
5 ContentsSEAT BELT SYSTEM ...................299
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. 
(Electronic stability program)  ..300
COOLANT 
(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
Practical hintsFirst aid kit  ...................................... 314
Stowing things in the vehicle ....... 314
Fuses  ................................................ 315
Hood  ................................................. 318
Adding engine oil  .......................... 321
Automatic transmission 
fluid level  ................................... 322
Coolant level ................................... 322
Adding coolant  ........................... 323
Windshield and 
headlamp washer system  ........ 323
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment  ............... 325
TIREFIT, vehicle tools, 
storage compartment 
(C 32 AMG only)  ....................... 326
Vehicle jack  .................................... 327
Wheels  ............................................ 328
Tire replacement  ....................... 328
Rotating wheels  ......................... 329Spare wheel  ....................................330
Spare wheel bolts  .......................330
Changing wheels  ........................... 331
TIREFIT  ...........................................337
Tire inflation pressure  .................. 341
Battery  .............................................342
Jump starting  ..................................344
Towing the vehicle .........................347
Transmission selector lever, 
manually unlocking  ...................350
Exterior lamps  ................................ 351
Replacing bulbs  .......................... 351
Standby bulb function ...................356
Changing batteries in the 
electronic main key  ..................357
Synchronizing
remote control  ............................359
Emergency engine shut-down  .....359
Fuel filler flap, manual release  ...360
Replacing wiper blade insert  .......362
Roof rack  .........................................363
OM_203.book  Seite 5  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

238 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Roadside Assistance button 
Located below the center armrest cover is the Roadside 
Assistance button. Pressing and holding the 
button (for longer than 2 seconds) will initiate a call to a 
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher. The 
button will flash while the call is in progress. The 
message “ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE – CONNECTING 
CALL” will appear in the multifunction display. When 
the connection is established, the message “ROADSIDE 
ASSISTANCE – CALL CONNECTED” appears in the 
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will transmit 
data generating the vehicle identification number, 
model, color and location (subject to availability of 
cellular and GPS signals).A voice connection between the Roadside Assistance 
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be 
established. When a voice connection is established the 
audio system mutes and the message “TELE AID –  
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL ACTIVE” appears in the 
multifunction display. The nature of the need for 
assistance can then be described. The Mercedes-Benz 
Roadside assistance dispatcher will either dispatch a 
qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow 
your vehicle to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center.
For services such as labor and/or towing charges may 
apply. Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for more 
information.
These programs are only available in the USA:
•S ign  an d  Drive s erv ices : Ser vi ces  such as  jump start,  
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire 
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits 
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher 
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle 
data.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the 
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in 
a dangerous road location), please do not wait for 
voice contact after you have pressed the emergency 
button. Carefully leave the vehicle and move to a 
safe location. The Response Center will 
automatically contact local emergency officials 
with the vehicle’s approximate location if they 
rec eive a n a utom at ic  “SO S” si gna l a nd  ca nn ot ma ke 
voice contact with the vehicle occupants.
OM_203.book  Seite 238  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

247 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the starter switch 
position 0 for a extended period of time, it can no longer 
be  turn ed  in  t he lock . In  t his  cas e, rem ove electron ic  key 
from starter switch and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible 
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the 
starter switch. Do not leave the electronic key in starter 
switch position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened 
with the electronic key is in starter switch position 1 
or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter 
switch, the vehicle battery may not be sufficiently 
charged. See battery on page 342 or jump starting on 
page 344.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the 
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off 
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of 
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system 
may be minimized by turning off the following power 
consumers, for example:
Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the 
automatic climate air volume control should be set to 
the lowest position.
OM_203.book  Seite 247  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

313 Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit  ..................................... 314
Stowing things in the vehicle  ...... 314
Fuses  ................................................ 315
Hood  ................................................. 318
Adding engine oil  .......................... 321
Automatic transmission 
fluid level  ...................................322
Coolant level  ...................................322
Adding coolant  ...........................323
Windshield and 
headlamp washer system  ........323
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................325TIREFIT, vehicle tools, 
storage compartment 
(C 32 AMG only)  ....................... 326
Vehicle jack  .................................... 327
Wheels  ............................................ 328
Tire replacement  ....................... 328
Rotating wheels  ......................... 329
Spare wheel .................................... 330
Spare wheel bolts  ...................... 330
Changing wheels  ........................... 331
TIREFIT  ........................................... 337
Tire inflation pressure  ................. 341
Battery ............................................. 342
Jump starting  ................................. 344Towing the vehicle .........................347
Transmission selector lever, 
manually unlocking  ...................350
Exterior lamps  ................................ 351
Replacing bulbs  .......................... 351
Standby bulb function ...................356
Changing batteries in the 
electronic main key  ..................357
Synchronizing
remote control  ............................359
Emergency engine shut-down  .....359
Fuel filler flap, manual release  ...360
Replacing wiper blade insert  .......362
Roof rack  .........................................363
OM_203.book  Seite 313  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

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.
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345 Jump starting
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Important!
A discharged battery can freeze at approximately +14
°F
(–10
°C). In that case, it must be thawed out before 
jumper cables are used. Attempting to jump start a 
frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing 
personal injury. 
Jumper cable specifications:
•Minimum cable cross-section of 25 mm
2 or 
approximately 2 AWG
•Maximum length of 11.5 ft. (3.5 m).
If the battery is discharged, the engine should be started 
with jumper cables and the (12 V) battery of another 
vehicle.
Only use 12 V battery to jump start your vehicle. Jump 
starting with more powerful battery could damage the 
vehicle’s electrical systems, which will not be covered 
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The battery is located in the engine compartment on the 
right hand side.1Negative (–) under hood terminal
2Positive (+) under hood terminal
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346 Jump starting
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Proceed as follows:
1. Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that 
the jumper cables will reach, but never let the 
vehicles touch. Make sure the jumper cables do not 
have loose or missing insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
•Turn off engine and all lights and accessories, 
except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
•Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to 
position “P” (manual transmission to Neutral).
Important!
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the 
positive (+) under hood terminal of the discharged 
battery and the other end to the positive (+) terminal 
of the charged battery. Make sure the cable clamps 
do not touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the 
grounded negative (–) terminal of the charged 
battery and the final connection to the negative (–) 
under hood terminal of the disabled vehicle.Important!
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery 
and run at high idle. Make sure the cables are not 
on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that move 
when the engine is started. Allow the discharged 
battery to charge for a few minutes. Start engine of 
the disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6. After the engine has started, remove jumper cables 
by exactly reversing the above installation 
sequence, starting with the last connection made 
first. When removing each clamp, make sure that it 
does not touch any other metal while the other end 
is still attached.
Note:
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful 
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel may damage the catalytic 
converter.
OM_203.book  Seite 346  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11 

347 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Towing the vehicleImportant!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the 
electronic key in starter switch position 2, the vehicle 
doors lock if the lef t front wheel as well as the right rear 
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately 
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking, 
deactivate the automatic central locking. See the 
individual setting menu “VEHICLE” – “AUTOMATIC 
DOOR LOCK” on page 131.
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the 
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow 
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame 
or suspension parts.
Notes:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and 
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter switch 
if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See battery 
on page 342 or jump starting on page 344.
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking, see 
page 350.
Wa r n i n g !
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the 
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in 
starter switch position 2.If the electronic key is left in the starter switch 
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no 
longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the 
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key 
from starter switch and reinsert.When towing another vehicle, observe that the 
gross vehicle weight of the vehicle being towed 
does not exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle.
OM_203.book  Seite 347  Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001  11:57 11