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
367 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Ad d ition al in fo rm atio n can be foun d in t he boo klet titled
“Vehicle Care Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.Tar st ai ns
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).
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390 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 70
Battery .............................................................................342
Block heater .................................................................... 270
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 275
Bulbs
See Replacing bulbs ................................................. 351
CCD changer
See CD changer installed ......................................... 187
Cellular telephone ......................................................... 224
Center console .................................................................. 24
Central locking switch .................................................... 39
Central locking system ................................................... 31
Automatic central locking ......................................... 40
Central locking switch ............................................... 39
Choosing global or selective mode ........................... 33
Doors ............................................................................. 37
General notes ............................................................... 30
Locking and unlocking with remote control .......... 33
Mechanical keys .......................................................... 36
Obtaining replacement keys ..................................... 29Summer opening/convenience feature ...................35
Vehicle keys ................................................................. 28
Check regularly and before a long trip ...................... 284
Child seat
See Infant and child restraint systems .................... 83
Climate control ............................................................... 152
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment ............................. 172
Air recirculation ........................................................ 158
Basic setting ............................................................... 156
Defrosting ................................................................... 157
Display and controls ................................................. 154
Dust filter ................................................................... 155
Economy mode .......................................................... 159
Front center console
storage compartment ventilation ....................... 171
Residual engine heat utilization ............................. 159
Special settings ......................................................... 156
Windows fogged up on the inside .......................... 157
Windows fogged up on the outside ................ 157, 166
COMAND, radio and telephone .................................. 232
Combination switch ....................................................... 148
Control and operation of
radio transmitters .................................................... 232
Coolant level .................................................................. 322
Coolant temperature gauge .......................................... 137
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