2001 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 Automatic

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Operator’s manual ............................. 8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 27
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 28
Central locking system ................... 29
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 29
Opening the trunk ....................... 32
Opening and closing
windows and sliding/pop-up
roof from outside .......................... 33Panic button ................................. 34
Mechanical keys .......................... 34
Doors ................................................. 35
Central locking switch .................... 37
Automatic central locking .............. 38
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 38
Trunk ................................................. 39
Trunk lid release switch .................41
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 42
Antitheft alarm system ................... 43
Tow-away alarm ............................... 45
Power seats front ............................. 46
Front seat head restraints .............. 52
Rear seat head restraints ............... 53
Multicontour seat ............................ 54
Seat heater ........................................ 55
Seat ventilation ................................ 58
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 60
Seat belts .......................................... 60
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ........................... 61BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system .................... 67
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................. 67
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 68
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 69
Airbags .............................................. 70
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................... 76
Infant and child
restraint systems ......................... 78
Steering wheel adjustment ............ 81
Rear view mirrors ............................ 82
Instrument cluster ........................... 86
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 92
Trip and main odometer,
FSS and engine oil
level display ................................. 96

2 Contents
Audio systems .................................. 97
Radio .............................................. 97
CD player ....................................... 98
Cassette player ............................. 99
Telephone ........................................ 100
Telephone book .......................... 100
Redialing ..................................... 102
Incoming call .............................. 104
Navigation system .......................... 105
Trip computer ................................. 106
Malfunction message
memory ...................................... 108
Individual settings ..........................110
Setting the audio volume ...............113
Flexible service system
(FSS) .............................................114
Engine oil level indicator ...............117
Engine oil consumption .................118
Exterior lamp switch ......................119
Night security illumination ......... 120
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 121
Combination switch ...................... 122
Hazard warning flasher
switch .......................................... 125Automatic climate control ............ 126
Display and controls ................. 128
Basic setting ............................... 129
Special settings .......................... 129
Defogging windows ................... 129
Defrosting ................................... 129
Rear window defroster ...............130
Air distribution ...........................130
Air volume ...................................130
Air recirculation ......................... 131
Dust filter .....................................131
Activated charcoal filter ............132
Residual engine
heat utilization ............................132
Front center console
compartment ventilation ...........133
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlet ...................134
Audio and telephone,
operation .....................................135
Power windows ...............................154
Sliding / pop-up roof ......................156
Interior lighting ..............................159Entrance lamps, exit lamps
in doors ....................................... 159
Rear window sunshade ................. 160
Sun visors ....................................... 161
Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 161
Interior ............................................ 162
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 162
Cup holder in
rear bench armrest ................... 162
Glove box ......................................... 163
Cup holder and coin holder
in glove box lid ........................... 163
Storage compartment above
ashtray in center console ........ 164
Storage compartments
in center console ....................... 164
Cup holder in center console ....... 165
Ashtrays .......................................... 166
Lighter ............................................. 168
Cargo tie-down hooks .................... 169
Parcel net in
front passenger footwell .......... 169
Cellular telephone ......................... 170

3 ContentsShelf below rear window .............. 170
Garage door opener ....................... 171
DrivingControl and operation
of radio transmitters ................ 176
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 177
Maintenance ................................... 177
Tele Aid ........................................... 178
Catalytic converter ........................ 188
Emission control ............................ 189
Steering lock ................................... 190
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 192
Automatic transmission ............... 193
Parking brake .................................202
Driving instructions ......................203
Drive sensibly - Save Fuel .........203
Drinking and driving .................203
Pedals ...........................................203
Power assistance ........................204
Brakes ..........................................204
Driving off ...................................205Parking ........................................ 205
Tires ............................................. 206
Snow chains ............................... 208
Winter driving
instructions ................................ 209
Block heater .................................210
Deep water ................................... 211
Passenger compartment ............ 211
Traveling abroad ......................... 211
Cruise control .................................212
Brake assist system
(BAS) ...........................................215
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ...........................................217
Four Wheel Electronic Traction
System (4MATIC) .......................219
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 220
Parking assist
(Parktronic) .............................. 224
What you should know
at the gas station ...................... 229
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 231
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................234
On-board
diagnostic system .......................234
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................234
Brake warning lamp ..................235
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp .............................236
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ....................236
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............237
BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp .............................237
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................237
Seat belt warning lamp .............238
Malfunction and
indicator lamp in
the center console .....................238

4 Contents
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................238
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display ...............239
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................240
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ......... 241
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................242
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................242
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............243
BRAKE FLUID .............................243
PARKING BRAKE .......................244
ENGINE FAN ...............................244
COOLANT (coolant level) ..........245
COOLANT TEMP. ........................246
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................247
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................248
REMOVE KEY .............................248
TELE AID .....................................249
STEERING GEAR OIL .................249
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................250
WASHER FLUID .......................... 251
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) ..252
Practical hintsFirst aid kit ..................................... 254
Stowing things in the vehicle ...... 254
Fuses ............................................... 255
Hood ................................................ 257
Checking engine oil level ............. 260
Automatic transmission
fluid level ................................... 261
Coolant level ................................... 261
Adding coolant ........................... 262
Windshield and headlamp
washer system .......................... 263
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio ........ 263
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ............... 264
Vehicle jack .................................... 265
Wheels ............................................ 266
Tire replacement ....................... 266
Rotating wheels ......................... 267
Spare wheel .................................... 268
Spare wheel bolts ...................... 268
Spare wheel .................................... 269Changing wheels ........................... 271
Tire inflation pressure .................. 276
Battery .............................................277
Jump starting ..................................279
Towing the vehicle .........................282
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ..................284
Exterior lamps ................................285
Headlamp assembly ...................286
Taillamp assemblies ..................289
Changing batteries in the
electronic main key .................. 291
Synchronizing
remote control ............................293
Emergency engine
shut-down ..................................293
Rear seat cushion ..........................294
Emergency operation of
sliding / pop-up roof .................295
Manual release for
fuel filler flap .............................296
Replacing wiper blade insert .......296
Trunk lamp .....................................298
Roof rack .........................................298

19 Instruments and controls
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Parking assist warning indicators, see page 226
2Side defroster outlet
3Side air outlet, adjustable
4Air volume control for side air outlet
5Exterior lamp switch, see page 119
6Parking brake release, see page 202
7Hood lock release, see page 257
8Combination switch, see page 122
9Cruise control switch, see page 212
10Instrument cluster, see page 86
11Multifunction steering wheel, see page 92
Horn (with electronic key in steering lock
position 1 or 2),
Airbag, see page 70
12Steering lock with ignition / starter switch, see
page 190
13Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
14Center air outlets, adjustable15Air volume control for center air outlets
16Left front seat heater switch, see page 55
Left front seat ventilation switch, see page 58
17Headlamp washer switch, see page 121
18Rear seat head restraints switch, see page 53
19Hazard warning f lasher switch, see page 125
20Central locking switch, see page 37
21Tow-away alarm switch, see page 45
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system, see
page 43
22Right front seat heater switch, see page 55
Right front seat ventilation switch, see page 58
23Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in
steering lock position 1 or 2)
24Automatic climate control, see page 126
Rear window defroster switch
Activated charcoal filter switch
25Audio system, see page 135
26Storage / eyeglasses compartment

22 Contents - Operation
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 27
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 28
Central locking system ................... 29
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 29
Opening the trunk ....................... 32
Opening and closing
windows and sliding/pop-up
roof from outside .......................... 33
Panic button .................................. 34
Mechanical keys ........................... 34
Doors .................................................. 35
Central locking switch .................... 37
Automatic central locking .............. 38
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 38
Trunk ................................................. 39
Trunk lid release switch ................. 41
Trunk lid emergency release ......... 42
Antitheft alarm system ................... 43Tow-away alarm ............................... 45
Power seats front ............................. 46
Front seat head restraints .............. 52
Rear seat head restraints ............... 53
Multicontour seat ............................ 54
Seat heater ........................................ 55
Seat ventilation ................................ 58
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 60
Seat belts .......................................... 60
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ........................... 61
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system ................... 67
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special child
seat installed ................................ 67
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ............................... 68
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................ 69
Airbags .............................................. 70Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................... 76
Infant and child
restraint systems ......................... 78
Steering wheel adjustment ............ 81
Rear view mirrors ............................ 82
Instrument cluster ........................... 86
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 92
Trip and main odometer,
FSS and engine oil
level display ................................. 96
Audio systems .................................. 97
Radio .............................................. 97
CD player ....................................... 98
Cassette player ............................. 99
Telephone ........................................ 100
Telephone book .......................... 100
Redialing ..................................... 102
Incoming call .............................. 104
Navigation system .......................... 105
Trip computer ................................. 106

23 Contents - Operation
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Malfunction message
memory ...................................... 108
Individual settings ..........................110
Setting the audio volume ...............113
Flexible service system
(FSS) .............................................114
Engine oil level indicator ...............117
Engine oil consumption .................118
Exterior lamp switch ......................119
Night security illumination ......... 120
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 121
Combination switch ...................... 122
Hazard warning flasher
switch .......................................... 125
Automatic climate control ............ 126
Display and controls .................. 128
Basic setting ................................ 129
Special settings .......................... 129
Defogging windows .................... 129
Defrosting .................................... 129
Rear window defroster .............. 130Air distribution ...........................130
Air volume ...................................130
Air recirculation ......................... 131
Dust filter .....................................131
Activated charcoal filter ............132
Residual engine
heat utilization ............................132
Front center console
compartment ventilation ...........133
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlet ...................134
Audio and telephone,
operation .....................................135
Power windows ...............................154
Sliding / pop-up roof ......................156
Interior lighting ..............................159
Entrance lamps, exit lamps
in doors .......................................159
Rear window sunshade .................160
Sun visors ........................................ 161Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 161
Interior ............................................ 162
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 162
Cup holder in
rear bench armrest ................... 162
Glove box ......................................... 163
Cup holder and coin holder
in glove box lid ........................... 163
Storage compartment above
ashtray in center console ........ 164
Storage compartments
in center console ....................... 164
Cup holder in center console ....... 165
Ashtrays .......................................... 166
Lighter ............................................. 168
Cargo tie-down hooks .................... 169
Parcel net in
front passenger footwell .......... 169
Cellular telephone ......................... 170
Shelf below rear window .............. 170
Garage door opener ....................... 171

31 Central locking system
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Locking and unlocking with remote control
Unlocking:
Press transmit button Œ. All turn signal lamps blink
once to indicate that the vehicle is unlocked.
The remote control can be programmed for two kinds of
unlocking modes (see below):
Selective unlocking mode –
Press transmit button Œ once to unl ock d river’s d oor
and fuel filler flap.
Press transmit button Πtwice to unlock all doors,
fuel filler flap, and trunk.
Global unlocking mode –
Press transmit button Πonce to unlock all doors,
fuel filler flap, and trunk.
Notes:
If the trunk was previously locked separately, it will
remain locked, see page 39.
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).If within 40 seconds of unlocking with the remote
control, neither door nor trunk is opened, the electronic
key is not inserted in the steering lock, or the central
locking switch is not activated, the vehicle will
automatically lock.
Locking:
Press transmit button ‹ once. All turn signal lamps
blink three times to indicate that the vehicle is locked.
If the turn signal lamps do not blink, a door or trunk is
not closed properly.
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 electronic main key (if ok, battery
check lamp in electronic main key will light briefly
when pressing transmit button) or to synchronize the
remote control, see pages 291 and 293.