Page 282 of 406

279 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The yellow ESP warning lampv in the speedometer 
dial comes on with the electronic key in starter switch 
position 2. It should go out with the engine running.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, a malfunction 
has been detected in the system. Only partial engine 
output will be available.
Have the ESP checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 292.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched 
off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the 
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP 
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer 
d ial com es on ). For  t his reas on,  all wheels,  in cludin g t he 
spare wheel, must have the same tire size.When testing the parking brake on a brake test 
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, 
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the 
rear wheel brakes. 
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended 
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery 
disconnected or empty), the ESP warning message may 
be displayed with the engine running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to 
the right. The ESP warning message should go out.
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        Page 331 of 406

328 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, 
manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. 
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further 
information.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for 
information on tested and recommended rims and tires 
for summer and winter operation. They can also offer 
advice concerning tire service and purchase.
Tire replacement
Front and rear tires should be replaced in sets. Rims 
and tires must be of the correct size and type. For 
dimensions, see “Technical Data”.
We recommend that you break in new tires for 
approximately 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed.
Wa r n i n g !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the 
vehi c le a t the j ack  take-up b ra ckets b ui lt i nto eit her 
side of the vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, 
use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel 
change. Never get beneath the vehicle while it is 
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet away 
from the area under the lifted vehicle. Always 
firmly set parking brake and block wheels before 
raising vehicle with jack.Do n ot d is engage parki n g brake w hil e t he vehi c le i s 
raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical 
when in use, especially on hills. Always try to use 
the jack on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm 
is fully seated in the jack take-up bracket. Always 
lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity 
jackstands before working under the vehicle.
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        Page 333 of 406
330 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Spare wheel
Important!
The spare wheel rim is mounted with a full size tire of 
the same type as on the vehicle, and is fully functional.
For additional information, refer to page 378.
Spare wheel bolts
1Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2Wheel bolt for steel rims
Note:
Wheel bolts (2) must be used when mounting steel 
wheel rim.
Wa r n i n g !
Be sure to use the original length wheel bolts when 
remounting the original wheel after it has been 
repaired.
OM_203.book  Seite 330  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11