Page 196 of 346

193 Steering lock
Technical
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 272 or jump starting on page 274.
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.
The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle 
battery properly charged and connected.
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        Page 220 of 346

217 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum 
BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply 
continuous full braking power during the stopping 
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
The malfunction indicator lamp for the electronic 
stability program (ESP) is combined with the BAS 
malfunction indicator lamp.
The BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in 
steering lock position 2 and should go out with the 
engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on 
permanently while the engine is running, a malfunction 
has been detected in either system. As a result, it is 
possible that now only partial engine output will be 
available. If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system 
functions in the usual manner, but without BAS.If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the BAS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
BAS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS is also switched 
off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on with the 
engine running.
If the BAS warning message is displayed, have the BAS 
or ESP checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center as soon as possible.
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        Page 222 of 346

219 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index ABS control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp- in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the electronic key in 
steering lock position 2 and should go out with the 
engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on while the engine is 
running, it indicates that the ABS has detected a 
malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake 
system functions in the usual manner, but without 
antilock assistance.
For ABS malfunction indicator lamp, see page 231.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps come on 
with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.If t he ABS malfunction indicator lamp stays illuminated, 
have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions 
you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as 
appropriate.
Wa r n i n g !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics 
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase 
braking or steering efficiency beyond that afforded 
by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or 
the traction afforded. The ABS cannot prevent 
accidents, including those resulting from excessive 
speed in turns, following another vehicle too 
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and 
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The 
capabilities of an ABS eq uipped vehicle must never 
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner 
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the 
safety of others.
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        Page 234 of 346

231 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic stability program (ESP) — warning lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp in the 
speedometer dial comes on with the 
electronic key in steering lock position 2. 
It should go out with engine running.
See page 220 if the warning lamp lights up or flashes 
when the vehicle is moving.
BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP 
is combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on with the 
electronic key in steering lock position 2. It should go 
out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp remains 
illuminated with the engine running, see page 216 for 
notes on the brake assist (BAS) and page 220 for notes 
on the electronic stability program (ESP).ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the 
electronic key in steering lock position 2 and 
should go out with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp and the 
malfunction message in the instrument cluster remains 
illuminated while the engine is running, it indicates 
that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has 
switched off. In this case, the brake system functions in 
the usual manner, but without antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps and the 
ABS malfunction message in the multifunction display 
come on with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
See page 218 for notes on the antilock brake system 
(ABS).
BAS
ESP
ABS
J_A208.book Seite 231 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09