
124 Automatic climate control
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear window defroster
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
To select, press F button.
To c a nc el, pr ess F button again.
Notes:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster consumes a large amount of
electrical power. To keep the battery drain to a
minimum, turn off the defroster as soon as the window
is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after a
maximum of 12 minutes of operation.
If several power consumers are turned on
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged,
it is possible that the defroster will automatically turn
itself off. When this happens, the indicator lamp inside
the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns itself back on.Air distribution
TPress b button for each side repeatedly until the
requested symbol is displayed.
Press U button to return to automatic mode.
Air volume
Press – or + side of rocker switch ï until the
requested blower speed is attained. A choice of 7 blower
speeds is available.
To switch the automatic climate control off, press – side
of rocker switch ï until symbol OFF is displayed.IThe fresh air supply to the vehicle interior is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only temporarily,
otherwise the windshield could fog up.
To switch the automatic climate control on again, press
U, P or +side of ï.
J_A208.book Seite 124 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

125 Automatic climate control
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the vehicle’s interior.
To select, press O button.
To c a nc el, pr ess O button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air
•after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures
below approx. 40
°F (5
°C),
•after approx. 30 minutes at outside temperatures
above approx. 40
°F (5
°C),
•after approx. 5 minutes, if button S is pressed.
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch
from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing
the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially
fresh air within 30 minutes.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To s e l e c t :
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or
remove key.
Press T button
This function selection will not activate if the battery
charge level is insufficient.
To c a n c e l :
Press T button.
The system will automatically shut off
•if you turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2,
•after approx. 30 minutes,
•if the battery voltage drops.
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126 Automatic climate control
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.
Note:
Keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of
snow and debris.Important!
This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system
that uses R–134a (HFC: hydrofluorocarbon) as a
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected
in a recovery system for recycling.
J_A208.book Seite 126 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

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.
J_A208.book Seite 193 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

303 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Ad d ition al in fo rm atio n can be foun d in t he boo klet titled
“Vehicle Care Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at soft top, electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).
J_A208.book Seite 303 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09

324 Consumer information
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Consumer information
This has been prepared as required of all manufactures
of passenger cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to federal
safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1
1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Wa r n i n g !
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straightahead braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
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326 Index
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) ....................................... 218
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 231
ABS-SYSTEM - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................ 237
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............................................285
Adjusting telescoping steering column ........................ 77
Air conditioner refrigerant ........................................... 320
Air distribution .............................................................. 124
Air volume ...................................................................... 124
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 64
Airbag OFF indicator lamp ........................................... 232
Airbags .............................................................................. 67
Alarm system ............................................................. 43, 44
Antenna
Removal ...................................................................... 298
Anticorrosion/antifreeze .................... 212, 258, 318, 323
Antiglare night position ................................................. 78
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 218
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 231
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 43
Aquaplaning ...................................................................209Armrest, rear bench ....................................................... 156
Ashtray
Center console, front ................................................ 154
Audio system ..................................................................127
Anti-theft system .......................................................129
Button and soft key operation ................................. 130
Cassette mode ............................................................ 135
CD changer ................................................................. 140
CD mode ..................................................................... 139
Operating and display elements .............................128
Operating safety ........................................................127
Operation .................................................................... 131
Operation – audio and telephone ........................... 127
Radio mode ................................................................ 133
Telephone operation ................................................. 143
Audio systems ................................................................... 93
Cassette player ............................................................ 95
CD player ......................................................................94
Radio .............................................................................93
Automatic central locking .............................................. 36
Automatic climate control ............................................ 120
Air distribution .......................................................... 124
Air recirculation ........................................................125
Air volume ..................................................................124
Basic setting ............................................................... 122
Defogging windows ................................................... 123
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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