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)