
191 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.
The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle
battery properly charged and connected. See battery on
page 280 or jump starting on page 282.
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.
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221 Driving systems
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
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 and the yellow ESP warning
lampv in the speedometer dial come on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2. They should
go out with the engine running.
If the BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on
continuously with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in either system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in
the usual manner, but without BAS.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, have the BAS
or ESP checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial c omes on ). For t his r eason , all wheels , i nclud in g t he
spare wheel, must have the same tire outside diameter.
When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp may be illuminated with the engine
running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The BAS / ESP malfunction indicator lamp
should go out.
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233 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 .........234
On-board diagnostic system .....234
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................234
Brake warning lamp ..................235
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................236
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ....................236
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............237
BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp .............................237ABS malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 238
Seat belt warning lamp ............. 238
Malfunction and indicator lamp
in the center console ............... 239
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp ............................ 239
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 240
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................ 241
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR ........ 242
ABS-SYSTEM .............................. 243
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 243
BRAKE LINING WEAR .............. 244BRAKE FLUID .............................244
PARKING BRAKE .......................245
ENGINE FAN ...............................245
COOLANT (coolant level) ..........246
COOLANT TEMP. ........................247
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................248
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................249
REMOVE KEY .............................249
STEERING GEAR OIL .................250
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 251
WASHER FLUID .........................252
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) ..253
TELE AID .....................................253
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255 Contents – Practical hints
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................256
Stowing things in the vehicle ......256
Fuses ................................................257
Hood .................................................259
Checking engine oil level .............262
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................263
Coolant level ...................................263
Adding coolant ...........................264
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................265
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........265
Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ................266Vehicle jack .................................... 267
Wheels ............................................ 268
Tire replacement ....................... 268
Rotating wheels ......................... 269
Spare wheel .................................... 270
Spare wheel bolts ...................... 270
Spare wheel .....................................271
Changing wheels ........................... 273
Tire inflation pressure ................. 278
Battery ............................................. 280
Jump starting ................................. 282
Towing the vehicle ........................ 285
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ................. 287Exterior lamps ................................288
Headlamp assembly ...................289
Taillamp assemblies ..................292
Changing batteries
in the electronic main key ......294
Synchronizing
remote control ............................296
Emergency engine shut-down .....296
Rear seat cushion ..........................297
Emergency operation of
sliding / pop-up roof .................298
Manual release for
fuel filler flap .............................299
Replacing wiper blade insert .......300
Roof rack .........................................302
W210.book Seite 255 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11

280 Battery
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Battery
Important!
Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located under the rear
seat cushion. To minimize the chance for acid leakage
which could cause severe burns during a crash or
rollover, a special acid leakage resistant battery was
factory installed. A replacement battery for the vehicle must not leak acid when upside down for at least 15
minutes. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center can
provide such a special battery.
The service life of the battery is dependent on its
condition of charge. The battery should always be kept
sufficiently charged, in order to last an optimum length
of time.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the
battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than
approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month,
mostly for short distance trips, or if it is not used for
long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the
battery has been disconnected from the vehicle’s
electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and
connect last.
When removing and connecting the battery, always
make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the
electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery,
its filler caps, the vent tube and the opposite plug must
always be securely installed when the vehicle in
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries while connecting, you
might get injured.Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow
this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water and seek medical help if necessary.A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is
flammable and explosive. Keep flames or sparks
away from battery, avoid improper connection of
jumper cables, smoking etc..
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281 Battery
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index operation. During removal and installation always
protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal
with the cover attached to the battery.
While the engine is running the battery terminal clamps
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the
generator and other electronic components would be
damaged.
Note:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and
the electronic key cannot be turned in the steering lock,
if the vehicle battery is disconnected or discharged.
After reconnecting the battery also resynchronize the
front seat head restraints, the express feature of the
power windows, and the electronic stability program
(ESP), see pages 47, 156 and 221.Battery recycling
Batteries contain material that can harm the
environment with improper disposal.
Large 12 Volt storage batteries contain lead.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of
disposal.
Many states require sellers of batteries to accept old
batteries for recycling.
W210.book Seite 281 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11

294 Electronic main key
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Changing batteries in the electronic main key
1Transmit buttons
2Lamp for battery check and function control
Checking batteries
If one of the transmit buttons (1) is pressed, the battery
check lamp (2) lights up briefly – indicating that the
batteries are in order.
Change batteries if the battery check lamp (2) does not
light up briefly.Changing batteries
Move locking tab (3) in direction of right arrow and
remove mechanical key (4, left arrow).
P80.20-2201-26
1
2
P80.35-2029-26
4
3
W210.book Seite 294 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11

295 Electronic main key
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Insert mechanical key (4) in side opening (5) to open
latch. Press briefly (do not use mechanical key as lever)
to release battery compartment.
Remove mechanical key from side opening.
Carefully remove battery compartment in direction of
arrow(6).Change batteries (7), inserting new ones under contact
spring (8) with plus (+) side facing up.
Return battery compartment into housing until locked
in place and slide mechanical key back into electronic
main key.
P80.35-2025-26
5
4
6
P80.35-2027-26
78
W210.book Seite 295 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11