272 OperationAt the gas stationWindshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system
For more information on refilling the wash-
er reservoir, see “Windshield washer sys-
tem and headlamp cleaning system”
(page 282).
Coolant
For more information, see “Coolant level”
(page 279) and see “Coolants”
(page 415).Brake fluid
For more information on brake fluid, see
“Brake fluid” (
page 414).
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil, see
“Engine oil” (
page 274).Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (
page 373).
For more information, see “Exterior lamp
switch” (
page 125).
Tire inflation pressure
For information on tire inflation pressure,
see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
(
page 294).
!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 327).
414 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere. Under extremely strenu-
ous operating conditions, this moisture
content can lead to the formation of bub-
bles in the system, thus reducing the sys-
tem’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be re-
placed every two years, preferably in the
spring.Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.
Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel requirements
Use only premium unleaded fuel:
The octane number (posted at the
pu mp ) m us t be 91 m in. It i s a n a ver age
of both the Research (R) octane num-
ber and the Motor (M) octane number:
(R+M)/2). This is also known as the
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as Ethanol, IPA, IBA and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not exceed
10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of Methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of Ethanol and Methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains
10% Ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline,
can be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
!To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gaso-
line must be used. If premium unleaded
is not available and low octane fuel is
used, follow these precautions:
Have the fuel tank only partially
filled with unleaded regular and fill
up with premium unleaded as soon
as possible.
Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.
Do not exceed an engine speed of
3000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded
with a light load such as two per-
sons and no luggage.
Do not exceed 2/3 of maximum ac-
celerator pedal position if the vehi-
cle is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.
429 Index
Central locking
Automatic 110
From inside 111
Switch 111
Switching on/off (control
system) 161
Unlocking from inside 111
Central locking switch 111
Change of address or ownership 12
Changing
Key setting 162
Vehicle level 222
Changing CDs 144
Charcoal filter 192
Activating 192
Deactivating 192
Charging
Vehicle battery 387
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 328, 329Checking
Coolant level 279
Oil level 272, 274
Oil level via control system 275
Tire inflate pressure 272
Vehicle lighting 272
Checking the batteries
SmartKey 93
Child safety 72
Air bags 64
Infant and child restraint systems 68,
72
LATCH child seat mounts 77
Child safety switch see Blocking of rear
window operation 78
Cigarette lighter 239Cleaning
Cup holder 322
Distronic* system sensor cover 320
Gear selector lever 322
Hard plastic trim items 322
Headlamps 178
Headliner and shelf below rear
window 322
Instrument cluster 322
Leather upholstery 323
Light alloy wheels 322
Nubuck leather upholstery 323
Parktronic* system sensor 320
Plastic and rubber parts 323
Seat belts 322
Steering wheel 322
Upholstery 323
Windows 321
Windshield 55
Wiper blades 320
Wood trims 323
Cleaning tires 285