
126 Automatic climate control
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear window defroster
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
To select, press F button.
To c a nc el, pr ess F button again.
Notes:
Heavy accumulation of snow and ice should be removed
before activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster consumes a large amount of
electrical power. To keep the battery drain to a
minimum, turn off the defroster as soon as the window
is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned off after a
maximum of 12 minutes of operation.
If several power consumers are turned on
simultaneously, or the battery is only partially charged,
it is possible that the defroster will automatically turn
itself off. When this happens, the indicator lamp inside
the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns itself back on.Air distribution
TPress b button for each side repeatedly until the
requested symbol is displayed.
Press U button to return to automatic mode.
Air volume
Press – or + side of rocker switch ï until the
requested blower speed is attained. A choice of 7 blower
speeds is available.
To switch the automatic climate control off, press – side
of rocker switch ï until symbol OFF is displayed.IThe fresh air supply to the vehicle interior is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only temporarily,
otherwise the windshield could fog up.
To switch the automatic climate control on again, press
U, P or + side of ï.
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127 Automatic climate control
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Air recirculation
This mode can be selected to temporarily reduce the
entry of annoying odors or dust into the vehicle’s
interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the vehicle’s interior.
To select, press O button.
To c a nc el, pr ess O button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated
air to fresh air
•after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures
below approx. 40
°F (5
°C),
•after approx. 30 minutes at outside temperatures
above approx. 40
°F (5
°C),
•after approx. 5 minutes, if button S is pressed.
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch
from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically
engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing
the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially
fresh air within 30 minutes.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To s e l e c t :
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or
remove key.
Press T button
This function selection will not activate if the battery
charge level is insufficient.
To c a n c e l :
Press T button.
The system will automatically shut off
•if you turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2,
•after approx. 30 minutes,
•if the battery voltage drops.
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128 Automatic climate control
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Dust filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out
before outside air enters the passenger compartment
through the air distribution system.
Notes:
Do not obstruct the air f low by placing objects on the air
flow–through exhaust slots below the rear window.
Also keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free
of snow and debris.Important!
This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system
that uses R–134a (HFC: hydrofluorocarbon) as a
refrigerant. Repairs should always be performed by a
qualified technician, and refrigerant should be collected
in a recovery system for recycling.
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191 Steering lock
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Important!
If the electronic key is left in the steering lock position 0
for an extended period of time, it can no longer be
turned in the lock. In this case, remove electronic key
from steering lock and reinsert.
Caution!
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible
dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
steering lock. Do not leave the electronic key in steering
lock position 0.Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver’s door is opened
while the electronic key is in steering lock position 1
or 0.
If the electronic key cannot be turned in the steering
lock, the vehic le b attery may no t b e suf f i cien tly charged .
See battery on page 268 or jump starting on page 270.
With the engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the
alternator (output) is limited.
It is therefore recommended that you turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-
and-go traf fic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of
the battery.
Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system
may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window
defroster. In addition, the automatic climate air volume
control should be set to the lowest position.
The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle
battery properly charged and connected.
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293 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due
to negligent or incorrect care cannot always be removed
or repaired with the car-care products recommended
here. In such cases it is best to seek aid at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The following topics deal with the cleaning and care of
your vehicle and give important “how-to” information as
well as references to Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products.
Ad d ition al in fo rm atio n can be foun d in t he boo klet titled
“Vehicle Care Guide”.
Power washer
When using a power washer for cleaning the vehicle
always observe manufacturer’s operating instructions.
Caution!
Never use a round nozzle to power wash tires. The
intense jet of water can result in damage to the tire.
Always replace a damaged tire.
Always keep the jet of water moving across the surface.
Do not aim directly at electrical parts, electrical
connectors, seals, or other rubber parts.Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).
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311 Consumer information
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Consumer information
This has been prepared as required of all manufactures
of passenger cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the “National Traffic
and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
All passenger vehicle tires must conform to federal
safety requirements in addition to these grades.Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half
(1
1/2) times as well on the government 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.
Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
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313 Index
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) ....................................... 216
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 229
ABS-SYSTEM - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................ 235
Adjusting headlamp aim ...............................................280
Adjusting telescoping steering column ........................ 79
Air conditioner refrigerant ........................................... 307
Air distribution .............................................................. 126
Air volume ...................................................................... 126
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 65
Airbag OFF indicator lamp ........................................... 231
Airbags .............................................................................. 68
Alarm system ............................................................. 43, 44
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ....................210, 255, 305, 309
Antiglare night position ................................................. 80
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....................................... 216
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 229
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 43
Aquaplaning ...................................................................207Ashtray
Center console, front ................................................ 157
Rear seats ................................................................... 158
Audio system
Anti-theft system ....................................................... 131
Button and soft key operation ................................. 132
Cassette mode ............................................................ 137
CD changer ................................................................. 141
CD mode ..................................................................... 140
Operating and display elements ............................. 130
Operating safety ........................................................129
Operation .................................................................... 133
Operation — audio and telephone ........................... 129
Radio mode ................................................................ 135
Telephone operation ................................................. 144
Audio systems ................................................................... 95
Cassette player ............................................................ 97
CD player ......................................................................96
Radio .............................................................................95
Automatic central locking .............................................. 36
Automatic climate control ............................................ 122
Air distribution .......................................................... 126
Air recirculation ........................................................127
Air volume ..................................................................126
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322 Index
Technical
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Selective locking
See Central locking system ....................................... 29
Service indicator
See flexible service system (FSS) ............................ 111
Setting the audio volume ...............................................110
Shelf below rear window ..............................................248
Side marker lamp ..........................................................279
Ski sack ........................................................................... 170
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................................................... 149
Emergency operation ...............................................286
Express opening ....................................................... 150
Opening and closing .................................................. 31
Synchronizing ........................................................... 150
Snow chains .................................................................... 209
SOS-call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 180
Spare parts service ........................................................ 298
Spare wheel ............................................................257, 261
Special settings (Automatic climate control) ............ 125
SRS indicator lamp ........................................................ 228
SRS malfunction .............................................................. 69
Start lock-out .................................................................... 26
Starting and turning off the engine ............................ 192
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................ 241
Steering column, adjustable ........................................... 79Steering lock ................................................................... 190
Storage compartment
Trunk floor ................................................................ 257
Storage compartments
Center console ........................................................... 154
Glove box .................................................................... 154
Storage compartments, armrest and cup holder ....... 153
Stowing things in the vehicle ..................................... 248
Sun visors ........................................................................ 152
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) ........................... 66
Synchronizing remote control .................................... 285
TTachometer ........................................................................ 89
Technical data .................................................................301
Electrical system ...................................................... 303
Main dimensions ..................................................... 304
Rims and tires .......................................................... 302
Weights ...................................................................... 304
Tele Aid ............................................................................ 180
Emergency calls ........................................................ 181
Information ................................................................ 185
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 183
Roadside Assistance ................................................. 184
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