74 Restraint systems
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
When you sell the vehicle we strongly urge you to give 
notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with 
an “SRS” by alerting him to the applicable section in the 
Operator’s Manual.
• No modifications of any kind may be made to 
any components or wiring of the “SRS”. This 
includes changing or removing any component 
or part of the “SRS”, the installation of 
additional trim material, badges etc. over the 
steering wheel hub, front passenger airbag 
cover, or front door trim panels, and 
installation of additional electrical/electronic 
equipment on or near “SRS” components and 
wiring. Keep area between airbags and 
occupants free of objects (e.g. packages, 
purses, umbrellas, etc.).• An airbag system component within the 
steering wheel gets hot after the airbag has 
inflated. Do not touch.• Improper work on the system, including 
incorrect installation and removal, can lead to 
possible injury through an unintended 
activation of the “SRS”.• In addition, through improper work there is 
the risk of rendering the “SRS” inoperative or 
causing unintended airbag deployment. Work 
on the “SRS” must therefore only be performed 
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
• For your protection and the protection of 
others, when scrapping the airbag unit or 
emergency tensioning retractor, our safety 
instructions must be followed. These 
instructions are available at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.• Given the considerable deployment speed and 
the textile structure of the airbags, there is the 
possibility of abrasions or other injuries 
resulting from airbag deployment.
J_A208.book Seite 74 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 
213 Driving instructions
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the 
antilock brake system (ABS) or of the electronic stability 
program (ESP) can only be achieved with M+S rated 
radial-ply tires and / or snow chains recommended by 
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
For driving instructions with snow chains, see page 211.
Deep water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown 
depth.
If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to 
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or 
passenger compartment, being ingested by the air 
intake, possibly causing damage to electrical 
components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is 
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.Passenger compartment
Traveling abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service 
network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas 
which are not listed in the index of your Mercedes-Benz 
Center directory, you should request pertinent 
information from your authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Always fasten items being carried as securely as 
possible.In an accident, during hard braking or sudden 
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around 
inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle 
oc cu pa nt s u nl ess  t he i tem s  are s ecurely  fastened  i n  
the vehicle.The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.
J_A208.book Seite 213 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09