25 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 12Ashtray, see page 202
Lighter, see page 204
13Start-/Stop button
Starter switch for KEYLESS-GO only, see page 230
14Automatic transmission, see page 23515AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, see page 302
16Distronic (DTR) – switch for distance warning
function, seepage271
17Distronic (DTR) – thumbwheel for setting distance,
seepage271
J_OM_215.book Seite 25 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
26 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 28
Start lock-out .................................... 31
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 32
Central locking system ................... 33
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 33
KEYLESS-GO ................................. 37
Opening and closing
windows and
sliding/pop-up roof
from outside .................................. 44
Panic button .................................. 46
Mechanical keys ........................... 46
Doors .................................................. 47
Power closing assist for
doors and trunk lid ..................... 49
Central locking switch .................... 49
Automatic central locking .............. 51
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 51
Trunk ................................................. 52
Trunk lamp ....................................... 55Trunk lid release switch ................ 56
Trunk lid release/close switch ...... 57
Trunk lid emergency release
(vehicles built prior to
September 2001) ........................ 60
Trunk lid emergency release
(vehicles built September 2001
and later) ...................................... 61
Antitheft alarm system ................... 62
Tow-away alarm ............................... 64
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 66
Front seat adjustment ..................... 67
Removal and installation of
front seat head restraints ........... 71
Backrest ............................................ 72
Lumbar support ................................ 74
Multicontour backrest ..................... 74
Seat heater ......................................... 76
Seat ventilation system .................. 79
Power head restraints, rear ............81
Seat belts and
integrated restraint system ....... 82
Seat belts .......................................... 82Seat belt nonusage
warning system ............................ 83
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system .................... 88
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 89
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 90
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 91
Airbags .............................................. 92
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................. 100
Infant and
child restraint systems ............. 102
Steering wheel adjustment .......... 105
Rear view mirrors .......................... 106
Rear view mirror,
automatic antiglare .................. 106
Memory function ............................ 111
Key dependent
memory settings ........................113
Instrument cluster ..........................114
J_OM_215.book Seite 26 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
27 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ............... 120
Trip and main odometer
and sub menu ............................ 124
Audio systems ................................ 126
Radio ............................................ 126
CD player ..................................... 127
Cassette player ........................... 128
Telephone ........................................ 129
Telephone book .......................... 129
Redialing ..................................... 131
Incoming call .............................. 133
Navigation system .......................... 134
Distronic (DTR) ............................... 135
Trip computer ................................. 136
Malfunction/warning
message memory ...................... 138
Individual settings ......................... 140
Setting the audio volume .............. 149
Flexible service system (FSS) ...... 150
Tire inflation pressure
monitor ....................................... 153
Engine oil level indicator .............. 157
Engine oil consumption ................ 158Exterior lamp switch ......................159
Headlamp mode ..............................160
Night security illumination ..........162
Headlamp cleaning system ...........163
Combination switch .......................164
Hazard warning flasher
switch ..........................................167
Automatic climate control .............168
Display and controls ................. 170
Dust filter .................................... 172
Automatic maximum
cooling ......................................... 172
Basic setting ............................... 173
Special settings ........................... 174
Air recirculation ......................... 176
Activated charcoal filter ........... 177
Economy mode ........................... 178
Residual engine
heat utilization ........................... 179
Switching the
automatic climate control
on and off .....................................180
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation ...........180Rear window defroster .................. 181
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ................ 182
Power windows ............................... 183
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 186
Interior lighting ............................. 189
Rear window sunshade ................. 191
Sun visors ....................................... 192
Vanity mirrors ................................ 192
Interior ............................................ 193
Storage compartments and
armrests ..................................... 193
Glove box ..................................... 194
Coat hooks ...................................... 198
Cup holder ...................................... 199
Ashtrays ..........................................202
Lighter .............................................204
Parcel net in trunk ........................205
Cargo tie-down hooks ....................206
Parcel net in
front passenger footwell ..........206
Telephone, general ........................207
Garage door opener .......................208
Infrared reflecting windshield .... 212
J_OM_215.book Seite 27 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
72 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Backrest
Folding forward:
Lift release lever and fold backrest forward. The seat
will automatically slide forward and the head restraint
will move down.
Folding back:
Lift release lever and fold backrest back. The seat and
head restraint return to their previous positions.
To interrupt the procedure, activate the power seat
switch located in the front door.
Wa r n i n g !
The seat belts provide protection only with the
backrest locked in place and, therefore, must be
locked in place with the vehicle in motion. Do not
drive the vehicle when the backrest is not locked in
place. If the warning message “SEAT BACKREST
LEFT – LOCK!” or “SEAT BACKREST RIGHT –
LOCK!” is displayed in the multifunction display,
then the respective backrest is not engaged in its
lock. Carefully slow down, and drive with caution
to an area which is in a safe distance from the
roadway. Always provide sufficient room behind
the backrest and fold the backrest all the way back
until it locks in place.The warning message is no longer displayed as
soon as the backrest is locked in place. If both
backrests are locked in place and the warning
message is still displayed, have the system checked
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.When leaving the vehicle always remove the
electronic key from the starter switch, take the
KEYLESS-GO-card (if so equipped) with you, and
lock your vehicle.
J_OM_215.book Seite 72 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
83 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexSeat belt nonusage warning system
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2,
a warning sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat
belt is not fastened.
Automatic comfort-fit seat belt:
An automatic comfort-fit feature for driver and front
passenger seat belt is activated when the electronic key
in the starter switch is turned to position 1 or 2.
The retraction force of the inertia reel is reduced,
increasing the level of seat belt comfort.
Note:
For cleaning and care of the seat belts see page 388.
Wa r n i n g !
The seat belts provide protection only with the
backrest locked in place. Do not drive the vehicle
when the backrest is not locked in place. If the
warning message “SEAT BACKREST LEFT – LOCK!”
or “SEAT BACKREST RIGHT – LOCK!” is displayed
in the multifunction display, then the respective
backrest is not engaged in its lock. For backrest see
page 72.Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The
backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint
when the wearer is in an upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.
J_OM_215.book Seite 83 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
102 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend all infants and children be properly
restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
All lap-shoulder belts except the driver seat belt have
special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child
restraints.
To activate, pull shoulder belt out completely and let it
retract. During the seat belt retraction a ratcheting
sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt
retractor is activated. The belt is now locked.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in
the usual manner.
Note:
For child seats with mounting fittings for tether
anchorages refer to page 104 (installation of infant and
child restraint systems).Important!
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in
all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system properly
secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of
compliance with this standard can be found on the
instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside
of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.
Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will
be deactivated.
J_OM_215.book Seite 102 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
115 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Knob for instrument cluster illumination,
seepage116
2Engine malfunction indicator lamp, see page 296
3Brake fluid low or parking brake engaged,
seepage307
4Supplemental restraint system (SRS) malfunction
indicator lamp, see page 299
5Coolant temperature gauge, see page 117
6Outside temperature indicator, see page 117
7Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp, see page 299
8Left turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch on page 164
9Speedometer, see page 118
10Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp,
system is adjusting to road conditions, see page 301
11Distance warning lamp – vehicles with Distronic
(DTR), distance to the vehicle ahead is insufficient,
see page 270 and page 301.
Vehicles without Distronic: It illuminates with the
electronic key in starter switch position 2. It should
go out when the engine is running.12Multifunction display, see page 120
Malfunction and warning messages in the
multifunction display, see page 303
13Trip odometer, see page 119 and 124
14Main odometer, see page 124
15Right turn signal indicator lamp, see combination
switch on page 164
16Tachometer, see page 119
17Gear range indicator display, see selector lever
positions on page 238
18Digital clock
To set the time, see COMAND operator’s manual
19Antilock brake system (ABS) malfunction indicator
lamp, see page 300
20High beam headlamp indicator,
see exterior lamp switch, page 159, and
combination switch, page 164
21Fasten seat belts, see page 302
22Reset buttonJ, s e e p a g e s 116 , 119
J_OM_215.book Seite 115 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
117 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Coolant temperature gauge (5)
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Outside temperature indicator (6)
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper
area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by
road or engine heat during idling or slow driving. This
means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature
can only be verified by comparison to a thermometer
placed next to the sensor, not by comparison to external
displays (e.g. bank signs etc.).
Adaption to ambient temperature takes place in steps
and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-
and-go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of
temperature change.
Note:
The unit for the temperature indicator display can be set
in the individual setting menu “INST. CLUSTER” –
“TEMP. INDICATOR”, see page 142.
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.
Wa r n i n g !
The outside temperature indicator is not designed
to serve as an Ice-Warning Device and is therefore
unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated
temperatures just above the freezing point do not
guarantee that the road surface is free of ice.
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