
2 Contents
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 88
Trip and main odometer
and sub menu .............................. 92
Audio systems .................................. 93
Radio .............................................. 93
CD player ....................................... 94
Cassette player ............................. 95
Telephone .......................................... 96
Telephone book ............................ 96
Redialing ....................................... 98
Incoming call .............................. 100
Navigation system .......................... 101
Trip computer ................................. 102
Malfunction/warning
message memory ...................... 104
Individual settings ......................... 106
Setting the audio volume .............. 108
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 109
Engine oil level indicator .............. 112
Engine oil consumption .................113
Exterior lamp switch ......................114
Night security illumination ..........115Headlamp cleaning system ........... 116
Combination switch ....................... 117
Hazard warning flasher
switch .......................................... 119
Automatic climate control ............ 120
Display and controls ................. 122
Basic setting ............................... 122
Economy ...................................... 123
Special settings .......................... 123
Rear window defroster .............. 124
Air recirculation ........................ 125
Residual engine heat
utilization .................................... 125
Dust filter .................................... 126
Audio and telephone,
operation .................................... 127
Power windows .............................. 146
Interior lighting ............................. 149
Sun visors ........................................150
Illuminated vanity mirrors ...........150
Interior ............................................. 151
Storage compartments, armrest
and cup holder ........................... 151
Glove box ...................................... 151Ashtray ............................................ 154
Lighter ............................................. 155
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 156
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 156
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 156
Telephone, general ........................ 157
Cellular telephone ......................... 157
Garage door opener ....................... 158
Soft top ............................................ 162
Wind screen .................................... 170
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 178
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 179
Maintenance ................................... 179
Catalytic converter ........................ 180
Emission control ............................ 181
Tele Aid ........................................... 182
Steering lock ................................... 192
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 194
J_A208.book Seite 2 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

3 ContentsAutomatic transmission ............... 195
Parking brake .................................204
Driving instructions ......................205
Drive sensibly –
save fuel .......................................205
Drinking and driving .................205
Pedals ...........................................205
Power assistance ........................206
Brakes ..........................................206
Driving off ...................................207
Parking ........................................208
Tires .............................................208
Snow chains ................................ 211
Winter driving
instructions ................................. 211
Deep water .................................. 213
Passenger compartment ........... 213
Traveling abroad ........................ 213
Cruise control ................................. 214
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 216
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 218Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 220
What you should know
at the gas station ...................... 224
Check regularly and
before a long trip ...................... 226
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and
indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster .................... 228
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 228
Brake warning lamp .................. 229
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) indicator lamp .... 230
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 230
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 231
BAS/ESP malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 231ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................. 231
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp .............................232
Seat belt warning lamp .............232
Malfunction and
indicator lamps in the
center console ...........................232
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....232
Roll bar warning lamp ...............233
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display ...............234
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ..................235
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ........................235
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........236
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................237
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................237
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............238
BRAKE FLUID .............................238
PARKING BRAKE .......................239
J_A208.book Seite 3 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

9 IntroductionImportant notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price or lease
price, if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and / or its authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one ore more substantial
defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair
attempts. During the period of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles on
the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail
buyer or lessee if one or more of the following occurs: (1) the same substantial defect or malfunction results in a
condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunction has
been subject to repair two or more times, and you have directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in writing of the
need for its repair and have given us a direct opportunity to perform a repair ourselves, (2) the same substantial defect
or malfunction of a less serious nature than category (1) has been subject to repair four or more times and you have
directly notified us of the need for its repair and given us the opportunity to repair ourselves, or (3) the vehicle is out
of service by reason of repair of the same or different substantial defects or malfunctions for a cumulative total of
more than 30 calender days. Written notification should be sent to us, not a dealer, at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC,
Customer Assistance Center, One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.
Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.
J_A208.book Seite 9 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

23 Contents – Operation
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Telephone .......................................... 96
Telephone book ............................ 96
Redialing ....................................... 98
Incoming call .............................. 100
Navigation system .......................... 101
Trip computer ................................. 102
Malfunction/warning
message memory ...................... 104
Individual settings ......................... 106
Setting the audio volume .............. 108
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 109
Engine oil level indicator .............. 112
Engine oil consumption .................113
Exterior lamp switch ......................114
Night security illumination ..........115
Headlamp cleaning system ...........116
Combination switch .......................117
Hazard warning flasher
switch ...........................................119Automatic climate control ............ 120
Display and controls ................. 122
Basic setting ............................... 122
Economy ...................................... 123
Special settings .......................... 123
Rear window defroster .............. 124
Air recirculation ........................ 125
Residual engine heat
utilization .................................... 125
Dust filter .................................... 126
Audio and telephone,
operation .................................... 127
Power windows .............................. 146
Interior lighting ............................. 149
Sun visors ........................................150
Illuminated vanity mirrors ...........150
Interior ............................................. 151
Storage compartments, armrest
and cup holder ........................... 151
Glove box ...................................... 151Ashtray ............................................ 154
Lighter ............................................. 155
Cargo tie down rings ..................... 156
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 156
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 156
Telephone, general ........................ 157
Cellular telephone ......................... 157
Garage door opener ....................... 158
Soft top ............................................ 162
Wind screen .................................... 170
J_A208.book Seite 23 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

34 Central locking system
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
If the vehicle has previously been locked from the
outside, opening a door from the inside will trigger the
alarm. When opening a door while the central locking
system is in the:
•selective unlocking mode, only that individual door
is unlocked. The remaining door, the trunk and fuel
filler flap remain locked,
•global unlocking mode, both doors, the trunk and
fuel filler flap are unlocked.
Notes:
When opening a door, the door window lowers slightly.
After closing the door, the window closes again.
In case of a malfunction in the central locking system
the doors can be locked and unlocked individually.To lock, push down lock button and turn mechanical key
in driver’s door lock to position 3. In addition lock the
trunk.
To unlock, pull inside door handle and turn mechanical
key in driver’s door lock to position 2.
When unlocking the driver’s door with the mechanical
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will
sound.
To cancel the alarm, insert the electronic key in the
steering lock or press buttonŒ or‹ on the
electronic key.
J_A208.book Seite 34 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

38 Central locking system
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
In case of a malfunction in the central locking system
the trunk can be unlocked individually.
To unlock and open the trunk lid, turn mechanical key
to position 1, hold and push to open.
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, see page 299.
Important!
Do n ot place mechan ic al key in s id e trun k, si nc e trun k is
locked when the lid is closed if the vehicle has been
previously centrally locked.
To prevent damage to the trunk lid and the soft top
compartment cover, do not open the trunk lid while the
soft top is being raised or lowered.Lower trunk lid using handle (1) and close it with hands
placed flat on trunk lid. Please remember to keep your
fingers out of the space between the lid and the vehicle.
P88.50-2009-26
1
J_A208.book Seite 38 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

53 Seats
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Switch for roll bar and head restraints, rear
The switch is located in the center console.
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
Press switch:
1Raise roll bar
2Lower roll bar
The lowering or raising procedure is immediately
interrupted by releasing the roll bar switch. With the engine running and the roll bar lowered, the
warning lamp in the roll bar switch will blink for
approx. 15 seconds. The blinking is reminding you to
raise the roll bar if the rear passenger seats are
occupied. See also page 233 for roll bar warning lamp.
Important!
The roll bar is intended to be a safety enhancement to
the other features designed into the vehicle. No system
in any vehicle can eliminate the possibility of serious
injury or fatality in an accident. Properly fastened seat
belts and child restraints must be used!
Notes:
If the warning lamp in the switch comes on, then a
malfunction has been detected. In this case, drive only
with the roll bar raised until the problem has been
corrected. Raise the roll bar by pressing the upper half
of the roll bar switch.
Have the system checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Items being transported in the rear passenger
compartment should be placed in such a manner as not
to affect the movement of the roll bar when being
raised.
P91.59-2001-26
12
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68 Restraint systems
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
3Side impact airbag
The side impact airbags are located in the doors.
The most effective occupant restraint system yet
developed for use in production vehicles is the seat belt.
In some cases, however, the protective effect of a seat
belt can be further enhanced by an airbag.
In conjunction with wearing the seat belts, the driver
and front passenger airbags can provide increased
protection for the driver and front passenger in certain
frontal impacts exceeding preset thresholds. Door mounted side impact airbags can provide increased
protection to belted front passengers on the impacted
side of the vehicle in side impacts exceeding its preset
threshold.
Important!
The operational readiness of the airbag system is
verified by the indicator lamp “SRS” in the instrument
cluster when turning the electronic key in steering lock
to position 1 or 2. If no fault is detected, the lamp will go
out after approximately 4 seconds; after the lamp goes
out, the system continues to monitor the components
and circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a
malfunction by coming on again. If the lamp does not
come on at all or if it fails to extinguish after
approximately 4 seconds or if it comes on thereafter,
a malfunction in the system has been detected.
The following system components are monitored or
undergo a self-check: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition
circuits, front seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning
retractors, seat sensor.
3
P91.60-2122-26
J_A208.book Seite 68 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09