253 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center before the onset of winter.
•Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil 
which is not approved for winter operation. For 
viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, 
seepage401.
•Check engine coolant anticorrosion/antifreeze 
concentration.
•Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp 
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a 
premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze 
which is formulated for below freezing 
temperatures, see page 340.•Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing 
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps 
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low 
ambient temperatures.
•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on 
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe 
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
ABS and ESP can only be achieved with M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by 
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.
J_OM_215.book Seite 253 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14 
352 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
The spare tire should be checked periodically for 
condition and inflation. Spare tire will age and become 
worn over time even if never used, and thus should be 
inspected and replaced when necessary.Battery
Wa r n i n g !
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can 
result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they 
are more likely to become punctured or damaged 
by road debris, potholes etc.. Follow recommended 
inflation pressures.Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified 
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label 
on the driver’s door latch post). Overloading the 
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a 
blowout.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in 
severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting, you 
might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow 
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or 
clot hin g. In  cas e i t d oes , i mm ed ia tely  f lus h a f fected  
area with water and seek medical help if necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is 
flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks 
away from battery, avoid improper connection of 
jumper cables, smoking etc..
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