
2 Contents
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
Telephone  .......................................... 96
Telephone book  ............................ 96
Redialing  ....................................... 98
Incoming call  .............................. 100
Navigation system .......................... 101
Trip computer  ................................. 102
Malfunction/warning 
message memory  ...................... 104
Individual settings ......................... 106
Setting the audio volume .............. 108
Flexible service system 
(FSS) ............................................ 109
Engine oil level indicator .............. 112
Engine oil consumption  .................113
Exterior lamp switch  ......................114
Night security illumination  ..........115Headlamp cleaning system  ........... 116
Combination switch  ....................... 117
Hazard warning flasher 
switch  .......................................... 119
Automatic climate control ............ 120
Display and controls  ................. 122
Basic setting  ............................... 122
Economy ...................................... 123
Special settings  .......................... 123
Rear window defroster  .............. 124
Air recirculation  ........................ 125
Residual engine heat 
utilization .................................... 125
Dust filter  .................................... 126
Audio and telephone, 
operation  .................................... 127
Power windows  .............................. 146
Interior lighting  ............................. 149
Sun visors  ........................................150
Illuminated vanity mirrors  ...........150
Interior  ............................................. 151
Storage compartments, armrest 
and cup holder  ........................... 151
Glove box ...................................... 151Ashtray  ............................................ 154
Lighter  ............................................. 155
Cargo tie down rings  ..................... 156
Parcel net in front 
passenger footwell  .................... 156
Armrest, rear bench  ...................... 156
Telephone, general  ........................ 157
Cellular telephone  ......................... 157
Garage door opener  ....................... 158
Soft top  ............................................ 162
Wind screen .................................... 170
DrivingControl and operation of 
radio transmitters  ..................... 178
The first 1 000 miles 
(1 500 km)  ................................. 179
Maintenance  ................................... 179
Catalytic converter  ........................ 180
Emission control  ............................ 181
Tele Aid  ........................................... 182
Steering lock  ................................... 192
Starting and turning off 
the engine  .................................. 194
J_A208.book Seite 2 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

19 Instruments and controls
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For more detailed descriptions see Index on page 326.
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to automatic climate 
control, see page 120.
1Side air outlet, adjustable
2Air volume control for side air outlet
3Exterior lamp switch, see page 114
4Parking brake release, see page 204
5Parking brake pedal, see page 204
6Hood lock release, see page 254
7Combination switch, see page 117
8Cruise control switch, see page 214
9Multifunction steering wheel, see page 88
Horn (with electronic key in steering lock 
position 1 or 2)
10Instrument cluster, see page 82
11Voice recognition system switch, see separate 
operating instructions
12Steering lock with ignition/starter 
switch, see page 19213Center air outlets, adjustable
14Air volume control for center air outlets
15Left front seat heater switch, see page 56
16Headlamp washer switch, see page 116
17Roll bar switch, see page 53 
Roll bar warning lamp, see page 233
18Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 119
19Central locking switch, see page 35
20Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 44
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system, see 
page 43
21Right front seat heater switch, see page 56
22Automatic climate control, see page 120 
Rear window defroster switch, see page 124
23Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in 
steering lock position 1 or 2), see page 151
24Audio system, see page 127
25Storage compartment
26Ashtray with lighter, see page 154
J_A208.book Seite 19 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

23 Contents – Operation
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Telephone  .......................................... 96
Telephone book  ............................ 96
Redialing  ....................................... 98
Incoming call  .............................. 100
Navigation system .......................... 101
Trip computer  ................................. 102
Malfunction/warning 
message memory  ...................... 104
Individual settings ......................... 106
Setting the audio volume .............. 108
Flexible service system 
(FSS) ............................................ 109
Engine oil level indicator .............. 112
Engine oil consumption  .................113
Exterior lamp switch  ......................114
Night security illumination  ..........115
Headlamp cleaning system  ...........116
Combination switch  .......................117
Hazard warning flasher 
switch ...........................................119Automatic climate control ............ 120
Display and controls  ................. 122
Basic setting  ............................... 122
Economy ...................................... 123
Special settings  .......................... 123
Rear window defroster  .............. 124
Air recirculation  ........................ 125
Residual engine heat 
utilization .................................... 125
Dust filter  .................................... 126
Audio and telephone, 
operation  .................................... 127
Power windows  .............................. 146
Interior lighting  ............................. 149
Sun visors  ........................................150
Illuminated vanity mirrors  ...........150
Interior  ............................................. 151
Storage compartments, armrest 
and cup holder  ........................... 151
Glove box ...................................... 151Ashtray  ............................................ 154
Lighter  ............................................. 155
Cargo tie down rings  ..................... 156
Parcel net in front 
passenger footwell  .................... 156
Armrest, rear bench  ...................... 156
Telephone, general  ........................ 157
Cellular telephone  ......................... 157
Garage door opener  ....................... 158
Soft top  ............................................ 162
Wind screen .................................... 170
J_A208.book Seite 23 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09 

115 Exterior lamp switch
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
With the electronic key removed and the driver’s door 
open, a warning sounds and the message “SWITCH OFF 
LIGHTS” in the multifunction indicator appears if the 
vehicle’s exterior lamps (except standing lamps) are not 
switched off.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps and/or 
the low beam headlamps on. Fog lamps should only be 
used in conjunction with low beam headlamps. Consult 
your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulations 
regarding allowable lamp operation.
Fog lamps are automatically switched off when the 
exterior lamp switch is turned to position D.Daytime running lamps (Canada only)
When the engine is running and the selector lever is in 
a driving position, the low beam headlamps (includes 
parking lamps, side marker lamps, taillamps and 
license plate lamps) are automatically switched on.
When shifting from a driving position to position “N” 
or “P”, the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay).
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should 
be turned to position B to permit activation of the 
high beam headlamps.
Night security illumination
When exiting the vehicle after driving with the exterior 
lamps on, they switch on again for added illumination 
for approximately 30 seconds after closing the last door. 
The lamp-on time period can be changed at your 
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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206 Driving instructions
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Power assistance
BrakesExcessive use of salt and other snow melting chemicals 
spread on roads during the winter months may cause a 
build up of moisture or residue to form on the braking 
components. This build up or residue could cause light 
corrosion of the braking components if the vehicle is 
parked with the brakes cold. Apply steady and even 
braking pressure when stopping the vehicle to warm up 
and dry the brake components.
Important!
Please pay attention to the function of the brake assist 
system (BAS), see page 216.
The condition of the parking brake system is checked 
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required 
maintenance service at an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning 
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid 
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the 
reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and 
steering systems are without power assistance. 
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is 
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without 
applying the brakes or through water deep enough 
to wet brake components or salty road conditions, 
the first braking action may be somewhat reduced 
and increased pedal pressure may be necessary to 
obtain expected braking effect. Be sure to maintain 
a safe distance from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause 
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby 
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may 
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time 
to avoid an accident.
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227 Contents – Instrument cluster display
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and 
indicator lamps in the 
instrument cluster  ....................228
On-board diagnostic system 
Check engine malfunction 
indicator lamp .............................228
Brake warning lamp  ..................229
Supplemental restraint 
system (SRS) indicator lamp  ....230
Fuel reserve and fuel cap 
placement warning  ....................230
Electronic stability program 
(ESP) — warning lamp  ............... 231
BAS/ESP malfunction 
indicator lamp ............................. 231
ABS malfunction 
indicator lamp ............................. 231
Telescoping steering column – 
indicator lamp .............................232
Seat belt warning lamp  .............232Malfunction and 
indicator lamps in the 
center console  ........................... 232
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp  .... 232
Roll bar warning lamp  .............. 233
Malfunction and 
warning messages in the 
multifunction display  .............. 234
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE 
(engine control unit)  ................. 235
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE 
(several systems)  ....................... 235
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR  .......... 236
ABS-SYSTEM  .............................. 237
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 237
BRAKE LINING WEAR .............. 238
BRAKE FLUID  ............................ 238
PARKING BRAKE  ....................... 239
ENGINE FAN ............................... 239
COOLANT (coolant level)  ......... 240
COOLANT TEMP. 
(coolant temperature)  ............... 241LIGHTING 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
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228 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up 
during the bulb self-check when turning the electronic 
key in steering lock to position 2, have it checked and 
replaced if necessary.
On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the 
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator 
lamp comes on when the engine is running, 
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management 
system, emission control system, systems which impact 
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the 
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated 
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you 
may still drive the vehicle, however, in all cases, we 
recommend that you have the system checked at your 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. 
If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp comes on continuously 
and / or the vehicle is not driving normally (e.g. 
malfunction of the fuel management system or running out of fuel), serious damage can occur to the emission 
system. Please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center immediately.
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) control 
module monitors emission control components that 
either provide input signals to or receive output signals 
from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from 
interruptions or failure of any of these components are 
indicated by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction 
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and are 
simultaneously stored in the SFI control module.
If the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp 
comes on, have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
With some exceptions, the control module switches off 
the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp if the 
condition, causing the lamp to come on, no longer exists 
during three consecutive cycles. See also page 230 for 
fuel cap placement warning.
An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the 
passenger compartment near to the parking brake 
pedal, allowing the accurate identification of system 
malfunctions through the readout of diagnostic trouble 
codes.
CHECK
ENGINE
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231 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Technical
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Electronic stability program (ESP) — warning lamp
The yellow ESP warning lamp in the 
speedometer dial comes on with the 
electronic key in steering lock position 2. 
It should go out with engine running.
See page 220 if the warning lamp lights up or flashes 
when the vehicle is moving.
BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP 
is combined with that of the BAS.
The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator 
lamp in the instrument cluster comes on with the 
electronic key in steering lock position 2. It should go 
out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp remains 
illuminated with the engine running, see page 216 for 
notes on the brake assist (BAS) and page 220 for notes 
on the electronic stability program (ESP).ABS malfunction indicator lamp
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the 
instrument cluster comes on with the 
electronic key in steering lock position 2 and 
should go out with the engine running.
When the ABS malfunction indicator lamp and the 
malfunction message in the instrument cluster remains 
illuminated while the engine is running, it indicates 
that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has 
switched off. In this case, the brake system functions in 
the usual manner, but without antilock assistance.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS and ESP are also 
switched off. Both malfunction indicator lamps and the 
ABS malfunction message in the multifunction display 
come on with the engine running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the 
malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is 
switched off. When the voltage is above this value again, 
the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the 
ABS is operational.
Have the system checked at your authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
See page 218 for notes on the antilock brake system 
(ABS).
BAS
ESP
ABS
J_A208.book Seite 231 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 9:35 09