2005 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 folding

27 At a glance
Center console
Center console
Upper part
Item
Page
1
Dual-zone automatic cli-
mate control
192
4-zone automatic climate
control*
204
2
COMAND system, see sep-
arate operating instruc-
tions
3
Seat heating*, front pas-
senger side
127
Seat ventilation*, front
passenger side
128
4
Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP) control switch
89
5
Central locking switch
119
Item
Page
6
Opening/closing button
for storage tray or CD
changer*, see separate op-
erating instructions
263
7
Rear seat head restraints
switch, folding down
124
8
Rear window sunshade
switch*
89
9
Seat heating*, driver’s side
127
Seat ventilation*, driver’s
side
128
a
Hazard warning flasher
switch
138
b
Front passenger front air
bag off indicator lamp
78

124 Controls in detailSeatsRear seat head restraints
Folding head restraints back with
switch in the center console
The rear seat head restraints can be folded
backward for increased visibility.
1Head restraint release switch

Switch on the ignition (
page 33).

Press the symbol-side on rocker
switch1to release the head re-
straints.
The head restraints will fold backward.Placing head restraints upright

Pull the head restraint forward until it
locks into position.
!The rear seat head restraints cannot be
adjusted.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, always drive with the
rear head restraints in the upright position
when the rear seats are occupied.
Keep the area around head restraints clear
of articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the
folding operation of the head restraints.
!Make sure the head restraints engage
when placing them upright. Otherwise
their protective function cannot be as-
sured.

254 Controls in detailLoadingRoof rack*
1TrimPreparing roof rack installation

Open trim1 at the trim strips in the
roof.

Secure the roof rack according to man-
ufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Ski sack*
Unfolding and loading
Fold rear armrest down (arrow).

Swing cover1 down.
Warning!
G
Only use roof racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to
avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manu-
facturer’s installation instructions.
!Load the roof rack in such a way that
the vehicle cannot be damaged while
driving.
Make sure

you can fully raise the tilt/sliding
sunroof* or tilt/sliding panel*


you can fully open the trunk

256 Controls in detailLoading
Connect snap hook1 of front strap to
eye2 located on center tunnel in
front of rear seat bench.Unloading and folding

Loosen strap, open clasp by pressing
tabs together (arrows).

Unload skis.

Close flap in trunk.

Fold and flatten ski sack lengthwise
and place folded ski sack inside recess
of backrest.

Close ski sack compartment cover.


257 Controls in detail
Loading
Removal of ski sack
For removal of the ski sack, we recom-
mend that you contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Split rear bench seat*
To expand the trunk, you can fold down the
left and right rear seat backrests.
The two sections can be folded down sep-
arately to enlarge the trunk.Folding the backrest forward
1Release handle
Warning!
G
Never drive vehicle with trunk open while
the ski sack is removed. Deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior, resulting in unconsciousness and
death.iTo prevent unauthorized persons from
access to the trunk, always close the
cover.
Warning!
G
When expanding the luggage compartment,
always fold the seat cushions fully forward.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the back-
rests must remain properly locked in the up-
right position.
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.
Always use the cargo tie down rings
(page 261).
!You must always release the seat cush-
ion and fold it up before folding the seat
backrests forward. The upholstery on
the seat backrest may otherwise be
damaged.

351 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the Distronic* system sensor
cover
1Distronic system sensor cover
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo,
with plenty of water to clean sensor
cover1.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor cover. Do
not attempt to wipe dirty sensors with a
dry cloth or sponge.Cleaning the Parktronic system*
sensors
1Parktronic system* sensors

Clean the sensors1 on the bumpers
using a mild car wash detergent, such
as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water and a soft,
non-scratchy cloth.
When using a steam cleaner or power
washer, aim nozzle only briefly from a min-
imum distance of 12 in (30 cm) at
sensors1.
Do not apply strong pressure to the sensor
cover, applying strong pressure may dam-
age the sensor cover.To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the sensor. Do not at-
tempt to wipe dirty sensors with a dry cloth
or sponge.
Wiper blades

Turn on the wipers and place it in a ver-
tical position.
For information on placing the wipers in a
vertical position, see “Replacing wiper
blades” (
page 423).
!The windshield wipers must be in a ver-
tical position before folding them away
from the windshield. They could other-
wise damage the hood.


352 OperationVehicle care
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.Window cleaning

Turn on the wipers and place it in a ver-
tical position.
For information on placing the wipers in a
vertical position, see “Replacing wiper
blades” (
page 423).Use a window cleaning solution on all glass
surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the
vehicle's on-board electronics have status
0) before cleaning the wiper blades. Other-
wise, the wiper motor could suddenly turn
on and cause injury.!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.
!The windshield wipers must be in a ver-
tical position before folding them away
from the windshield. They could other-
wise damage the hood.Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*: Make sure the
vehicle's on-board electronics have status
0) before cleaning the windshield. Other-
wise, the wiper motor could suddenly turn
on and cause injury.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.


423 Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper blades
Removing wiper blades
Turn SmartKey in starter switch to
position1.

Turn combination switch to wiper
settingII (
page 51).

With wiper arm in the vertical position,
turn SmartKey in starter switch to
position0.

Fold the wiper arm forward until it
snaps into place.

Turn the wiper blade at a right angle to
wiper arm.

Slide the wiper blade sideways out of
the retainer.
!The windshield wipers must be in a ver-
tical position before folding them away
from the windshield. They could other-
wise damage the hood.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch (vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO*: make sure the
vehicle's on-board electronics have status
0) before replacing a wiper blade. Other-
wise, the wiper motor could suddenly turn
on and cause injury.