Page 278 of 390

275 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Fuel tank capacity approximately 16.4 US gal (62.0 l).
This includes approximately 2.1 US gal (8.0 l) reserve.
Use premium unleaded gasoline:
Posted Octane Index 91 (Average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Engine oil
Checking oil level, see instructions on page 135 and 314.
Recommended engine oils, see Approved Service
Products sheet.
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water
quality). For further information refer to page 315.
Tire pressure
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside the
fuel filler flap. See page 329 for further details.Spark plugs
Approved spark plugs, refer to “Technical Data”.
Air conditioner
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, refer to
“Technical Data”.
Bulbs
High and low beams: H7 (55 W),
low beam: Xenon (optional)
fog lamps: H B4 (55 W),
turn signal lamps,
front: 1156 NA (26.9 / 5 W/32/4 cp),
parking and standing lamps, front: W 5W (5 W)
side marker lamps, front: 5 W / 4 cp,
turn signal lamps, rear: PY 21 W bulb (yellow),
stop lamps: P 21 W/32 cp bulb,
rear fog lamp (driver’s side)/tail, parking, standing and
side marker lamp: P 21/4 W
backup lamps: P 21 W / 32 cp,
license plate lamps: 5 W / 4 cp
S203.book Seite 275 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
Page 280 of 390

277 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 .............278
On-board diagnostic system .........278
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................278
Brake warning lamp ..................280
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp .................. 281
Fuel reserve warning .................282
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................283
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............284
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp .............................284Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ...... 284
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 284
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 285
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................ 287
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ....... 288
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM .... 289
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 289
BRAKE PAD WEAR .................... 290
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 290
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 291
SEAT BELT SYSTEM .................. 291
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) . 292
COOLANT
(coolant level) ............................. 293COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................294
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................295
STEERING GEAR OIL .................296
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................297
LAMP SENSOR ...........................299
DOOR ...........................................299
TRUNK OPEN .............................300
HOOD ...........................................300
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ....... 301
TELE AID ..................................... 301
WASHER FLUID .........................302
RESTRAINT SYSTEM .................303
KEY ...............................................303
FUEL RESERVE ..........................304
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................304
S203.book Seite 277 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
Page 290 of 390
287 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit)
* C = Category, see page 285This message is displayed to indicate that the
information being relayed by the engine control unit is
no longer complete. The display for coolant temperature
gauge, tachometer, or the cruise control may have failed.DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems)
* C = Category, see page 285The displays for several systems have failed. Some
systems themselves may also have failed.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
VISIT WORKSHOP! DISPLAY FAULTY 2
Line 1 Line 2 C*
VISIT WORKSHOP! DISPLAY FAULTY 2
S203.book Seite 287 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
Page 296 of 390

293 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index COOLANT (coolant level)
* C = Category, see page 285When this message appears while driving, the coolant
level has dropped below the required level. If no leaks
are noticeable and the engine temperature does not
increase, continue to drive to the nearest service station
and have coolant added to the coolant system.The low engine coolant level warning should not be
ignored. Extended driving with the symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have
the cooling system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major engine damage.
Monitor the coolant temperature gauge while driving,
see page 131.
See page 316 for instructions on topping up the coolant.Line 1 Line 2 C*
COOLANT CHECK LEVEL! 2
Wa r n i n g !
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine parts.
You can be seriously burned.
S203.book Seite 293 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
Page 297 of 390

294 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
COOLANT (coolant temperature)
* C = Category, see page 285
1 This may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should this
con dition o ccur, the poly-V-belt must be repla ced befo re co ntin uin g
to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to
an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the
engine. Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message
displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
2 The cooling fan for the coolant is faulty. Observe the coolant
temperature gauge. See page 131
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to 120
°C.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature above 120
°C. Doing so may cause serious
engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2 C*
COOLANT STOP, ENGINE OFF!
1
1
COOLANT VISIT WORKSHOP!
2
2
Wa r n i n g !
Driving when your engine is badly overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be
seriously burned.Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious
burns and can occur just by opening the engine
hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do
not stand near the vehicle until it cools down.
S203.book Seite 294 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
Page 308 of 390

305 Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................306
Stowing things in the vehicle ......307
Fuses ................................................307
Hood ................................................. 311
Adding engine oil .......................... 314
Automatic transmission
fluid level ................................... 315
Coolant level ................................... 315
Adding coolant ........................... 316
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ........................... 316Spare wheel,
storage compartment ................ 318
Vehicle tools .................................... 319
Vehicle jack .................................... 320
Wheels ............................................ 321
Tire replacement ....................... 321
Rotating wheels ......................... 322
Spare wheel .................................... 323
Spare wheel bolts ...................... 323
Changing wheels ........................... 324
Tire inflation pressure ................. 329
Battery ............................................. 330
Jump starting ................................. 332Towing the vehicle .........................335
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ...................338
Exterior lamps ................................339
Replacing bulbs ..........................339
Standby bulb function ...................345
Changing batteries in the
electronic main key ..................346
Synchronizing
remote control ............................348
Emergency engine shut-down .....348
Fuel filler flap, manual release ...349
Replacing wiper blade insert ....... 351
Roof rack .........................................352
S203.book Seite 305 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
Page 314 of 390

311 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Hood
Wa r n i n g !
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the engine
is running. Be sure the hood is properly closed
before driving. When closing hood, use extreme
caution not to catch hands or fingers.The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or even restart after the
engine has been turned off. Stay clear from fan
blades.If you see flames or smoke coming from the engine
compartment, or if the coolant temperature gauge
indicates that the engine is overheated, do not open
the hood. Move away from vehicle and do not open
the hood until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call a fire department.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils,
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the
ignition system
• with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
• if ignition is “on” and the engine is turned
manually.
S203.book Seite 311 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
Page 318 of 390
315 Engine compartment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Automatic transmission fluid level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic
transmission fluid.
Regular automatic transmission fluid level checks and
changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is
omitted.
If you notice fluid leaks or gear shifting malfunctions,
have your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center check the
transmission fluid level.Coolant level
1Coolant expansion tank
To check the coolant level, the vehicle must be parked
on level ground and the engine stopped.
Check coolant level only when coolant is cold.
The coolant level should reach the black top part of the
reservoir.
See page 372 for antifreeze / anticorrosion mixture.
P20.30-2133-26
S203.book Seite 315 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13