
1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information  .......................... 7
Operator’s manual  ............................. 8
Where to find it  ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects  ................ 15Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls  ............... 18
Center console  .............................. 20
Overhead control panel  ............... 21OperationVehicle keys  ...................................... 24
Start lock-out  .................................... 26
General notes on the 
central locking system  ............... 26
Central locking system  ................... 27
Radio frequency and infrared 
remote control  .............................. 27
Opening and closing 
windows from outside  ................. 31Panic button  ................................. 32
Mechanical keys  .......................... 32
Doors  ................................................. 33
Central locking switch .................... 35
Automatic central locking  .......... 36
Emergency unlocking in 
case of accident  .......................... 36
Trunk ................................................. 37
Trunk lamp ....................................... 39
Trunk lid release switch  ................ 40
Trunk lid emergency release  ......... 41
Trunk lid emergency release  ........ 42
Antitheft alarm system ................... 43
Tow-away alarm  ............................... 44
Power seats, front  ............................ 45
Front head restraints  ...................51
Roll bar and head 
restraints, rear  ............................ 52
Backrest  ............................................ 54
Multicontour seat  ............................ 55
Heated seats  ..................................... 56
Seat belts and integrated 
restraint system  .......................... 58Seat belts ........................................... 58
Seat belt nonusage 
warning system  ............................ 59
BabySmart
TM airbag 
deactivation system  .................... 64
Self-test BabySmart
TM without 
special child seat installed  ......... 65
Supplemental restraint 
system (SRS)  ................................ 65
Emergency tensioning 
retractor (ETR) ............................. 66
Airbags  .............................................. 67
Safety guidelines for the 
seat belt, emergency tensioning 
retractor and airbag  ..................... 73
Infant and child 
restraint systems  .......................... 75
Adjusting telescoping 
steering column  .......................... 77
Inside rear view mirror  .................. 78
Antiglare night position  .............. 78
Exterior rear view mirrors  ............. 79
Instrument cluster  ........................... 82
Indicator lamps in the 
instrument cluster  ...................... 84
J_A208.book Seite 1 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

4 Contents
ENGINE FAN  ...............................239
COOLANT (coolant level)  ..........240
COOLANT TEMP. 
(coolant temperature)  ................ 241
LIGHTING SYSTEM  ....................242
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................243
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST.  ...........243
ENGINE OIL LEVEL  ...................244
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. 
(Electronic stability 
program)  ......................................245
REMOVE KEY  .............................245
WASHER FLUID ..........................246
TELE AID  .....................................247
Practical hintsFirst aid kit  .....................................250
Shelf below rear window  ..............250
Stowing things in 
the vehicle  ..................................250
Luggage cover .................................250
Fuses  ................................................252
Hood  .................................................254
Checking engine oil level  .............256Automatic transmission 
fluid level  ................................... 257
Coolant level ................................... 257
Adding coolant  ........................... 258
Windshield washer / headlamp 
cleaning system  ........................ 259
Windshield and headlamp 
washer fluid mixing ratio  ........ 259
Spare wheel, vehicle tools, 
storage compartment  ............... 260
Vehicle jack  .................................... 261
Wheels  ............................................ 262
Tire replacement  ....................... 262
Rotating wheels  ......................... 263
Spare wheel .................................... 264
Changing wheels  ........................... 266
Tire inflation pressure  ..................271
Battery ............................................. 272
Jump starting  ..................................274
Towing the vehicle  .........................276
Exterior lamps  ............................... 280
Headlamp assembly  .................. 281
Taillamp assemblies  .................. 283
Adjusting headlamp aim  .............. 285Changing batteries in 
the electronic key  .....................288
Synchronizing remote 
control  .........................................290
Raising soft top manually ............. 291
Antenna  ...........................................298
Manual release for 
fuel filler flap .............................299
Replacing wiper blade insert  .......299
Vehicle careCleaning and care 
of the vehicle  .............................302
Power washer ..............................303
Paintwork, painted body 
components  .................................303
Engine cleaning ..........................304
Tar stains  .....................................304
Vehicle washing  .........................304
Ornamental moldings ................304
Headlamps, taillamps, 
turn signal lenses  ......................305
Window cleaning  .......................305
Plastic and rubber parts ............305
J_A208.book Seite 4 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

22 Contents – Operation
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys  ...................................... 24
Start lock-out  .................................... 26
General notes on the 
central locking system  ............... 26
Central locking system  ................... 27
Radio frequency and infrared 
remote control  .............................. 27
Opening and closing 
windows from outside  ................. 31
Panic button  .................................. 32
Mechanical keys  ........................... 32
Doors .................................................. 33
Central locking switch  .................... 35
Automatic central locking  .......... 36
Emergency unlocking in 
case of accident  ........................... 36
Trunk  ................................................. 37
Trunk lamp  ....................................... 39
Trunk lid release switch  ................. 40
Trunk lid emergency release  ......... 41
Trunk lid emergency release  ......... 42Antitheft alarm system ................... 43
Tow-away alarm  ............................... 44
Power seats, front  ............................ 45
Front head restraints  ...................51
Roll bar and head 
restraints, rear  ............................ 52
Backrest  ............................................ 54
Multicontour seat  ............................ 55
Heated seats  ..................................... 56
Seat belts and integrated 
restraint system  .......................... 58
Seat belts  .......................................... 58
Seat belt nonusage 
warning system  ............................ 59
BabySmart
TM airbag 
deactivation system  ................... 64
Self-test BabySmart
TM without 
special child seat installed  ......... 65
Supplemental restraint 
system (SRS)  ............................... 65
Emergency tensioning 
retractor (ETR)  ............................ 66Airbags  .............................................. 67
Safety guidelines for the 
seat belt, emergency tensioning 
retractor and airbag  ..................... 73
Infant and child 
restraint systems  .......................... 75
Adjusting telescoping 
steering column  .......................... 77
Inside rear view mirror  .................. 78
Antiglare night position  .............. 78
Exterior rear view mirrors  ............. 79
Instrument cluster  ........................... 82
Indicator lamps in the 
instrument cluster  ...................... 84
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
J_A208.book Seite 22 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

26 Central locking system
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Start lock-out
Important!
Removing the electronic key from the steering lock 
activates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be 
started.
Inserting the electronic key in the steering lock 
deactivates the start lock-out.
Note:
In case the engine cannot be started (vehicle’s battery is 
in order), the system is not operational. Contact an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes (in the USA) or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).General notes on the central locking system
If the electronic key is inserted in the steering lock, the 
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote 
control.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked:
•Aim transmitter eye at a receiver of either door 
han d le.  Check  t he b atter ies  of t he elec tr oni c key,  se e 
page 288, or synchronize the remote control, see 
page 290.
•Use the mechanical key to unlock the driver’s door. 
To start the engine, insert the electronic key in the 
steering lock. There could be a slight delay until the 
electronic key can be turned in the steering lock.
Important!
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 26 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

182 Tele Aid
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tele Aid (optional for Canada)
Important!
The initial activation of the Tele Aid system may only be 
performed by completing the subscriber agreement and 
placing an acquaintance call using the “SOS” button. 
Failure to complete either of these steps will result in a 
system that is not activated. If the system is not 
activated the indicator lamp in the “SOS” button stays 
on after turning electronic key in starter switch to 
position 2 and the message “TELE AID – NOT 
ACTIVATED” will be shown in the multifunction display 
for approx. 10 seconds.
If you have any questions regarding activation, please 
call the Response Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) 
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
(Telematic Alarm Identification on Demand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three types of response; 
automatic and manual emergency, roadside assistance 
and information.
The Tele Aid system is operational providing that the 
vehicle’s battery is charged, properly connected, not 
damaged and cellular and GPS coverage is available.The speaker volume of a Tele Aid call can be adjusted 
when using the volume control on the multifunction 
steering wheel, for raising press buttonæ and for 
lowering press buttonç.
To activate, press the “SOS” button, the Roadside 
Assistance button or the Information button¡, 
depending on the type of response required.
Shortly after the completion of your Acquaintance Call, 
you will receive a user ID and password via first call 
mail. By visiting www.mbusa.com and selecting “Tele 
Aid” (USA only), you will have access to account 
information, remote door unlock, Info Services* profile 
and more.
* Optional – available only with COMANDSystem self-check
Initially, after turning the electronic key in starter 
switch to position 2, malfunctions are detected and 
indicated (the indicator lamps in the “SOS” button, the 
Roadside Assistance button and the Information 
button¡ stay on longer than 10 seconds or do not 
come on). The message “TELE AID – VISIT 
WORKSHOP” appears for approx. 10 seconds in the 
multifunction display. 
J_A208.book Seite 182 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

186 Tele Aid
Technical
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 services such as labor and/or towing charges may apply. 
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.
Notes:
The indicator lamp in the Roadside Assistance 
button remains illuminated in red for approx. 
10 seconds during the system self-check after turning 
electronic key in starter switch to position 2 (together 
with the “SOS” button and the Information 
button¡).
See system self-check on page 182 when the indicator 
lamp does not light up in red or stays on longer than 
approximately 10 seconds.
J_A208.book Seite 186 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

249 Contents – Practical hints
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit  .....................................250
Shelf below rear window  ..............250
Stowing things in 
the vehicle  ..................................250
Luggage cover .................................250
Fuses  ................................................252
Hood  .................................................254
Checking engine oil level  .............256
Automatic transmission 
fluid level  ...................................257
Coolant level  ...................................257
Adding coolant  ...........................258Windshield washer / headlamp 
cleaning system  ........................ 259
Windshield and headlamp 
washer fluid mixing ratio  ........ 259
Spare wheel, vehicle tools, 
storage compartment  ............... 260
Vehicle jack  .................................... 261
Wheels  ............................................ 262
Tire replacement  ....................... 262
Rotating wheels  ......................... 263
Spare wheel .................................... 264
Changing wheels  ........................... 266
Tire inflation pressure  ..................271
Battery ............................................. 272Jump starting  .................................. 274
Towing the vehicle ......................... 276
Exterior lamps  ................................280
Headlamp assembly ................... 281
Taillamp assemblies  ..................283
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............285
Changing batteries in 
the electronic key  .....................288
Synchronizing remote 
control  .........................................290
Raising soft top manually ............. 291
Antenna  ...........................................298
Manual release for 
fuel filler flap .............................299
Replacing wiper blade insert  .......299
J_A208.book Seite 249 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

335 Index
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Setting the audio volume .............................................. 108
Shelf below rear window  ..............................................250
Side marker lamp  ..........................................................284
Snow chains .................................................................... 211
Soft top  ............................................................................ 162
Emergency operation  ............................................... 291
Lowering ..................................................................... 164
Raising  ........................................................................ 166
SOS-call
See Tele Aid  ............................................................... 182
Spare parts service  ........................................................ 310
Spare wheel  ........................................................... 260, 264
Special settings (Automatic climate control)  ............ 123
SRS indicator lamp  ........................................................ 230
SRS malfunction  .............................................................. 68
Start lock-out  .................................................................... 26
Starting and turning off the engine  ............................ 194
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. - malfunction 
and warning messages  ............................................ 243
Steering column, adjustable ........................................... 77
Steering lock  ................................................................... 192
Storage compartment
Trunk floor  .................................................................260Storage compartments
Center console  ........................................................... 152
Glove box  .................................................................... 151
Storage compartments, armrest 
and cup holder ........................................................... 151
Stowing things in the vehicle  ..................................... 250
Sun visors ........................................................................ 150
Supplemental restraint system (SRS)  ........................... 65
Synchronizing remote control  .................................... 290
TTachometer ........................................................................ 87
Technical data  ................................................................. 313
Electrical system  ....................................................... 316
Main dimensions  ...................................................... 317
Rims and tires  ........................................................... 314
Weights  ....................................................................... 317
Tele Aid  ............................................................................ 182
Emergency calls  ........................................................ 183
Information  ................................................................ 187
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 185
Roadside Assistance  ................................................. 186
J_A208.book Seite 335 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09