2000 MERCEDES-BENZ M55AMG engine

109 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Skyview Top (optional)
The Skyview Top can be operated with key in steering
lock position 1 or 2.
1to slide roof open
2to slide roof closedTo fully open Skyview Top automatically, brief ly press
switch in direction (1) and release. To stop the process,
press switch again.
Notes:
After turning off the engine the Skyview Top can be
operated for approximately 30 minutes or until a front
door is opened.
The Skyview Top can be opened or closed manually
should an electrical malfunction occur, see page 273.
RESETMODE
Wa r n i n g !
When closing the Skyview Top, be sure that there
is no danger of anyone being h armed by th e closing
procedure.The closing procedure can be immediately reversed
by moving the switch in direction (1).When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key
from 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 can cause serious personal
injury.

118 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Ashtrays
Center console, front
By touching the top of the cover lightly, the ashtray
opens automatically.
To remove ashtray: Pull up and remove ashtray insert.Rear passenger compartment
Pull to open.
To remove ashtray:
Open ashtray (1) and pull out the ashtray insert.
Wa r n i n g !
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing
still. Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of
unintended contact with the gear selector lever.

139 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Telephone, general
See separate instruction manual for instructions on how
to operate the telephone.
Cellular telephone
Wa r n i n g !
A driver’s attention to the road must always be his /
her primary focus when driving. For your safety
and the safety of others, we recommend that you
pull over to a safe location and stop before placing
or taking a telephone call. If you choose to use the
telephone while driving, please use the hands-free
device and only use the telephone when road and
traffic conditions permit.Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle.Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m ) e v e r y s e c o n d .
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.Wa r n i n g !
Some jurisdictions prohibit the driver from using a
cellular telephone while driving a vehicle. Whether
or not prohibited by law, for safety reasons, the
driver should not use the cellular telephone while
the vehicle is in motion.
Stop the vehicle in an safe location before
answering or placing a call.

145 Contents - Driving
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 146
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 147
Maintenance ................................... 147
Tele Aid ........................................... 148
Catalytic converter ........................ 160
Emission control ............................ 161
Steering lock ................................... 162
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 164
Automatic transmission ............... 165
Parking brake ................................. 173Driving instructions .......................174
Drive sensibly – save fuel .........174
Drinking and driving .................174
Pedals ...........................................174
Power assistance ........................ 175
Brakes .......................................... 175
Driving off .................................... 176
Parking ......................................... 176
Tires ............................................. 177
Snow chains ............................... 179
Winter driving instructions ......180
Deep water ...................................181
Passenger compartment ............182
Traveling abroad .........................182Off-Road driving ............................. 183
Trailer towing ................................. 190
Cruise control ................................. 196
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 199
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 201
Four-wheel electronic
traction system (4-ETS+) ..........203
Electronic brake
proportioning (EBP) ..................204
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................205
Transmission control –
LOW RANGE mode ...................209
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 212
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 215

146 Control and operation of radio transmitters
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Control and operation of radio transmitters
MCS, radio and telephone
1 Observe all legal requirements.
Telephones and two-way radio
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.
Wa r n i n g !
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only operate
the MCS, radio or telephone
1 if road and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is covering
a distance of approximately 50 feet (approximately
14 m ) e v e r y s e c o n d .
Wa r n i n g !
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.

147 The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 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 1 000 miles (1 500 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 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles
(Canada: 2000 km) prior to the next recommended
service, the remaining distance or days are displayed in
the multifunction indicator. See Flexible Service System
(FSS) on page 87.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck
Center, in accordance with the Service Booklet at the
times called for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times /
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Check regularly and before a long trip, see page 215.

160 Catalytic converter
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Catalytic converter
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.Caution!
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.
Wa r n i n g !
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.

161 Emission control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Emission control
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 authorized Mercedes-
Benz Light Truck Center qualified 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.
Wa r n i n g !
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.