259 Practical hints
What to do if …
Lamp in center consoleProblem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
7
The indicator lamp lights up.
A BabySmart
TM child seat is installed on the
front passenger seat. Therefore the front
passenger airbag is switched off.
The system is malfunctioning when there is
no BabySmart
TM child seat installed on the
front passenger seat.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
7
The indicator lamp does not light
up with a BabySmart
TM child
seat properly installed on the
front passenger seat.
The system is malfunctioning.
Make sure that there is nothing be-
tween seat cushion and child seat and
check installation of the child seat.
If the light remains out, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not use the BabySmart
TM restraint
to transport children on the front pas-
senger seat until the system has been
repaired.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 259 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
342 Technical termsPower train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing
engine
clutch/torque converter
transmission
transfer case
drive shaft
differential
axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmission
between standard operation S and winter
operation W.Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and current
location to the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center for subscribers to
Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As independent
systems, their protective functions com-
plement one another.RON
(Research Octane Number)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock pre-
vents the transmission selector lever from
being moved out of position P without key
turned and brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(Supplemental Restraint System)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 342 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
348 IndexButton
Audio system 164
C
CAC (Customer assistance center) 339
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Range (distance to empty) 130
Service indicator 247
CAN system 339
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 328
Cargo area see Cargo compartment 87
Cargo compartment
Auxiliary fuse box 315
Lighting 103
Parcel net 196
Storage compartment inside 197
Tailgate 87
Tie-down rings 202
Cargo tie-down rings 202
Casette mode
Playing cassettes 170
Cassette player
Operating 114
Catalytic converter 230CD changer* 174
CD mode 174
CD player
Operating 113
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 259
Lower part 26
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 119
Central locking
Automatic 88
From inside 89
Switch 89
Switching on/off (control
system) 125
Unlocking from inside 89
Central locking switch 89
Certification label 320
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 287
Key setting 126
Changing CDs 174
Charcoal filter 157
Charging
Vehicle battery 306CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 23, 258
Checking
Coolant level 233, 238
Oil level 233, 235
Tire inflate pressure 233
Vehicle lighting 233
Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint systems 62,
65
LATCH child seat anchors 70
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
door window operation 71
Child seat anchors see LATCH child seat
anchors 70
Cigarette lighter 208
Cleaning
Cup holder 251
Gear selector lever 251
Hard plastic trim items 252
Headlamps 143
Headliner 252
Instrument cluster 251
Leather upholstery 252
Light alloy wheels 251S203 MY03_A.book Page 348 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
358 Index
Tailgate 277
Tele Aid* 277
Telephone* 277
Washer fluid 278
Multifunction steering wheel 24, 108,
341
Buttons 108
N
Navigation system
Operating 114
See separate COMAND* operating in-
structions
Network provider 131
Night security illumination 100
Setting 122
O
Occupant safety 56
Airbags 57
Children and airbags 58
Children in the vehicle 65
Fastening the seat belt 40
Infant and child restraint systems 65
LATCH child seat anchors 70
Seat belts 40, 59
Odometer, main 23Oil
Adding 236
Checking level 235
Consumption 235
Dipstick 235
Filler neck 236
Oil level
Checking 233
One-touch gearshifting 136
Canceling gear range limit 136
Downshifting 136
Upshifting 136
Opening
Ashtray 207
Doors from the inside 88
Fuel filler flap 232
Fuel filler flap manually 288
Glove box 203
Hood 234
Side windows 185
Sliding/pop-up roof 187, 290
Sliding/pop-up roof in an
emergency 290
Sliding/pop-up roof with
SmartKey 188
Tailgate 87Windows 184
Windows with SmartKey 186
Operating
Audio system 161
Cassette player 114
CD player 113
COMAND* see separate operating in-
structions
Garage door opener 220
Integrated remote control 220
Navigation system 114
Radio 113
Radio transmitter 230
Safety 16
Telephone 161
Telephone* 131, 178
Vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 13
Operating safety 16
Audio system 161
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings 250
Outer seats
Rear seat head restraints 92
Outside temperature indicator 106
Overdue service 246
S203 MY03_A.book Page 358 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
361 Index
Replacing
Backup lamp bulbs 297
Brake lamp bulbs 297
Bulbs 292
Front lamp bulbs 294
Front turn signal bulbs 294, 295
Fuses 315
High beam bulbs 294
High beam bulbs (xenon-type
headlamps) 295
License plate lamp bulbs 298
Low beam bulbs 294
Parking lamp bulbs 295, 296
Rear fog lamp bulbs 297
Rear lamp bulbs 293, 297
Rear turn signal bulbs 297
Side marker lamp bulbs 297
Standing lamp bulbs 295, 296
Wiper blades 299
Reporting
Safety defects 18
Reset knob in the instrument cluster 116
Resetting
All functions (control system) 116
All functions of a submenu 117
Fuel consumption 129Service indicator (FSS) 247
Trip odometer 105
Residual heat utilization 159
Residual ventilation 159
REST 342
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems 65, 69
Restraint systems 342
Reverse (manual transmission)
Shifting into 134
Rims 323
Roadside Assistance 12
Roadside assistance
Tele Aid* 213
Rolling code programming 219
RON 233
RON (Research Octane Number) 342
Roof rack 193
Rotating wheels 243
Rubber parts
Cleaning 252
S
Safety
Occupant 56
Safety belts see Seat belts 40Safety defects
Reporting 18
Safety systems
Driving 73
Saving current speed 191
Searching
Radio station 113
Seat belt force limiter 64
Seat belt height adjustment 42
Front seats 42
Rear outer seats 42
Seat belts 61
Cleaning 252
Fastening 40
Height adjustment 42
Proper use of 43, 63
Safety guidelines 59
Warning lamp 258
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 93
Seat heater
Switching off 94
Switching on 94
S203 MY03_A.book Page 361 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM