Page 144 of 390
141 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Locator lighting
After unlocking the vehicle with the electronic key
during darkness the fog lamps and parking lamps
switch on for approximately 40 seconds.
The exterior lamps will be switched off when opening
the driver’s door.
See the individual setting menu “LIGHTING” –
“LOCATOR LIGHTING” on page 122 for instructions on
how to activate the function.Headlamp cleaning system
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 2.
The headlamps will be cleaned with a high-pressure
water jet when you press the headlamp washer
button (1).
See page 316 for instructions on filling up the
windshield/headlamp washer reservoir.
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Page 146 of 390

143 Combination switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 6Press switch briefly:
Single wipe without washer fluid
(select only if windshield is wet).
Push switch past resistance point:
Windshield washer system, windshield wipers.
See page 316 for instructions on filling the
windshield washer reservoir.
7Windshield wipers
0OffI Intermittent wiping
Vehicles with optional rain sensor:
One initial wipe, pauses between wipes are
automatically controlled by a rain sensor
monitoring the wetness of the windshield. This
will not occur with a front door open.
Notes:
With switch in this position, one wipe occurs
when turning the electronic key in starter switch
from position 0. However, this might cause
scr atches on a d r y win d shie ld . Turn c omb ination
switch to Off position before turning the
electronic key in starter switch from position 0.
Do not leave in intermittent setting when vehicle
is taken to an automatic car wash or during
windshield cleaning. Wipers will operate in
presence of water spray at windshield, and
wipers may be damaged as a result.
II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed
Vehicles without optional rain sensor:
If the vehicle is standing still, the wiper will
switch back one setting.
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Page 147 of 390
144 Combination switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Blocked windshield wipers
If the windshield wipers become blocked (for example,
due to snow), switch off the wipers.
For safety reasons before removing ice or snow, remove
electronic key from starter switch. Remove blockage.
Activate combination switch again (electronic key in
starter switch position 1).Emergency operation of windshield wipers
In case of windshield wiper malfunction in switch
positions I or III, turn combination switch to wiper
setting II. Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
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Page 149 of 390
146 Rear window wiper/washer
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear window wiper / washer
The switch is located at the center console.
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 2.
1Press for interval wiping, indicator lamp comes on.
Press again to switch off, indicator lamp goes out.
2Indicator lamp
3Press and hold for simultaneous operation of wiper
and washer.The rear window wiper will also automatically engage if
the windshield wiper is engaged and the gear selector
lever is placed in “R” Reverse.
P54.25-2533-26
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Page 150 of 390
147 Hazard warning flasher
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Hazard warning flasher switch
The hazard warning flasher can be activated either
manually via the switch located in the dashboard, or it
is activated automatically at the time an airbag is
deployed.To activate hazard warning flasher, press switch once.
To deactivate, press switch again.
Note:
With the hazard warning flasher activated, the
combination switch in position for either left or right
turn, and the electronic key in starter switch position 1
or 2, only the respective left or right side turn signals
will operate. After turn signal cancellation, the hazard
warning f lasher is activated.
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Page 160 of 390

157 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Economy mode
The function of this setting corresponds to the
automatic mode. However, because the air conditioning
compressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not
possible to air condition in this setting.
Press S button to activate. The indicator lamp in the
button illuminates.
Press S button once again to return to the previous
setting. The indicator lamp in the button goes out.
Important!
In the S mode the windows could fog up on the
inside. Switch off S mode.
Automatic climate control - OFF/ON
To switch the automatic climate control off, set the air
volume control switch to position 0.
The fresh air supply to the vehicle interior is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only temporarily,
otherwise the windshield could fog up.To switch the automatic climate control on again, press
the U or Pbutton, or set air volume control
switch to any speed.
Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
to heat or ventilate the interior for a short while. Air
volume and distribution are controlled automatically.
To s e l e c t :
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1
or 0 or remove it altogether.
Press button T. The indicator lamp in the button
illuminates.
This function selection will not activate if the battery
level is insufficient.
The function switches off automatically:
•if the electronic key in starter switch is turned to
position 2,
•after approximately 30 minutes,
•if the battery voltage drops.
S203.book Seite 157 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
Page 161 of 390

158 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear window defroster
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 2.
To select:
Press the F button in the control panel of the
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the
button illuminates.
To c a nc el:
Press the F button in the control panel of the
automatic air conditioner. The indicator lamp in the
button goes out.
Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster. The rear window defroster uses a large amount of power.
To keep the battery drain to a minimum, turn off the
defroster as soon as the rear window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after
approximately 6–17 minutes of operation depending on
the outside temperature and vehicle speed.
If several power consumers are turned on
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged,
it is possible that the defroster will automatically turn
itself off. When this happens, the indicator lamp inside
the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns itself back on.
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Page 166 of 390
163 Audio system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 8Display panel
The cassette slot is located behind the display panel.
For notes on playing cassettes, see page 170
9Alpha-numeric keypad for
station storage and frequency entry, see page 170
optional telephone, see page 178
Tape eject, see page 171
Tape track select, see page 172
Dolby, see page 173
CD track access, see page 17810Scan tuning (Radio, see page 168)
Tape track search, see page 172
CD, see page 168
11Function button, see page 170 and 178
12Soft keys for
radio band selection, see page 167
tone controls, see page 165
scan, see page 168
13Tape eject, see page 170
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