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311 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
!To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the drive train, however, we
recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange
(vehicles with 4MATIC*: disconnected
at the front and rear axle drive flanges)
for any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:
the engine will not run
there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical
system
as that will be necessary to adequately
control the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the key is in
starter switch position2.
If the key is left in starter switch position0
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
key from starter switch and reinsert.
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
key in starter switch to position2 and
activate the combination switch for the
left or right turn signal in the usual
manner – only the selected turn signal
will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the
hazard warning flasher will operate
again.
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312 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleWarning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the braking and steer-
ing 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. Adapt your driving accord-
ingly.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the follow-
ing:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the key in starter switch
position2, the vehicle doors lock if the
left front wheel as well as the right rear
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of
approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 80).
To prevent the vehicle doors from
locking, deactivate the automatic
central locking (
page 88).
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.
iIf the battery is disconnected or
discharged
the key will not turn in the starter
switch. See notes on the battery
(page 305) or on jump starting
(page 308).
the selector lever will remain
locked in positionP. See notes on
manual unlocking of gear selector
lever (
page 289).
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Page 307 of 370
313 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
1Cover on right side of front bumper.2Cover on right side of rear bumper.To remove cover:
Press mark on cover in direction of ar-
row.
Lift cover off to reveal threaded hole for
towing eye bolt.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
tool kit (located behind the left hand trim
panel in cargo compartment).
Screw towing eye bolt in to its stop and
tighten with lug wrench.
To reinstall cover:
Fit cover and snap into place.
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Page 308 of 370
314 Practical hintsFuses
FusesFuse box in passenger compartmentOpening
Pull cover1 open with a screw driver or
similar tool.
Remove cover rearward.
Closing
Attach the cover in the front.
Fold the cover in until it engages.
Fuse chart
The fuse chart is found in the fuse box in
the passenger compartment. The amper-
ages of the fuses are also given there.
Fuse box in engine compartment
The fuse box is located in the engine com-
partment on the left-hand side.
1Screw
2Cover
3Retainer
Removing/installing cover
Twist screws1 90° counterclockwise.
Pull up cover2.
Slide out retainer3 and remove cover
by pulling towards front.
Install cover2 in reverse order.
iOnly install fuses that have been tested
and approved by Mercedes-Benz and
that have the specified amperage rat-
ing.
Never attempt to repair or bridge a
blown fuse. Have the cause determined
and remedied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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Page 309 of 370
315 Practical hintsFuses
Opening fuse box
4Fuse box cover
5Clamps
Release clamps5.
Remove cover4.
Closing fuse box
Ensure that the sealing rubber is prop-
erly positioned.
Press the cover down and secure with
clamps5.Auxiliary fuse box in cargo compart-
ment
The auxiliary fuse box is located in the car-
go compartment behind the left hand trim
panel.
1Button for unlocking trim panel
2Trim panel
Opening trim panel
Press button1.
Fold down trim panel2.3Spare fuses
4Auxiliary fuse box
5Fuse extractor
Spare fuses
Spare fuses are found in the vehicle tool kit
in the cargo compartment.
Fuse extractor
The fuse extractor is found in the vehicle
tool kit in the cargo compartment.
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316S203 MY03_A.book Page 316 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
Page 311 of 370
317 Technical data
Spare parts service
Warranty coverage
Identification labels
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Engine
Rims and Tires
Electrical system
Main Dimensions
Weights
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Consumer information
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318 Technical dataSpare parts serviceThe “Technical data” section provides the
necessary technical data for your vehicle.
Spare parts serviceAll authorized Mercedes-Benz Centers
maintain a stock of original spare parts re-
quired for maintenance and repair work. In
addition, strategically located parts distri-
bution centers provide quick and reliable
parts service.
More than 300 000 different spare parts
for Mercedes-Benz models are available.
Mercedes-Benz original spare parts are
subjected to stringent quality inspections.
Each part has been specifically developed,
manufactured or selected for and adapted
to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, Mercedes-Benz original spare
parts should be installed.
!The use of non-genuine parts and ac-
cessories not authorized by
Mercedes-Benz could damage the vehi-
cle, which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty, or
could compromise the vehicle’s dura-
bility or safety.
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