Page 275 of 421

272 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h)
independent of road surface conditions.At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and ability to steer the vehicle.
In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
Page 405 of 421

402 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) .......................................272
Malfunction indicator lamp .....................................300
Active body control (ABC) ............................................278
Fluid level ...................................................................335
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) -
malfunction and warning messages ...................... 314
Adaptive damping system (ADS) .................................283
Adjusting steering wheel .............................................. 105
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........................................396
Air distribution, manual ............................................... 169
AIR SPRING (AirMatic) -
malfunction and warning messages ......................325
Air volume, manual ....................................................... 169
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 91
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ........................................302
Airbags .............................................................................. 94
Airmatic system .............................................................279
Airmatic system
(Vehicles with Active Body Control) ......................280
Alarm system ............................................................. 62, 64
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ................... 251, 336, 394, 398Antilock brake system (ABS) ...................................... 272
Malfunction indicator lamp .................................... 300
Antitheft alarm system ...................................................62
Aquaplaning .................................................................. 248
Armrest, rear seat .......................................................... 198
Ashtrays ...........................................................................201
Center console ...........................................................201
Rear doors ................................................................. 202
Audio systems .................................................................125
Cassette player ..........................................................127
CD Player ....................................................................126
Radio ...........................................................................125
Automatic central locking ..............................................52
Automatic climate control ............................................ 164
Activated charcoal filter ...........................................172
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment ............................. 176
Air distribution, manual .......................................... 169
Air volume, manual .................................................. 169
Basic setting ............................................................... 168
Defogging windows ...........................................170, 171
Defrosting ...................................................................170
Display and controls ................................................. 166
Dust filter ................................................................... 167
Economy mode ..........................................................173
Page 416 of 421

413 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Special Settings
(Automatic climate control) .................................... 169
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) ......................... 92
Indicator lamp ...........................................................299
SRS malfunction ......................................................... 94
Standby bulb function ...................................................362
Start lock-out .................................................................... 32
Starter switch ........................................................ 226, 228
Starting and turning off the engine ............................ 231
Steering lock
See Starter switch ............................................ 226, 228
Steering wheel
Adjustment ................................................................ 105
Easy-entry/exit feature .............................................. 66
Storage compartment in the
rear passenger compartment .................................. 198
Storage compartments and armrests .......................... 193
Storing mirror positions ............................................... 107
Stowing things in the vehicle ......................................328
Sun visors ....................................................................... 191
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ......................... 92
Indicator lamp ...........................................................299
SRS malfunction ......................................................... 94
TTachometer ...................................................................... 119
Technical data ................................................................ 388
Electrical system ...................................................... 392
Main dimensions ..................................................... 393
Rims and tires .......................................................... 390
Weights ...................................................................... 393
Tele Aid ............................................................................ 214
Emergency calls ........................................................ 215
Information ................................................................ 219
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 217
Roadside Assistance ................................................. 218
TELE AID -
malfunction and warning messages ......................321
Telephone ........................................................................128
General notes .................................................... 205, 212
Incoming call ............................................................. 132
Redialing .................................................................... 130
Telephone book ......................................................... 128
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION -
malfunction and warning messages ..................... 323
Telephones and two-way radios ................................... 212