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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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        Page 255 of 330
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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        Page 276 of 330

273 Towing
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index We recommend that the vehicle be transported using 
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other 
types of towing.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground 
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to 
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph 
(50 km/h). The electronic key must be in steering lock 
position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the 
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft 
be disconnected at the rear axle drive flange for any 
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with 
sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage 
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with 
electronic key in steering lock turned to position 0.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning 
flasher in use, turn electronic key in steering lock to 
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or 
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected 
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning 
flasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the 
engine must be shut off (electronic key in steering lock 
position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be 
engaged  an d will app ly  t he r ear wheel b rakes . Swi tch o f f  
the tow-away alarm (see page 44) as well as the ESP (see 
page 220).
Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power 
assistance for the braking and steering systems. In 
this case, it is important to keep in mind that a 
considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to 
brake and steer the vehicle.
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