located in center console. The
mechanical key also locks or unlocks
the fuel filler flap.

Note:

If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened,
refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual
Release (see Index).

34

Doors

1 Opening - pull handle
2 Unlocking
3 Locking
4 Individual door from inside:

• Push lock button down to lock.

• Pull lock button up to unlock.

When you lock the car, both door lock
buttons should move down. If any one
stays up, the respective door is not
properly closed.

You should then unlock the car, open
and reclose this door, and lock the car
again. Each individual door can be
locked with door lock button - the
driver's door can only be locked when
it is closed.

If the car has previously been locked
from the outside, only the door being
opened from the inside will unlock,
and the alarm will come on. The other
door, the trunk lid and fuel filler flap
remain locked.

Notes:

In case of a malfunction in the central
locking system the doors can be locked
and unlocked individually.

To lock, turn mechanical key in
driver's door lock to position 3 or push
down lock buttons.

To unlock, turn mechanical key in
driver's door lock to position 2 or pull
up lock buttons

35

Central locking switch

1 Locking
2 Unlocking

The central locking switch is located
in the center console.

The doors and trunk can only be
locked with the central locking switch,
if both doors are closed.

If the vehicle was previously locked
with the remote control or mechanical
key, the doors and trunk cannot be
unlocked with the central locking
switch.

If the vehicle was previously locked
with the central locking switch, while
in the selective remote control mode,
only the door opened from the inside is
unlocked.

If the vehicle was previously locked
with the central locking switch, while
in the global remote control mode, the
complete vehicle is unlocked when a
door is opened from the inside.

Note:

The fuel filler flap cannot be locked or
unlocked with the central locking
switch.

Automatic Central Locking

The central locking switch also
operates the automatic central locking.

To activate:

With electronic key in steering lock
position 2 hold upper portion of switch
(1) for a minimum of 5 seconds.

To deactivate:

With electronic key in steering lock
position 2 hold lower portion of switch
(2) for a minimum of 5 seconds.

With the automatic central locking
system activated, the doors and trunk
are locked at vehicle speeds of approx.
9 mph (15 km/h) or more. The fuel
filler flap remains unlocked.

36

Notes:

If doors are unlocked with the central
locking switch after activating the
automatic central locking, and neither
door is opened, then the doors remain
unlocked even at vehicle speeds of
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
Opening a door from the inside at
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or
less with the automatic central locking
activated, the door will again be
automatically locked at speeds of
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.

Important!

When towing the vehicle, or with the
vehicle on a dynamometer test stand,
please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the electronic key in
steering lock position 2, the vehicle
doors lock if the left front wheel as
well as the right rear wheel are turning
at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph (15
km/h) or more.

To prevent the vehicle door locks from
locking, deactivate the automatic
central locking.

Emergency Unlocking in Case
of Accident

The doors unlock automatically a short
time after an accident (this is intended
to aid rescue and exit). However, the
electronic key must still be in the
steering lock.

37

Trunk

when

1 Neutral position - push to open
2 Unlocking
3 Locking (detent)

4 Separate locking of trunk -

remove key in this position.

When the trunk is separately locked,
it remains locked when unlocking any
door.

To deny any unauthorized person
access to the trunk, lock it separately.
Leave only the electronic main key
less its mechanical key with the
vehicle.

Notes:

In case of a malfunction in the central
locking system the trunk can be
locked and unlocked individually.
To lock, turn mechanical key to
position 2 or 3.

To unlock and open the trunk lid, turn
mechanical key to position 1, hold and
push to open.

If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened,
refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual
Release (see Index).

Important!

Do not place mechanical key inside
trunk, since trunk is locked again
closing the lid.

Lower trunk lid using handle (5) or
recessed grip (6), and close it with grip
molding (7).

38

When locking doors or trunk, turn
mechanical key in door lock or trunk
lock to position 3 and hold. The
windows and the sliding/popup roof
begin to close automatically after
approximately 1 second.

Warning!

Never operate the windows or
sliding/pop-up roof if there is the
possibility of anyone being harmed
by the procedure.

Power Windows and Sliding/Pop-Up
Roof

1 Opening
2 Interrupting
3 Closing

To interrupt the closing procedure, turn
mechanical key to position 2.

When unlocking doors or trunk, turn
mechanical key in door lock or trunk
lock to position 1 and hold. The
windows and the sliding/popup roof
begin to open automatically after
approximately 1 second.

To interrupt the opening procedure,
turn mechanical key to position 2.

In case the procedure causes
potential danger, the procedure can
be immediately reversed by turning
the mechanical key to the reversed
operational direction:

• for opening position (1)

• for closing position (3).

Note:

If the closing procedure is interrupted,
it can only be continued by first turning
the key to the unlocked position (3) and
then again to the locking position (1)
and hold.

39

1 Indicator lamp in switch located in

armed,

center console

Antitheft Alarm System

The antitheft alarm is automatically
armed or disarmed with the remote
control or any of your vehicle's
mechanical keys by locking or
unlocking the driver's door or the
tailgate.

The antitheft alarm is armed within
approx. 15 seconds after locking the
vehicle.

A blinking lamp (1) indicates that the
alarm is armed.

Operation

Once the alarm system has been
the exterior vehicle lamps will flash and
the alarm will sound when someone:

• opens a door,

• opens the trunk,

• opens the hood,

• attempts to raise the vehicle.

The alarm will last approximately 21/

2

minutes in the form of flashing exterior
lamps. At the same time an alarm will
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will
stay on even if the activating element
(a door, for example) is immediately
closed.

Note:

We recommend that you carry the
electronic reserve key plus mechanical
key with you and keep it in a safe place
(e.g. your wallet) so that it is always
handy. Never leave the electronic
reserve key in the vehicle.

40

Tow-Away Protection

1 Press to switch off.
2 Indicator lamp

The switch is located in the center
console

Once the alarm system has been armed,
the exterior vehicle lamps will flash and
an alarm will sound when someone
attempts to raise the vehicle.

The alarm will last approximately 21/

2

minutes in the form of flashing exterior
lamps. At the same time an alarm will
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will
stay on even if the vehicle is
immediately lowered.

To prevent triggering the alarm, switch
off the tow-away protection before
towing the vehicle, or when parking on
a surface subject to movement, such as
a ferrey or auto train.

To do so, turn electronic key in
steering lock to position 1 or 0, or
remove electronic key from steering
lock. Press tow-away protection switch
(1). The indicator lamp (2) illuminates
briefly.

Exit vehicle, and lock vehicle with
mechanical key or remote control.

The tow-away protection remains
switched off until the vehicle is locked
again with mechanical key or remote
control.

41

Power Seats, Front

equipment may cause serious personal

Warning!

Do not adjust the driver's seat while
driving. Adjusting the seat while
driving could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with
the backrest reclined. Sitting in an
excessively reclined position can be
dangerous. You could slide under the
seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force
at the abdomen or neck. That could
cause serious or even fatal injuries.
The backrest and seat belt provide
the best restraint when the wearer is
in an upright position and the belt is
properly positioned on the body.

Never place hands under seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is
being adjusted.

The slide switches are located in each
front door.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle always
remove the electronic key from the
steering lock.

The power seats can also be operated
with the driver's or passenger door
open. Do not leave children
unattended in the vehicle or with
access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle

Turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 1 or 2 (with the driver's or
passenger's door open, the power seats
can also be operated with the electronic
key removed or in steering lock
position 0).

1 Seat, up/down
2 Seat, fore/aft
3 Seat cushion tilt
4 Backrest tilt
5 Head restraint

During seat adjustment, the head
restraint is automatically adjusted to
support the back of the head
approximately at ear level.

The head restraint angle can also be
adjusted manually.

Note:

Your vehicle is equipped with
power head restraints, do not try to
raise or lower them manually.

injury.

42

Synchronizing Head Restraints

If the power supply was interrupted
(battery disconnected or empty), the
power seats and head restraints are no
longer adjusted automatically.

restraint/steering wheel and exterior
rear view mirrors can be programmed
into memory by pushing first memory
button (6) and then "2", respectively "3".

Note:

To resynchronize the adjustment
feature, move the seat completely
forward and the head restraint fully
down.

Caution!

Do not remove head restraints except
when mounting seat covers. For
removal refer to Head Restraints,
Front, see Index. Whenever restraints
have been removed be sure to reinstall
them before driving.

Memory Storing and Recalling

6 Memory button
7 Position buttons

Storing

Three sets of seat/head restraint and
exterior rear view mirror positions may
be programmed into memory. After the
seat/head restraint and exterior rear
view mirrors are positioned, push
memory button (6), release, and within
3 seconds push position button "1". A
second and third set of positions for the
same seat/head restraint and exterior

See Index for instructions on
adjustment of steering wheel and
mirrors.

Recalling

To recall a seat/head restraint/
steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirror position, push and hold position
button "1", "2" or "3" until seat/head
restraint/steering wheel and exterior
rear view mirror movement has
stopped. The seat/head
restraint/steering wheel and exterior
rear view mirror movement stops when
the position button is released.

Caution!

Do not operate the power seats with
backrests in an excessively reclined
position, using the memory buttons.
Doing so could cause damage to front
or rear seats.

First move the backrest to an upright
position.

43

Important!

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 restraint should also be
adjusted for proper height. See also
airbag section for proper seat
positioning. Head restraint should also
be adjusted for proper height. See also
airbag section for proper seat
positioning.

Both the inside and outside rear view
mirrors should be adjusted for adequate
rearward vision.

Fasten seat belts. Infants and small
children should be seated in a properly
secured restraint system that complies
with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 and Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1.

All seat, head restraint, and rear view
mirror adjustments as well as fastening
of seat belts should be done before the
vehicle is put into motion.

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under
must never ride in the front seat,
except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmart™ compatible
child seat, which operates with the
BabySmart™ system installed in the
vehicle to deactivate the passenger
side front airbag when it is properly
installed. Otherwise they will be
struck by the airbag when it inflates
in a crash. If this happens, serious or
fatal injury will result.

The back seat is the safest place for
children. Infants and small children
must ride in the back seats and be
seated in an appropriate infant or
child restraint system, which is
properly secured with the vehicle's
seat belt, fully in accordance with the
seat manufacturer's instructions.

A child's risk of serious or fatal
injuries is significantly increased if
the child restraints are not properly
secured in the vehicle and the child is
not properly secured in the child
restraint.

44

Multicontour Seat (optional)

movable seat cushions, and inflatable air

1 Seat cushion depth
2 Backrest bottom
3 Backrest center
4 Side bolster adjustment

The seat cushion movement and
amount of backrest cushion height and
curvature can be continuously varied
with regulators (1, 2 and 3) after
turning the electronic key in steering
lock to position 2.

Some models may be equipped with
multicontour seats. These seats have

cushions built into the backrest to
provide additional lumbar and side
support.

The side bolsters of the backrest can be
adjusted with rocker switch (4):

• press down forward end ­increase side support,

• press down rearward end ­decrease side support.

If the engine is turned off, the last
cushion setting is retained in memory,
and automatically adjusts the cushion
to this setting when the engine is
restarted.

45

Heated Seats (optional)

Note:

The front seat heater switches are
located in the center console.

The front seat heaters can be
switched on with the electronic key in
steering lock positions 1 or 2.

Press switch to turn on seat heater:

1 Normal seat heating mode. One

indicator lamp in the switch
lights up.

2 Rapid seat heating mode. Both

indicator lamps in the switch
light up.
After approximately 5 minutes in
the rapid seat heating mode, the
seat heater automatically switches
to normal operation and only one
indicator lamp will stay on.

Turning off seat heater:

If one indicator lamp is on, press upper
half of switch.

If both indicator lamps are on, press
lower half of switch.

If left on, the seat heater automatically
turns off after approximately 30
minutes of operation.

When in operation, the seat heater
consumes a large amount of electrical
power. It is not advisable to use the
seat heater longer than necessary.

The seat heaters may automatically
switch off if too many power
consumers are switched on at the
same time, or if the battery charge is
low. When this occurs, the indicator
lamp in the switch will blink (both
indicator lamps blink during rapid seat
heating mode). The seat heaters will
switch on again automatically as soon
as sufficient voltage is available.

If the blinking of the indicator lamps is
distracting to you, the seat heaters can
be switched off.

46

Note:

The steering wheel position can be
stored in memory together with the
seat/head restraint and exterior rear
view mirror positions, see Index.

Warning!

Do not adjust the steering wheel
while driving. Adjusting the
steering wheel while driving could
cause the driver to lose control of
the vehicle

Adjustable Steering Wheel

Turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 1 or 2 (with the driver's or
front passenger's door open, the
steering wheel can also be operated
with the electronic key removed or in
steering lock position 0).

To lengthen or shorten the steering
column, push switch foreward or
backward.

To raise or lower steering wheel, push
switch up or down.

Armrest, Rear Bench

Pull down the armrest by its top.

First Aid Kit in Rear Bench Armrest

Press button (1) and pull drawer out to
its final stop.

Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest

Press button (1) and pull out drawer to
its detent.

Caution!

Keep cup holder closed while
traveling. Place only containers that
fit into the cup holder to prevent spills.

Do not fill containers to a height
where the contents could spill during
vehicle maneuvers, especially hot
liquids.

47

Head Restraints, Rear

Folding head restraints backward (with
engine running)

Press symbol-side of rocker switch to
release the head restraints. The head
restraints will then fold backward for
increased visibility.

Placing head restraints upright:
Pull head restraint forward until it
locks in position.
Angle of head restraints:
The head restraint angle can be
adjusted manually.

Important!

For safety reasons, always drive with
the rear head restraints in the upright
position when the rear seats are
occupied.

Keep area around head restraints clear
of articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct
the folding operation of the head
restraints.

Cargo Tie-Down Hooks

Inside the trunk are four cargo tie-down
hooks.

Secure cargo by applying even load on
all four hooks.

Shelf below Rear Window

Warning!

The shelf below the rear window
should not be used to carry objects.
This will prevent such objects from
being thrown about and injuring
vehicle occupants during an accident
or sudden maneuver.

48

Seat Belts and Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)

Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts for all seats, emergency
tensioning retractors for the front seat
belts, as well as front and side impact
airbags and knee bolsters for driver and
front passenger.

Seat Belts

Important!

Laws in most states and all Canadian
provinces require seat belt use.

All states and provinces require use of
child restraints that comply with U.S.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213.

For your safety and that of your
passengers we strongly recommend
their use.

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under
must never ride in the front seat,
except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmart™ compatible
child seat, which operates with the
BabySmart™ system installed in the
vehicle to deactivate the passenger
side front airbag when it is properly
installed. Otherwise they will be
struck by the airbag when it inflates
in a crash. If this happens, serious or
fatal injury will result.

The back seat is the safest place for
children. Infants and small children
must ride in back seats and be seated
in an appropriate infant or child
restraint system, which is properly
secured with the vehicle's seat belt,
fully in accordance with the seat
manufacturer's instructions.

A child's risk of serious or fatal
injuries is significantly increased if
the child restraints are not properly
secured in the vehicle and the child
is not properly secured in the child
restraint.

Warning!

Never ride in a moving vehicle with
the seat back reclined. Sitting in an
excessively reclined position can be
dangerous. You could slide under the
seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force
at the abdomen or neck. That could
cause serious or even fatal injuries.
The seat back and seat belts provide
the best restraint when the wearer is
in an upright position and belts are
properly positioned on the body.

Note:

For cleaning and care of the seat belts,
see Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle in
Index.

49

Seat Belt Warning System

With the electronic key in steering lock
position 2, a warning sounds for a short
time if the driver's seat belt is not
fastened.

Warning!

Failure to wear and properly fasten
and position your seat belt greatly
increases your risk of injuries and
their likely severity in an accident.
You and your passengers should
always wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your
injuries can be considerably more
severe without your seat belt
properly buckled. Without your seat
belt buckled, you are much more
likely to hit the interior of the vehicle
or be ejected from it. You can be
seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility for
injury or death is lessened with your
seat belt buckled.

Fastening of Seat Belts

1 Latch plate
2 Buckle
3 Release button
4 Button for belt outlet height

adjustment

Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2) until
it clicks. Do not twist the belt. A twisted
seat belt may cause injury.

To avoid severe or fatal injuries, the lap
belt should be positioned as low as
possible on your hips and not across
the abdomen.

Tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by
pulling shoulder portion up.

The shoulder portion of the seat belt
must be pulled snug and checked for
snugness immediately after engaging
it.

Adjust seat belt so that shoulder
portion is located as close as possible
to the middle of your shoulder (it
should not touch the neck). For this
purpose, you can adjust the belt
height. Five positions are available.

50

4 Button for belt outlet

stops

Raising:
Slide belt outlet upward.

Lowering:
Press button (4) and slide belt outlet
downward.

Caution!

For safety reasons, avoid adjusting the
seat or seat back into positions which
could affect the correct seat belt
position.

Unfastening of Seat Belts

Push the release button (3) in the belt
buckle (2).

Allow the retractor to completely
rewind the seat belt by guiding the
latch plate (1).

Operation:

The inertia reel stops the belt from
unwinding during sudden vehicle
or when quickly pulling on the belt.
The locking function of the reel may
be checked by quickly pulling out the
belt.

Warning!

USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY.

• Each occupant should wear

their seat belt at all times,
because seat belts help reduce
the likelihood of and potential
severity of injuries in accidents,
including rollovers. "SRS"
(driver airbag, front passenger
airbag, side impact airbags),
"ETR" (seat belt emergency
tensioning retractors), and knee
bolsters are designed to
enhance the protection offered
to properly belted occupants in
certain frontal impacts which
exceed preset deployment
thresholds.

• Improperly positioned seat

belts do not provide maximum
protection and may cause
serious injuries in case of an
accident.

• Never wear the shoulder belt

under your arm, against your
neck or off your shoulder. In a
crash, your body would move too
far forward. That would increase
the chance of head and neck
injuries. The belt would also

51

apply too much force to the ribs or

s old and under must

abdomen, which could severely
injure internal organs such as
your liver or spleen.

• Position the lap belt as low as

possible on your hips and not
across the abdomen. If the belt is
positioned across your abdomen,
it could cause serious injuries in a
crash.

• Each seat belt should never be

used for more than one person at
a time. Do not fasten a seat belt
around a person and objects.

• Belts should not be worn twisted.

In a crash, you wouldn't have the
full width of the belt to manage
impact forces. The twisted belt
against your body could cause
injuries.

• Pregnant women should also use a

lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt
portion should be positioned as
low as possible on the hips to
avoid any possible pressure on the
abdomen.

Warning!

USE CHILD RESTRAINTS
PROPERLY.

Children 12 year
never ride in the front seat, except in
a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart™ compatible child seat,
which operates with the
BabySmart™ system installed in the
vehicle to deactivate the passenger
side front airbag when it is properly
installed. Otherwise they will be
struck by the airbag when it inflates
in a crash. If this happens, serious or
fatal injury will result.

According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
restrained in the rear seating
positions than in the front seating
positions. Infants

and small children must ride in back
seats and be seated in an appropriate
infant or child restraint system,
which is properly secured with the
vehicle's seat belt, fully in accordance
with the child seat manufacturer's
instructions.

A child's risk of serious or fatal
injuries is significantly increased if
the child restraints are not properly
secured in the vehicle and the child is
not properly secured in the child
restraint.

Children too big for child restraint
systems must ride in back seats using
regular seat belts. Position shoulder
belt across chest and shoulder, not
face or neck. A booster seat is
necessary to achieve proper belt
positioning.

52

BabySmart™ Airbag

indicator

Deactivation System

Special child seats, designed for use
with the Mercedes-Benz system and
available at any authorized Mercedes­Benz dealer are required for use with
the BabySmart™ airbag deactivation
system.

With the special child seat properly
installed, the passenger side front
airbag will not deploy. The
indicator lamp located on the center
console will be illuminated, except with
electronic key removed or in steering
lock position 0. The system does not
deactivate the door mounted side
impact airbag and the window airbag.

BabySmart™ is a trademark of
Siemens Automotive Corp

Warning!

The BabySmart™ Airbag Deactivation
Systemwill ONLY work with a special
seat designed to operate with it. It will
not work with seats which are not
BabySmart™ compatible.

Never place anything between seat
cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow),
since it reduces the effectiveness of
the deactivation system.

Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for installation of special
child seats.

The passenger side front airbag will
not deploy only if the indicator
lamp remains illuminated.

Please be sure to check the indicator
every time you use the special system
child seat. Should the light go out
while the restraint is installed, please

check installation. If the light remains
out, do not use the BabySmart™
restraint to transport children, or
otherwise-do not transport child re­straints on the front passenger seat
until the system has been repaired.

Self-Test BabySmart™
Without Special Child Seat
Installed

After turning electronic key in steering
lock to position 1 or 2, the
lamp located on center console comes
on for approx. 6 seconds.

If the lamp should not come on or is
continuously lit, the system is not
functioning. You must see an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
before using any child seat.

53

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

The term Supplemental Restraint System
means that airbags are intended as a
supplement to seat belts. Airbags alone
cannot protect as well as airbags plus seat
belts in impacts for which the airbags
were designed to operate, and do not
afford any protection whatsoever in
crashes for which the system is not
designed to deploy.

The SRS uses two crash severity levels
(thresholds) to activate either the ETR or
airbag or both. Activation depends on the
direction and severity of the impact,
exceeding the thresholds and fastening of
the seat belt.

Seat belt fastened

• first threshold exceeded: ETR activates

• second threshold exceeded: airbag
also activates

Seat belt not fastened

• first threshold exceeded: airbag
activates, but not ETR

Driver and front passenger systems
operate independently from each other.

Emergency Tensioning
Retractor (ETR)

The seat belts for the front seats are
equipped with emergency tensioning
retractors. These tensioning retractors
are located in each belt's inertia reel
and become operationally ready with
the electronic key in steering lock
position 1 or 2.

The emergency tensioning retractors
are designed to activate only when the
seat belts are fastened during frontal
impacts exceeding the first threshold of
the SRS and in rear impacts exceeding
a preset security level. They remove
slack from the belts in such a way that
the seat belts fit more snugly against
the body restricting its forward
movement as much as possible.

In cases of other frontal impacts,
angled impacts, roll-overs, certain side
impacts, or other accidents without
sufficient frontal or rear impact forces,
the emergency tensioning retractors
will not be activated. The driver and
passengers will then be protected by
the fastened seat belts and inertia reel
in the usual manner.

For seat belt and emergency tensioning
retractor safety guidelines see Safety
Guidelines in Index.

54

Airbags

1 Driver airbag

The most effective occupant restraint
system yet developed for use in
production vehicles is the seat belt. In
some cases, however, the protective
effect of a seat belt can be further
enhanced by an airbag.

The driver airbag is located in the
steering wheel hub.

2 Front passenger airbag

The passenger front airbag is located in
the dashboard ahead of the front
passenger.

The side impact airbags are located in the
doors.

The window airbags (5, on next page) are
located around the door windows behind
the door frame trims.

In conjunction with wearing the seat
belts with emergency tensioning
retractors, the airbags can provide
increased protection for the driver and
front passenger in certain major frontal
(for front airbags), and side impacts
(for side impact airbags).The
operational readiness of the airbag
system is verified by the indicator lamp
"SRS" in the instrument cluster when
turning the electronic key in steering
lock to position 1 or 2. If no fault is
detected, the lamp will go out after
approximately 4 seconds; after the
lamp goes out, the system continues to
monitor the components and circuitry
of the airbag system and will indicate a
malfunction by coming on again.

The following system components are
monitored or undergo a self-check:
crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition
circuits, front seat belt buckles,
emergency tensioning retractors, seat
sensor.

Initially, when the electronic key is
turned from steering lock position 0 to
positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the
crash-sensor are detected and
indicated (the "SRS" indicator lamp
stays on longer than 4 seconds).

55

3 Side impact airbag, front

4 Window airbag

the crash-sensor are detected and
indicated (the "SRS" indicator lamp
stays on longer than 4 seconds or does
not come on).

Have the system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
immediately.

In the operational mode, after the
indicator lamp has gone out following
the initial check, interruptions or short
circuits in the airbag ignition circuit
and in the driver and passenger seat
belt buckle harnesses, and low voltage
in the entire system are detected and
indicated.

Warning!

In the event a malfunction of the
"SRS" is indicated as outlined
above, the "SRS" may not be
operational. For your safety, we
strongly recommend that you visit
an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
immediately to have the system
checked; otherwise the "SRS" may
not be activated when needed in an
accident, which could result in
serious or fatal injury, or it might
deploy unexpectedly and
unneccesarily which could also result
in injury.

56

Front Airbags

cause the side impact airbag to deploy in

The driver and passenger front "SRS"
airbags are designed to activate only in
certain frontal or rear impacts.

The front passenger airbag deploys
only if the passenger seat is occupied.

Note:

Heavy objects on passenger seat can
cause the front airbag to deploy in a
crash.

Side Impact Airbags

The side impact "SRS" airbags are
designed to activate only in certain side
impacts. Only the side airbag on the
impacted side of the vehicle deploys.
The side impact airbag for the front
passenger deploys only if the seat is
occupied.

Side impact airbags operate best in
conjunction with a properly positioned
and fastenend seat belt.

Note:
Heavy objects on passenger seat can

a crash.

Window Airbags

The "SRS" window airbags are
designed to activate only in certain side
impacts. Only the window airbag on the
impacted side of the vehicle deploys

Important!

The "SRS" airbags are designed to
activate only in certain frontal (front
airbags) impacts, or side (side impact
and window air-bags) impacts.
Only during these types of impacts,
if of sufficient severity to meet the
deployment thresholds, will they
provide their supplemental
protection.

The driver and passenger should
always wear their seat belts,
otherwise it is not possible for the
airbags to provide their
supplemental protection.

In cases of other frontal impacts,
angled impacts, roll-overs, other side
impacts, rear collisions, or other
accidents without sufficient forces,
the airbags will not be activated. The
driver and passengers will then be
protected by the fastened seat belts.

We caution you not to rely on the
presence of the airbags in order to
avoid wearing your seat belt.

The "SRS" is designed to reduce the
potential of injury in certain frontal
(front airbags) impacts, or side (side
impact and window airbags) impacts
which may cause significant injuries,
however, no system available today
can totally eliminate injuries and
fatalities.

The activation of the "SRS"
temporarily releases a small amount
of dust from the airbags. This dust,
however, is neither injurious to your
health, nor does it indicate a fire in
the vehicle.

The service life of the airbags
extends to the date indicated on the
label located on the driver-side door
latch post. To provide continued
reliability after that date, they
should be inspected by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer at that time
and replaced when necessary.

Your vehicle was originally equipped
with a Supplemental

57

Restraint System (SRS). The SRS
airbags are designed to activate in
certain impacts exceeding a preset
threshold to reduce the potential and
severity of injury. Mercedes-Benz
encourages you to replace deployed
airbags and repair any
malfunctioning airbags to ensure the
vehicle will continue to provide
maximum crash protections for
occupants.

Warning!

It is very important for your safety to
always be in a properly seated
position and to wear your seat belt.

For maximum protection in the event
of a collision always be in normal
seated position with your back
against the backrest. Fasten your seat
belt and ensure that it is properly
positioned on the body.

Since the airbag inflates with
considerable speed and force, a proper
seating and hands on steering wheel
position will help to Keep you in a safe
distance from the airbag:

• Sit properly belted in an upright

position with your back against
the seat back.

• Adjust the driver seat as far as

possible rearward, still
permitting proper operation of
vehicle controls.

• Do not lean with your head or

chest close to the steering wheel
or dashboard.

• Keep hands on the outside of

steering wheel rim. Placing hands
and arms inside the rim can
increase the risk and potential
severity of hand/arm injury when
airbag inflates.

• Adjust the front passenger seat

rearward as far as possible from
the dash board when the seat is
occupied.

• Children 12 years old and under

must never ride in the front seat,
except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmart™
compatible child seat, which
operates with the BabySmart™
system installed in the vehicle to
deactivate the passenger side front
airbag when it is properly installed.
Otherwise they will be struck by the
airbag when it inflates in a crash. If
this happens, serious or fatal
injury will result.

Failure to follow these instructions
can result in severe injuries to you
or other occupants.

58

Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt,
Emergency Tensioning Retractor
and Airbag

Warning!

• Damaged belts or belts that were

highly stressed in an accident
must be replaced and their
anchoring points must also be
checked. Use only belts installed
or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer.

• Do not pass belts over sharp

edges.

• Do not make any modification

that could change the effectiveness
of the belts.

• The "SRS" is designed to

function on a one-time-only
basis. An airbag or emergency
tensioning retractor (ETR) that
was activated must be replaced.

• No modifications of any kind

may be made to any components

or wiring of the "SRS". This
includes the installation of
additional trim material, badges
etc. over the steering wheel hub,
front passenger airbag cover, or
front door trim panels, and
installation of additional
electrical/electronic equipment
on or near "SRS" components
and wiring.

• An airbag system component

within the steering wheel gets
hot after the airbag has inflated.

• Improper work on the system,

including incorrect installation
and removal, can lead to
possible injury through an
uncontrolled
activation of the "SRS".

• In addition, through improper

work there is the risk of
rendering the "SRS"
inoperative. Work on the "SRS"
must therefore only be
performed by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer.

• When scrapping the airbag unit

or emergency tensioning
retractor, it is mandatory to
follow our safety instructions.
These instructions are available
at your authorized Mercedes­Benz dealer.

When you sell the vehicle we strongly
urge you to give notice to the
subsequent owner that it is equipped
with an "SRS" by alerting him to the
applicable section in the Owner's
Manual.

59

Infant and Child Restraint

shoulder belt, and that complies with

turer's instructions for

Systems

We recommend that all infants and
children be properly restrained at all
times while the vehicle is in motion.

All lap-shoulder belts except driver seat
have special seat belt retractors for
secure fastening of child restraints.

To fasten a child restraint use this seat
belt:

Follow child restraint instructions for
routing. Then pull shoulder belt out
completely and let it retract. During the
seat belt retraction a ratcheting sound
can be heard to indicate that the
special seat belt retractor is activated.
The belt is now locked. Push down on
child restraint to take up any slack.

To deactivate, release seat belt buckle
and let seat belt retract completely.
The seat belt can again be used in the
usual manner.

Warning!

Never release the seat belt buckle
while vehicle is in motion, since the
special seat belt retractor will be
deactivated.

Important!

The use of infant or child restraints is
required by law in all 50 states and all
Canadian provinces.

Infants and small children should be
seated in an appropriate infant or child
restraint system properly secured by a
lap­U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 and Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1. A state­ment by the child restraint manufacturer
of compliance with this standard can be
found on the instruction label on the
restraint and in the instruction manual
provided with the restraint.

When using any infant or child restraint
system, be sure to carefully read and
follow all manufac
installation and use.

Please read and observe warning labels
affixed to inside of vehicle.

60