168 OperationDriving instructionsStanding water
Passenger compartmentDriving abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread
Mercedes-Benz service network at your
disposal. If you plan to drive into areas
which are not listed in the index of your
Mercedes-Benz Center directory, you
should request pertinent information from
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Control and operation of radio trans-
mitter
Radio and telephone*
!Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Never accel-
erate before driving into water. The
wave could force water into the engine
and auxiliary equipment, thus damag-
ing them.
If you must drive through standing wa-
ter, drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the passenger compartment
or the engine compartment. Water in
these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result
in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake causing severe
internal engine damage. Any such dam-
age is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Always fasten items being carried as secure-
ly as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry ob-
jects.
Warning!
G
Please do not forget that your primary re-
sponsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only op-
erate the radio or telephone
1 if road, traffic
and weather conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of approximately
44 feet (approximately 13.5 m) every sec-
ond.
1Observe all legal requirements
169 Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation in-
structions regarding use of an external an-
tenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Service Booklet.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, use only premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
253 Practical hints
Battery
Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12-volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnec-
tion):
Set the clock (
page 91).
Resynchronize the ESP
(page 202).
Re-enter the radio code (see radio
operating instructions).
Resynchronize side windows
(page 129).
291 Technical terms
Tire speed rating
Part of 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.
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.). Wind screen
Screen for deflecting wind from the ve-
hicle interior when the hardtop is low-
ered.
Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
294 IndexAlarm
Audible 65, 71, 72
Canceling 71, 72
Visual 71
Alarm system
Anti-theft 71
Alignment bolt 246
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 287
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 282
Antiglare
Automatic 99
Antilock brake system (ABS) 287
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 71
Canceling alarm 71, 72
Disarming 71
Anti-theft systems 71
Anti-theft alarm system 71
Immobilizer 71
Tow-away alarm 72
Armrest
Storage compartment 141
Ashtray 142
ATF (automatic transmission fluid)* 180
Audio system 121Audio and telephone, operation 111
Button and soft key operation 115
Cassette mode 118
Operating and display elements 112
Operating safety 111
Operation 115
Radio mode 116
Switching off 115
Switching on 115
Telephone operation 125
Audio systems 111
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 99
Automatic central locking
Activating 80
Deactivating 80
Automatic lighting control
Deactivating 87
Automatic locking when driving 79
Automatic transmission 93
Accelerator position 98
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 98
Gear ranges 95Gear selector lever position 95
Gear shifting malfunctions 98
Kickdown 98
Manual shifting 94
One-touch gearshifting 94
Program mode selector switch 97
Selector lever position 93
Winter program mode 97
Automatic transmission*
Fluid level 180
Starting with 41
Transmission fluid 180
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 62
Compatible child seats 62, 287
Self-test 63
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 287
Backrest tilt 31
Backup lamps 227, 230
Bulbs 227
BAS 67, 287
297 Index
Combination switch 85
High beam flasher 44, 85
Turn signals 43
Windshield wipers 44
Consumer information 284
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 168
Coolant 180, 281
Adding 181
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
quantity 281
Capacities 277
Checking level 180
Temperature 170
Temperature gauge 89
Coolant level
Checking 173, 180
Cruise control 136, 287
Canceling 137
Driving downhill 137
Driving uphill 137
Fine adjustment 138
Saving current speed 137
Setting speeds 138Cruise control lever 136
For cruise control 136
Cup holder 140
Cleaning 196
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 287
D
Daytime running lamp mode 84
Deactivating
Air conditioning 107
Air recirculation mode 106
Alarm 71
Anti-theft alarm system 71
Climate control 103
Cruise control 137
ESP 69
Hazard warning flasher 86
Headlamps 48
Immobilizer 71
Rear window defroster 101
Residual heat 108
Seat heater* 82
Tow-away alarm 72Deactivating automatic central
locking 80
Deep water see Standing water 168
Defogging
Windshield 110
Defrosting 109
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving 45
With starting 41
Direction of rotation (tires) 186
Discharged battery
Jump starting 254
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 252
Display elements
Audio system 112
Displays
Messages 176
Service indicator 190
Door unlock
With Tele Aid 151
Doors
Opening from inside vehicle 77
Opening from outside 75
303 Index
Oil
Adding 179
Consumption 175
Dipstick 175
Oil dipstick 179
Viscosity 288
Oil level
Checking 172
One-touch gearshifting 94
Canceling gear range limit 94
Downshifting 94
Upshifting 94
Opening
Ashtray 142
Doors from the inside 77
Fuel filler flap 171
Fuel filler flap manually 219
Glove box 139
Hardtop in an emergency 221
Hood 174
Retractable hardtop 221
Side windows 128
Trunk 77
Windows 128Operating
Audio system 111
Radio transmitters 168
Safety 14
Telephone 111
Telephone* 125
Vehicle outside the USA and
Canada 11
Operating safety 14
Audio system 111
Operator’s Manual 8
Ornamental moldings 194
Outside temperature indicator 91
Overdue service 191
Overhead control panel 25
Overspeed range 289
P
Paintwork 193
Panic alarm 65
Panic button on remote control 65
Parcel net
In front passenger footwell 141
Parking 47, 163Parking brake 42, 47
Engaging 47
Releasing 42
Parking lamps
Replacing bulbs 226, 227, 229
Switching on 83
Parts see Spare parts service 264
Passenger compartment 168
Inside rear view mirror 35
Interior lighting 87
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 141
Passenger safety see Occupant
safety 52
Pedals 161
Plastic and rubber parts
Cleaning 197
Playing
CDs 123
Poly-V-belt drive 289
Layout 267
Power assistance 162
Power seat*
Adjusting backrest tilt 33
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 33
304 Index
Adjusting seat height 33
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33
Power train 289
Power washer 193
Power windows 128
Side windows 128
Stopping windows 128
Synchronizing 129
Practical hints
First aid kit 212
Fuses 260
Lamp in center console 211
Lamps in instrument cluster 200
Spare wheel bolts 213
TIREFIT 214, 215
Towing the vehicle 256, 258, 259
Vehicle tool kit 212
Premium unleaded gasoline 280
Problems
While driving 45
With vehicle 15
Product information 7
Program mode selector switch 289
Automatic transmission 97R
Radio mode 116
Radio see Radio mode
Radio transmitters, control and
operation 168
Rapid seat heating*
Switching on 82
Rear fog lamp 227
Bulb 227
Switching on 84
Rear lamp bulbs
Replacing 230
Rear view mirror automatic antiglare 99
Rear view mirrors see Mirrors
Rear window
Cleaning 195
Rear window defroster 101
Activating 101
Deactivating 101
Reconnecting
Vehicle battery 252Refrigerant
Air conditioning 279
Refueling 171
Regular checks 172
Reinstalling vehicle battery 252
Remote control
Battery check lamp 75
Changing batteries 218
Checking the batteries 76
Global locking 75
Key 74
Restoring to factory setting 75
Selective setting 75
Unlocking with 28
Remote control with folding key
Locking and unlocking 74
Remote control, key
Factory setting 75
Global unlocking 75
Remote door unlock
With Tele Aid 151
Remote Vehicle Diagnostics 289