Page 331 of 370

337 Technical data
Consumer information
Consumer information
The following text is published as required
of all manufacturers of passenger cars un-
der Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regula-
tions, Part 575 pursuant to the “National
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of
1966”.Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found, where appli-
cable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
a nd one-ha lf (1½ ) tim es as wel l on the gov-
ernment course as a tire graded 100. The
relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.Tread wear
Traction
Temperature
200
AA
A
Warning!
G
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 337 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
Page 337 of 370

343 Technical terms
Tele Aid* System
(Telematic Alarm Identification on De-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecommuni-
cations” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug wrench)
with which threaded fasteners such as
wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is approved.Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road
via the tires.
VIN
(Vehicle Identification Number)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones, por-
table cell phones and audio systems (ra-
dio, CD, etc.).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 343 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
Page 346 of 370

352 Index
Checking level 235
Consumption 235
Display messages 270
Filler neck 236
Messages in display 237, 270
Viscosity 340
Engine oil level see Oil level 233
ESP 23, 75, 340
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP 78
Messages in display 268
Switching off 77
Switching on 77
Warning lamp 254
ETD 340
Safety guidelines 59
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 64
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 232
Switching fuels 332
Exterior lamp switch 98
Exterior lamps
Delayed shut-off 122
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 39
Parking position for 128F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 119
Fastening the seat belts 40
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 192
First aid kit 279
Flat tire 300
Lowering the vehicle 304
Mounting the spare wheel 300
Preparing the vehicle 300
Spare wheel 281
Flexible fuel vehicles 329, 332
At the gas station 232
Switching fuels 332
Flexible Service System (FSS) 246
Flexible service system (FSS) 340
Fog lamp, rear 100, 293
Fog lamps
Replacing bulbs 292
Fog lamps, front 100
Messages in display 274
Replacing bulbs 293
Switching on 100
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC) with ESP 784MATIC 78
Front airbags 60
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon type 295
Halogen-type 294
Messages in display 272–275
Replacing bulbs 292, 294
Switching on 98
Front seat head restraints
Installing 91
Manual seat 91
Power seat* 91
Removing 91
Front seats
Heater 94
FSS 340
FSS (Flexible Service System) 246
Fuel 233
Additives 332
Cruising range 333
E85 (Ethanol fuel) 333
Fuel reserve warning lamp 258
Gasoline additives 332
Premium unleaded gasoline 233,
329, 331
Requirements 331
S203 MY03_A.book Page 352 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM