2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E500 Owner's Manual

377 Technical terms
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRS
FSS
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Service indicator in the multifunction
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service is
due.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer
and fuel gauge.Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
Memory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each key.

378 Technical termsMenu
The control system displays are ar-
ranged in menus. Each menu contains
a number of commands for particular
systems. In the Audio menu, for exam-
ple, you will find the commands
SELECT RADIO STATION or
OPERATE CD
PLAYER
. Using commands you can di-
rectly change the settings for your ve-
hicle.
MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline's
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.Multifunction display
The display field in the instrument clus-
ter used to present information provid-
ed by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power 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


Axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operationS and
winter operationW.
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to the Tele Aid service.

379 Technical terms
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As indepen-
dent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
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
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
SBC
(S
ensotronic B
rake C
ontrol)
Electronically controlled hydraulic
braking system for increased braking
safety and comfort.Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being moved out of positionP
without key turned and brake pedal de-
pressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms "telecom-
munications" and "informatics".
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of a tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.

380Vehicle level control
The ground clearance of the vehicle is
automatically controlled according to a
selected setting and speed.The driver
can set the ground clearance manually
for example on very rough roads.VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.Voice recognition system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

381 Index
A
ABS 73, 375
Malfunction indicator lamp 289
Messages in display 296
Warning lamp 289
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 156
Accident
In case of 49
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 170, 181
Air recirculation mode 168, 178
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Automatic climate control 174
Central locking (control system) 142
Charcoal filter 180
Climate control 164
Defrost 167
Distance warning function* 206
Distronic* 202
Easy-entry/exit feature* 143
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 46
Exterior lamps 113
Hazard warning flasher 115
Headlamps 46High beams 115
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 33
Immobilizer 52, 81
Rear fog lamp 113
Rear window defroster 169, 180
Residual heat 171, 182
Tow-away alarm 83
Windshield wipers 47
Adjustable air outlets, rear passenger
compartment 182
Adjusting 34
Air distribution 166, 177
Air volume 166, 177
Backrest tilt 36
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 118
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 104
Seat cushion depth 105
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35Seat height 35
Seats 34
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 170, 181
Turning on 170, 181
Air distribution
Adjusting 166, 177
Air outlets, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 182
Air recirculation mode 167, 178
Activating 168, 178
Deactivating 168, 179
Air volume
Adjusting 166, 177
Airbags 57
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 67, 375
Children 58
Front 60
Passenger 60
Safety guidelines 59
Side impact 61
Window curtain 61

382 IndexAIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) 209
Alarm
Audible 72, 82
Canceling 82
Visual 82
Alarm system
Anti-theft 82
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 340, 375
Antiglare
Automatic 157
Antilock brake system (ABS) 375
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 82
Canceling alarm 82
Disarming 82
Anti-theft systems 81
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Immobilizer 81
Tow-away alarm 82
Ashtray 231
AUDIO menu 126
Selecting radio station 127
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 157Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 142
Automatic climate control
Temperature sensor 27
Automatic climate control* 172
Adjusting air distribution 177
Adjusting air volume 166, 177
Air recirculation mode 178
Defrosting 178
Rear window defroster 169, 180
Residual heat utilization 182
Residual ventilation 182
Setting the temperature 176
Automatic headlamp mode 113
Automatic lighting control
Activating 116
Deactivating 116
Automatic locking when driving 99
Automatic transmission 151
Accelerator position 156
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 156
Gear ranges 153Gear selector lever position 154
Gear shifting malfunctions 156
Kickdown 156
One-touch gearshifting 152
Program mode selector switch 155
Selector lever position 151
Starting the engine 43
Winter program mode 155
B
BabySmart
TM
Compatible child seats 375
Self-test 68
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 67, 375
Backrest
Folding forward 220
Folding rearward 221
BAS 74, 375
Messages in display 297, 298
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 329
Check lamp 87
Checking 88

383 Index
Batteries, vehicle
Charging 344
Disconnecting 344
Messages in display 303, 304
Reconnecting 345
Removing 344
Service 343
Battery discharged
Jump starting 346
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 375
Blocking
Rear window operation 71
Brake assist system (BAS) 375
Brake pads
Message in display 305
Brakes
Warning lamp 291
Bulbs, replacing
Front lamps 332, 334
High beam bulb (Bi-Xenon* headlamps
only) 334
License plate lamps 336
Parking lamps 335
Standing lamps 335
Tail lamp assemblies 336C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 375
Calling up
Distronic* settings 128
Range (distance to empty) 147
CAN system 375
Cargo area see Trunk 88
Cargo tie-down rings 225
Cassette player
Operating 128
CD player*
Operating 127, 128
Center console
Lower part 26
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp 294
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 134
Central locking
Automatic 99
From inside 100
Switch 100
Switching on/off (control
system) 142
Unlocking from inside 100Central locking switch 100
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 329
Key setting 143
Vehicle level 210
Charcoal filter 180
Charging
Vehicle batteries 344
Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint systems 61,
65
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
window operation 71
Cigarette lighter 232
Cleaning
Headlamps 158
Parktronic* system sensor 284
Windshield 48
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Distronic system sensor 283
MB Tex upholstery 285
Climate control 162
Adjusting 166
Defrosting 167
Setting the temperature 165

384 IndexClock 137
Closing
Glove box 226
Side windows 184
Side windows with KEYLESS-GO* 92
Sliding/pop-up roof* 187
Sliding/pop-up roof* with
KEYLESS-GO* 92
Sliding/pop-up roof* with
SmartKey 188, 192
Trunk lid 96
Windows 184
Windows with SmartKey 185
Cockpit 20, 375
COMAND* see separate operating instruc-
tions
Combination switch 115
High beam flasher 47
Turn signals 46
Windshield wipers 47
Consumer information 373
Control system 121, 376
AUDIO menu 126
Convenience submenu 143
Display digital speedometer 126
Distronic* menu 128Functions 125
Instrument cluster submenu 134,
136
Lighting submenu 138
Malfunction memory menu 129
Menus 124, 125, 378
Multifunction display 121
Multifunction steering wheel 122
Selecting radio system 127
Settings menu 130
Standard display menu 126
Submenus 123, 125
TEL* menu 147
Trip computer menu 145
Vehicle submenu 142
Convenience submenu 143
Activating easy-entry/exit
feature* 143
Setting key dependency 144
Setting parking position for exterior
rear view mirror 144
Coolant
Messages in display 311, 312
Temperature display 119
Warning lamp 292, 311
Cruise control 194, 376Canceling 195
Driving downhill 195
Driving uphill 195
Fine adjustment 196
Lever 201
Saving current speed 195
Setting speeds 196
Cruise control lever 194
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 375
D
Daytime running lamp mode 114
Setting 139
Deactivating
Air conditioner 170
Air recirculation mode 168, 179, 180
Alarm 82
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Automatic climate control 169, 174
Central locking (control system) 142
Climate control 164
Cruise control 195
Defrost 167, 178
Distance warning function* 206
Distronic* 204
Engine with KEYLESS-GO* 53
Engine with the key 52