
223 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Loading instructions
(Vehicle with enlarged cargo area)
The total load weight including vehicle occupants and
luggage/cargo should not exceed the vehicle capacity
weight indicated on the certification tag which can be
found on the left door pillar.The handling characteristics of a fully loaded vehicle
depend greatly on the load distribution. It is therefore
recommended to load the vehicle according to the
illustrations shown, with the heaviest items being
placed towards the front of the vehicle.
Always place items being carried against front or rear
seat backrests, and fasten them as securely as possible.
The heaviest portion of the cargo should always be kept
as low as possible since it influences the handling
characteristics of the vehicle.
Note:
The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.
The enlarged cargo area should only be used for items
which do not fit in the trunk alone.
OM_203.book Seite 223 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11

227 Garage door opener
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For operation in the USA only: This device complies
with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.Programming or reprogramming the integrated
remote control:
1. Turn electronic key in starter switch to position 1
or 2.
2. Hold the end of the hand-held transmitter of the
device you wish to train approximately 2 to 5 inches
(5 cm to 12 cm) away from the surface of the
integrated remote control located on the inside rear
view mirror, keeping the indicator lamp in view.
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247 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for a extended period of time, it can no longer
be turn ed in t he lock . In t his cas e, rem ove electron ic key
from starter switch and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
starter switch. Do not leave the electronic key in starter
switch position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
with the electronic key is in starter switch position 1
or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter
switch, the vehicle battery may not be sufficiently
charged. See battery on page 342 or jump starting on
page 344.
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-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining 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. In addition, the
automatic climate air volume control should be set to
the lowest position.
OM_203.book Seite 247 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11

347 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Towing the vehicleImportant!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter switch position 2, the vehicle
doors lock if the lef t front wheel as well as the right rear
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking. See the
individual setting menu “VEHICLE” – “AUTOMATIC
DOOR LOCK” on page 131.
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame
or suspension parts.
Notes:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter switch
if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See battery
on page 342 or jump starting on page 344.
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking, see
page 350.
Wa r n i n g !
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in
starter switch position 2.If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key
from starter switch and reinsert.When towing another vehicle, observe that the
gross vehicle weight of the vehicle being towed
does not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle.
OM_203.book Seite 347 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11

390 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 70
Battery .............................................................................342
Block heater .................................................................... 270
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 275
Bulbs
See Replacing bulbs ................................................. 351
CCD changer
See CD changer installed ......................................... 187
Cellular telephone ......................................................... 224
Center console .................................................................. 24
Central locking switch .................................................... 39
Central locking system ................................................... 31
Automatic central locking ......................................... 40
Central locking switch ............................................... 39
Choosing global or selective mode ........................... 33
Doors ............................................................................. 37
General notes ............................................................... 30
Locking and unlocking with remote control .......... 33
Mechanical keys .......................................................... 36
Obtaining replacement keys ..................................... 29Summer opening/convenience feature ...................35
Vehicle keys ................................................................. 28
Check regularly and before a long trip ...................... 284
Child seat
See Infant and child restraint systems .................... 83
Climate control ............................................................... 152
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment ............................. 172
Air recirculation ........................................................ 158
Basic setting ............................................................... 156
Defrosting ................................................................... 157
Display and controls ................................................. 154
Dust filter ................................................................... 155
Economy mode .......................................................... 159
Front center console
storage compartment ventilation ....................... 171
Residual engine heat utilization ............................. 159
Special settings ......................................................... 156
Windows fogged up on the inside .......................... 157
Windows fogged up on the outside ................ 157, 166
COMAND, radio and telephone .................................. 232
Combination switch ....................................................... 148
Control and operation of
radio transmitters .................................................... 232
Coolant level .................................................................. 322
Coolant temperature gauge .......................................... 137
OM_203.book Seite 390 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11

392 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
FFirst aid kit ..................................................................... 314
Flat tire
See Changing wheels ............................................... 331
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................................................ 138
Front airbags .................................................................... 73
Front center console
storage compartment ventilation ........................... 171
Front seat adjustment ..................................................... 49
Fuel filler flap, manual release ...................................360
Fuel reserve warning ....................................................290
Fuse box .......................................................................... 315
Fuses ................................................................................ 315GGarage door opener ....................................................... 226
Global locking
See Central locking system ....................................... 31
Glove box .........................................................................208
HHazard warning flasher switch ................................... 151
Head restraints
Rear seat ....................................................................... 60
Head restraints, front seats
Removal and installation ...........................................55
Headlamp cleaning system ........................................... 147
Headlamp mode .............................................................. 144
Heated seats ......................................................................58
High beams
See Combination switch .......................................... 148IIdentification labels ...................................................... 375
Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster ................ 286
Individual settings ......................................................... 121
"CONVENIENCE"
(vehicles with memory function) ...................... 134
"INSTRUMENT CLUSTER" ....................................... 124
"LIGHTING" ................................................................ 128
"VEHICLE" ................................................................. 131
Infant and child restraint systems ................................83
Child seat mounts ....................................................... 86
Installation ................................................................... 85
OM_203.book Seite 392 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11

394 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
MMaintenance ...................................................................233
Malfunction/warning message memory .....................119
Manual seat ............................................................... 52, 56
Manual transmission ....................................................249
Mechanical key ......................................................... 28, 36
Memory function ............................................................. 95
Mirror, exterior,
parking position, front passenger side ................... 92
Multicontour seat ............................................................ 57
Multifunction display .................................................... 102
Coolant temperature ................................................. 106
Engine oil level indicator ......................................... 106
FSS .............................................................................. 106
Individual settings .................................................... 121
Tire inflation pressure monitor .............................. 106
Trip and main odometer .......................................... 106
Vehicle speed ............................................................. 106
Multifunction steering wheel ...................................... 102
NNavigation system .......................................................... 116
Night security illumination .......................................... 146OOn-board diagnostic system ........................................ 286
Overhead control panel ................................................... 21PPanic button ......................................................................36
Parcel net in front passenger footwell ........................ 216
Parking brake ................................................................ 260
Power windows ............................................................... 197
Blocking of rear door window operation ............... 199
Express opening and closing .................................. 198
Opening and closing ...................................................35
Synchronizing power windows ............................... 199
Problems with your vehicle ............................................ 14
Product information .......................................................... 7
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