Page 287 of 498

286 OperationDriving instructionsRoad salts and chemicals can adversely 
affect 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 
after driving is resumed.For more information, see “Winter driving” 
(
page 336).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift 
in order to obtain braking action. This could 
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
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 
interior resulting in unconsciousness and 
possible 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. 
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice. 
     
        
        Page 289 of 498

288 OperationDriving instructionsTelephones 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 
instructions regarding use of an external 
antenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with 
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an 
important element in conjunction with the 
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial 
control of the pollutants in the exhaust 
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper 
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as 
outlined in your Maintenance 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, only use 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, which could 
potentially start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or 
operate this vehicle in areas where combus-
tible 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. 
     
        
        Page 414 of 498

413 Practical hints
Replacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement
Use only 12 volt bulbs of the same type 
and with the specified watt rating. 
Switch lights off before changing a bulb 
to prevent short circuits.
Always use a clean lint-free cloth when 
handling bulbs.
Your hands should be dry and free of oil 
and grease.
If the newly installed bulb does not light 
up, visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center.Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following 
lamps replaced by an authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center:
Additional turn signals in the exterior 
rear view mirrors
High mounted brake lamp
Bi-Xenon* lamps
Front fog lamps
Front side marker lamps
Rear lamps (except license plate 
lamps)
Warning!
G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Al-
low the lamp to cool down before changing 
a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas. A 
bulb can explode if you:
touch or move it when hot
drop the bulb
scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is 
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the 
lamp and its components. We recommend 
that you have such work done by a qualified 
technician.
iHave the headlamp adjustment 
checked regularly.