2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 steering oil

Contents
Adjusting air distribution .............. 177
Adjusting air volume .................... 177
Defrosting .................................... 178
Air recirculation mode.................. 178
Charcoal filter .............................. 180
Rear window defroster ................. 180
Air conditioner ............................. 181
Residual heat and ventilation ....... 182
Rear air conditioning .................... 182
Power windows.................................. 184
Opening and closing the windows 184
Synchronizing power windows ..... 186
Sliding/pop-up roof* ......................... 187
Opening and closing the slid-
ing/pop-up roof* ......................... 187
Synchronizing the
sliding/pop-up roof ...................... 189
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*......... 190
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* ... 190
Solar panel* ................................. 193
Driving systems ................................. 194
Cruise control .............................. 194
Distronic* .................................... 197
AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control)* ...... 209
PARKTRONIC system* ................. 212
Loading.............................................. 216Roof rack ...................................... 216
Ski sack* ...................................... 216
Split rear bench seat*................... 219
Folding front passenger seat* ...... 222
Expanding the cargo area* ........... 223
Loading instructions ..................... 224
Cargo tie-down rings ..................... 225
Useful features ................................... 226
Interior storage spaces ................. 226
Ashtrays........................................ 231
Cigarette lighter ............................ 232
12-V socket* ................................ 232
Heated steering wheel* ................ 233
Telephone* ................................... 233
Tele Aid* ....................................... 234
Garage door opener ...................... 243
Operation.......................................... 247
The first 1000 miles (1500km) ........... 248
Driving instructions ............................ 249
Drive sensibly – save fuel.............. 249
Drinking and driving ...................... 249
Pedals ........................................... 249
Power assistance .......................... 250
Brakes........................................... 250Driving off ..................................... 252
Parking ......................................... 252
Tires.............................................. 252
Aquaplaning .................................. 253
Tire traction .................................. 253
Tire speed rating ........................... 254
Winter driving instructions ............ 254
Standing water ............................. 255
Passenger compartment............... 255
Traveling abroad ........................... 255
Control and operation of radio
transmitter.................................... 256
Catalytic converter ....................... 256
Emission control ........................... 257
Coolant temperature .................... 258
At the gas station ............................... 259
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 260
Engine compartment .......................... 261
Hood ............................................. 261
Engine oil ...................................... 262
Transmission fluid level ................ 264
Coolant level ................................. 264
Battery .......................................... 266
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 267

241 Controls in detail
Useful features
Remote door unlock
In case you have locked your vehicle unin-
tentionally (e.g. key inside vehicle), and the
reserve key is not handy:
Contact the Mercedes-Benz Response
Center at 1-800-756-9018 (in the USA)
or 1-888-923-8367 (in Canada).
You will be asked to provide your pass-
word which you provided when you
completed the subscriber agreement.

Then return to your vehicle and pull the
trunk recessed handle for a minimum
of 20 seconds until the SOS button is
flashing.
The message
EMERGENCY CALL –
CALL CONNECTED appears in the multi-
function display.
As an alternative, you may unlock the vehi-
cle via Internet using the ID and password
sent to you shortly after the completion of
your acquaintance call.
!If the indicator lamp continues to flash
or the system does not reset, contact
the Response Center at
1-800-756-9018 (in the USA) or
1-888-923-8367 (in Canada), or
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) in the USA or Cus-
tomer Service at 1-800-387-0100 in
Canada.iThe indicator lamp in the respective
button flashes until the call is conclud-
ed. Calls can only be terminated by a
Response Center or Customer Assis-
tance Center representative except
Roadside Assistance and Information
calls, which can also be terminated by
pressing buttonì on the multifunc-
tion steering wheel.
iWhen a Tele Aid call has been initiated,
the audio system or the COMAND* sys-
tem audio is muted and the selected
mode (radio, tape or CD) pauses. The
optional cellular phone (if installed)
switches off. If you must use this
phone, the vehicle must be parked. Dis-
connect the coiled cord and place the
call. The COMAND* navigation system
(if engaged) will continue to run. The
display in the instrument cluster is
available for use, and spoken com-
mands are only available by pressing
the RPT button on the COMAND* unit.
A pop-up window will appear in the CO-
MAND* display to indicate that a
Tele Aid call is in progress.

263 Operation
Engine compartment
You can check the engine oil level on the
multifunction display.
Turn the key in the starter switch to
position2.
The standard display (
page 121) should
appear in the multifunction display.

Press button k or j, on the
steering wheel until the following mes-
sage is seen in the multifunction dis-
play:Engine oil level - Measuring now!
Measurement correct only if veh.
level
One of the following messages will sub-
sequently appear in the indicator:

Engine oil level ok


Add 1.0 qt. to reach max. oil
level!(Canada:
1.0 liter
)


Add 1.5 qts. to reach max. oil
level!(Canada:
1.5 liters
)


Add 2.0 qts. to reach max. oil
level!(Canada: 2
.0 liters
)

If necessary, add engine oil.Adding engine oil
1Filler neck

Unscrew the cap from filler neck 1. Be
careful not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.

Screw the cap back on the filler neck.!Excessive oil must be siphoned or
drained off. It could cause damage to
the engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.

264 OperationEngine compartmentOther display messages
If there is excessive engine oil with the en-
gine at normal operating temperature, the
following message will appear:Engine oil level Reduce oil level!
Have excess oil siphoned.
If the key is not turned to position 2 in the
starter switch:
Turn on ignition to see engine oil
level
!

Switch on the ignition.
If you see the message:
Observe waiting time
Wait five minutes before repeating
check procedure.If you see the message:
Engine oil level Not when engine on! 
Turn off the engine. If engine is at nor-
mal operating temperature, wait five
minutes before checking oil. If the en-
gine is not yet at normal operating tem-
perature, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
See "Practical hints" (
page 299) if the
engine oil level indicator lights up in the
display while the engine is running.
More information on engine oil can be
found in the "Technical data"
(
page 368).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the driver’s side of the engine compart-
ment.
iIf you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press the k or j but-
ton on the multifunction steering
wheel.

276 OperationMaintenance
The service indicator is cleared and the
standard display appears in the multi-
function display.
Service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested ser-
vice term, you will see the following mes-
sage in the multifunction display:Service A exceeded by XXXXX miles (km)
Service A exceeded by XXX days
Service A exceeded by X day An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the service indicator following a com-
pleted service.
Calling up the service indicator
Switch the ignition on.
The standard display of the control sys-
tem appears (
page 121).

Press buttonk orj on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel until the
FSS PLUS indicator appears in the mul-
tifunction display.
Resetting the service indicator
In the event that a service on your vehicle
is not carried out by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, you can reset the
service indicator yourself.
Switch the ignition on.
The standard display of the control sys-
tem appears (
page 121).

Press buttonk orj on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel until the
FSS PLUS indicator appears in the mul-
tifunction display.

Press the reset knob (
page 22) for
about five seconds.
iIf the battery is disconnected, the days
of disconnection will not be included in
the count shown by the service indica-
tor. To arrive at the true service dead-
line, you will need to subtract these
days from the days shown in the ser-
vice indicator.
Do not confuse the service indicator
with the engine oil level indicator :.

277 Operation
Maintenance
The
SERVICE MENU
appears in the multi-
function display.

Select the
CONFIRMATION
menu with the
+ or - button.

Press the ÿ button.
The service indicator now displays the CONFIRMATION
menu.
The selection marker is on
CONFIRM
.

Press the ÿbutton.
The service indicator now displays the CONFIRM
menu.The selection maker is on
STANDARD
OIL
.

Press the ÿ button.
The words
SERVICE CONFIRMED
appear
in the multifunction display.
The service indicator is reset.

Press buttonè on the multifunction
steering wheel until the standard dis-
play appears in the multifunction dis-
play.FSS PLUS now recalculates the values.
You cannot call up the service display or
the service menu during this time.
iIf the service indicator was inadvertent-
ly reset, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset if the proper service has
been performed. Resetting the system
without proper service as called for by
the FSS PLUS will cause the FSS PLUS
to incorrectly determine the next ser-
vice interval which will result in engine
damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

285 Operation
Vehicle care
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in a 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 moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with a soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.
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.Leather upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause
the upholstery to become permanently dis-
colored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration
will be prevented.
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth
and dry thoroughly or clean with
Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.
Exercise particular care when cleaning per-
forated leather as its underside should not
become wet.
MB Tex upholstery
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Plastic and rubber parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
Warning!
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.

299 Practical hints
What to do if …
ESP
Display defective
Visit workshop!
The BAS or the BAS display is malfunction-
ing.

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accident.
ESP
not available!
See operator‘s manual
The ESP is deactivated because of a mal-
function or interrupted power supply. The
SBC brake system is still functioning nor-
mally. The ABS may still be operational.

With the vehicle stationary, turn the
steering wheel completely to the left
and then to the right to synchronize
the ESP.
If the ESP message does not go out:

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
Failure to follow these instructions in-
creases the risk of accident.
:
Engine oil leve
l
Stop, engine off!
There is no oil in the engine. There is a dan-
ger of engine damage.

Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt
as soon as possible.

Turn off the engine.

Add engine oil.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution