
43 Antitheft alarm system
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Antitheft alarm system
1Indicator lamp in switch located in center console
The antitheft alarm is automatically armed or disarmed 
with the remote control by locking or unlocking the 
vehicle.
The antitheft alarm is armed within approx. 10 seconds 
after locking the vehicle.
A blinking lamp (1) indicates that the alarm is armed.Operation:
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior 
vehicle lamps will flash and an alarm will sound when 
someone:
•opens a door,
•opens the trunk,
•opens the hood,
•attempts to raise the vehicle.
The alarm will last approximately 3 minutes in form of 
flashing exterior lamps. At the same time an alarm will 
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the 
activating element (a door, for example) is immediately 
closed. The antitheft alarm system is switched off 
automatically if the vehicle is unlocked with the 
electronic key. If the alarm stays on for more than 
20 seconds, an emergency call is initiated automatically. 
See Tele Aid on page 180.
Notes:
When you unlock the driver’s door with the mechanical 
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will 
sound. To interrupt the alarm, insert the electronic key 
in the steering lock or press buttonŒ or‹ on the 
electronic key.
1
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88 Instrument cluster
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Coolant temperature gauge (3)
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city 
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red 
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant 
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause 
serious engine damage which is not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Outside temperature indicator (5)
The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper 
area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by 
road or engine heat during idling or slow driving. This 
means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature 
can only be verified by comparison to a thermometer 
placed next to the sensor, not by comparison to external 
displays (e.g. bank signs etc.).
Adaptation to ambient temperature takes place in steps 
and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop-
and-go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of 
temperature change.
Wa r n i n g !
• Driving when your engine is badly overheated 
can cause some fluids which may have leaked 
into the engine compartment to catch fire. You 
could be seriously burned.• Steam from an overheated engine can cause 
serious burns and can occur just by opening 
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine if 
you see or hear steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do 
not stand near the vehicle until it cools down.
Wa r n i n g !
The outside temperature indicator is not designed 
to serve as an Ice-Warning Device and is therefore 
unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated 
temperatures just above the freezing point do not 
guarantee that the road surface is free of ice.
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224 Check regularly and before a long trip
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Check regularly and before a long trip 1Engine oil level
See “Engine oil level, checking” on page 114 and 
page 253.
2Coolant level
See “Coolant level” on page 254.
3Brake fluid
See “Brake fluid” on page 307.
4Windshield washer system
Headlamp cleaning system
For refilling reservoir see page 256.
Opening hood, see page 251.
Ve h i c l e   l i g h t i n g : Check function and cleanliness. For 
replacement of light bulbs, see “Exterior lamps” on 
page 275.
Exterior lamps switch, see page 116.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
4
2
1
3
J_C208_II.book Seite 224 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 10:13 10 

239 Malfunction and warning messages
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index COOLANT TEMP. (coolant temperature)
1 Observe coolant temperature gauge, see page 88. 
Check coolant level, see page 254.
This may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should this 
condition occur, the poly-V-belt must be replaced before continuing 
to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to 
an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the 
engine. Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message 
displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is 
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city 
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red 
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant 
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause 
serious engine damage which is not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1 Line 2
COOLANT TEMP. VISIT WORKSHOP!
1
Wa r n i n g !
Driving when your engine is badly overheated can 
cause some fluids which may have leaked into the 
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be 
seriously burned.Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious 
burns and can occur just by opening the engine 
hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear 
steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do 
not stand near the vehicle until it cools down.
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251 Engine compartment
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Hood
Wa r n i n g !
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of 
moving parts when the hood is open and the engine 
is running. Be sure the hood is properly closed 
before driving. When closing hood, use extreme 
caution not to catch hands or fingers.The radiator fan may continue to run for 
approximately 30 seconds or even restart after the 
engine has been turned off. Stay clear from fan 
blades.
The engine is equipped with a transistorized 
ignition system. Because of the high voltage it is 
dangerous to touch any components (ignition coils, 
spark plug sockets, diagnostic socket) of the 
ignition system
• with the engine running,
• while starting the engine,
• if ignition is “on” and the engine is turned 
manually.If you see flames, steam or smoke coming from the 
engine compartment, or if the coolant temperature 
gauge indicates that the engine is overheated, do 
not open the hood. Move away from vehicle and do 
not open the hood until the engine has cooled. If 
necessary, call a fire department.
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252 Engine compartment
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
To o pen :
To unlock the hood, pull release lever (1) under the 
driver’s side of the instrument panel. At the same time a 
handle will extend out of the radiator grill (it may be 
necessary to lift the hood up slightly).
Caution!
To avoid damage to the windshield wiper or hood, open 
the hood only with wiper in the parked position.Pull handle (2) to its stop out of radiator grill and open 
hood (do not pull up on handle).
To   c l o s e :
Lower hood and let it drop into lock from a height of 
approx. 1 f t. (30 cm), assisting with hands placed f lat on 
edges of hood (3).
To avoid hood damage, please make sure that hood is 
fully closed. If not, repeat closing procedure. Do not 
push down on hood to attempt to fully close it.
P88.40-2025-26
1
3
2
3
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255 Engine compartment
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Adding coolant
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50 mixture of water and 
MB anticorrosion / antifreeze should be added.
The drain plugs for the cooling system are located on 
the right side of the engine block and at the bottom of 
the radiator.
Anticorrosion / antifreeze mixture, see page 310.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid possible serious burns or injury:
• Use extreme caution when opening the hood if 
there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking 
from the cooling system, or if the coolant 
temperature gauge indicates that the coolant is 
overheated.
• Do not remove pressure cap on coolant 
reservoir if engine temperature is above 194
°F 
(90
°C). Allow engine to cool down before 
removing cap. The coolant reservoir contains 
hot fluid and is under pressure.
• Using a rag, slowly open cap approximately 
1/2 turn to relieve excess pressure. If opened 
immediately, scalding hot fluid and steam will 
be blown out under pressure.• Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. 
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may 
burn if it comes into contact with hot engine 
parts.
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277 Exterior lamps
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Bulbs for low or high Beam
H7 (55 W)
Open hood.
Rotate cover (2 or 3) counterclockwise and remove. Pull 
off electrical connector (5 or 6). Unhook clamping ring 
and remove bulb.
Insert new bulb (seating properly in cutouts of bulb 
socket), mount clamping ring. Reinstall and push 
electrical connector on securely.
Reinstall cover (2 or 3).
Xenon (optional)
Bulb for low beamTurn signal lamp
1156 NA (26.9/5 W/32/4 cp bulb)
Open hood.
Twist bulb socket (4) counterclockwise and pull out. 
Push bulb into socket, turn counterclockwise and 
remove.
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and twist clockwise. 
Reinstall bulb socket. Reinstall lamp assembly until 
properly seated.
Parking and standing lamp
H6W (6Wbulb)
Open hood.
Rotate cover (3) counterclockwise and remove.
Twist bulb socket (7) counterclockwise and pull out. 
Push bulb into socket, turn counterclockwise and 
remove.
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and twist clockwise. 
Reinstall bulb socket. Reinstall lamp assembly until 
properly seated.
Reinstall cover (3).
Wa r n i n g !
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is 
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the lamp 
and its components. We recommend that you have 
such work done by a qualified technician.
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