
319 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index If a tire constantly loses air, it should be inspected for 
damage.
The spare tire should be checked periodically for 
condition and inflation. Spare tire will age and become 
worn over time even if never used, and thus should be 
inspected and replaced when necessary.Battery
Important!
Battery replacement information:
The maintenance-free battery is located in front of the 
rear seat bench and below the cup holder. 
Jump starting terminals are located in the lef t side of the 
engine compartment, see page 321.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires can 
result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they 
are more likely to become punctured or damaged 
by road debris, potholes etc.. Follow recommended 
inflation pressures.Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified 
vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label 
on the driver’s door latch post). Overloading the 
tires can overheat them, possibly causing a 
blowout.
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 
clot hin g. In  cas e i t d oes , i mm ed ia tely  f lus h a f fected  
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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320 Battery
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
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 
key is in starter switch position 0. The battery must 
always be securely installed when the vehicle is in 
operation. During removal and installation always 
protect the disconnected battery positive (+) terminal 
with the cover attached to the battery.While t he en gin e is run ning t he batter y te rm in al clamp s 
must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the 
generator and other electronic components would be 
damaged.
Note:
The gear selector lever will remain locked in 
position “P” and the electronic key can not be turned in 
the starter switch, if the vehicle battery is disconnected 
or discharged.
After reconnecting the battery also set the clock (see 
COMAND operator’s manual), synchronize the 
electronic stability program (ESP) (see page 244) and 
the front seat head restraints (see page 47).
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.
J_G463.book Seite 320 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08 

324 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Towing the vehicle
Notes:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and 
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter switch 
if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See battery 
on page 319 or jump starting on page 321.
In order to move the vehicle, shift automatic 
transmission to position “N”.
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking, see 
page 327.Important!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the 
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow 
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame 
or suspension parts.
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 key must be in 
starter switch position 2.
With the automatic central locking activated and the 
engine running, the vehicle doors lock if the left front 
wheel is 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. See the 
individual setting menu “VEHICLE” – “AUTOMATIC 
DOOR LOCK” on page 118.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using 
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other 
types of towing. 
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down 
vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the 
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in 
starter switch position 2.If the electronic key is left in the starter switch 
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no 
longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the 
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key 
from starter switch and reinsert.
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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326 Towing
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Engine damage /Transmission damage,
Electrical malfunction
To be certain to avoid additional damage to the vehicle 
powertrain, however you should do the following:
Shift automatic transmission to position “N”.
Important!
Vehicle may be towed for distances up to 30 miles 
(50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph 
(50 km/h).
For towing vehicle for distances exceeding 30 miles 
(50 km) or if the vehicle has a damaged transfer 
case, remove drive shafts to the drive axles.
When towing vehicle with one axle raised, the 
electronic key in starter switch must be in 
position 1.
With damage to front axle, raise front axle. Remove 
drive shaft between rear axle and transfer case.
With damage to rear axle, raise rear axle and tow 
vehicle with wheel lift or dolly placed under front 
wheels.Notes:
When removing drive shaft, place M10 nuts on bolts as 
distance sleeves and tighten using M8 nuts.
Always install new self-locking nuts when reinstalling 
the drive shaft.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the 
engine must be shut off (electronic key in starter switch 
position 1). Otherwise, the 4-ETS may become engaged 
which may cause loss of towing control. Switch off the 
tow-away alarm (see page 43) as well as the ESP (see 
page 245).
Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning 
flasher in use, turn electronic key in starter switch to 
position 1 and activate combination switch for left or 
right turn signal in usual manner. Now deactivate the 
hazard warning flasher, only the selected turn signal 
will operate. Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard 
warning flasher must be activated again.
J_G463.book Seite 326 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08 

329 Exterior lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Headlamp assembly (Halogen)
1Securing screw
2Head lamp trim panel
3Headlamp
4Headlamp-securing screwTo   r e m ove   h e a d l a mp :
Unscrew securing screws (1) and remove head lamp 
trim panel (2) and seal.
Unscrew headlamp-securing screws (4) and remove 
headlamp (3).
Vehicle with brush guard (MB Accessory):
The brush guard must be lowered before the headlamp 
bulbs can be replaced, see page 182.
4
4
4
J_G463.book Seite 329 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08 

362 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Front wheel hubs
(high temperature roller bearing grease)approx. 1.5 oz (43 g) each
Brake system
(MB Brake fluid [DOT 4+])approx. 0.53 US qt (0.5 l)
Windshield / headlamp washer system
(MB Windshield washer concentrate “S” 
1)approx. 7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
Cooling system
(MB Anticorrosion / antifreeze)approx. 12.7 US qt (12.0 l)
Fuel tank
including a reserve of
(Premium unleaded gasoline: 
Posted Octane 91 (Avg. of 96 RON / 86 MON))approx. 25.4 US gal (96.0 l)
approx. 5.3 US gal (20.0 l)
Air conditioner system
(R-134a refrigerant and special
PA C   l u b r ic a n t  (Never R-12))
1 Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield 
Washer Concentrate “S” and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze for 
temperatures below freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios, see page 307.Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. Model G 500
Capacity
J_G463.book Seite 362 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08