
141 Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Engine oil level indicator
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level 
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check oil level approximately 5 minutes after stopping 
the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the oil pan.
The message “OBSERVE WAITING PERIOD” will be 
displayed if the required waiting period has not been 
observed after stopping the engine:
•with engine at operational temperature 
approximately 5 minutes.•with engine not at operational temperature up to 
approximately 30 minutes.
The engine oil level check can be repeated after a short 
time.
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 2.
To call up the trip odometer and main odometer, press 
button è or ÿ on the multifunction steering 
wheel until the display appears. See page 106. 
With the multifunction display showing the trip 
odometer and main odometer, press button j or 
k on the multifunction steering wheel repeatedly 
until the “MEASUREMENT CORRECT ONLY IF VEH. 
LEVEL” engine oil level indicator appears. This indicator 
is only a reminder. Measurement can be cancelled by 
pressing button j or k if the vehicle is not 
parked on level ground. An incorrect reading will be 
recorded if you do not cancel the measurement. Move 
the vehicle to level ground and measure again.
The electronic key in starter switch is not in position 2 if 
the “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – SWITCH ON IGNITION!” 
message appears.
The “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – MEASURING NOW!” 
message is displayed after approximately 3 seconds.
P 54.30-4461-26
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142 Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
One of the following messages will subseq uently appear 
on the indicator:
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – O.K.”
No oil needs to be added.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.0 QUART”
(Canada: 1.0 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.5 QUART”
(Canada: 1.5 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 2.0 QUART”
(Canada: 2.0 L)
See “Adding engine oil level”, on page 321 for 
instructions on adding engine oil.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – REDUCE OIL LEVEL”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could 
cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not 
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.The “MEASURING NOT POSSIBLE” message will be 
displayed if a proper oil level check cannot be 
performed. The engine oil level check can be repeated 
after a short while.
Notes:
See malfunction and warning messages on page 293 
and page 303 if an engine oil level indicator appears on 
the multifunction display when the engine is running.
The engine oil level cannot be checked while the engine 
is running. The “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – NOT WHEN 
ENGINE ON” message will appear.
Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made 
after the break-in period. During the break-in period, 
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal. 
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in 
increased consumption.
OM_203.book  Seite 142  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

269 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center before the onset of winter.
•Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil 
which is not approved for winter operation. For 
viscosity (SAE / CCMC class) and filling quantity, 
seepage383.
•Check engine coolant anticorrosion / antifreeze 
concentration.
•Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp 
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a 
premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze 
which is formulated for below freezing 
temperatures, see page 323.
•Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing 
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps 
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low 
ambient temperatures.
•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on 
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe 
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
antilock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability 
program (ESP) can only be achieved with M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and / or snow chains recommended by 
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
OM_203.book  Seite 269  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

283 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Fuel tank capacity approximately 16.4 US gal (62.0 l).
This includes approximately 2.1 US gal (8.0 l) reserve.
Use premium unleaded gasoline: 
Posted Octane Index 91 (Average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Engine oil
Checking oil level, see instructions on page 141 
and 321.
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service 
Products sheet.
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water 
quality). For further information refer to page 322.
Tire pressure
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside the 
fuel filler flap. See page 341 for further details.Spark plugs
Approved spark plugs, refer to “Technical Data”.
Air conditioner
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, refer to 
“Technical Data”.
Bulbs
High and low beams: H7 (55 W),
low beam: Xenon (optional)
fog lamps: H B4 (55 W),
turn signal lamps,
front: 1156 NA (26.9 / 5 W/32/4 cp),
parking and standing lamps, front: W 5W (5 W)
side marker lamps, front: 5 W / 4 cp,
turn signal lamps, rear: PY 21 W bulb (yellow),
stop lamps: P 21 W/32 cp bulb,
rear fog lamp, driver’s side: P 21 W/32 cp bulb,
tail, parking, standing and 
side marker lamp: R 5 W / 4 cp,
backup lamps: P 21 W / 32 cp,
license plate lamps: 5 W / 4 cp
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285 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator lamps 
in the instrument cluster  .........286
On-board diagnostic system  .........286
Check engine malfunction 
indicator lamp .............................286
Brake warning lamp  ..................288
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) indicator lamp  ....289
Fuel reserve warning .................290
ABS malfunction 
indicator lamp ............................. 291
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp  ...............292
Seat belt nonusage 
warning lamp .............................292Malfunction and 
indicator lamp in 
the center console  .................... 292
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp  .... 292
Malfunction and 
warning messages in the 
multifunction display  .............. 293
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................ 295
BATTERY  / ALTERNATOR  ....... 296
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM  .... 297
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 297
BRAKE PAD WEAR .................... 298
BRAKE FLUID  ............................ 298
PARKING BRAKE  ....................... 299
SEAT BELT SYSTEM  .................. 299
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. 
(Electronic stability program)  . 300COOLANT 
(coolant level)  ............................. 301
COOLANT
(coolant temperature)  ................302
ENGINE OIL LEVEL  ...................303
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................304
LAMP SENSOR  ...........................306
DOOR  ...........................................306
TRUNK OPEN  .............................307
HOOD  ...........................................307
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION  .......308
TELE AID  .....................................308
WASHER FLUID  .........................309
RESTRAINT SYSTEM  ................. 310
KEY ............................................... 310
FUEL RESERVE  ...........................311
UNDERVOLTAGE .........................311
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ........... 312
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303 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ENGINE OIL LEVEL
* C = Category, see page 293.
1 The engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil 
level indicator on page 141.
2 There is no oil in the engine. There is a danger of engine damage.3 There is a risk of damaging the engine or catalytic converter. The 
engine oil level must be checked immediately. See Engine oil level 
indicator on page 141.
4 The engine oil level has dropped to a critical level. 
Check the engine oil level immediately. See Engine oil level 
ind icator on  page 141 and check the en gine fo r visibl e leakage (los s 
of oil).
It may be that there is water in the engine oil. Have the engine oil 
checked.
5 The measuring system is malfunctioning.
When the “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – CHECK LEVEL!” 
message appears while the engine is running and at 
operating temperature, the engine oil level has dropped 
to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning will first come on 
intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops 
further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest 
service station where the engine oil should be topped to 
the “full” mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The engine oil level warnings should not be ignored. 
Extended driving with the symbol displayed could 
result in serious engine damage that is not covered by 
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK LEVEL!
1
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL STOP, ENGINE OFF!
2
1
ENGINE OIL LEVEL REDUCE OIL LEVEL1
3
2
ENGINE OIL VISIT WORKSHOP!
4
2
ENGINE OIL LEVEL VISIT WORKSHOP!
5
2
OM_203.book  Seite 303  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

321 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Adding engine oil
1Oil filler cap
2Plug of dipstick guide tube
The engine oil level can only be checked via the 
multifunction display in the instrument cluster.
To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level 
ground, with engine at normal operational temperature.
Check engine oil level approximately 5 minutes after 
stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the 
oil pan.Unscrew the oil filler cap and add oil carefully if you 
need to top up the oil. Follow the message appearing on 
the engine oil level indicator display (page 141) as to 
quantity to be added. Re-install oil filler cap.
Do not overfill the engine.
 Excessive oil must be drained 
or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and 
catalytic converter not covered by the Mercedes-Benz 
Limited Warranty.
See malfunction and warning messages on page 293 if 
an engine oil level display appears on the multifunction 
indicator when the engine is running.
Notes:
See page 141 for engine oil level indicator display.
The dipstick tube allows for draining of oil by using a 
suction device.
1
P 01.00-2219-26
2
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366 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying 
external influences which, if gone unchecked, can 
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and 
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying 
climatic conditions, but also by air polution, road salt, 
tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel, 
coolant, brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree resins 
etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint 
damage. Frequent washing reduces and/or eli minates 
the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse 
influences.More frequent washings are necessary to deal with 
unfavorable conditions; for example, near the ocean, in 
industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during 
winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for 
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be 
repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of 
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle. 
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the 
underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged 
areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last for 
the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is 
neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz 
because of the possibility of incompatibility between 
materials used in the production process and others 
applied later.
We have selected car-care products and compiled 
recommendations which are specially matched to our 
vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology. 
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care 
products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some 
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow 
the instructions on the particular container. 
Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when 
cleaning the inside.Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed 
for cleaning your vehicle.
OM_203.book  Seite 366  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11