
1 Contents 
IntroductionProduct information  .......................... 7
Roadside assistance ......................... 10
Where to find it  ................................ 14
Reporting Safety Defects  ................ 16Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls  ............... 18
Center console  .............................. 20
Door control panel  ....................... 22
Overhead control panel  ............... 23OperationVehicle keys  ...................................... 26
Start lock-out  .................................... 28
General notes on the 
central locking system  ............... 28
Central locking system  ................... 29
Radio frequency and 
infrared remote control  ............... 29
Locking and unlocking ................ 31Choosing global or 
selective mode on 
remote control  ...............................31
Opening and closing windows
and sliding / pop-up roof 
from outside  ................................. 32
Panic button  ................................. 33
Mechanical keys  .......................... 33
Doors  ................................................. 34
Locking and unlocking 
driver’s door manually  ............... 36
Tailgate .............................................. 37
Locking and unlocking 
the tailgate manually  .................. 38
Locking the tailgate separately  . 39
Central locking switch .................... 40
Automatic central locking ............... 41
Emergency unlocking in 
case of accident  ........................... 41
Antitheft alarm system ................... 42
Tow-away alarm  ............................... 43
Easy-entry/exit feature  .................. 44
Front seat adjustment ..................... 45Synchronizing head restraints
and seat adjustment fore, aft  ..... 47
Removal and installation of 
front seat head restraints  .......... 51
Seat heater, front  ............................. 52
Seat heater, rear  ............................... 54
Seat belts and 
integrated restraint system  ....... 56
Seat belts ........................................... 56
Seat belt nonusage 
warning system  ............................ 57
BabySmart
TM airbag 
deactivation system  .................... 63
Self-test BabySmart
TM without 
special child seat installed  ........ 63
Supplemental restraint system 
(SRS)  ............................................. 64
Emergency tensioning retractor 
(ETR)  ............................................. 65
Airbags  .............................................. 66
Safety guidelines for the 
seat belt, emergency 
tensioning retractor and 
airbag  ............................................ 71
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2 Contents 
Infant and 
child restraint systems  ................ 73
Steering wheel adjustment 
(electrical)  .................................... 78
Inside rear view mirror ................... 79
Antiglare night position  .............. 79
Exterior rear view mirrors  ............. 80
Instrument cluster  ........................... 84
Multifunction steering wheel, 
multifunction display  ................. 90
Trip and main odometer and 
sub menu  ..................................... 94
Audio systems  .................................. 96
Radio  .............................................. 96
CD player  ....................................... 97
Telephone  .......................................... 98
Navigation system .......................... 103
Trip computer  ................................. 104
Malfunction/warning 
message memory  ...................... 106
Individual settings ......................... 108
Setting the audio volume .............. 122
Coolant temperature gauge  .......... 123Flexible service system 
(FSS)  ........................................... 124
Engine oil level indicator  ............. 127
Exterior lamp switch ..................... 129
Headlamp mode  ..............................130
Night security illumination  ..........132
Locator lighting ...........................133
Headlamp cleaning system  ...........133
Combination switch  .......................134
Rear window wiper/washer ..........138
Hazard warning flasher switch ....139
Climate control  .............................. 140
Rear passenger compartment 
adjustable air outlets  ................150
Power windows  ............................... 151
Sliding/pop-up roof  ........................154
Interior lighting  ..............................156
Door entry lamps  ........................157
Rear interior lamps  ....................158
Cargo compartment lamps  ........159
Sun visors  ........................................ 161
Illuminated vanity mirrors  ........... 161
Interior  .............................................162Storage compartments, 
armrest and cup holder  ........... 162
Glove box  ..................................... 163
Ashtrays  .......................................... 168
Lighter  ............................................. 170
Floor mat  ......................................... 170
Split rear seat bench  ..................... 171
Rear seat head restraints  .......... 173
Enlarged cargo area ....................... 174
Cargo tie-down rings  ..................... 174
Partition net  .................................... 175
Loading instructions  ..................... 178
Parcel net in 
front passenger footwell  .......... 180
Cargo area cover blind  .................. 180
Roof racks ........................................ 181
Brush guard  .................................... 182
Telephone, general  ........................ 184
Cellular telephone  ......................... 184
Garage door opener  ....................... 185
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24 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys  ...................................... 26
Start lock-out  .................................... 28
General notes on the 
central locking system  ............... 28
Central locking system  ................... 29
Radio frequency and 
infrared remote control  ............... 29
Locking and unlocking ................ 31
Choosing global or 
selective mode on 
remote control  .............................. 31
Opening and closing windows
and sliding / pop-up roof from 
outside  ........................................... 32
Panic button  .................................. 33
Mechanical keys  ........................... 33
Doors .................................................. 34
Locking and unlocking 
driver’s door manually  ................ 36
Tailgate  .............................................. 37
Locking and unlocking 
the tailgate manually  ................... 38Locking the tailgate 
separately ...................................... 39
Central locking switch .................... 40
Automatic central locking ............... 41
Emergency unlocking in 
case of accident  ........................... 41
Antitheft alarm system ................... 42
Tow-away alarm  ............................... 43
Easy-entry/exit feature  .................. 44
Front seat adjustment ..................... 45
Synchronizing head restraints 
and seat adjustment fore, aft  ..... 47
Removal and installation 
of front seat head restraints  ......51
Seat heater, front  ............................. 52
Seat heater, rear  .............................. 54
Seat belts and 
integrated restraint system  ....... 56
Seat belts  .......................................... 56
Seat belt nonusage 
warning system  ............................ 57
BabySmart
TM airbag 
deactivation system  ................... 63Self-test BabySmart
TM 
without special child seat
installed  ........................................ 63
Supplemental restraint system 
(SRS)  ............................................. 64
Emergency tensioning retractor 
(ETR)  ............................................. 65
Airbags  .............................................. 66
Safety guidelines for the 
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor 
and airbag  .................................... 71
Infant and child 
restraint systems  .......................... 73
Steering wheel adjustment 
(electrical)  .................................... 78
Inside rear view mirror  .................. 79
Antiglare night position  .............. 79
Exterior rear view mirrors  ............. 80
Instrument cluster  ........................... 84
Multifunction steering wheel, 
multifunction display  ................. 90
Trip and main odometer 
and sub menu  .............................. 94
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45 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Front seat adjustment 
To operate the front power seat adjustment switches, 
turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1 
or 2 (with respective front door open, the power seats 
can also be operated with the electronic key removed or 
in starter switch position 0).
Note:
If the passenger side seat backrest is set to a full upright 
position and the passenger seat is moved fully forward, 
the cup holder next to the armrest must be removed 
(page 166) and the cup holder in the passenger footwell 
(page 167) must be folded closed.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving. 
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause the 
driver to lose control of the vehicle.Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat back 
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position 
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat 
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt 
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That 
could cause serious or fatal injuries. The seat back 
and seat belts provide the best restraint when the 
wearer is in an upright position and belts are 
properly positioned on the body.Never place hands under seat or near any moving 
parts while a seat is being adjusted.
When leaving the vehicle always remove the 
electronic key from the starter switch, and lock 
your vehicle. The power seats can also be operated with the 
driver’s or front passenger door open. Do not leave 
children unattended in the vehicle, or with access 
to an  unl ocked vehic l e. Uns upervi s ed us e of  vehi cl e 
equipment may cause serious personal injury.
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50 Seats
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Important!
Prior to operating the vehicle, the driver should check 
and adjust if necessary the seat height, seat position 
fore and aft, and backrest angle to insure adequate 
control, reach and comfort. The head restraint should 
also be adjusted for proper height. See also airbag 
section for proper seat positioning.
In addition, also adjust the steering wheel to ensure 
ad eq uate  con tr ol, r each,  operation  and  com fort. B ot h the  
inside and outside rear view mirrors should be adjusted 
for adequate rearward vision.
Fasten seat belts. Infants and small children should be 
seated in a properly secured restraint system that 
complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard 213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard 213.
All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and rear view 
mirror adjustments as well as fastening of seat belts 
should be done before the vehicle is put into motion.
Wa r n i n g !
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in 
the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz 
authorized BabySmart
TM compatible child seat, 
which operates with the BabySmart
TM system 
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger 
side front airbag when it is properly installed. 
Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it 
inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal 
injury can result.
According to accident statistics, children are safer 
when properly restrained in the rear seating 
positions than in the front seating positions. 
Infants and small children must ride in back seats 
and be seated in an appropriate infant or child 
restraint system, which is properly secured with 
the vehicle’s seat belt, fully in accordance with the 
child seat manufacturer’s instructions.A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is 
significantly increased if the child restraints are 
not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is 
not properly secured in the child restraint.
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56 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Seat belts and integrated restraint system
Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts for all seats, 
emergency tensioning retractors for front and second 
row outboard seat belts, and single front airbags. Their 
protective functions are designed to complement one 
another.
Seat belts
Important!
Laws in most states and all Canadian provinces require 
seat belt use.
All states and provinces require use of child restraints 
that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard 213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard 213.
All child restraint systems are designed to be secured in 
vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-
shoulder belt.
For your safety and that of your passengers we strongly 
recommend their use.
Wa r n i n g !
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in 
the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz 
authorized BabySmart
TM compatible child seat, 
which operates with the BabySmart
TM system 
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger 
side front airbag when it is properly installed. 
Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it 
inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal 
injury will result.
According to accident statistics, children are safer 
when properly restrained in the rear seating 
positions than in the front seating positions. 
Infants and small children must ride in back seats 
and be seated in an appropriate infant or child 
restraint system, which is properly secured with 
the vehicle’s seat belt, fully in accordance with the 
child seat manufacturer’s instructions.A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is 
significantly increased if the child restraints are 
not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is 
not properly secured in the child restraint.
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62 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Wa r n i n g !
USE CHILD RESTRAINTS PROPERLY.Children 12 years old and under must never ride in 
the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz 
authorized BabySmart
TM compatible child seat, 
which operates with the BabySmart
TM system 
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger 
front airbag when it is properly installed. 
Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it 
inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal 
injury will result.
According to accident statistics, children are safer 
when properly restrained in the rear seating 
positions than in the front seating positions. 
Infants and small children must ride in back seats 
and be seated in an appropriate infant or child 
restraint system, which is properly secured with 
the vehicle’s seat belt, fully in accordance with the 
child seat manufacturer’s instructions.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is 
significantly increased if the child restraints are 
not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is 
not properly secured in the child restraint.Children too big for child restraint systems must 
ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position 
shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or 
neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve 
proper belt positioning.
J_G463.book Seite 62 Mittwoch, 19. September 2001 8:06 08 

63 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments 
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument 
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system
Special BabySmart
TM compatible child seats, designed 
for use with the Mercedes-Benz system and available at 
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center are 
required for use with the BabySmart
TM airbag 
d eactivation  system.  Wit h t he sp ecial child  s eat p rop erly  
installed, the passenger front airbag will not deploy.
The ü indicator lamp located in the center console 
will be illuminated, except with electronic key removed 
or in starter switch position 0.
Self-test BabySmart
TM without special child seat 
installed
After turning electronic key in starter switch to 
position 1 or 2, the ü indicator lamp located in the 
center console comes on for approximately 6 seconds 
and then extinguishes.
If the indicator lamp should not come on or is 
continuously lit, the system is not functioning. You must 
see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Light Truck Center 
before seating any child on the front passenger seat. See 
page 271 for notes on the ü indicator lamp.
BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.
Wa r n i n g !
The BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system will 
ONLY work with a special child seat designed to 
operate with it. It will not work with child seats 
which are not BabySmart
TM compatible.
Never place anything between seat cushion and 
child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the 
effectiveness of the deactivation system. The 
bottom of the child seat must make full contact 
with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly 
mounted child seat could cause injuries to the 
child in case of an accident instead of protecting 
the child.Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for 
installation of special child seats.The passenger front airbag will not deploy only if 
the ü indicator lamp remains illuminated.Please be sure to check the indicator every time 
you use the special system child seat. Should the 
light go out while the restraint is installed, please 
check installation. If the light remains out, do not 
use the BabySmart
TM restraint to transport children 
on the front passenger seat until the system has 
been repaired.
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