Page 293 of 491

292 OperationDriving instructionsRoad salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 337).
Standing water
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around the vehicle with the
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. In-
dicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.
!Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary equip-
ment, thus damaging 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.
Page 306 of 491

305 Operation
Engine compartment
Battery
Your vehicle is equipped with two batter-
ies:
Auxiliary battery (located in the engine
compartment).
Main battery (starter and electrical
consumers; located in the cargo com-
partment).
These batteries should always be suffi-
ciently charged in order to achieve their
rated service life. Refer to Maintenance
Booklet for battery maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-dis-
tance trips, you will need to have the bat-
tery charge checked more frequently.When replacing batteries, always use bat-
teries approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.
Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
G
Observe all safety instructions
and precautions when handling
automotive batteries.
A
Risk of explosion.
D
Keep flames or sparks away
from battery. Do not smoke.
B
Battery acid is caustic. Do not
allow it to come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with clean
water and seek medical help if
necessary.
E
Wear eye protection.
C
Keep children away.
F
Follow the instructions in this
Operator's Manual.
Page 425 of 491
424 Practical hintsBatteriesYour vehicle is equipped with two batter-
ies:
Main battery (battery for starter and
electrical consumers; located in the
cargo compartment).
Auxiliary battery (back-up battery; sta-
bilizes the electrical system if the main
battery is discharged; located in the en-
gine compartment).
Pull cover up and detach it.1Negative terminal
2Positive terminaliThe battery is located on the right-hand
side under a cover.
Warning!
G
Jump starting must only be done using the
designated terminal connections in the en-
gine compartment (
page 429).
Page 448 of 491
447 Technical data
Electrical system
Electrical system
Model
E320/E3204MATIC
E 500
1/E 500 4MATIC
1Not available in the U.S.Generator (alternator)
14 V / 150 A
14 V / 150 A
Starter motor
14 V / 1.4 kW
14 V / 1.7 kW
Battery (auxiliary)
12 V / 12 Ah
12 V / 12 Ah
Battery (main)
12 V/95 Ah
12 V / 95 Ah
Spark plugs
Bosch F8 DPP 332U
NGK PFR 5R-11
Bosch F8 DPP 332U
NGK PFR 5R-11
Electrode gap
0.039 in (1.00 mm)
0.039 in (1.00 mm)
Tightening torque
18.5 - 22 lb-ft (25 - 30 Nm)
18.5 - 22 lb-ft (25 - 30 Nm)