2004 MERCEDES-BENZ E500 Level control

348 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
@
Vehicle rising!
Your vehicle is adjusting to your level se-
lection.
Level selec. canceled
The “Raised” level setting is canceled at
vehicle speeds of over 75 mph
(120 km / h).

Reactivate the “Raised” level setting.
Stop, car too low!
The vehicle level control is malfunction-
ing.
Avoid excessive steering input. The fend-
er or tires could otherwise be damaged.
Listen for scraping noises.
Do not drive faster than 50 mph
(80 km / h).
Drive to the side of the road and se-
lect a higher vehicle level. Depending
on the type of malfunction, this may
raise the vehicle’s level.
There is otherwise danger of an accident.
Visit workshop!
The system is functional only to a limited
extent.
The system display or the system is mal-
functioning.

Do not drive faster than 50 mph
(80 km / h).

Have the vehicle checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

409 Technical data
Consumer information
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
Warning
G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.

411 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
ADS
(A
daptive D
amping S
ystem)
Automatically adapts the optimum sus-
pension damping to prevailing driving
conditions.
Airmatic DC
(A
irmatic D
ual C
ontrol)
Automatically selects the optimum sus-
pension tuning and ride height for your
vehicle. Airmatic consists of two com-
ponents:


Adaptive Damping System


Vehicle level control
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such a
seat is properly installed
(PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp located in the center console
comes on). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability.
BabySmartTM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger front airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
a light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.
CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service cen-
ter which can help you with any ques-
tions about your vehicle and provide
assistance in the event of a break-
down.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control ve-
hicle functions such as door locking or
windshield wiping.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the passen-
ger compartment needed for vehicle
operation and monitoring.

415 Technical terms
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 SmartKey turned and brake
pedal depressed.
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-
vided 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.
Vehicle 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 control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

420 IndexC
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 411
Calling up
Distronic* settings 136
Range (distance to empty) 154
Service indicator 298
CAN system 411
Cargo tie-down rings 241
CD player
Operating 135
Center console
Lower part 26
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp 317
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 141
Central locking
Automatic 106
From inside 107
Switch 107
Switching on/off (control
system) 149
Unlocking from inside 107Central locking switch 107
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 355, 356
Batteries (SmartKey) 355, 356
Smartkey setting 150
Vehicle level 228
Charcoal filter 192
Activating 192
Deactivating 193
Charging
Vehicle batteries 377
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 313
Checking
Coolant level 285
Oil level 279, 282
Tire inflation pressure 279
Vehicle lighting 279
Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint systems 62,
65
LATCH child seat anchors 71Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
window operation 72
Cigarette lighter 247
Cleaning
Headlamps 170
Light alloy wheels 305
Parktronic* system sensor 305
Windshield 49
Wood trims 308
Climate control 174
Adjusting 178
Defrosting 179
Setting the temperature 178
Clock 144
Closing
Glove box 242
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof 206
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof with
KEYLESS-GO* 209
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* with
KEYLESS-GO* 200
Roller sunblinds 205
Side windows 198

421 Index
Side windows with
KEYLESS-GO* 200, 203
Sliding/pop-up roof* 201
Sliding/pop-up roof* with
KEYLESS-GO* 200, 203
Sliding/pop-up roof* with
SmartKey 202
Trunk
Vehicle with KEYLESS-GO* 102,
103
Trunk lid 99
Windows 197
Windows with SmartKey 199
Closing the trunk lid 102, 103
Cockpit 20, 411
Cockpit management and data system
(COMAND) 412
COMAND 412
COMAND* see separate operating instruc-
tions
Combination switch 123
High beam flasher 47
Turn signals 47
Windshield wipers 48Consumer information 408
Control system 129, 412
AUDIO menu 134
Convenience submenu 150
Display digital speedometer 134
Distronic* menu 136
Functions 133
Instrument cluster submenu 141,
143
Lighting submenu 146
Malfunction memory menu 137
Menus 132, 133, 413
Multifunction display 129
Multifunction steering wheel 130
Selecting radio system 134
Selecting satellite radio* system 135
Settings menu 138
Standard display menu 134
Submenus 131, 133
TEL* menu 155
Trip computer menu 153
Vehicle submenu 149Convenience submenu 150
Activating easy-entry/exit
feature* 150
Adjusting dynamic seat* 153
Setting parking position for exterior
rear view mirror 152
Setting Smartkey-dependency 152
Coolant
Checking level 285
Messages in display 329, 330, 331
Temperature gauge 127
Warning lamp 314
Coolant temperature 277
Cruise control 211, 412
Canceling 212
Driving downhill 212
Driving uphill 212
Fine adjustment 213
Lever 218
Saving current speed 212
Setting speeds 213
Cruise control lever 211
Cup holder in the center console 243
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 411

423 Index
Distronic* 214, 412
Activated 218
Activating 219
Calling up settings 136, 217
Cleaning system sensor 305
Cruise control lever 218
Deactivated 218
Deactivating 221
Deceleration 217
Decreasing distance 222
Displays in the speedometer dial 216
Distance warning function 222
Driving hints 223
Increasing distance 222
Intermittent signal tone 216
Menu 217
Messages in display 320
Sensor cover 305
Setting a higher speed 219
Setting a slower speed 220
Setting the current speed 219
Setting the following distance in
Distronic 221
Warning and indicator lamps 216Door control panel 28
Door entry lamps 125
Door handle 28
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 257
Doors
Message in display 332
Opening from inside vehicle 97
Opening from outside 94
Downhill driving
Cruise control 212
Downshifting 159
Drive-Dynamic seat* 112
Driving
General instructions 40
Hydroplaning 271
In winter 273
Problems 50
Safety systems 74
With Distronic* 223
Driving hints
SBC brake system 81
Driving instructions 267
Driving off 270Driving safety systems
4MATIC 82
ABS 74
BAS 76
ESP 76, 412
SBC brake system 79
Driving systems 211
Airmatic DC* 226
Cruise control 211
Distronic* 214
Driving safety systems 74
Vehicle level control 227
DTR see Distronic* 412
Dual control*
Airmatic DC* 226
E
Easy-entry/exit
Message in display 327, 347
Easy-entry/exit feature* 108
Activating 150
Interrupting movement 108, 151
Electrical fuses 385
Electrical system 397

424 IndexElectronic Stability Program see ESP 76,
412
Emergency call system* 250
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 253
With Tele Aid* 252
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 167
Opening/closing Sliding/pop-up roof*
or panorama sliding/pop-up
roof* 358
Releasing trunk lid from inside 104
Emergency operations
Remote door unlock 257
Unlocking the trunk lid 354
Unlocking the vehicle 353
Emergency tensioning device see
ETD 64, 412
Emission control 276
Ending
A call (telephone) 156Engine 392
Compartment 281
Message in the display 313
Starting 43
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 44
Starting with the SmartKey 44
Turning off with the key 53
Engine compartment
Hood 281
Engine malfunction indicator lamp 313
Engine number 412
Engine oil
Adding 284
Additives 403
Checking level 282
Consumption 282
Display messages 333
Filler neck 285
Messages in display 283
Viscosity 412
Entry position
Messages in the display 347ESP 76, 412
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP 82
Switching off 78
Switching on 79
Synchronizing 323
Warning lamp 311
ETD 412
Safety guidelines 60
Exterior lamp switch 119
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 38
Parking position for 152
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 141
Fastening the seat belts 40
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 213
First aid kit 350
Flat tire 366
Mounting the spare wheel 370
Spare wheel 370
Flexible 297