
250 Malfunction and warning messages
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
STEERING GEAR OIL
System without or with insufficient steering gear oil
level. Danger of damage to steering gear exists.
When this message appears, the steering gear oil level
has dropped below the required level. Have the system
checked at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Line 1 Line 2
STEERING GEAR OIL VISIT WORKSHOP!
Wa r n i n g !
If the level of steering gear oil in reservoir is too
low, the steering power assistance could fail. Much
greater effort will then be needed to turn the
steering wheel.Do not add steering oil without checking the
steering system.Do not drive the vehicle. Have the system checked
at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon
as possible.
W210.book Seite 250 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11

285 Towing the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Towing the vehicleImportant!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in steering lock position 2, the vehicle
doors lock if the lef t front wheel as well as the right rear
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking.
The rear towing eye is located at the right, below the
bumper.
Wa r n i n g
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in
steering lock position 2. The maximum towing
speed and distance with the vehicle on the ground
is 30 mph and 30 miles.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, the
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key
from steering lock and reinsert.
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286 Towing the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
1Cover on right side of front bumper
To remove cover:
Press mark on cover in direction of arrow and lift cover
off to reveal threaded hole for towing eye bolt. The
towing eye bolt is supplied with the vehicle tools. Screw
towing eye bolt in to its stop and tighten with lug
wrench.
To reinstall cover:
Engage cover (1) at bottom and press in top securely.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.
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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287 Towing the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index 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 and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Switch off the tow-away alarm, see page 44, and the
automatic center locking on page 35.Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking
In the case of power failure the transmission selector
lever can be manually unlocked, e.g. to tow the vehicle.
To do so, insert a pin (1), e.g. ball point pen, into the
covered opening below the position “D” of the shift
pattern. While pushing the pin down, move selector
lever from position “P”.
Af ter removal of the pin from the opening, the cover will
not close fully. Only after moving the selector lever to
positions “D+” and “D–” does the cover return to its
closed position.
W210.book Seite 287 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11

303 Contents – Vehicle care
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................304
Power washer ..............................305
Tar stains .....................................305
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................305
Engine cleaning ..........................306
Vehicle washing .........................306
Ornamental moldings ................306
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................306
Cleaning the parktronic
system sensors ...........................307Window cleaning /
glass sunroof .............................. 307
Wiper blades .............................. 307
Light alloy wheels ..................... 308
Instrument cluster ..................... 308
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 308
Cup holder .................................. 308
Seat belts ..................................... 308
Headliner and shelf
below rear window .................... 308
Upholstery .................................. 309
Hard plastic trim items ............. 309
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 309
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308 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with Mercedes-
Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft bristle brush
and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176
°F (80
°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely
weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.
W210.book Seite 308 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11

322 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended
by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Model Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine with oil filter E 320, E 430
E 55 AMG8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)Recommended engine oils
Automatic
transmissionE 320, E 430 with AWD,
E 430,
E 55 AMG8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
9.1 US qt (8.6 l)
9.6 US qt (9.1 l)Automatic transmission fluid
Rear axle 1.4 US qt (1.3 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90
Front axle E 320 with AWD
E 430 with AWD0.5 US qt (0.46 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90
Transfer case E 320 with AWD
E 430 with AWDapprox. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) Automatic transmission fluid
Power steering approx. 1.3 US qt (1.1 l) MB Power steering fluid
Front wheel hubs approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature roller bearing
grease
Brake system E 320
E 430approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 l)
approx. 0.7 US qt (0.7 l)MB Brake fluid (DOT 4)
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330 Index
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) ....................................... 217
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 238
ABS-SYSTEM -
malfunction and warning messages ......................243
Adjusting steering wheel ................................................ 81
Air conditioner refrigerant ........................................... 324
Air distribution .............................................................. 130
Air volume ...................................................................... 130
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 66
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ........................................239
Airbags .............................................................................. 69
Alarm system ............................................................. 43, 44
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ....................210, 264, 323, 326
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 217
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 238
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 43
Aquaplaning ...................................................................207
Armrest, rear bench ...................................................... 162
Ashtrays .......................................................................... 166
Center console ........................................................... 166
Rear doors .................................................................. 167Audio system
Anti-theft system ....................................................... 137
Button and soft key operation ................................. 138
Cassette mode ............................................................ 143
CD changer ................................................................. 148
CD mode ..................................................................... 147
Operating and display elements ............................. 136
Operating safety ........................................................ 135
Operation – audio and telephone ........................... 135
Radio mode ................................................................ 141
Telephone operation ................................................. 151
Audio systems ................................................................... 97
Cassette player ............................................................ 99
CD player ......................................................................98
Radio .............................................................................97
Automatic central locking .............................................. 36
Automatic climate control ............................................ 126
Activated charcoal filter ........................................... 132
Air distribution .......................................................... 130
Air recirculation ........................................................ 131
Air volume .................................................................. 130
Basic setting ............................................................... 129
Defogging windows ................................................... 129
Defrosting ...................................................................129
Display and controls .................................................128
Dust filter ................................................................... 131
W210.book Seite 330 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11