Page 286 of 370
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
Page 287 of 370

293 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Rear lamps Notes on bulb replacement
Use only 12 volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.
Switch lights off before changing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.
Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.
Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.
If the newly installed bulb does not light
up, visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Have the LEDs and bulbs for the follow-
ing lamps replaced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center:
Additional turn signals in the
exterior rear view mirrors
High mounted brake lamp
Xenon lamps
Front fog lamps
Lamp
Type
7
High mounted brake
lamp
LED
8
Brake lamp
P21W
9
Turn signal lamp
PY 21 W
10
Backup lamp
P21W
11
Tail, parking, stand-
ing and side marker
lamp
P21/4W
12
License plate lamps
C5W
13
Rear fog lamp,
driver’s side
P21/4W
Warning!
G
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Al-
low the lamp to cool down before changing
a bulb.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you:
touch or move it when hot
drop the bulb
scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 293 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
Page 292 of 370
298 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs4Brake lamp
5Turn signal lamp
6Backup lamp
7Rear fog lamp (driver’s side)/tail lamp,
parking, standing and side marker
lamp
Twist bulb socket counterclockwise
and pull out.
Gently push bulb into socket, turn
counterclockwise and remove.
Insert new bulb and reinstall bulb sock-
et.
Reinstall bulb holder and close trim
panel.License plate lamp
1Screws
Switch off the lights.
Loosen both screws1 and remove
lamp.
Replace the tubular lamp and reinstall
lamp.
Retighten the screws.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 298 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
Page 350 of 370

356 IndexLicense plate lamps
Messages in display 274
Replacing bulbs 293, 298
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 251
Technical data 323
Light sensor 271
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 208
Lighting 98
Automatic headlamp mode 99
Cargo compartment 103
Combination switch 101
Daytime running lamp mode 100
Door entry lamps 103
Exterior lamp switch 98
Front fog lamps 100
High beam flasher 101
High beams 101
Instrument cluster illumination 104
Interior 102
Locator lighting 100
Low beam 98
Manual headlamp mode 99
Night security illumination 100
Parking lamps 98
Rear fog lamp 100Settings (control system) 121
Limiting the gear range 137
Limp Home Mode 140
Loading 193
Cargo tie-down rings 202
Instructions 201
Roof rack 193
Ski sack 193
Split rear bench seat 199
Locator lighting 100
Setting 122
Lock button
Doors 341
Locking 51, 84
Automatic while driving 88
Centrally from inside 89
Fuel filler flap 232
Global, SmartKey 85
Vehicle in an emergency 286
Loss of keys 86
Loss of Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 319
Low beam headlamps
Messages in display 272
Replacing bulbs 292, 294Lowering
Vehicle 304
Lubricants
Technical data 328
Luggage cover 198
Retractable 198
M
Main dimensions 326
Maintenance 12, 246
Vehicles with E85 fuel 333
Malfunction
Displaying 115
Malfunction memory 115
Calling up 115
Clearing 115
Manual headlamp mode 99
Manual operations
Fuel filler flap 288
Interior lighting control 102
Locking the vehicle 286
Sliding/pop-up roof 290
Unlocking the driver’s door 285
Unlocking transmission selector
lever 289S203 MY03_A.book Page 356 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM