
30 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Start lock-out
Important!
Removing the electronic key from the starter switch 
activates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be 
started.
Inserting the electronic key in the starter switch 
deactivates the start lock-out.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started (vehicle’s battery is 
in order), the system is not operational. Contact an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes (in the USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).General notes on the central locking system
If the electronic key is inserted in the starter switch, the 
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote 
control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked:
•Aim transmitter eye at a receiver of either front door 
handle. Check the batteries of the electronic key, see 
page 357, or synchronize the electronic key, see 
page 359.
•Use the mechanical key to unlock the vehicle. To 
start engine, insert the electronic key in the starter 
switch. There could be a slight delay until the 
electronic key can be turned in the starter switch.
Important!
When unlocking the driver’s door with the mechanical 
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will 
sound.
To cancel the alarm, insert the electronic key in the 
starter switch or press buttonŒ or‹ on the 
electronic key.
OM_203.book  Seite 30  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

38 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the vehicle has previously been locked from the 
outside, opening a door from the inside will trigger the 
alarm. When opening a front door while the central 
locking system is in the:
•selective unlocking mode, only that individual door 
is unlocked. The remaining doors, the trunk and 
fuel filler flap remain locked.
•global unlocking mode, all doors, the trunk and fuel 
filler flap are unlocked.
Notes:
In case of a malfunction in the central locking system 
the doors can be locked and unlocked individually.
To lock, push down lock buttons or turn mechanical key 
in driver’s door lock to position 3. In addition lock the 
trunk.To unlock, pull inside door handles or turn mechanical 
key in driver’s door lock to position 2.
Rear doors can only be opened from inside by first 
pulling up the door lock button.
When unlocking the driver’s door with the mechanical 
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will 
sound.
To cancel the alarm, insert the electronic key in the 
starter switch or press buttonŒ or‹ on the 
electronic key.
OM_203.book  Seite 38  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

41 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Trunk
The lock is located next to the recessed handle.
When the trunk is separately locked, it remains locked 
when centrally unlocking the vehicle.
To deny any unauthorized person access to the trunk, 
lock it separately with the mechanical key. Leave only 
the electronic key less its mechanical key with the 
vehicle.
Notes:
In case of a malfunction in the central locking system 
the trunk can be unlocked individually.
To unlock and open the trunk lid, turn mechanical key 
to position 2, hold and push to open.
The mechanical key does not operate the central locking 
system or antitheft alarm system.
When unlocking the trunk with the mechanical key, the 
exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will sound.
To cancel the alarm, insert the electronic key in the 
starter switch or press buttonŒ or‹ on the 
electronic key.
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, see page 360.0Neutral position
1Separate locking of trunk – remove mechanical key 
in this position.
2Unlocking
Important!
Do not p lac e m echan ical key in sid e tr un k , s in ce tr unk  is  
locked again when closing the lid if the vehicle has been 
previously centrally locked.
OM_203.book  Seite 41  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

46 Antitheft alarm system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antitheft alarm system
1Indicator lamp in switch located in center console
The antitheft alarm is automatically armed or disarmed 
with the remote control by locking or unlocking the 
vehicle.
The antitheft alarm is armed within approximately 
10 seconds after locking the vehicle.
A blinking lamp (1) indicates that the alarm is armed.Operation:
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior 
vehicle lamps will flash and an alarm will sound when 
someone:
•opens a door,
•opens the trunk,
•opens the hood,
•attempts to raise the vehicle.
The alarm will last approximately 3 minutes in form of 
flashing exterior lamps. At the same time an alarm will 
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the 
activating element (a door, for example) is immediately 
closed. If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, 
an emergency call is initiated automatically. See Tele 
Aid on page 234.
Notes:
When you unlock the driver’s door with the mechanical 
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will 
sound. 
To cancel the alarm, insert the electronic key in the 
starter switch or press buttonŒ or‹ on the 
electronic key.
OM_203.book  Seite 46  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

47 Tow-away alarm
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Tow - away   a l a r m
The switch is located in the center console.
1Press to switch off tow-away alarm
2Indicator lamp
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior 
vehicle lamps will flash and an alarm will sound when 
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.The alarm will last approximately 3 minutes in form of 
flashing exterior lamps. At the same time an alarm will 
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the 
vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm, 
insert the electronic key in the starter switch or press 
buttonŒ or‹ on the electronic key.
If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an 
emergency call is initiated automatically. See Tele Aid 
on page 234.
To pr even t tr igger in g t he tow-away alarm  feature,  switch 
off the tow-away alarm before towing the vehicle, or 
when parking on a surface subject to movement, such 
as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn electronic key in starter switch to 
position 1 or 0, or remove electronic key from starter 
switch. Press tow-away alarm switch (1). The indicator 
lamp (2) illuminates briefly.
Exit vehicle, and lock vehicle with the electronic key.
The tow-away alarm remains switched off until the 
vehicle is locked again with the electronic key, at which 
time it is automatically reactivated.
2
OM_203.book  Seite 47  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

64 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Seat belt nonusage warning system
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, a 
warning sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt 
is not fastened. 
Automatic comfort-fit seat belt:
An automatic comfort-fit feature for driver and front 
passenger seat belt is activated when the electronic key 
in the starter switch is turned to position 1 or 2.
The retraction force of the inertia reel is reduced, 
increasing the level of seat belt comfort.
Note:
For cleaning and care of the seat belts see page 371.
Wa r n i n g !
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest 
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position 
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat 
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt 
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That 
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The 
backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint 
when the wearer is in an upright position and the 
belt is properly positioned on the body.
OM_203.book  Seite 64  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

83 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend all infants and children be properly 
restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All 
lap-shoulder belts except the driver seat belt have 
special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child 
restraints.
To activate, pull shoulder belt out completely and let it 
retract. During the seat belt retraction a ratcheting 
sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt 
retractor is activated. The belt is now locked.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt 
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in 
the usual manner.
Note:
For child seats with mounting fittings for tether 
anchorages refer to page 85 (installation of infant and 
child restraint systems).Important!
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in 
all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated in an 
appropriate infant or child restraint system properly 
secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with 
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and 
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. 
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of 
compliance with this standard can be found on the 
instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction 
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure 
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s 
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside 
of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.
Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is 
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will 
be deactivated.
OM_203.book  Seite 83  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

138 Flexible service system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Flexible service system (FSS)
(service indicator)
The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is 
directly related to the operating conditions of the 
vehicle.
The symbol 9 or ½ appears together with a 
message in the multifunction indicator prior to the next 
suggested service.
Dep end in g on  oper atin g c ond ition s t hr oughout t he year, 
the next service is calculated and displayed in days or 
distance remaining.The message is displayed for approximately 10 seconds 
when turning the electronic key in starter switch to 
position 2, or while driving when reaching the service 
warning threshold.
The symbols and messages indicate the type of service 
to be performed:
9Service A
½Service B
One of the following messages will appear in the display 
(e.g. Service A):
“SERVICE A – IN xx DAYS”
“SERVICE A – IN xx MILES” (Canada: KM)
“SERVICE A – EXCEEDED BY xx DAYS”
“SERVICE A – EXCEEDED BY xx MILES” (Canada: KM)
“SERVICE A – DUE NOW”
The next service due date is displayed either in days or 
in miles, depending on your driving style.
Once the suggested service term has passed, the symbol 
and message appear for approximately 30 seconds and 
a signal sounds every time when turning the electronic 
key in starter switch to position 2.
OM_203.book  Seite 138  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11