Page 251 of 400

251 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant level
For more information on coolant, see 
“Coolant level” (
page 257).
2Brake fluid (fuse box cover removed)
Removing fuse box cover 
(
page 333).
3Windshield washer and headlamp 
cleaning system*
For more information on filling up the 
washer reservoir, see “Windshield 
washer system and headlamp cleaning 
system*” (
page 259).Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level, 
see “Engine oil” (
page 253).
Opening hood (
page 252).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more 
information on replacing light bulbs, see 
“Replacing bulbs” (page 310).
Exterior lamp switch (page 102).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure 
(
page 261).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the 
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the 
minimum mark or below, have the 
brake system checked for brake pad 
thickness and leaks immediately. 
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center immediately. Do not add brake 
fluid as this will not solve the problem. 
For more information, see “Practical 
hints” (
page 275). 
     
        
        Page 257 of 400

257 Operation
Engine compartment
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 passenger side of the engine compart-
ment. 
1Coolant expansion tank
Using a rag, turn cap slowly approxi-
mately one half turn to the left to 
release 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.
For more information on coolant, see 
“Coolants” (
page 356).
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 
approximately
1/2 turn to relieve excess 
pressure. If opened immediately, scald-
ing hot fluid and steam will be blown out 
under pressure.
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine 
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene 
glycol which may burn if it comes into 
contact with hot engine parts. 
     
        
        Page 358 of 400

358 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning* system
Both the windshield and headlamp washer 
systems are supplied from the windshield 
washer fluid reservoir.
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of 
approx.:
3.2 US qt (3.0 l) in vehicles without 
headlamp cleaning system*
6.4 US qt (6.0 l) in vehicles with 
headlamp cleaning system*
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield 
Washer Concentrate “S” and water 
(or concentrate and commercially 
available premixed windshield washer 
solvent/antifreeze, depending on 
ambient temperatures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid 
mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing, use 
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” 
and water:
1 part “S” to 100 parts water
[40 ml “S” to 1 gallon (4.0 liters) water]
For temperatures below freezing, use 
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” 
and commercially available premixed 
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze:
1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
[40 ml “S” to 1 gallon (4.0 liters) solvent]
Warning!
G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze 
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite 
and burn. You could be seriously burned.