5 ContentsWindshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................340
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........340
Spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage
compartment ............................. 341
Jack ...................................................342
Wheels .............................................343
Tire Replacement .......................343
Rotating wheels ..........................344
Spare wheel ....................................344
Changing wheels ...........................346
Tire inflation pressure .................. 351
Battery .............................................352
Jump starting ..................................355
Towing the vehicle .........................357
Exterior lamps ................................360
Headlamp assembly ................... 361
Taillamp assemblies ..................364
Standby bulb function ...................367Changing batteries
in the electronic key ................ 369
Synchronizing
remote control .............................371
Changing batteries in
the KEYLESS-GO-card ............. 372
Emergency engine shut-down ......374
Fuel filler flap,
manual release ..........................374
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof .................. 375
Replacing wiper blades .................376
Roof rack ......................................... 378
Vehicle careCleaning and care of
the vehicle ................................. 380
Power washer ............................. 381
Tar stains .................................... 382
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................ 382Engine cleaning ..........................382
Vehicle washing .........................382
Ornamental moldings ................383
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................383
Cleaning the Distronic
system sensor .............................384
Cleaning the parktronic
system sensors ...........................384
Wiper blades ...............................385
Light alloy wheels ......................386
Instrument cluster .....................387
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ......................387
Cup holder ...................................387
Seat belts .....................................388
Headliner and shelf
below rear window .....................388
Leather upholstery .....................388
Hard plastic trim items .............388
Plastic and rubber parts ............388
J_OM_215.book Seite 5 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
220 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Roadside Assistance button
Located below the center armrest cover is the Roadside
Assistance button. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds) will initiate a call to a
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher. The
button will flash while the call is in progress. The
message “ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE – CONNECTING
CALL” will appear in the multifunction display. When
the connection is established, the message “ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE – CALL CONNECTED” appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will transmit
data generating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to availability of
cellular and GPS signals).A voice connection between the Roadside Assistance
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be
established. When a voice connection is established the
audio system mutes and the message “TELE AID -
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL ACTIVE” appears in the
multifunction display. The nature of the need for
assistance can then be described. The Mercedes-Benz
Roadside assistance dispatcher will either dispatch a
qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow
your vehicle to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center. For
ser vic es s uch as labor an d / or towi ng charges m ay ap ply.
Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for more
information.
These programs are only available in the USA:
•S ign an d Drive s erv ices : Ser vi ces such as jump start,
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle
data.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in
a dangerous road location), please do not wait for
voice contact after you have pressed the emergency
button. Carefully leave the vehicle and move to a
safe location. The Response Center will
automatically contact local emergency officials
with the vehicle’s approximate location if they
rec eive a n a utom at ic “SO S” si gna l a nd ca nn ot ma ke
voice contact with the vehicle occupants.
J_OM_215.book Seite 220 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
229 Starter switch
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the lock. In this case, remove
electronic key from starter switch and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
starter switch. Do not leave the electronic key in starter
switch position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
with the electronic key in starter switch position 1 or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter
switch, the vehicle battery may not be sufficiently
charged. See battery on page 352 or jump starting on
page 355.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system
may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example:
Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the
automatic climate air volume control should be set to
the lowest position.
J_OM_215.book Seite 229 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
329 Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................330
Fuses ................................................ 331
Shelf below rear window ..............333
Hood .................................................334
Checking engine oil level .............337
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................338
Active body control
(ABC) fluid level ........................338
Coolant level ...................................339
Adding coolant ...........................339
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................340
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........340Spare wheel, vehicle tools, storage
compartment ............................. 341
Jack .................................................. 342
Wheels ............................................ 343
Tire Replacement ....................... 343
Rotating wheels ......................... 344
Spare wheel .................................... 344
Changing wheels ........................... 346
Tire inflation pressure ................. 351
Battery ............................................. 352
Jump starting ................................. 355
Towing the vehicle ........................ 357
Exterior lamps ............................... 360
Headlamp assembly .................. 361
Taillamp assemblies .................. 364
Standby bulb function .................. 367Changing batteries
in the electronic key .................369
Synchronizing
remote control ............................ 371
Changing batteries in
the KEYLESS-GO-card ..............372
Emergency engine shut-down ..... 374
Fuel filler flap,
manual release .......................... 374
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ...................375
Replacing wiper blades ................. 376
Roof rack .........................................378
J_OM_215.book Seite 329 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
353 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index The maintenance-free battery is located in the trunk
under the right-hand wheel well cover panel.
For battery removal or installation, or jump starting the
vehicle, first lift the trunk floor, then turn lock (1)
counterclockwise and remove cover.Important!
Battery replacement information:
The service life of the battery is dependent on its
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length
of time.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
electronic key is in starter switch position 0. The
battery, its filler caps, the vent tube and the opposite
plug must always be securely installed when the vehicle
is in operation.
J_OM_215.book Seite 353 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
355 Jump starting
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Jump startingImportant!
A discharged battery can freeze at approx. +14
°F
(–10
°C). In that case, it must be thawed out before
jumper cables are used. Attempting to jump start a
frozen battery can result in it exploding, causing
personal injury.
Jumper cable specifications:
•Minimum cable cross-section of 25 mm
2 or
approx. 2 AWG
•Maximum length of 11.5 ft. (3.5 m).
If the battery is discharged, the engine should be started
with jumper cables and the (12 V) battery of another
vehicle.
Only use 12 V battery to jump start your vehicle. Jump
starting with more powerful battery could damage the
vehicle’s electrical systems, which will not be covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The battery is located in the trunk under the right-hand
wheel well cover panel.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and can lead
to a battery explosion and severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump
starting, you might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and very explosive. Keep flames or
sparks away from battery, avoid improper
connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..Read all instructions before proceeding.
J_OM_215.book Seite 355 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
356 Jump starting
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Proceed as follows:
1. Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that
the jumper cables will reach, but never let the
vehicles touch. Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
•Turn off engine and all lights and accessories,
except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
•Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to
position “P”.
Important!
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery and
the other end to the positive (+) terminal of the
charged battery. Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the
grounded negative (–) terminal of the charged
battery and the final connection to the negative (–)
under hood terminal of the disabled vehicle.Important!
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery
and run at high idle. Make sure the cables are not
on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that move
when the engine is started. Allow the discharged
battery to charge for a few minutes. Start engine of
the disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6. After the engine has started, remove jumper cables
by exactly reversing the above installation
sequence, starting with the last connection made
first. When removing each clamp, make sure that it
does not touch any other metal while the other end
is still attached.
Notes:
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel may damage the catalytic
converter.
J_OM_215.book Seite 356 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
357 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Towing the vehicleImportant!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter switch position 2 (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO: in “On” position, see page 230), the
vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the
right rear wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approx.
9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking.This can be
adjusted in the individual setting menu “VEHICLE” –
“AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK”. See page 144.
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame
or suspension parts.
Note:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter switch
if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See battery
on page 352 or jump starting on page 355.
Wa r n i n g !
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in
starter switch position 2.If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key
from starter switch and reinsert.
J_OM_215.book Seite 357 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14