331 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Removal of filter box:
Release three clamps (1) and remove filter box.
Installation of filter box:
Install filter box properly and secure with
three clamps (1).
Notes:
The gear selector lever will remain locked in
position “P” and the electronic key could 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 115, head restraints on
page 50, power windows on page 185, synchronizing the
sliding / pop-up roof on page 190 and electronic stability
program on page 270).
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.
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353 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 .354
Power washer ..............................355
Tar stains .....................................355
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................355
Engine cleaning ..........................356Vehicle washing ......................... 356
Ornamental moldings ............... 357
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 357
Window cleaning ....................... 357
Wiper blade ................................ 357
Light alloy wheels ..................... 358
Instrument cluster ..................... 358
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 358Cup holder ...................................358
Seat belts .....................................359
Headliner and
shelf below rear window ...........359
Leather upholstery .....................359
Hard plastic trim items .............359
Plastic and rubber parts ............359
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354 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.
S203.book Seite 354 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
357 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
on ly a s of t, n on- sc ratchy clot h when cleaning t he len s es.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.Window cleaning
Use a win d ow c le an in g solution on all glas s s urfaces . 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 inserts 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.
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359 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.
S203.book Seite 359 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
376 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AAdding engine oil .......................................................... 314
Airbags .............................................................................. 67
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
Malfunction and warning message ........................ 289
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......................................268
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 43
Ashtrays .......................................................................... 200
Audio system
Button and soft key operation ................................. 164
Cassette mode ........................................................... 170
CD changer ................................................................ 175
CD mode ..................................................................... 174
Operating and display elements ............................. 162
Operating safety ........................................................ 161
Operation ................................................................... 164
Operation Audio and telephone .............................. 161
Radio mode ................................................................ 167
Telephone operation ................................................. 178Audio systems ................................................................. 102
Cassette player .......................................................... 104
CD Player .................................................................... 103
Radio ........................................................................... 102
Automatic central locking .............................................. 39
Automatic climate control ............................................ 148
Activated charcoal filter ........................................... 156
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment ............................. 160
Air recirculation ........................................................ 155
Air volume, manual .................................................. 153
Basic setting ............................................................... 152
Defrosting ................................................................... 154
Display and controls ................................................. 150
Dust filter ................................................................... 152
Economy mode .......................................................... 157
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation ..................................... 159
Residual engine heat utilization ............................. 157
Special settings ......................................................... 153
Windows fogged up on the outside ........................ 154
Automatic transmission ............................................... 243
Fluid level ................................................................... 315
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ............................................ 338
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377 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
BBabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system ..................... 64
Battery .............................................................................330
Block heater .................................................................... 262
Brake assist system (BAS) ............................................ 267
Bulbs
See Replacing bulbs ................................................. 339
CCargo tie-down rings ..................................................... 218
CD changer
See CD changer installed ......................................... 175
Cellular telephone ......................................................... 219
Center console .................................................................. 24
Central locking switch .................................................... 38
Central locking system ................................................... 31
Automatic central locking ......................................... 39
Central locking switch ............................................... 38
Choosing global or selective mode ........................... 33
Doors ............................................................................. 36General notes ...............................................................30
Locking and unlocking with remote control .......... 33
Mechanical keys ..........................................................35
Obtaining replacement keys .....................................29
Summer opening/convenience feature ...................34
Vehicle keys ................................................................. 28
Check regularly and before a long trip ....................... 276
Child seat
See Infant and child restraint systems .................... 77
Climate control
Adjustable air outlets,
rear passenger compartment ............................. 160
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation ..................................... 159
Windows fogged up on the outside ........................ 154
Closing the tailgate ..........................................................42
COMAND, radio and telephone .................................. 226
Combination switch ....................................................... 142
Control and operation of radio transmitters ............. 226
Coolant level ................................................................... 315
Coolant temperature gauge .......................................... 131
Cruise control ................................................................ 264
Cup holder ....................................................................... 198
S203.book Seite 377 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
378 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
DDashboard ......................................................................... 22
Door control panel ........................................................... 20
Door entry lamps ........................................................... 192
Drive sensibly - Save Fuel ............................................ 253EEasy-entry/exit feature ................................................... 45
Electrical outlet .............................................................. 209
Electronic key ................................................................... 29
Changing batteries ................................................... 346
Electronic main key
Synchronizing remote control ................................ 348
Electronic stability program (ESP) .............................. 270
Emergency call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 228
Emergency engine shut-down ..................................... 348
Emergency operation of sliding/pop-up roof ............ 349
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) ......................... 66
Emergency unlocking in case of accident ................... 39Emergency unlocking the tailgate ................................. 41
Engine oil consumption ................................................ 136
Engine oil level indicator .............................................. 135
Express opening and closing
(power windows) ....................................................... 186
Exterior lamp switch ..................................................... 137
Daytime running lamp mode .................................. 139
Exterior lamps ............................................................... 339
Additional turn signals
on the exterior mirror ........................................ 345
Bulbs for high and low beam .................................. 341
Headlamp assembly ................................................. 340
High mounted stop lamp ......................................... 345
License plate lamps ................................................. 344
Parking and standing lamp ..................................... 341
Replacing bulbs ........................................................ 339
Side marker lamp, front .......................................... 344
Taillamp assemblies ................................................ 342
Turn signal lamp ....................................................... 341
Exterior mirror adjustment ............................................85
Exterior mirror, front passenger side,
parking position ..........................................................86
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