2001 Mercedes-benz C Class Owners Manual

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Head restraint inclination

Push or pull the head restraint in direction of arrow.

5 Head restraint height

Raising: Pull up on head restraint.

Lowering: Push button (5) and push down on head restraint. Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level. The head restraint inclination can also be adjusted manually.

Removal and installation of front seat head restraints Power seat

Caution! Do not remove head restraints except when mounting seat covers. Whenever restraints have been removed be sure to reinstall them before driving.

Note: Tilt the backrest rearward for easier removal and installation of the head restraints. To remove: Press switch (1) upwards and hold until the head restraint is fully extended. Pull head restraint out. To install: Press switch (1) upwards and hold for about 5 seconds. Press the head restraint down until it engages. Adjust head restraint to the desired position.

Warning! For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level. Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.

Seats

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Instruments and controls

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Warning! For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level. Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.

Manual seat

To remove: Pull head restraint to its highest position. Push button (1) and pull out head restraint completely. To install: Insert head restraint and push it down to the stop. Push button (1) and adjust head restraint to the desired position.

Multicontour seat (optional)

We recommend to adjust the multicontour seat in the following order:

1 Seat cushion depth 2 Backrest bottom 3 Backrest center 4 Side bolster adjustment

Some models may be equipped with driver’s multicontour seat. These seats have movable seat cushions and inflatable air cushions built into the backrest to provide additional lumbar and side support. The seat cushion movement and amount of backrest cushion height and curvature can be continuously varied with regulators (1, 2 and 3) after turning the electronic key in starter switch to position 2. The side bolsters of the backrest can be adjusted with rocker switch (4): • press to the left –

increase side support,

• press to the right –

decrease side support.

If the engine is turned off, the last cushion setting is retained in memory, and automatically adjusts the cushion to this setting when the engine is restarted.

Seats

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Instruments and controls

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Heated seats (optional)

Press switch to turn on seat heater:

1 Normal seat heating mode. One indicator lamp in

the switch lights up.

2 Rapid seat heating mode. Both indicator lamps in the switch light up. After approximately 5 minutes in the rapid seat heating mode, the seat heater automatically switches to normal operation and only one indicator lamp will stay on.

Turning off seat heater: If one indicator lamp is on, press upper half of switch. If both indicator lamps are on, press lower half of switch. If left on, the seat heater automatically turns off after approximately 30 minutes of operation.

The front seat heaters can be switched on with the electronic key in starter switch position 1 or 2. The switch is located in the center console.

Note: When in operation, the seat heater consumes a large amount of electrical power. It is not advisable to use the seat heater longer than necessary. The seat heaters may automatically switch off if too many power consumers are switched on at the same time, or if the battery charge is low. When this occurs, the indicator lamp in the switch will blink (both indicator lamps blink during rapid seat heating mode). The seat heaters will switch on again automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is available. If the blinking of the indicator lamps is distracting to you, the seat heaters can be switched off.

Seats

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Instruments and controls

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Rear seat head restraints

Folding head restraints back with switch in the center console: Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1 or 2. Folding head restraints back: Press the symbol-side on the rocker switch to release the head restraints. The head restraints will fold backward for increased visibility.

Folding head restraints back in the rear passenger compartment: Push lock button (1). The head restraints will fold backward.

Place head restraints upright

Important! 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.

Placing head restraints upright: Pull the head restraint forward until it locks into position.

Angle of head restraints: The head restraint angle can be adjusted manually.

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Operation

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Seats

Head restraint height

54

Raising: Pull up on head restraint.

Lowering: Push button (2) and push down on head restraint.

Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level. The head restraint inclination can also be adjusted manually.

Note: The center rear seat head restraint cannot be adjusted or removed.

Seat belts and integrated restraint system Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts for all seats, emergency tensioning retractors for all outboard seat belts, dual front airbags, door mounted side impact airbags, and head protective window curtain airbags. Their protective functions are designed to complement one another.

Seat belts

Important! Laws in most states and all Canadian provinces require seat belt use. All states and provinces require use of child restraints that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. All child restraints systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt. For your safety and that of your passengers we strongly recommend their use.

Warning! Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

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Instruments and controls

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Warning! Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint when the wearer is in an upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

Seat belt nonusage warning system With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, a warning sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. Automatic comfort-fit seat belt: An automatic comfort-fit feature for driver and front passenger seat belt is activated when the electronic key in the starter switch is turned to position 1 or 2. The retraction force of the inertia reel is reduced, increasing the level of seat belt comfort.

Note: For cleaning and care of the seat belts see page 345.

Warning! Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt.

Warning! Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts. If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are wearing your seat belt.

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Instruments and controls

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Fastening seat belts

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1 Latch plate 2 Buckle 3 Release button

Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2) until it clicks. Do not twist the belt. A twisted seat belt may cause injury.

The lap belt should be positioned as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen.

Warning! Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure your passengers are properly restrained – even those sitting in the rear.

Tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up. The shoulder portion of the seat belt must be pulled snug and checked for snugness immediately after engaging it. Adjust seat belt so that shoulder portion is located as close as possible to the middle of your shoulder (it should not touch the neck). For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the belt outlet.

Operation of seat belts The inertia reel stops the belt from unwinding during sudden stops or when quickly pulling on the belt. The locking function of the reel may be checked by quickly pulling out the belt. Adjust seat belt so that shoulder portion is located as close as possible to the middle of your shoulder (it should not touch the neck).

Caution! For safety reasons, avoid adjusting the seat or seat back into positions which could affect the correct seat belt positioning.

Unfastening of seat belts Press release button (3) in the belt buckle (2). Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate (1).

4 Button for belt outlet height adjustment

To raise, slide belt outlet upward. To lower, press button (4) and slide belt outlet downward.

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Instruments and controls

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Warning! USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY.

• Seat belts can only work when used properly. Never wear seat belts in any other way than as described in this section, as that could result in serious injuries in case of an accident.

• Each occupant should wear their seat belt at all

times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of and potential severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. The integrated restraint system includes “SRS” (driver airbag, front passenger airbag, side impact airbags, head protection window curtain airbags for side windows), “ETR” (seat belt emergency tensioning retractors), and front seat knee bolsters. The system is designed to enhance the protection offered to properly belted occupants in certain frontal (front airbags) and side (side impact and window curtain airbags) impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.

• Never wear the shoulder belt under your arm,

against your neck or off your shoulder. In a crash, your body would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The belt would also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure internal organs such as your liver or spleen.

• Never wear belts over rigid or breakable

objects in or on your clothing, such as eyeglasses, pens, keys etc., as these might cause injuries.

• Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen. If the belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.

• Each seat belt should never be used for more

than one person at a time. Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another person or other objects.

• Belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you wouldn’t have the full width of the belt to manage impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries.

• Pregnant women should also use a lap-

shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

• Never place your feet on the instrument panel

or on the seat. Always keep both feet on the floor in front of the seat.

Warning! USE CHILD RESTRAINTS PROPERLY. Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Infants and small children must ride in the back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Children too big for child restraint systems must ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning.

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Instruments and controls

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BabySmartTM airbag deactivation system Special BabySmartTM compatible child seats, designed for use with the Mercedes-Benz system and available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center are required for use with the BabySmartTM airbag deactivation system. With the special child seat properly installed, the passenger front airbag will not deploy. The ü indicator lamp located in the center console will be illuminated, except with electronic key removed or in starter switch position 0. The system does not deactivate the door mounted side impact airbag.

Self-test BabySmartTM without special child seat installed After turning electronic key in starter switch to position 1 or 2, the ü indicator lamp located in the center console comes on for approximately 6 seconds and then extinguishes. If the indicator lamp should not come on or is continuously lit, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the front passenger seat. See page 273 for notes on the ü indicator lamp.

Warning! The BabySmartTM airbag deactivation system will ONLY work with a special child seat designed to operate with it. It will not work with child seats which are not BabySmartTM compatible. Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the deactivation system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of special child seats. The passenger front airbag will not deploy only if the ü indicator lamp remains illuminated. Please be sure to check the indicator every time you use the special system child seat. Should the light go out while the restraint is installed, please check installation. If the light remains out, do not use the BabySmartTM restraint to transport children on the front passenger seat until the system has been repaired.

BabySmartTM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Airbags are intended as a supplement to seat belts. Airbags alone cannot protect as well as airbags plus seat belts in impacts for which the airbags were designed to operate, and do not afford any protection whatsoever in crashes for which the airbags are not designed to deploy. The SRS uses two crash severity levels (thresholds) to activate either the emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) or front airbag or both. Activation depends on the direction and severity of the impact exceeding the preset thresholds and whether the seat belt is fastened.

Seat belt fastened • first threshold exceeded: ETR activates • second threshold exceeded: airbag also activates

Seat belt not fastened Front seats: • first threshold exceeded: airbag activates, not ETR Rear outer seats: • first threshold exceeded: ETR activates

Driver and front passenger and rear outer seat systems operate independently of each other.

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Instruments and controls

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Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) The seat belts for the front and rear outer seats are equipped with emergency tensioning retractors. These tensioning retractors are located in each belt’s inertia reel and become operationally ready with the electronic key in starter switch position 1 or 2. The emergency tensioning retractors are designed to activate only when the seat belts are fastened during frontal impacts exceeding the first threshold of the SRS and in rear impacts exceeding a preset severity level.

They remove slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body restricting its forward movement as much as possible. In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll- overs, certain side impacts, or other accidents without sufficient frontal or rear impact forces, the emergency tensioning retractors will not be activated. The driver and passengers will then be protected by the fastened seat belts and inertia reel in the usual manner.

Airbags Front airbags

1 Driver airbag 2 Front passenger airbag

The most effective occupant restraint system yet developed for use in production vehicles is the seat belt. In some cases, however, the protective effect of a seat belt can be further enhanced by an airbag. In conjunction with wearing the seat belts, the driver and front passenger airbags can provide increased protection for the driver and front passenger in certain frontal impacts exceeding preset thresholds. Side impact and head protection window curtain airbags can provide increased protection to belted occupants on the impacted side of the vehicle in side impacts exceeding its preset threshold. The operational readiness of the airbag system is verified by the indicator lamp “SRS” in the instrument cluster when turning the electronic key in starter switch to position 1 or 2. If no fault is detected, the lamp will go out after approximately 4 seconds; after the lamp goes out, the system continues to monitor the components and circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a malfunction by coming on again. If the lamp does not

P91.60-2252-27

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come on at all or if it fails to extinguish after approximately 4 seconds or if it comes on thereafter, a malfunction in the system has been detected. The following system components are monitored or undergo a self-check: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition circuits, front seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning retractors, seat sensor. Initially, when the electronic key is turned from starter switch position 0 to position 1 or 2, malfunctions in the crash sensor are detected and indicated (the “SRS” indicator lamp stays on longer than 4 seconds or does not come on). Have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately

In the operational mode, after the indicator lamp has gone out following the initial check, interruptions or short circuits in the airbag ignition circuit and in the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle harnesses, and low voltage in the entire system are detected and indicated.

Warning! In the event a malfunction of the “SRS” is indicated as outlined above, the “SRS” may not be operational. For your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked; otherwise the “SRS” may not be activated when needed in an accident, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.

Note: See page 271 for information on the supplemental restraint system (SRS) indicator lamp.

The driver and passenger front airbags are designed to activate only in certain frontal impacts exceeding a preset threshold. The front passenger airbag deploys only if the front passenger seat is occupied and the ü indicator lamp in the center console is not illuminated.

Note: Heavy objects on the front passenger seat can appear to the “SRS” to indicate the presence of an occupant in that seat which causes the passenger front airbag to deploy in a crash exceeding the appropriate threshold.

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Side impact airbags, window curtain airbags

3 Side impact airbags 4 Window curtain airbags

Side impact airbags The side impact airbags are designed to activate only in certain side impacts exceeding a preset threshold. Only the side impact airbags on the impacted side of the vehicle deploy. The side impact airbag for the front passenger deploys only if the front passenger seat is occupied. Side impact airbags operate best in conjunction with a properly positioned and fastened seat belt.

Note: Heavy objects on front passenger seat can cause the front passenger side impact airbag to deploy in a crash.

Window curtain airbag The head protection window curtain airbags afford greater protection against injuries to the head and upper body. They fill up in the area between the A and C pillars (see arrows) between the side windows and an occupant’s head.

The window curtain airbags are designed to activate only in certain side impacts exceeding a preset threshold. Only the head protection window curtain airbag on the impacted side of the vehicle deploys.

Important! Airbags are designed to activate only in certain frontal (front airbags) impacts, or side (side impact and head protection window curtain airbags) impacts which exceed preset thresholds. Only during these types of impacts, if of sufficient severity to meet the deployment thresholds, will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passenger should always wear their seat belts, otherwise it is not possible for the airbags to provide their supplemental protection. In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll-overs, other side impacts, rear collisions, or other accidents, the airbags will not be activated. The driver and passengers will then be protected by the fastened seat belts. We caution you not to rely on the presence of the airbags in order to avoid wearing your seat belt.

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Warning! Airbags are designed to reduce the potential of injury in certain frontal (front airbags) impacts, or side (side impact and head protection window curtain airbags) impacts which may cause significant injuries, however, no system available today can totally eliminate injuries and fatalities. The activation of the “SRS” temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the airbags. This dust, however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some temporary breathing difficulty for people with asthma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door. The service life of the airbags extends to the date indicated on the label located on the driver side door latch post. To provide continued reliability after that date, they should be inspected by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center at that time and replaced when necessary.

Your vehicle was originally equipped with airbags which are designed to activate in certain impacts exceeding a preset threshold to reduce the potential and severity of injury. It is important to your safety and that of your passenger that you replace deployed airbags and repair any malfunctioning airbags to ensure the vehicle will continue to provide crash protection for occupants.

Warning! To reduce the risk of injury when the front airbags inflate, it is very important for the driver and front passenger to always be in a properly seated position and to wear your seat belt. For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and ensure that it is properly positioned on your body. Since the airbag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the airbag. Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the airbag can be seriously injured by an airbag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye:

• Sit properly belted in an upright position with

your back against the backrest.

• Adjust the driver seat as far as possible

rearward, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. The distance from the center of the driver’s breastbone to the center of the airbag cover on the steering wheel must be at least ten inches (25 cm) or more. You should be able to accomplish this by a combination of adjustments to the seat and steering wheel. If you have any problems, please see your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

• Do not lean with your head or chest close to the

steering wheel or dashboard.

• Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when driver front airbag inflates.

• Adjust the front passenger seat as far as

possible rearward from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.

• Occupants, especially children, should never lean their heads in the area of the door where the side airbag inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the airbag be triggered.

• Children 12 years old and under must never

ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized Baby SmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury can result.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injuries to you or other occupants.

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Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning retractor and airbag

Warning!

• Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring points must also be checked. Use only belts installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

• Airbags and “ETR’s” are designed to function

on a one-time-only basis. An airbag or emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) that was activated must be replaced.

• No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the “SRS”. This includes changing or removing any component or part of the “SRS”, the installation of additional trim material, badges etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger airbag cover, door trim panels, or door frame trims, and installation of additional electrical/ electronic equipment on or near “SRS” components and wiring. Keep area between airbags and occupants free from objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc).

• Do not pass belts over sharp edges. • Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the belts.

• Do not use handles above doors for placing

such items as coat hangers etc.

• An airbag system component within the

steering wheel gets hot after the airbag has inflated. Do not touch.

• Improper work on the system, including

incorrect installation and removal, can lead to possible injury through an unintended activation of the “SRS”.

• In addition, through improper work there is a

risk of rendering the “SRS” inoperative or causing unintended airbag deployment. Work on the “SRS” must therefore only be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

• For your protection and the protection of others, when scrapping the airbag unit or emergency tensioning retractor, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available from your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

• Given the considerable deployment speed and the textile structure of the airbags, there is the possibility of abrasions or other injuries resulting from airbag deployment.

When you sell your vehicle we strongly urge you to give notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with an “SRS” by alerting them to the applicable section in the Operator’s Manual.

Infant and child restraint systems We recommend all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-shoulder belts except the driver seat belt have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To activate, pull shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During the seat belt retraction a ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is now locked. To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.

Note: For child seats with mounting fittings for tether anchorages refer to page 75 (installation of infant and child restraint systems).

Warning! Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will be deactivated.

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Important! The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system properly secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of compliance with this standard can be found on the instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use. Please read and observe warning labels affixed to the inside of the vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

Warning! Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury can result. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt. Children too big for child restraint systems must ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 lbs. to the point where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without one. When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the vehicle or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

Installation of infant and child restraint systems

This vehicle is provided with tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions. Prior to installing a tether strap, remove cover (1) from anchorage ring (2) and store in a convenient place (e.g. glove box).

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Child seat mounts

P91.12-2233-26

To secure a tether strap to the anchorage, securely fasten the hook (3), which is part of the tether strap, to the anchorage ring (2). For safety, please make sure that the hook has attached to the ring beyond the safety catch, as illustrated. After removing the tether strap, reinstall the cover (1).

This vehicle is provided with two mounts (at each of the outer rear seats) for the installation of a child seat having the matching mounting fittings. The mounts can be folded back between the seat cushion and the backrest. To install a child seat, the mounts (1) must be folded forward until they lock in place. To do so, grip inner side of mounts and fold forward. Install child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

To fold mounts (1) back, press down button (2) on each mount and return mount into its catch.

Steering wheel adjustment (manual)

Note: With a child seat installed in the left rear seat, the seat belt for the center seat occupied by a passenger must operate freely. Guide seat belt between its seat cushion mount and backrest mount along outside of right side child seat mount.

Warning! Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or driving without the adjustment locked could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Restraint systems

77

Instruments and controls

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Instrument cluster display

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Restraint systems

78

Unlocking: Pull handle (1) out to its stop. Adjusting: Move steering wheel to the desired position. Locking: Push handle (1) in until it engages.

Important! Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked the steering column. See “STEERING WH. ADJUST” on page 292 for malfunction and warning messages in the multifunction display.

Steering wheel adjustment (electrical)

Warning! Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving could cause the driver to lose the control of the vehicle. When leaving the vehicle always remove the electronic key from the starter switch and lock your vehicle. The steering wheel adjustment feature can also be operated with the driver’s door open. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause serious personal injury.

To adjust the steering wheel position, turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1 or 2. With the driver’s door open, the steering wheel can also be operated with the electronic key removed or in starter switch position 0.

The switch is located on the driver’s door.

1 Steering column, lengthen or shorten column

Move the switch to the front or rear.

2 Steering column, height

Move the switch up or down.

Note: The steering wheel adjustment can be stored together with the seat and exterior mirror adjustment. See page 85 for notes on the memory function.

Steering wheel adjustment

79

Instruments and controls

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Driving

Instrument cluster display

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Instruments and controls

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Instrument cluster display

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Rear view mirrors

Rear view mirrors

Inside rear view mirror Manually adjust the mirror.

80

Note: The automatic antiglare function does not react, if incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the mirror.

Rear view mirror, automatic antiglare Antiglare mode: With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, the mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in light sensitivity. With the gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the interior light switched on, the mirror brightness does not respond to changes in light sensitivity.

Warning! In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass breaks. Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the liquid come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system. In cases it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary.

Exterior rear view mirrors

0P

Auto

The buttons are located above the exterior lamp switch. The memory button (4) is located on the driver’s door.

Warning! Exercise care when using the passenger side exterior mirror. The mirror surface is convex (outwardly curved surface for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. Check your inside rear view mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

Exterior mirror adjustment Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1 or 2. Push button to select mirror to be adjusted: Driver’s side – Push button (1). Passenger side – Push button (2). Push the adjustment button (3) up, down, left or right according to the setting desired.

Notes: The exterior rear view mirrors have electrically heated glass. The heater switches on automatically, depending on outside temperature. If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly pivoted from its normal position, it must be repositioned by applying firm pressure until it snaps into place.

Storing mirror positions in memory The exterior rear view mirror positions are stored in memory with the seat/steering wheel adjustment and can be recalled when necessary. See page 85 for notes on the memory function.

Rear view mirrors

81

Instruments and controls

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Driving

Instrument cluster display

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Instruments and controls

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Instrument cluster display

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Rear view mirrors

82

Parking position exterior mirror (only vehicles with power seats) The passenger side exterior mirror can be adjusted and programmed to assist the driver during parking maneuvers (e.g. to observe the curb or other objects close to the vehicle). With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, and the exterior rear view mirror switch in the passenger side position, the passenger side mirror will be turned downward when placing the gear selector lever in “R” reverse.

Note: The mirror adjustment is only active if you select “ON” in the menu “MIRROR SETTING WHEN PARKING”. Refer to “CONVENIENCE” under individual settings, see page 121.

The mirror position can now be adjusted as desired. At speeds above approximately 6 mph (10 km/h), upon shifting gear selector lever from “R” Reverse, or upon pressing the driver’s side mirror button, the passenger side mirror will return to its previous position.

Note: One stored parking position is available for each of the two electronic main keys. This is only possible if you select “ON” in the menu “SETTINGS KEY-DEPENDENT”. Refer to “CONVENIENCE” under individual settings, see page 121.

To store passenger mirror parking position:

1. Turn the electronic key in starter switch to

position 1 or 2. The vehicle must be stationary.

2. Select passenger side mirror and adjust the mirror

to view the curb.

3. Push the memory button “M” (4). 4. Within 3 seconds push bottom of adjustment

button (3). The mirror should not move. Repeat the memory procedure if the mirror moves.

5. Select driver side mirror. The passenger side mirror

will return to its previous position.

Rear view mirrors

83

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

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data

Index

Instruments and controls

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Instrument cluster display

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Index

Rear view mirrors

84

Driver’s side exterior mirror, antiglare mode Antiglare mode: With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, the mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in light sensitivity. With the gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the interior light switched on, the mirror brightness does not respond to changes in light sensitivity.

Note: The automatic antiglare function does not react, if incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the mirror.

Warning! In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass breaks. Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the liquid come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system. In cases it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary.

Important! Electrolyte drops coming into contact with the vehicle paint finish can only be completely removed while in their liquid state, by applying plenty of water.

Memory function

Together with the driver’s seat position you can store the positions for steering wheel and exterior rear view mirrors. For the front passenger you can store the seat position. Three stored positions for the driver’s seat are available for each of the two electronic main keys.

The memory and stored position buttons are located on the doors.

1 Memory button, used to store selected positions

which can be retrieved by pressing

2 Stored position button

Turn to position “1”, “2”, or “3”

Memory function

85

Instruments and controls

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Driving

Instrument cluster display

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Instruments and controls

Memory function

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Instrument cluster display

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86

Storing positions into memory: With the electronic key in starter switch position 1 or 2 or with the relevant door open and the electronic key inserted in the starter switch. Adjust the seat to the desired position. Driver’s seat: You can also adjust the steering wheel and the exterior mirrors electrically for the driver’s seat. See page 81 for exterior mirror adjustment and page 79 for steering wheel adjustment. Turn button (2) to selected memory position. Push memory button (1), release and push the position button (2) within 3 seconds.

Recalling positions from memory: To recall a seat /steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror position, turn button (2) to selected memory position and press to recall. The seat/ steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror movement stops when the button is released.

Caution! Do not operate the power seats using the memory button if the backrest is in an excessively reclined position. Doing so could cause damage to front or rear seats. First move backrest to an upright position.

Important! Prior to operating the vehicle, the driver should check and adjust if necessary the seat height, seat position fore and aft, and backrest angle to insure adequate control, reach and comfort. The head restraint should also be adjusted for proper height. See also airbag section for proper seat positioning. In addition, also adjust the steering wheel to ensure adequate control, reach, operation and comfort. Both the inside and outside rear view mirrors should be adjusted for adequate rearward vision. Fasten seat belts. Infants and small children should be seated in a properly secured restraint system that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and rear view mirror adjustments as well as fastening of seat belts should be done before the vehicle is put into motion.

Warning! Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury can result. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions. A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Memory function

87

Instruments and controls

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Driving

Instrument cluster display

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Instruments and controls

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Instrument cluster display

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Instrument cluster

Instrument cluster

88

1 Knob for instrument cluster illumination,

see page 90
Reset knob for trip odometer, see page 91 and individual settings, see page 111

2 Tachometer 3 Antilock brake system (ABS) malfunction indicator

lamp, see page 272

4 Brake fluid low or parking brake engaged,

see page 278
5 Speedometer 6 Left turn signal indicator lamp, see combination

switch on page 134

7 Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp,

system is adjusting to road conditions, see page 273
8 Indicator lamp without function. It illuminates with

the electronic key in starter switch position 2. It should go out when the engine is running.

9 CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp,

see page 268

10 High beam headlamp indicator,

see exterior lamp switch, page 130, and combination switch, see page 134

Instrument cluster

89

11 High beam headlamp indicator,

exterior lamp switch, see page 130 and combination switch, see page 134. 12 Multifunction display, see page 92

Instrument cluster display, see page 274

13 Trip odometer, see page 91 and 96
14 Main odometer, see page 96
15 Display for program mode and gear range

indicators, page 237

16 Malfunction/warning message memory,

see page 109

17 Outside temperature indicator, see page 91
18 Digital clock

To set the time, see individual settings on page 111
19 Right turn signal indicator lamp, see combination

switch on page 134

20 Fasten seat belts, see page 273
21 Supplemental restraint system (SRS) malfunction

indicator lamp, see page 271

22 Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement

warning lamp, see page 271

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

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Instruments and controls

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Instrument cluster display

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Instrument cluster

90

Display illumination, changing basic settings for driving at dusk or in darkness: Rotate adjusting knob (1) clockwise – instrument lamp intensity increases. Rotate adjusting knob (1) counterclockwise – instrument lamp intensity decreases.

Note: It is not possible to select a basic brightness setting in daylight – the intensity is adjusted automatically.

Activating instrument cluster display The instrument cluster is activated by: • Opening the door1. • Pressing button (1) on the instrument cluster1. • Turning the electronic key in starter switch to

position 1 or 2.

• Switching on the exterior lamps.

1 The instrument cluster is activated for approximately 30 seconds.

Instrument cluster illumination The instrument cluster illumination is dimmed or brightened automatically to suit daylight lighting conditions. The instrument cluster illumination will also be adjusted when the vehicle’s exterior lamps are switched on.

Outside temperature indicator (17)

Warning! The outside temperature indicator is not designed to serve as an Ice-Warning Device and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. Indicated temperatures just above the freezing point do not guarantee that the road surface is free of ice.

The temperature sensor is located in the front bumper area. Due to its location, the sensor can be affected by road or engine heat during idling or slow driving. This means that the accuracy of the displayed temperature can only be verified by comparison to a thermometer placed next to the sensor, not by comparison to external displays (e.g. bank signs etc.). Adaption to ambient temperature takes place in steps and depends on the prevailing driving conditions (stop- and-go or moderate, constant driving) and amount of temperature change.

Note: The temperature indicator display can be set to read out in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. See page 111.

Trip odometer (13) To reset to “0” miles/km: Activate the instrument cluster if it is not already activated, see page 90. Press button è or ÿ on the multifunction steering wheel repeatedly until the trip odometer appears if it is not displayed. See page 96. Press button (1) on the instrument cluster, see page 90.

Tachometer (2) The red marking on the tachometer denotes excessive engine speed. Avoid this engine speed, as it may result in serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.

Instrument cluster

91

Instruments and controls

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Driving

Instrument cluster display

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Instruments and controls

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Driving

Instrument cluster display

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Car care