
2 Contents
Instrument cluster ........................... 98
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ............... 102
Trip and main odometer
and sub menu ............................ 106
Audio systems ................................ 108
Radio ............................................ 108
CD player ..................................... 109
Cassette player ............................110
Telephone .........................................111
Navigation system ...........................116
Trip computer ..................................117
Malfunction/warning
message memory .......................119
Individual settings ......................... 121
Setting the audio volume .............. 136
Coolant temperature gauge .......... 137
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 138
Engine oil level indicator .............. 141
Engine oil consumption ................ 142
Exterior lamp switch ..................... 143
Headlamp mode ............................. 144Night security illumination ......... 146
Locator lighting .......................... 147
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 147
Combination switch ...................... 148
Hazard warning flasher
switch .......................................... 151
Climate control ...............................152
Automatic climate control .............160
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 171
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ............... 172
Operation Audio and telephone .. 173
Operating safety ............................ 173
Operating and display elements .. 174
Button and soft key operation ...... 176
Operation ......................................... 176
Switching on and off ...................... 176
Adjusting the volume ................... 177
Audio functions ............................. 177
Bass ................................................. 177
Treble .............................................. 177
Balance ............................................ 178
Centering all audio functions ...... 178Audio system
tone level selection ................... 179
Radio mode ..................................... 179
Selecting radio mode ..................... 179
Selecting the band ......................... 179
Manual tuning ................................ 180
Seek tuning ..................................... 180
Scan tuning ..................................... 180
Weather Band ................................. 181
Station memory .............................. 181
Storing stations automatically
(Autostore) ................................. 181
Storing stations .............................. 182
Retrieving a station
from memory ............................. 182
Direct frequency input
AM and FM only ....................... 182
Cassette mode ................................ 182
Playing cassettes ............................ 182
Cassette eject .................................. 183
Track selection ............................... 184
Track search
forwards/backwards ................. 184
Fast forward/reverse ..................... 184
OM_203.book Seite 2 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11

24 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Center console1Left front seat heater switch, see page 58
2Rear window sunshade switch (optional), see
page 205
3ESP (electronic stability program) control switch,
see page 278
4Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 151
5Central locking switch, see page 39
6Rear seat head restraints switch, see page 60
7Antitheft alarm system, see page 46
Switch for tow-away protection, see page 47
8Right front seat heater switch, see page 58
9AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, see page 292
10COMAND system (optional), see separate
operating instructions, or
audio system, see page 173
11Climate control (C 240), see page 152
Automatic climate control (C 320) see page 160
Rear window defroster, see page 170
P 68.10-2501-27
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27 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Malfunction/warning
message memory .......................119
Individual settings ......................... 121
Setting the audio volume .............. 136
Coolant temperature gauge .......... 137
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 138
Engine oil level indicator .............. 141
Engine oil consumption ................ 142
Exterior lamp switch ..................... 143
Headlamp mode ............................. 144
Night security illumination ......... 146
Locator lighting .......................... 147
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 147
Combination switch ...................... 148
Hazard warning flasher
switch .......................................... 151Climate control ...............................152
Automatic climate control .............160
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 171
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ............... 172
Operation Audio and telephone .. 173
Operating safety ............................ 173
Operating and display elements .. 174
Button and soft key operation ...... 176
Component malfunctions ..............195
Power windows ...............................197
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 200
Interior lighting ............................. 203
Rear window sunshade ................ 205
Sun visors ....................................... 206
Vanity mirrors ............................... 206Interior ............................................207
Storage compartments
and armrests ..............................207
Glove box .....................................208
Cup holder ...................................... 211
Ashtrays .......................................... 213
Lighter ............................................. 215
Parcel net in
front passenger footwell .......... 216
Ski sack ........................................... 216
Enlarged cargo area ....................... 221
Split folding rear seat bench ........ 221
Loading instructions
(vehicle with
enlarged cargo area) .................223
Cellular telephone .........................224
Telephone, general ........................225
Garage door opener .......................226
OM_203.book Seite 27 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11

151 Hazard warning flasher
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Hazard warning flasher switch
The hazard warning flasher can be activated either
manually via the switch located in the dashboard, or it
is activated automatically at the time an airbag is
deployed.To activate hazard warning flasher, press switch once.
To deactivate, press switch again.
If hazard warning flasher was activated automatically,
press switch twice to deactivate.
Note:
With the hazard warning flasher activated, the
combination switch in position for either left or right
turn, and the electronic key in starter switch position 1
or 2, only the respective left or right side turn signals
will operate.
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277 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in
starter switch position 2 and should go out with the
engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a
malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 291.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again,
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the
ABS is operational.If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated,
have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a ABS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
OM_203.book Seite 277 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11

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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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
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