24 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Center console1Left front seat heater switch, see page 52
2Rear window wiper/washer, see page 146
3ESP (electronic stability program) control switch,
see page 270
4Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 147
5Central locking switch, see page 38
6Antitheft alarm system, see page 43
Switch for tow-away protection, see page 44
7Right front seat heater switch, see page 52
8AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, see page 284
9COMAND system (optional), see separate
operating instructions, or
audio system, see page 161
10Automatic climate control, see page 148
Rear window defroster, see page 158
11Ashtray, see page 200
12Automatic transmission, see page 243
13Storage compartment, see page 196
14Armrest, see page 196
Storage compartment, see page 202
S203.book Seite 24 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
52 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Heated seats (optional)
The front seat heaters can be switched on with the
electronic key in starter switch position 1 or 2.
The switch is located in the center console.Press switch to turn on seat heater:
1Normal seat heating mode. One indicator lamp in
the switch lights up.
2Rapid seat heating mode. Both indicator lamps in
the switch light up. After approximately 5 minutes
in the rapid seat heating mode, the seat heater
autom atically s witches to n ormal o peration an d on ly
one indicator lamp will stay on.
Turning off seat heater:
If one indicator lamp is on, press upper half of switch.
If both indicator lamps are on, press lower half of
switch.
If left on, the seat heater automatically turns off after
approximately 30 minutes of operation.
P54.25-2501-26
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53 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Note:
When in operation, the seat heater consumes a large
amount of electrical power. It is not advisable to use the
seat heater longer than necessary.
The seat heaters may automatically switch off if too
many power consumers are switched on at the same
time, or if the battery charge is low. When this occurs,
the indicator lamp in the switch will blink (both
indicator lamps blink during rapid seat heating mode).
The seat heaters will switch on again automatically as
soon as sufficient voltage is available.
If the blinking of the indicator lamps is distracting to
you, the seat heaters can be switched off.Rear seat head restraints
Folding head restraints back in the rear passenger
compartment:
Push lock button (1). The head restraints will fold
backward.
P91.16-2110-26
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85 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Exterior rear view mirrors
The buttons are located above the exterior lamp switch.
The memory button (4) is located on the driver’s door.Exterior rear view mirror adjustment
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1
or 2.
Push button to select mirror to be adjusted:
Driver’s side – Push button (1).
Passenger side – Push button (2).
Push the adjustment button (3) up, down, left or right
according to the setting desired.
Notes:
The exterior rear view mirrors have electrically heated
glass. The heater switches on automatically, depending
on outside temperature.
If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly pivoted from its
normal position, it must be repositioned by applying
firm pressure until it snaps into place.
Storing exterior rear view mirror positions
(only vehicles with memory function)
The exterior rear view mirror positions are stored in
memory with the seat / steering wheel adjustment and
can be recalled when necessary. See page 89 for notes
on the memory function.
Wa r n i n g !
Exercise care when using the passenger side
exterior mirror. The mirror surface is convex
(outwardly curved surface for a wider field of
view). Objects in mirror are closer than they
appear. Check your inside rear view mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
0
PAuto
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242 Starting and turning off the enginge
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Starting and turning off the engine
Before starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector
lever is in position “P” or “N”. Turn electronic key in
starter switch to position 2.
Starting
Do n ot de pr ess accelerato r. B rie f ly turn electron ic key in
starter switch clockwise to the stop and release. The
starter will engage until the engine is running.
If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops,
turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat
starting the engine.
After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system
checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the
electronic key must be turned completely to the left
before attempting to start the engine again.
In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4
°F
(-20
°C) we recommend that an engine block heater be
installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
advise you on this subject, see page 261.
Turning off
Turn the electronic key in the starter switch to
position 0 to turn off the engine.
The electronic key can only be removed with the
selector lever in position “P”.
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262 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Deep water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown
depth.
If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or
passenger compartment, being ingested by the air
intake, possibly causing damage to electrical
components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
S203.book Seite 262 Freitag, 19. Oktober 2001 1:25 13
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
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