344 Jump starting
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Note:
The gear selector lever will remain locked in
position “P” and the electronic key can not be turned in
the starter switch, if the vehicle battery is disconnected
or discharged.
After reconnecting the battery also set the clock
(vehicles with COMAND: see COMAND operator’s
manual) resynchronize the front seat head restraints,
the express feature of the power windows, the sliding /
pop-up roof, and the electronic stability program (see
individual settings on page 121, head restraints on
p a ge 5 5 , p owe r w i n d ows o n p a ge 19 7 , s y n ch r o n i zi n g t h e
sliding / pop-up roof on page 202 and electronic stability
program on page 278).
Battery recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.Jump starting
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump
starting, you might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clot hin g. In cas e i t d oes , i mm ed ia tely f lus h a f fected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and very explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.Read all instructions before proceeding.
OM_203.book Seite 344 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
365 Contents - Vehicle care
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................366
Power washer ..............................367
Tar stains .....................................367
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................367
Engine cleaning ..........................368
Vehicle washing .........................368Ornamental moldings ............... 369
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 369
Window cleaning ....................... 369
Wiper blade ................................ 369
Light alloy wheels ..................... 370
Instrument cluster ..................... 370
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 370Cup holder ...................................370
Seat belts ..................................... 371
Headliner and
shelf below rear window ........... 371
Leather upholstery ..................... 371
Hard plastic trim items ............. 371
Plastic and rubber parts ............ 371
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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
369 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove
electronic key from starter switch before cleaning the
windshield, otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly
turn on and cause injury.
Wiper blades
Clean the wiper blade rubbers with a clean cloth and
detergent solution.
Note:
For safety reasons, remove electronic key from starter
switch before cleaning the wiper blades, otherwise the
wiper motor can suddenly turn on and cause injury.
OM_203.book Seite 369 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
371 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176
°F (80
°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.Leather upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that
have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g. when wet
etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration will be
prevented.
Leather Upholstery
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry
thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care. Exercise particular care when cleaning
perforated leather as its underside should not become
wet.
MB Tex Upholstery
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto soft
lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto soft
lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.
Plastic and rubber parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely
weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.
OM_203.book Seite 371 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
389 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AAdding engine oil .......................................................... 321
Airbags .............................................................................. 73
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
Malfunction and warning message ........................ 297
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 276
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 46
Ashtrays .......................................................................... 213
Audio system
Button and soft key operation ..................................176
Cassette mode ........................................................... 182
CD changer ................................................................ 187
CD mode ..................................................................... 186
Operating and display elements ............................. 174
Operating safety ........................................................ 173
Operation ....................................................................176
Operation Audio and telephone .............................. 173
Radio mode ................................................................ 179
Telephone operation ................................................. 190Audio systems ................................................................. 108
Cassette player .......................................................... 110
CD Player .................................................................... 109
Radio ........................................................................... 108
Automatic central locking .............................................. 40
Automatic climate control ............................................ 160
Activated charcoal filter ........................................... 168
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment ............................. 172
Air recirculation ........................................................ 167
Air volume, manual .................................................. 165
Basic setting ............................................................... 164
Defrosting ................................................................... 166
Display and controls ................................................. 162
Dust filter ................................................................... 164
Economy mode .......................................................... 169
Front center console
storage compartment ventilation ....................... 171
Residual engine heat utilization ............................. 169
Special settings ......................................................... 165
Windows fogged up on the outside ........................ 166
Automatic transmission ................................................251
Fluid level .................................................................. 322
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ............................................ 350
OM_203.book Seite 389 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
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
OM_203.book Seite 390 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
391 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Cruise control .................................................................272
Cup holder ...................................................................... 211
DDashboard ......................................................................... 22
Door control panel ........................................................... 20
Door entry lamps ...........................................................204
Drive sensibly - Save Fuel ............................................ 261EEasy-entry/exit feature ................................................... 48
Electronic key ................................................................... 29
Changing batteries ................................................... 357
Electronic main key
Synchronizing remote control ................................ 359
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................................................... 278
Emergency call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 234
Emergency engine shut-down ..................................... 359
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ................................................... 360Emergency tensioning retractor
(ETR) .............................................................................72
Emergency trunk lid release button ............................. 44
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ...................40
Engine oil consumption ................................................ 142
Engine oil level indicator .............................................. 141
Enlarged cargo area .......................................................221
Express opening and closing
(power windows) ....................................................... 198
Exterior lamp switch ..................................................... 143
Daytime running lamp mode .................................. 145
Exterior lamps ................................................................ 351
Additional turn signals
on the exterior mirror ........................................ 356
Bulbs for high and low beam ................................. 353
Headlamp assembly ................................................. 352
High mounted stop lamp ......................................... 356
License plate lamps ................................................. 355
Parking and standing lamp .................................... 353
Replacing bulbs ......................................................... 351
Side marker lamp, front .......................................... 355
Taillamp assemblies ................................................ 354
Turn signal lamp ...................................................... 353
Exterior mirror adjustment ............................................ 91
Exterior mirror,
front passenger side, parking position .................... 92
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