2001 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 technical data

297 Replacing wiper blade insert
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Removal:
Fold wiper arm forward. Press sa fety ta b d ow n (1), pu sh
wiper blade downward (2) and remove.
Place wiper blade on firm support. Press down both tabs
and slide (direction of arrow) the wiper blade insert out
of the retainer claws.Installation:
Slide (direction of arrow) wiper blade insert into
retainer claws until tabs are engaged.
Insert wiper blade between tabs (3) on the wiper arm,
and slide into end of w iper arm. Press sa fe ty tab u pward
until it locks in place.

298 Trunk lamp, Roof rack
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Trunk lamp
If the trunk is to remain open for a long period of time,
the trunk lamp can be switched off by pulling out the
plunger in the switch (arrow). This prevents the vehicle
battery from being discharged.
When the trunk lid is closed, the switch will reset and
turn on the lamp next time the lid is opened.Roof rack
Use only those roof racks approved by Mercedes-Benz to
avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
Mount supports only between markings on border of
roof which are visible when doors are opened.

299 Contents - Vehicle care
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................300
Power washer ..............................301
Tar stains .....................................301
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................. 301
Engine cleaning ..........................302
Vehicle washing .........................302
Ornamental moldings ................302
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................302
Cleaning the parktronic
system sensors ...........................303Window cleaning /
glass sunroof .............................. 303
Wiper blades .............................. 303
Light alloy wheels ..................... 304
Instrument cluster ..................... 304
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 304
Cup holder .................................. 304
Seat belts ..................................... 304
Headliner and shelf
below rear window .................... 304
Upholstery .................................. 305
Hard plastic trim items ............. 305
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 305

300 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external inf luences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying
climatic conditions, but also by air polution, road salt,
tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree resins
etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint
damage. Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example, near the ocean, in
industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during
winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be
repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged
areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base ru stproof ing in th e body cavities w hich will la st for
the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz
because of the possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production process and others
applied later.
We have selected car-care products and compiled
recommendations which are specially matched to our
vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow
the instructions on the particular container.
Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when
cleaning the inside.Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your vehicle.

301 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your veh icl e a nd give importa nt “how-to” informa tion as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Ad d it i on a l i n f or m a t i on c a n b e f ou nd i n t h e b oo k l e t ti t l e d
“Vehicle Car Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturers’ operating instructions.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
wh en water d rops on th e pa int surfa ce do not “b ead u p” ,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).

302 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to
protect electrical components and connectors from the
intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any
wax.
Ve h i c l e w a s h i n g
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the
inner sides of the wheels.
Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.

303 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Cleaning the parktronic system sensors
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
When using a steam cleaner or power washer, aim
nozzle only briefly from a minimum distance of 4 in.
(10 cm) at sensors (1).
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the
sensors. Do not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry
cloth or sponge.Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, remove electronic key from steering
lock before cleaning the windshield, otherwise the
wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause injury.
Wiper blade
Clean the wiper blade rubber with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Note:
For safety reasons, remove electronic key from steering
lock before cleaning the wiper blade, otherwise the
wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause injury.
P88.20-2049-261
1
1

304 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with Mercedes-
Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft bristle brush
and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion.
In strum en t clu ster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely
weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.