292 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs
Replacing bulbsSafe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling. It is there-
fore essential that all bulbs and lamp as-
semblies are in good working order at all
times.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. See your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for headlamp
adjustment.
Bulbs Front lamps
iBackup bulbs will be brought into use
when the following lamps malfunction:
Standing lamps
Tail lamps
Lamp
Type
1
Additional turn
signal
LED
2
Turn signal lamp
Halogen
Turn signal lamp
Bi-Xenon*
1156 A
2357 A
3
Low beam Halogen
Low and high beam*
H7 (55 W)
Bi-Xenon*
4
High beam
H7 (55 W)
Parking and
standing lamps
W5W
5
Fog lamp
HB4/9006
(55 W)
6
Side marker lamp
W5W
S203 MY03_A.book Page 292 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
294 Practical hintsReplacing bulbsReplacing bulbs for front lamps
Halogen headlamps
1Bulb socket for turn signal lamp
2Headlamp cover for high beam head-
lamp and for parking and standing
lamp
3Headlamp cover for low beam head-
lamp4Low beam bulb
5High beam bulb
6Bulb socket for parking and standing
lamp
Low and high beam bulb
Switch off the lights.
Open the hood (
page 234).
Press the clamp and remove headlamp
cover2 or 3.
Pull electrical connector off.
Unclip the retainer springs and take out
the bulb.
Insert the new bulb so that the base
locates in the recess on the holder.
Clip the retainer springs and plug the
connector onto the bulb.
Align headlamp cover2 or 3 and click
into place.
Front turn signal lamp bulb
Switch off the lights.
Open the hood (
page 234).
Twist bulb socket1 counterclockwise
and pull out.
Push bulb into socket, turn counter-
clockwise and remove.
Insert new bulb in socket, push in and
twist clockwise.
Reinsert bulb socket in lamp and twist
clockwise.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 294 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
295 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Parking and standing lamp bulb
Switch off the lights.
Open the hood (
page 234).
Press the clamp and remove headlamp
cover2.
Pull out the bulb socket6 with the
bulb.
Pull the bulb out of the bulb socket.
Insert a new bulb in the socket.
Reinstall the bulb socket.
Align headlamp cover2 and click into
place.Bi-Xenon* headlamps
1Bulb socket for turn signal lamp
2Headlamp cover for high beam bulb,
parking and standing lamp
3Headlamp cover for Bi-Xenon lamp4High beam headlamp bulb
5Bayonet socket for high beam head-
lamp bulb
6Bulb socket for parking and standing
lamp
High beam bulb
Switch off the lights.
Open the hood (
page 234).
Press the clamp and remove headlamp
cover2.
Pull electrical connector4 off.
Warning!
G
Do not remove the cover3 for the Bi-Xenon
headlamp. Because of high voltage in
Bi-Xenon lamps, it is dangerous to replace
the bulb or repair the lamp and its compo-
nents. We recommend that you have such
work done by a qualified technician.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 295 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
339 Technical terms
ABS
(Antilock Brake System)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering pin is
an aid used when changing a tire to align
the wheel with the wheel hub.
BabySmartTM airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is installed
on the front passenger seat. The system
will automatically deactivate the passen-
ger front airbag when such a seat is prop-
erly installed (indicator lamp 7 on the
center console lights up). See your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for availabili-
ty.BabySmartTM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children. The
sensor system for the passenger seat pre-
vents deployment of the passenger side
airbag if a BabySmartTM compatible child
seat is installed.
BAS
(Brake Assist System)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bi-xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps. Bi-xe-
non headlamps produce low beam and
high beam.CAC
(Customer Assistance Center)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter, which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
CAN system
(Controller Area Network)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping depending on vehi-
cle settings and/or ambient condi-
tions.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and in-
dicator/warning lamps in the passenger
compartment needed for vehicle operation
and monitoring.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 339 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
345 Index
A
ABS 23, 73, 339
ABS control 74
Malfunction indicator lamp 255
Messages in display 261
Warning lamp 255
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 140
Accident
In case of 50
Activating
Air circulation mode 148
Air conditioning (cooling) 150, 159
Air recirculation mode 148, 156
Anti-theft alarm system 79
Automatic climate control 153
Central locking (control system) 125
Climate control 145
Defrost 147, 156
Easy-entry/exit feature 126
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 99
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 142
Hazard warning flasher 101Headlamps 47
High beams 101
Ignition 31
Immobilizer 52, 79
Rear fog lamp 99
Rear window defroster 149, 158
Residual heat 159
Seat heater 94
Tow-away alarm 80
Windshield wipers 48
Adding
Coolant 238
Engine oil 236
Additional turn signals 292
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 151, 160
Adjusting 32
Air distribution 147, 155
Air volume 147, 155
Backrest tilt 33, 35
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 33, 35, 36
Head restraint tilt 34, 35, 36
Head restraints 36
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 104Manual seat 33
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 93
Power seat 34
Rear seat head restraints 35
Seat cushion depth 93
Seat cushion tilt 33, 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33, 34
Seat height 33, 35
Seats 32
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 150, 159
Turning on 150, 159
Air conditioning refrigerant 330
Air distribution
Adjusting 147, 155
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 242
Air recirculation mode 148, 156
Activating 148, 156
Deactivating 148, 157
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 151, 160
S203 MY03_A.book Page 345 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
347 Index
Gear shifting malfunctions 140
Kickdown 140
Manual shifting 136
One-touch gearshifting 136
Program mode selector switch 139
Selector lever position 135
Starting with 44
Transmission fluid 237
Winter program mode 139
Auxiliary fuse box 315
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 67
Compatible child seats 67
Self-test 67
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 339
BabySmartTM compatible child
seats 339
Backrest
Folding forward 199
Folding rearward 200
Backrest tilt 33
Backup lamps 293, 298
Bulbs 293BAS 75, 339
Messages in display 262
Batteries, electronic key
Checking 86
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 287
Check lamp 85
Checking 86
Battery discharged
Jump starting 308
Battery, vehicle 239, 305
Charging 306
Disconnecting 306
Messages in display 278
Reconnecting 307
Reinstalling 306
Removing 306
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 339
Bi-Xenon type
Front lamp bulbs 295
Block heater 245
Blocking
Rear door window operation 71
Bolts
For Minispare wheel 284
For spare wheel 282Brake assist system (BAS) 339
Brake fluid 233, 330
Brake lamp bulbs 293
Brake lamp, high mounted 293
Brake pads
Message in display 263
Brakes 224
Break-in period 222
Bulbs, replacing 292
Additional turn signals 292
Backup lamps 293
Brake lamps 293
Fog lamps 292
Front lamps 292
High beam 292
High mounted brake lamp 293
License plate lamps 293, 298
Low beam 292
Parking lamps 292, 293, 295, 296
Rear fog lamp 293
Rear fog lamps 297
Side marker lamps 292, 297
Standing lamps 292, 293, 295, 296
Tail lamp assemblies 293, 297
Turn signal lamps 292, 293
S203 MY03_A.book Page 347 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
349 Index
MB Tex upholstery 252
Plastic and rubber parts 252
Seat belts 252
Steering wheel 251
Windows 251
Windshield 49
Wiper blades 251
Climate control 144
Adjusting 147
Defogging windshield 147
Defrosting 147
Rear window defroster 149
Setting the temperature 146
Clock 23, 118
Closing
Glove box 203
Hood 235
Side windows 185
Sliding/pop-up roof 187, 290
Sliding/pop-up roof with
SmartKey 188
Tailgate 87
Trunk lid 87
Windows 184
Windows with SmartKey 186Closing sliding/pop-up roof
In an emergency 290
Cockpit 20, 339
COMAND* 340
see separate operating instructions
Combination switch 101
High beam flasher 48, 101
Turn signals 47
Windshield wipers 48
Consumer information 337
Control and operation of radio
transmitter 230
Control system 107, 340
AUDIO menu 112
Convenience submenu 126
Display digital speedometer 112
Functions 108, 111
Instrument cluster submenu 118
Lighting submenu 121
Malfunction memory menu 115
Menus 110, 111
Multifunction display 107
Multifunction steering wheel 108
NAVI menu 114
Selecting radio system 113
Settings menu 116Standard display menu 112
Submenus 109, 111
TEL* menu 131
Trip computer menu 128
Vehicle submenu 124
Convenience submenu 126
Activating easy-entry/exit
feature 126
Setting key dependency 127
Setting parking position for exterior
rear view mirror 128
Coolant 238, 334
Adding 238
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
quantity 334
Capacities 328
Checking level 238
Messages in display 265, 266
Temperature 231
Temperature gauge 104
Warning lamp 266
Coolant level
Checking 233, 238
Cruise control 190, 340
Canceling 191
Driving downhill 191
S203 MY03_A.book Page 349 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
354 IndexHeadlamp cleaning system 240
Headlamp shut-off delay see Delayed
shut-off, exterior lamps
Headlamps
Automatic control 99
Bi-Xenon type*
Replacing bulbs 295
Cleaning 250
Cleaning system 143, 240
Halogen-type
Replacing bulbs 294
Refilling washer fluid 240
Switching off 52
Switching on 47
Washer fluid 336
Washer system 336
Headliner
Cleaning 252
Heated seats 94
Height adjustment
Head restraints 33, 35, 36
Seat belts 42
Steering wheel 37
High beam flasher 48, 101High beam headlamps
Messages in display 273
Replacing bulbs 292, 294
Switching on 101
High beam headlamps xenon type
Replacing bulbs 295
High mounted brake lamp 293
Hood 234
Closing 235
Message in display 271
Opening 234
Hydroplaning 226
I
Identification labels 320
Certification label 320
Vehicle identification number
(VIN) 320
Ignition 31
Switching on 44, 45
Immobilizer 79
Activating 79
Deactivating 79
Infant and child restraint systems 65
Installing 69
LATCH child seat anchors 70Information
About service and warranty 10
Button for Tele Aid* 214
Inside rear view mirror
Adjusting 38
Antiglare 141
Automatic antiglare 141
Installing
Infant and child restraint systems 69
Parcel net in cargo compartment 196
Towing eye bolt 313
Twin-reel roller blind 199
Wiper blades 299
Instrument cluster 22, 104, 341
Cleaning 251
Coolant temperature gauge 104
Illumination 104
Lamps in 254–258
Multifunction display 107
Outside temperature indicator 106
Selecting language 120
Instruments and controls see Cockpit 20
Integrated remote control
Canadian programming 220
Erasing memory 220
Hand-held transmitter 219S203 MY03_A.book Page 354 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM