Page 144 of 273
141 Steering lock
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
while the key is in steering lock position 1 or 0.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
a nd-go tra ff ic. This preca ution h elps to avoid d ra ining of
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system
may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window
defroster.Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the key from the steering
lock. Do not leave the key in steering lock position 0.
Page 174 of 273

171 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
Th e m alf unction indicator l amp for t he ESP is combined
with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the
key in steering lock position 2. They should go out with
the engine running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
Have the BAS or ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire size.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.
Page 214 of 273

211 Battery
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
key is in steering lock position 0. The battery must
always be securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation. During removal and installation always
protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal
with the cover attached to the battery.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components will be
damaged.Battery recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.
Page 227 of 273
224 Remote control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Changing batteries in the remote control
Checking batteries
If the transmit buttonŒ or‹ is pressed longer
than 1 second, the battery check lamp in the transmitter
eye (1) lights up briefly – indicating that the batteries
are in order.
Change batteries if the battery check lamp does not light
up briefly.Changing batteries
Unfold master key from holder by pressing key release
button (2). Pull off battery cover (3).
Page 228 of 273
225 Remote control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Change batteries, inserting new ones with plus (+) side
facing up.
Press battery cover onto housing until locked in place.Important!
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment if disposed of improperly. Recycling of
batteries is the preferred method of disposal. For
disposal, please follow manufacturer‘s recommendation
on battery package.
Replacement Battery:
Lithium, type CR 2025 or equivalent.
Synchronizing remote control
The system may have to be resynchronized, if the
transmitter is without voltage for several minutes.
To synchronize system, aim transmitter eye at vehicle
and briefly press transmit buttonŒ or‹ twice.
Within approximately 30 seconds insert key in steering
lock and turn it to position 2.
The remote control should once again be operational.
Page 263 of 273

260 Index
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
A
ABS (Antilock brake system) ....................................... 168
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 182
Adjusting telescoping steering column ........................ 63
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........................................254
Air pump ......................................................................... 196
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 50
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ........................................ 185
Airbags .............................................................................. 52
Alarm system ............................................................. 35, 37
Antenna ...........................................................................232
Anticorrosion / antifreeze .................. 161, 194, 252, 256
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 168
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 182
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 35
Aquaplaning ................................................................... 158
Ashtrays ...........................................................................114
Audio system .................................................................... 91
Anti-theft system ........................................................ 93
Button and soft key operation ................................... 94
Cassette mode ............................................................. 99
CD changer ................................................................ 103CD mode ..................................................................... 102
Operating and display elements ...............................92
Operating safety .......................................................... 91
Operation – audio and telephone ............................. 91
Radio mode .................................................................. 97
Telephone operation .................................................106
Automatic central locking .............................................. 31
Automatic transmission ................................................144
Emergency Operation ............................................... 152
Fluid level ................................................................... 192
Program mode selector switch ................................ 151
Selector lever positions ............................................147
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ............................................. 217
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 50
Self-test ......................................................................... 51
BAS (Brake assist system) ............................................ 166
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 181
Battery ............................................................................. 210
Charge indicator lamp .............................................. 184
Recycling .................................................................... 211
Block heater .................................................................... 162