2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 4MATIC WAGON steering wheel

294 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Tow i n g t h e ve h i c l e
Mercedes-Benz recommends that the vehicle be
transported with all wheels off the ground using flatbed
or appropriate wheel lift/ dolly equipment. This method
is preferable to other types of towing.
Caution!
Use flatbed or wheel lift/ dolly equipment with key in
steering lock turned to position 0.
Do not tow with sling- type equipment. Towing with
sling- type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports.
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down
vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (see page 41) as well as
the ESP (see page 232).
When circumstances do not permit the recommended
towing methods, the vehicle may be towed with all
wheels on the ground or front wheels raised only so far
as necessary to have the vehicle moved to a safe location
where the recommended towing methods can be
employed.Caution!
Ve h i c l e s w i t h 4 M AT I C :
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing so could damage
the transfer case, which is not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (not
permissible for vehicles with 4MATIC), the engine must
be shut off (electronic key in steering lock in position 0
or 1). Otherwise, the EPS will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground,
the selector lever must be in position “N” and the key
must be in steering lock po sition 2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground
or the front axle raised, the vehicle may be towed only
for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not
to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h).
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the
drivetrain, however, we recommend the drive shaft be
disconnected at the rear axle drive flange (vehicles with

295 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index 4MATIC: disconnected at the front and rear axle drive
flanges) for any towing beyond a short tow to a nearby
garage.
Important!
When towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground,
please note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in steering lock position 2, 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. To prevent the vehicle doors from
locking, deactivate the automatic central locking, see
page 35.
Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning
flasher will operate again.
Wa r n i n 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 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 electronic key is in
steering lock position 2.If the 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, the steering is
locked. To unlock, remove electronic key from
steering lock and reinsert.Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking and steering 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.

313 Contents – Vehicle care
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care of the vehicle . 314
Power washer .............................. 315
Tar stains ..................................... 315
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................. 315
Engine cleaning .......................... 316
Vehicle washing ......................... 316
Ornamental moldings ................ 316
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal
lenses ........................................... 316
Cleaning the parktronic system
sensors ......................................... 317Window cleaning / glass
sunroof ......................................... 317
Wiper blades ............................... 317
Light alloy wheels ...................... 318
Instrument cluster ...................... 318
Steering wheel and gear selector
lever .............................................. 318
Cup holder ................................... 318
Seat belts ...................................... 318
Headliner ..................................... 318
Upholstery ................................... 319
Hard plastic trim items .............. 319
Plastic and rubber parts ............ 319

318 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints IndexTe ch n i c a l
data Car care
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176
°F (80
°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely
weaken them. In a crash they may not be able to
provide adequate protection.

328 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. - capacities
Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recommended
by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Model Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine with oil filter 8.5 US qt (8.0 l) Recommended engine oils
Automatic
transmission8.0 US qt (7.5 l) Automatic transmission fluid
1
Rear axle 1.4 US qt (1.3 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90
Front axleE 320 4MATIC0.5 US qt (0.46 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90
Transfer caseE 320 4MATIC0.9 US qt (0.9 l) Automatic transmission fluid
1
Power steering approx. 1.3 US qt (1.1 l) MB Power steering fluid or an
approved Dextron III ATF
Front wheel hubs approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature roller bearing
grease
Brake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 l) MB Brake fluid (DOT 4) 1 MB part no. 001 989 21 03 10

336 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
Index
AABS (Antilock brake system) .......................................227
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 248
ABS-SYSTEM - malfunction and warning
messages .................................................................... 253
Adjusting steering wheel ................................................ 81
Air conditioner refrigerant ........................................... 330
Air distribution .............................................................. 130
Air volume ...................................................................... 130
Airbag deactivation system ............................................ 65
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp ........................................249
Airbags .............................................................................. 68
Alarm system ..............................................................39, 41
Anticorrosion/antifreeze ................... 220, 275, 328, 332
Antilock brake system (ABS) .......................................227
Malfunction indicator lamp ..................................... 248
Antitheft alarm system ................................................... 39
Aquaplaning ................................................................... 217
Armrest, rear bench ...................................................... 162
Ashtrays .......................................................................... 166
Center console, front ................................................ 166
Rear doors .................................................................. 167Audio system .................................................................. 135
Anti-theft system ....................................................... 137
Button and soft key operation ................................. 138
Cassette mode ............................................................ 143
CD changer ................................................................. 148
CD mode ..................................................................... 147
Operating and display elements ............................. 136
Operating safety ........................................................ 135
Operation – audio and telephone ........................... 135
Radio mode ................................................................ 141
Telephone operation ................................................. 151
Audio systems ................................................................... 97
Cassette player ............................................................ 99
CD player ......................................................................98
Radio .............................................................................97
Automatic central locking .............................................. 35
Automatic climate control ............................................ 126
Activated charcoal filter ........................................... 132
Air distribution .......................................................... 130
Air recirculation ........................................................ 131
Air volume .................................................................. 130
Basic setting ............................................................... 129
Defogging windows ................................................... 129
Defrosting ...................................................................129
Display and controls .................................................128
Dust filter ................................................................... 131

343 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Multifunction display ...................................................... 92
Audio systems ............................................................. 97
Engine oil level indicator ........................................... 96
FSS (Flexible service system) ................................... 96
Individual settings .....................................................110
Malfunction message memory ............................... 108
Navigation system ..................................................... 105
Telephone ................................................................... 100
Trip and main odometer ............................................ 96
Trip computer ............................................................ 106
Vehicle speed ............................................................... 96
Multifunction steering wheel ........................................ 92
Setting the audio volume ..........................................113
NNavigation system - Multifunction display ................ 105
Night security Illumination ......................................... 120OOn-board diagnostic system .........................................244
Operator’s manual ............................................................. 8
Outside temperature indicator ...................................... 90
Overhead control panel ................................................... 21
PPanic button ...................................................................... 31
Parcel net in front passenger footwell ........................ 178
Parking ............................................................................ 216
Parking assist (Parktronic) .......................................... 234
Malfunction ............................................................... 238
Parktronic switch ..................................................... 238
Sensors ...................................................................... 235
Warning indicators .................................................. 236
Parking brake ............................... 212, 214, 216, 231, 245
PA R K I N G B R A K E - m a l f u n c t i o n a n d
warning messages ................................................... 255
Power assistance ............................................................ 214
Power seats, front ............................................................. 42
Power windows ............................................................... 154
Blocking of rear door window operation ............... 155
Opening and closing ...................................................30
Synchronizing ........................................................... 156
Problems with your vehicle ............................................ 14
Product information .......................................................... 7

345 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex Selective locking
Central locking system .............................................. 27
Service indicator
See Flexible service system (FSS) ...........................114
Setting the audio volume ...............................................113
Side marker lamp ..........................................................303
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................................................... 157
Emergency operation ...............................................307
Express opening ....................................................... 158
Opening and closing .................................................. 30
Synchronizing ........................................................... 158
Snow chains .................................................................... 219
SOS-call
See Tele Aid ............................................................... 188
Spare parts service ........................................................ 322
Spare wheel .................................................................... 277
Special settings (Automatic climate control) ............ 129
Split rear bench seat ..................................................... 169
SRS (Supplemental restraint system) ........................... 66
Indicator lamp ...........................................................246
SRS malfunction ......................................................... 68
Start lock-out .................................................................... 26
Starting and turning off the engine ............................202
STEERING GEAR OIL - malfunction and warning
messages .................................................................... 260
Steering lock ...................................................................200Steering wheel adjustment ............................................. 81
Storage compartments
Above ashtray in center console ............................. 164
Glove box .................................................................... 163
In center console ....................................................... 164
Stowing things in the vehicle ...................................... 177
Sun visors ........................................................................ 161
Supplemental restraint system (SRS) ........................... 66
Indicator lamp .......................................................... 246
SRS malfunction ..........................................................68
TTachometer ........................................................................ 91
Tailgate .............................................................................. 36
Technical data ................................................................ 325
Electrical system ...................................................... 326
Main dimensions ..................................................... 327
Rims and Tires ......................................................... 326
Weights ...................................................................... 326
Tele Aid ............................................................................ 188
Emergency calls ........................................................ 189
Information ................................................................ 193
Initiating an emergency call manually .................. 191
Roadside Assistance ................................................. 192