
120 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear window defroster
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
To s el ect , p res s F button.
To cancel, press F button again.
Notes:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster consumes a large amount of
electrical power. To keep the battery drain to a
minimum, turn off the defroster as soon as the window
is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after a
maximum of 12 minutes of operation.
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.Air distribution
Press b button for each side repeatedly until the
requested symbol is displayed.
Press U button to return to automatic mode.
Air volume
Press – or + side of rocker switch ï until the
requested blower speed is attained. A choice of 7 blower
speeds is available.
To switch the automatic climate control off, press – side
of rocker switch ï until symbol OFF is displayed.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
U, P or +side of ï.
ProCarManuals.com

121 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the vehicle’s interior.
To s el ect , p res s O button.
To cancel, press O button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air
•after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures
below approx. 41
°F (5
°C),
•after approx. 30 minutes at outside temperatures
above approx. 41
°F (5
°C),
•after approx. 5 minutes, if button S is pressed.
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch
from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing
the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially
fresh air within 30 minutes.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To s e l e c t :
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or
remove key.
Press T button
This function selection will not activate if the battery
charge level is insufficient.
To c a n c e l :
Press T button.
The system will automatically shut off
•if you turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2,
•after approx. 30 minutes,
•if the battery voltage drops.
ProCarManuals.com

122 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.
Note:
Keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of
snow and debris.Important!
This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system
that uses R–134a (HFC: hydrofluorocarbon) as a
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected
in a recovery system for recycling.
ProCarManuals.com

189 Steering lock
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 steering lock position 0
for an extended period of time, it can no longer be
turned in the lock. In this case, remove electronic key
from steering lock and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
steering lock. Do not leave the electronic key in steering
lock position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
while the electronic key is in steering lock position 1
or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the steering
lock, the vehicle battery may not be sufficiently charged.
See battery on page 270 or jump starting on page 271.
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 traf fic. 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.
The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle
battery properly charged and connected.
ProCarManuals.com

301 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Additional information can be found in the booklet titled
“Vehicle Care Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at soft top, electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).
ProCarManuals.com

322 Consumer information
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Consumer information
This has been prepared as required of all manufactures
of passenger cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to federal
safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Wa r n i n g !
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straightahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
ProCarManuals.com

324 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) ....................................... 214
Malfunction indicator lamp..................................... 227
ABS-SYSTEM - malfunction and
warning messages ......................................................... 233
Adjusting headlamp aim............................................... 282
Adjusting telescoping steering column ........................ 73
Air conditioner refrigerant............................................ 318
Air distribution .............................................................. 120
Air volume ...................................................................... 120
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 59
Airbag OFF indicator lamp ........................................... 228
Airbags .............................................................................. 61
Alarm system ............................................................. 39, 40
Antenna
Removal ...................................................................... 295
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................... 208, 254, 316, 321
Antiglare night position.................................................. 74
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 214
Malfunction indicator lamp..................................... 227
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 39
Aquaplaning ...................................................................205Armrest, rear bench ....................................................... 152
Ashtray
Center console, front ................................................ 150
Audio system ..................................................................123
Anti-theft system ....................................................... 125
Button and soft key operation ................................. 126
Cassette mode ............................................................ 131
CD changer ................................................................. 136
CD mode ..................................................................... 135
Operating and display elements .............................124
Operating safety ........................................................ 123
Operation ....................................................................127
Operation – audio and telephone ........................... 123
Radio mode ................................................................ 129
Telephone operation ................................................. 139
Audio systems ................................................................... 89
Cassette player ............................................................ 91
CD player ......................................................................90
Radio ............................................................................. 89
Automatic central locking .............................................. 34
Automatic climate control ............................................ 116
Air distribution .......................................................... 120
Air recirculation ........................................................ 121
Air volume.................................................................. 120
Basic setting............................................................... 118
Defogging windows ................................................... 119
ProCarManuals.com

333 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Shelf below rear window ..............................................246
Side marker lamp .......................................................... 281
Snow chains .................................................................... 207
Soft top ............................................................................ 158
Emergency operation ...............................................288
Lowering ..................................................................... 160
Raising ........................................................................ 162
SOS-call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 178
Spare parts service ........................................................ 308
Spare wheel ........................................................... 256, 260
Spare wheel bolts ..........................................................260
Special settings (Automatic climate control) ............. 119
SRS indicator lamp ........................................................ 226
SRS malfunction .............................................................. 62
Start lock-out..................................................................... 24
Starting and turning off the engine ............................ 190
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. - malfunction and
warning messages ........................................................ 239
Steering column, adjustable ........................................... 73
Steering lock ................................................................... 188
Storage compartment
Trunk floor ................................................................. 256
Storage compartments
Center console ........................................................... 148
Glove box .................................................................... 147Storage compartments, armrest and cup holder ....... 147
Stowing things in the vehicle...................................... 246
Sun visors ........................................................................ 146
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) ........................... 60
Synchronizing remote control .................................... 287
TTachometer ........................................................................ 83
Technical data ................................................................. 311
Electrical system ....................................................... 314
Main dimensions ...................................................... 315
Rims and tires ........................................................... 312
Weights ....................................................................... 315
Tele Aid ............................................................................ 178
Emergency calls ........................................................ 179
Information ................................................................ 183
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 181
Roadside Assistance ................................................. 182
TELE AID - malfunction and
warning messages ........................................................ 243
Telephone .......................................................................... 92
General notes ............................................................. 153
Incoming call ............................................................... 96
Redialing....................................................................... 94
ProCarManuals.com