2003 MERCEDES-BENZ E500 hood open

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

82 Safety and SecurityAnti-theft systemsAnti-theft alarm system
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens

a door


the trunk


the hood.
The alarm system will also be triggered
when


someone attempts to raise the vehicle


the vehicle is opened with the mechan-
ical keyArming the alarm system
The alarm system is armed within approx.
10 seconds after locking the vehicle. The
indicator lamp in the button for the
tow-away alarm will then blink.
Disarming the alarm system
The alarm system is disarmed when you
unlock your vehicle with the remote con-
trol or KEYLESS-GO*.
Canceling the alarm
With the key

Insert the key in the starter switch.
or

Press the Œ or ‹ button on the
key.With KEYLESS-GO*

Grasp the outside door handle.
or

Press the KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button.
Tow-away alarm
Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual
and audible alarm will be triggered when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
20 seconds, an emergency call is initi-
ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys-
tem* (
page 234), provided that the
Tele Aid service was subscribed to and
properly activated.
iThe tow-away protection alarm is trig-
gered, for example, if the vehicle is lift-
ed on one side.
If the alarm stays on for more than
20 seconds, an emergency call is initi-
ated automatically by the Tele Aid sys-
tem* (
page 234), provided that the
Tele Aid service was subscribed to and
properly activated, and that necessary
cellular service and GPS coverage are
available.

119 Controls in detail
Instrument cluster
Coolant temperature displayDuring severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to 248°F (120°C).
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious en-
gine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Trip odometer
Check to see that the trip odometer
and main odometer (
page 121) ap-
pear in the multifunction display.

Press and hold the reset knob on the in-
strument cluster (
page 22) until the
trip odometer is reset.
Warning!
G


Driving when your engine is badly over-
heated can cause some fluids which
may have leaked into the engine com-
partment to catch fire. You could be se-
riously burned.


Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the engine hood. Stay away
f r o m t h e e n g i n e i f y o u s e e o r h e a r s t e a m
coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until it
cools down.iExcessive coolant temperatures trigger
a warning in the multifunction display.

258 OperationDriving instructionsCoolant temperature
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to approx. 248°F
(120°C).
The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature over 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious en-
gine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G


Driving when your engine is badly over-
heated can cause some fluids, which
may have leaked into the engine com-
partment, to catch fire. You could be se-
riously burned.


Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the engine hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until it
cools down.

260 OperationAt the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system
For more information on refilling the
reservoir, see the "Operation" section
(
page 267).
2Brake fluid
More information on brake fluid can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(page 368).
3Coolant level
More information on the coolant level
can be found in the "Operation" section
(page 264).Engine oil level
More information on engine oil can be
found in the "Operation" section
(
page 262).
See also "Opening hood" (
page 261).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
the "Practical hints" section (page 332).
See also the section on the exterior lamp
switch (
page 112).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
can be found in the "Operation" section
(
page 269).
iUse only premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
More information on gasoline can be
found in the Factory Approved Service
Products Pamphlet.iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the ?lamp to
illuminate.

261 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
1Hood release

Pull lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked and handle2 will
extend out of the radiator grille.
2Handle for opening the hood

Pull handle2 to its stop out of radiator
grille.

Pull up on the hood (do not pull up on
the handle) and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Otherwise the hood could
be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wip-
ers or hood, never open the hood if the
wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Be sure the hood is prop-
erly closed before driving. When closing the
hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for ap-
proximately 30 seconds or even restart af-
ter the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear from fan blades.

262 OperationEngine compartment
Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of ap-
proximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.

Check to make sure that the hood is
fully closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when

the vehicle is new


the vehicle is driven frequently at high-
er engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level the vehicle
must


be parked on level ground


be at normal operating temperature


have been stationary for at least five
minutes with the engine turned off
Warning!
G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call a fire department.Warning!
G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components (ig-
nition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnostic
socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running


while starting the engine


if ignition is "on" and the engine is
turned manually
Warning!
G
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.

265 Operation
Engine compartment
1Coolant expansion tank
Using a rag, turn the cap slowly approx-
imately one half turn to the left to re-
lease any excess pressure.

Continue turning the cap to the left and
remove it.The coolant level is correct if the level:


for cold coolant: reaches the black
top part of the reservoir


for warm coolant: is approx. 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher

Add coolant as required.

Replace and tighten cap.
More information on coolant can be found
in the "Technical data" section
(
page 370).
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.


Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is above
194°F (90°C). Allow engine to cool
down before removing cap. The coolant
reservoir contains hot fluid and is under
pressure.


Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately
1⁄2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure.


Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.