Page 325 of 522

324 OperationAt the gas stationWindshield washer system and 
headlamp cleaning system*
For information on refilling the reservoir, 
see “Windshield washer system and 
headlamp cleaning system*” 
(page 332).
Brake fluid
For information on brake fluid, see “Fuels, 
coolants, lubricants etc.” (
page 491).Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). For more information on 
coolant, see “Coolant level” (
page 330) 
and see “Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.” 
(
page 491).
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level, 
see “Engine oil” (
page 327).Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more 
information on replacing light bulbs, see 
“Replacing bulbs” (
page 443).
For more information, see “Exterior lamp 
switch” (
page 137).
Tire inflation pressure
For more information, see “Checking tire 
inflation pressure” (
page 342).
!
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 383). 
     
        
        Page 331 of 522

330 OperationEngine compartmentCoolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water 
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check 
the coolant level, the vehicle must be 
parked on level ground and the engine 
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on 
the driver’s side of the engine compart-
ment.
1Marking bar in the expansion tank
2Cap
3Coolant expansion tank
Using a rag, turn cap2 slowly approx-
imately one half turn counterclockwise 
to release any excess pressure.
Continue turning the cap2 counter-
clockwise and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level:
for cold coolant: reaches marking 
bar1 in the expansion tank3
for warm coolant: is approximately 
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Replace and tighten cap2.
For more information on coolant, see the 
“Technical data” section (
page 498).
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any potentially serious 
burns:
Use extreme caution when opening the 
hood if there are any signs of steam or 
coolant leaking from the cooling system, 
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.
Do not remove pressure cap on coolant 
reservoir if coolant temperature is 
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to 
cool down before removing cap. The 
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and 
is under pressure.
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine 
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.
Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately 
1/2 turn to relieve excess pres-
sure. If opened immediately, scalding 
hot fluid and steam will be blown out un-
der pressure. 
     
        
        Page 387 of 522

386 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause/consequence
Suggested solution
D
The red coolant temperature 
warning lamp comes on when 
the engine is running.
There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp comes on frequently, 
there is a leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric ra-
diator fan may be broken.
Immediately add coolant to prevent 
engine from overheating 
(page 330).
Have the cooling system checked.
If the coolant temperature is below 
248°F (120°C), you can continue 
driving to the nearest authorized 
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving 
uphill) and stop-and-go driving.
The red coolant temperature 
warning lamp comes on while 
driving and you hear a warning 
sound.
The coolant temperature has exceeded 
248°F (120°C).
Stop as soon as possible in a safe lo-
cation and allow the engine and cool-
ant to cool down.
Warning!
G
Driving when your engine is overheated can 
cause some fluids which may have leaked 
into the engine compartment to catch fire. 
You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause 
serious burns which can occur just by open-
ing the engine hood. Stay away from the en-
gine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle 
and do not stand near the vehicle until the 
engine has cooled down. 
     
        
        Page 501 of 522

500 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Windshield washer system and head-lamp cleaning system*
Both the windshield washer system and 
headlamp cleaning system* are supplied 
from the windshield washer reservoir.
The windshield washer reservoir has a ca-
pacity of approximately:
 6.9 US qt (6.5 l) in vehicles with a 
headlamp cleaning system*
 4.8 US qt (4.5 l) in vehicles without a 
headlamp cleaning system*
Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield 
Washer Concentrate and water (or con-
centrate and commercially available 
premixed windshield washer sol-
vent/antifreeze, depending on ambient 
temperatures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid 
mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing point, use 
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate 
“MB SummerFit” and water:
1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts 
water
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to 
1 gal [4.0 l] water).
For temperatures below freezing point use 
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate 
“MB SummerFit” and commercially avail-
able premixed windshield washer 
solvent/antifreeze:
1 part “MB SummerFit” to 100 parts 
solvent
(1.34 fl oz [40 ml] “MB SummerFit” to 
1 gal [4.0 l] solvent).
Warning!
G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze 
on hot engine parts, because it may ignite 
and burn. You could be seriously burned.