
3 ContentsScanning  ......................................... 185
Scanning  ......................................... 185
Dolby NR 1 
noise reduction system  ............ 185
CD mode  .......................................... 186
General notes on CD mode ........... 186
CD changer installed  ..................... 187
Loading/emptying 
the CD magazine  ....................... 187
Playing CDs  .................................... 188
Skipping tracks
forward/backward  .................... 188
Fast forward/reverse  ..................... 189
Scanning  ......................................... 189
Random play/repeat function  ...... 189
Direct track selection  .................... 190
Track and time display  ................. 190
Telephone operation  ...................... 190
Switching the telephone
on and off  ................................... 190
Adjusting the volume  .................... 191
Entering telephone number 
and starting dialing process .... 191
Calling up the phone book  ........... 191Switching between 
name search and 
number search  ........................... 191
Searching and selecting 
phone book entries 
by number  ..................................192
Placing a call  ...................................192
Manual repeat dialing
(redial) .........................................193
Automatic repeat dialing
(redial) .........................................193
Speed dialing  ..................................193
Turbo-dialing  ..................................194
Multi party call  ...............................194
Accepting incoming call in
telephone mode  .........................194
Accepting incoming call
in tape, CD or radio mode  ........194
Terminating call  .............................195
Muting a call  ...................................195
Component malfunctions ..............195
Power windows  ...............................197
Sliding/pop-up roof  ....................... 200
Interior lighting  ............................. 203Rear window sunshade  .................205
Sun visors  .......................................206
Vanity mirrors  ................................206
Interior  ............................................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 3  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

10 Introduction
Roadside assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. 
Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number:
1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.
Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can 
contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Service and 
Warranty Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
OM_203.book  Seite 10  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

23 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Hood lock release, see page 318
2Parking brake pedal, see page 260
3Steering wheel adjustment (manual), see page 88
4Parking brake release, see page 260
5Exterior lamp switch, see page 143
6Combination switch, see page 148
7Exterior mirror adjustment switch, see page 91
8Headlamp washer button, see page 147
9Cruise control switch, see page 27210Multifunction steering wheel, see page 102
Horn (with electronic key in starter switch 
position 1 or 2)
11Instrument cluster, see page 98
12Voice recognition system switch, see separate 
operating instructions
13Starter switch, see page 246
14Glove box lid release, see page 208
15Glove box lock, see page 208
OM_203.book  Seite 23  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 

29 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic key
The electronic key has an integrated radio frequency 
and infrared remote control, plus removable mechanical 
key.
The remote control (1) operates all locks on the vehicle.
The mechanical key (2) works only in the driver’s door, 
trunk, and glove box lock.When using the mechanical key (2) for lock operations, 
it can be removed by sliding it out of the remote control. 
To do so, move locking tab (3) to the right and slide the 
mechanical key (2) in direction of arrow (4).
The remote control transmitter is located in the 
electronic key.
The infrared receivers are located in the front door 
handles.
Note:
Remove the mechanical key from the electronic key 
when using valet parking service. To prevent access to 
trunk or storage compartments lock them separately 
and retain the mechanical key.
See page 41 for separate locking of trunk and page 208 
for locking of glove box.
Obtaining replacement keys
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking 
system requiring a special key manufacturing process. 
For security reasons, replacement keys can only be 
obtained from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
P 80.35-2031-26
1
3
4
2
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36 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Panic button
To activate press and hold button (1) for at least one 
second. An audible alarm and blinking exterior lamps 
will operate for approximately 3 minutes.
To deactivate press button (1) again, or insert electronic 
key in starter switch.Note:
For operation in the USA only: This device complies 
with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to 
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, 
including interference that may cause undesired 
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void 
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Mechanical keys
The mechanical keys work only in driver’s door, trunk, 
and glove box locks.
Notes:
The mechanical key does not operate the central locking 
system or antitheft alarm system.
The fuel filler flap cannot be locked or unlocked with 
the mechanical key.
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, see page 360.
P 80.35-2035-26
1
OM_203.book  Seite 36  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

85 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Installation of infant and child restraint systems
This vehicle is provided with tether anchorages for a top 
tether strap at each of the rear seating positions.
Prior to installing a tether strap, remove cover (1) from 
anchorage ring (2) and store in a convenient place (e.g. 
glove box).To secure a tether strap to the anchorage, securely 
fasten the hook (3), which is part of the tether strap, to 
the anchorage ring (2). For safety, please make sure that 
the hook has attached to the ring beyond the safety 
catch, as illustrated.
After removing the tether strap, reinstall the cover (1).
OM_203.book  Seite 85  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

208 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Glove box
1Unlocked positio n
2Locked position
3Glove box
4Glove box lid release
Pull to openNotes:
Prior to closing t he glove box, close t he compartment for 
glasses first.
The glove box can be locked and unlocked with the 
mechanical key. See page 29 for instructions on how to 
remove the mechanical key from the electronic key (e.g. 
for valet parking service).
OM_203.book  Seite 208  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11