341 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Notes:
If TIREFIT is liquid, clean water and a damp cloth will
remove the material from the vehicle or tire and wheel
components. Once TIREFIT sealing material had dried,
it can easily be peeled off and properly discarded.
Replace TIREFIT every 3 years.Tire inflation pressure
A table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tire inflation
pressures specified for Mercedes-Benz recommended
tires as well as for the varying operating conditions.
Important!
Tire pressure changes by approximately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar)
per 18
°F (10
°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in
mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage –
especially in the winter.
Example:
If garage temperature = approximately +68
°F (+20
°C)
and ambient temperature = approximately +32
°F (0
°C)
then the adjusted air pressure = specified air pressure
+3 psi (+0.2 bar).
Tire pressures listed for light loads are minimum values
offering high driving comfort. Increased inflation
pressures for heavy loads produce favorable handling
characteristics with lighter loads and are perfectly
permissible. The ride of the vehicle, however, will
become somewhat harder.
Tire temperature and pressure increase with the vehicle
speed. Tire pressure should therefore only be checked
and corrected on cold tires. Correct tire pressure in
Wa r n i n g !
Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km / h).
A TIREFIT repair is not designed to operate at
higher speeds.Vehicle handling characteristics may change.After driving vehicle for an initial 10 minutes,
check tire pressure. If tire pressure has fallen
below 20 psi (1.3 bar) do not continue to drive the
vehicle.If tire pressure is at least 20 psi (1.3 bar), inflate
tire to correct pressure (see label on fuel filler
flap), and drive vehicle to nearest tire repair
facility to have tire repaired or replaced.Recommended duration of use: 300 miles (500 km)
at 50 mph (80 km / h) with the recommended tire
pressure.
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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.
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349 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
Important!
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down
vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Towing restrictions for vehicles with automatic
transmission:
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km / h). The electronic key must be in starter switch
position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft
be disconnected at the rear axle drive flange for any
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with
sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with
electronic key in starter switch turned to position 0.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning
flasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (electronic key in starter switch
position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (see page 47) as well as
the ESP (see page 278).
Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking and steering systems. In
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to
brake and steer the vehicle.
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365 Contents - Vehicle care
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................366
Power washer ..............................367
Tar stains .....................................367
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................367
Engine cleaning ..........................368
Vehicle washing .........................368Ornamental moldings ............... 369
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 369
Window cleaning ....................... 369
Wiper blade ................................ 369
Light alloy wheels ..................... 370
Instrument cluster ..................... 370
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 370Cup holder ...................................370
Seat belts ..................................... 371
Headliner and
shelf below rear window ........... 371
Leather upholstery ..................... 371
Hard plastic trim items ............. 371
Plastic and rubber parts ............ 371
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368 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
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.Vehicle washing
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.
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370 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
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.Instrument cluster
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.
OM_203.book Seite 370 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
397 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Trunk lid
Emergency release ..................................................... 44
Trunk lid emergency release ......................................... 43
UUnlocking the vehicle with remote control ................. 33VVanity mirrors ................................................................ 206
Vehicle keys ...................................................................... 28
Vehicle tools .................................................................... 325
Vehicle tools (C 32 AMG only) ..................................... 326
WWa r n i n g l a m p s
See Malfunction and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster .............................................. 286
What you should know at the gas station ................. 282
Wheels ............................................................................ 328
Where to find it ................................................................ 13
Window curtain airbag .................................................... 76
Windows
See Power windows ................................................... 197
Windshield washer system .......................................... 323
Wiper blade
Replacing insert ....................................................... 362
Wiper operation
See Combination switch .......................................... 148
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