
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 

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 

262 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Power assistance
BrakesExcessive use of road salt and other snow melting 
chemicals spread on roads during the winter months 
may cause a build up of moisture or residue to form on 
the braking components. This build up or residue could 
cause light corrosion of the braking components if the 
vehicle is parked with the brakes cold. Apply steady and 
even braking pressure when stopping the vehicle to 
warm up and dry the brake components.
Important!
Please pay attention to the function of the brake assist 
system (BAS), see page 275.
The condition of the parking brake system is checked 
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required 
maintenance service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning 
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the 
reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and 
steering systems are without power assistance. 
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is 
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without 
applying the brakes or through water deep enough 
to wet brake components or salty road conditions, 
the first braking action may be somewhat reduced 
and increased pedal pressure may be necessary to 
obtain expected braking effect. Be sure to maintain 
a safe distance from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause 
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby 
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may 
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time 
to avoid an accident.
OM_203.book  Seite 262  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

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
OM_203.book  Seite 285  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

292 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP) — warning lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp in the 
speedometer dial comes on with the 
electronic key in starter switch position 2. 
It should go out with engine running.
If the ESP malfunction indicator lamp remains 
illuminated with the engine running, a malfunction has 
been detected in the system. Pressing the accelerator 
pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine 
output will be available.
See  elec tr on ic stability  p rogram (ESP ) on  p age 27 8  if t he 
warning lamp lights up or flashes when the vehicle is 
moving.
Seat belt nonusage warning lamp
With the electronic key in starter switch 
position 2, the seat belt nonusage warning 
lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a 
short time if the drivers seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the seat belt nonusage 
warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind the 
driver and passengers to fasten seat belts.Malfunction and indicator lamp in the center 
console
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
The ü indicator lamp will light up for approximately 
6 seconds when you turn the electronic key in starter 
switch to position 1 or 2.
It does not light up if there is a fault in the system.
The ü indicator lamp stays lit as long as a 
Baby Smart
TM child seat is properly installed on the 
front passenger seat. It indicates that the front 
passenger airbag is switched off.
See page 70 for BabySmart
TM airbag and its deactivation 
system.
Baby Smart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.
OM_203.book  Seite 292  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

293 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexMalfunction and warning messages in the 
multifunction display
Malfunction and warning messages for the following 
systems will be displayed immediately in the 
multifunction display.
They are divided into three categories.
Category C1:
Messages of most immediate priority.
These cannot be cleared from the instrument cluster 
using the reset knob on the instrument cluster (see 
page 100).
Categories C2 and C3:
Messages of less immediate priority.
These can be cleared from the instrument cluster using 
the reset knob on the instrument cluster (see page 100) 
and are then stored in the malfunction message 
memory. See page 119.
Wa r n i n g !
The BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system will 
ONLY work with a special child seat designed to 
operate with it. It will not work with child seats 
which are not BabySmart
TM compatible.
Never place anything between seat cushion and 
child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the 
effectiveness of the deactivation system.Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for 
installation of special child seats.The passenger front airbag will not deploy only if 
the ü indicator lamp remains illuminated.Please be sure to check the indicator every time 
you use the special system child seat. Should the 
light go out while the restraint is installed, please 
check installation. If the light remains out, do not 
use the BabySmart
TM restraint to transport children 
on the front passenger seat until the system has 
been repaired.
OM_203.book  Seite 293  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

304 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
LIGHTING SYSTEM
Line 1 Line 2 C*
LOW BEAM,L CHECK LAMPS! 2
LOW BEAM,R CHECK LAMPS! 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
2
TURN SIGNAL, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
TURN SIGNAL, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
L. TURN SIG. RFLECTR CHECK LAMPS! 2
R. TURN SIG. RFLECTR CHECK LAMPS! 2
TURN SIGNAL F, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
TURN SIGNAL F, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
BRAKE LIGHT
2
VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
BRAKE LIGHT, L
3
CHECK LAMPS! 2
BRAKE LIGHT, R
3
CHECK LAMPS! 2
3RD STOP LAMP
3
CHECK LAMPS! 2
HIGH BEAM, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
HIGH BEAM, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
LICENSE PLATE L, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
LICENSE PLATE L, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
LIGHTS SWITCH OFF LIGHTS! 1
AUTOM. LIGHT ON REMOVE KEY! 1
FRONT FOGLAMP, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
FRONT FOGLAMP, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
REAR FOGLAMP CHECK LAMPS! 2 Line 1 Line 2 C*
OM_203.book  Seite 304  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

305 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexIn t he case of bulb failures in certain lamps, ot her lamps 
will substitute. See page 351 for instructions on 
replacing bulbs.
* C = Category, see page 293
1 The display or the system is malfunctioning.
2 The brake lamps are switching on after a delay or are permanently 
on – visit workshop immediately.
3 The brake lamp comprises several light emitting diodes. The 
warning message will only appear if all light emitting diodes have 
stopped working.
4 Other bulbs will be brought into use as replacements when certain 
lamps blow. REAR FOGLAMP SWITCH OFF
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
REVERSE LIGHT, L CHECK LAMPS! 2
REVERSE LIGHT, R CHECK LAMPS! 2
TAIL LIGHT, L CHECK LAMPS!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
TAIL LIGHT, R CHECK LAMPS!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
SIDELIGHT, L CHECK LAMPS!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2
SIDELIGHT, R CHECK LAMPS!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
4
2 Line 1 Line 2 C*
OM_203.book  Seite 305  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11