2003 Mercedes-benz E Class Wagon Owners Manual

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.

Rear seat head restraints

P91.16-2019-26

1 Head restraint release Raising: Pull up on head restraint. Lowering: Push head restraint release and push down on head restraint. Angle of head restraints: The head restraint angle can be adjusted manually.

Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level.

Important! For safety reasons, always drive with the rear head restraints in the upright position when the rear seats are occupied.

Rear seat head restraint, removal

Removal: Pull head restraint to its highest position. Push button (1) and pull head restraint out.

Installation: Insert the head restraint and push it down to the stop. Adjust head restraint to the desired position.

Warning! For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.

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For improved rear vision, the head restraint for the rear bench center seat can be removed if the seat is not occupied. To do so, remove head restraint (1) and store in bracket (2) under seat cushion.

Rear seat head restraint, storage

P91.16-2069-26

Multicontour seat (optional)

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

P91.25-2025-26

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

Some models may be equipped with multicontour seats. 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 steering lock to position 2. The side bolsters of the backrest can be adjusted with rocker switch (4): • press to the right – increase side support, • press to the left – 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.

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Instruments and controls

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Seat heater The seat heaters can be switched on with the electronic key in steering lock positions 1 or 2.

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Notes: 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.

Vehicles without seat ventilation

Press switch to turn on seat heater:

The front seat heater switches are located in the center console.

P54.25-2036-26

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.

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Vehicles with seat ventilation (optional)

The front seat heater switches are located in the center console.

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Rapid heating mode: Press button (3) once. Both red indicator lamps above the button light up. The system switches over to normal heating mode automatically after approximately 5 minutes. Normal heating mode: Press button (3) twice. One red indicator lamp above the button lights up. The seat heater will be automatically switched off after approximately 30 minutes. Turning off the heater: Press the button (3) again. The indicator lamps go out. The seat heater is switched off.

Seat ventilation (optional)

The front seat ventilation switches are located in the center console. Turn the electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2.

Level 3 ventilation setting (maximum): Press button (1). Three blue indicator lamps beside the button light up.

Level 2 ventilation setting (middle): Press button (1) again. Two blue indicator lamps beside the button light up.

Level 1 ventilation setting (minimum): Press button (1) again. One blue indicator lamp beside the button lights up.

Turning off seat ventilation: If one blue indicator lamp is on, press button (1) once. If two blue indicator lamps are on, press button (1) twice. If three blue indicator lamps are on, press button (1) three times.

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Notes: When in operation, the seat ventilation consumes a large amount of electrical power. It is not advisable to use the seat ventilation longer than necessary. The seat ventilation 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, one or more indicator lamps in the switch will blink. The seat ventilation will switch on again automatically as soon as sufficient voltage is available. If the blinking indicator lamps pose a distraction, the seat ventilation can be switched off.

Seat belts and integrated restraint system Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts for all seats, emergency tensioning devices 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 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces require the use of child restraints that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. 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 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 and top tether strap, 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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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.

Note: For cleaning and care of the seat belts, see page 318.

Seat belt nonusage warning system With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, a warning sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.

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 ar wearing your seat belt.

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.

Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2) until it clicks. Do not twist the belt. A twisted seat belt may cause injury. To help avoid severe or fatal injuries, 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.

Fastening of seat belts

1 Latch plate 2 Buckle 3 Release button

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P91-10-2077-26

P91.40-2060-26

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.

4 Button for belt outlet height adjustment

Raising: Slide belt outlet upward. Lowering: Press button (4) and slide belt outlet downward.

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. Three positions are available for the front seats, five positions are available for the split rear bench seats.

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

Operation The inertia reel stops the belt from unwinding during sudden vehicle stops or when quickly pulling on the belt. The locking function of the reel may be checked by quickly pulling out the belt.

Rear-facing bench seat

If the rear-facing bench seat is not being used, slip the seat belt webbings into the retainers (5).

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Unfastening of seat belts

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

Operation The inertia reel stops the belt from unwinding during sudden vehicle stops or when quickly pulling on the belt. The locking function of the reel may be checked by quickly pulling out the belt.

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, front and rear door mounted side impact airbags, head protection window curtain airbags for side windows), ETD (seat belt Emergency Tensioning Device ), 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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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.

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 back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

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 7 indicator lamp located on the center console will be illuminated, except with electronic key removed or in steering lock position 0. The system does not deactivate the door mounted side impact airbag and the window airbag.

Self-test BabySmartTM without special child seat installed After turning electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2, the 7 indicator lamp located on 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.

BabySmartTM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.

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.The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of ar accident instead of protecting the child. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of special child seats. When using a BabySmartTM compatible child seat on the front passenger seat, the front passenger airbag will not deploy only if the 7 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.

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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 Device (ETD) 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:

ETD activates

• second threshold exceeded:

airbag also activates

Seat belt not fastened Front seats: • first threshold exceeded:

airbag activates, but not ETD

Rear outer seats: • first threshold exceeded:

ETD activates

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

Emergency tensioning device (ETD) The seat belts for the front and outer rear seats are equipped with emergency tensioning devices. These tensioning devices are located in each belt’s inertia reel and become operationally ready with the electronic key in steering lock position 1 or 2. The ETDs for the driver and front seat passenger are designed to activate only when the seat belts are fastened and during certain 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. The rear seat belt ETDs will deploy in the same circumstances whether or not the seat belts are fastened.

In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll- overs, certain side impacts, or other accidents without sufficient frontal or rear forces, the emergency tensioning devices will not be activated. The driver and passengers will then be protected by the fastened seat belts and inertia reel in the usual manner. For seat belt and emergency tensioning device safety guidelines, see page 75.

Note: The front ETD activates only if the front seat is occupied and the seat belt is fastened. Objects heavier than 20 lbs (9 kg) 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 and the ETD to activate in a crash exceeding the appropriate threshold.

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Airbags

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1 Driver airbag 2 Front passenger airbag

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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. Door mounted side impact and head protection window curtain airbags can provide increased protection to belted outboard 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 steering lock 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 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 selfcheck: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition circuits, front seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning devices, seat sensor. Initially, when the electronic key is turned from steering lock position 0 to position 1 or 2, malfunctions in the crash-sensors 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 dealer 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 246 for information on the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) indicator lamp.

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Front airbags 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 7 indicator lamp on the center console is not illuminated.

Note: Objects heavier than 20 lbs (9kg) 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.

Side impact airbags, window curtain airbags

3 Side impact airbag 4 Window curtain airbag

P91.60-2170-26

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 airbags 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.

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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.

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.

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 supplemental 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 their seat belts. 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’s seat as far as possible

rearward, still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls. 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.

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• 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. Always sit upright, properly use the seatbelts and appropriate size infant or child restraint system

• 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 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.

Warning! Accident research shows that the safest place for children in an automobile is in the rear seat. Should you choose to place a child 12 years old or under in the front passenger seat of your vehicle, you must properly use a BabySmartTM child restraint which will turn off the passenger side front airbag. BabySmartTM will not, however, turn off the vehicle’s side impact airbag. It should be noted that with respect to both front and rear side impact airbags there is a possibility for a side airbag related injury if occupants, especially children, are not properly seated or restrained when next to a side airbag which needs to deploy rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job. To help avoid the possibility of injury, please follow these guidelines: (1) occupants, especially children, should never place their bodies or lean their heads in the area of the door where the side airbag inflates. This could result in serious injuries or death should the side airbag be activated; (2) always sit upright, properly use the seat belts and use an appropriately sized infant or child restraint system for all children 12 years old or under; and (3) always wear seat belts properly.

If you believe that, even with the use of these guidelines, it would be safer for your rear seat occupants to have both rear door mounted side airbags deactivated, then deactivation can be accomplished upon your written election to do so at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center at an additional cost. Please contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call our Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR- MERCedes (1-800-367-6372) for details.

Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device 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. • Do not pass belts over sharp edges. • Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the belts.

• Airbags and ETDs are designed to function on a

one-time-only basis. An airbag or emergency tensioning device (ETD) 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 of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

• Do not hang items such as coat hangers from

the coat hooks or handles over the door. These items may turn into projectiles and cause head and other injuries when curtain airbag is deployed.

• An airbag system component within the

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

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

• 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 the 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 device, our safety instructions must be followed. These instructions are available at 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.

Infant and child restraint systems

We recommend all infants and children be properly re- strained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s 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 79 (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.

Restraint systems

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Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Restraint systems

78

Important! The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories 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 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 inside of 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 and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.

a

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. until they reach a height where a lap/shoulder belt fits properly without a booster. 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. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle; even if the children are secured in a child restraint system. Unsupervised children in a child restraint system may use vehicle equipment and may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Installation of infant and child restraint systems

P91.40-2207-26

This vehicle is provided with three tether anchorages for a top tether strap at each of the rear seating positions (3).

Restraint systems

79

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Restraint systems

80

Prior to installing a tether strap, note the following steps:

1 Roll up retractable luggage cover and partition net,

see page 172.

2 Fold backrest forward (see page 169), guide tether strap between head restraint and top of seat back. Head restraint must be installed and positioned such that the top tether strap can pass freely between the head restraint and top of seat back. Be careful that the tether strap is not twisted. Fold backrest back until it locks in place. If the top tether is installed on the left back side of rear backrest, remove twin-reel roller blind, see page 172. The tether strap has to run through the locking mechanism of twin-reel-roller blind.

3 Fold up anchorage rings (2).

Warning! Always lock backrest in its upright position when rear seat bench is occupied by passengers, or the extended cargo area is not in use. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on the backrest.

To secure a tether strap to the anchorage, securely fasten the hook (1), 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.

Steering wheel adjustment

Note: The steering wheel position can be stored in memory together with the seat/head restraint/exterior rear view mirror positions, see page 45.

Warning! Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while driving could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

P46.00-2010-26

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2 (with the driver’s or front passenger’s door open, the steering wheel can also be operated with the electronic key removed or in steering lock position 0). To lengthen or shorten the steering column, push switch forward or backward. To raise or lower steering wheel, push switch up or down.

Steering wheel adjustment

81

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Rear view mirrors

Rear view mirrors

82

Inside rear view mirror Manually adjust the inside rear view mirror. Use your inside rear view mirror to determine the size and distance of objects seen in the passenger-side convex mirror.

Rear view mirror, automatic antiglare Antiglare mode: With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in light sensitivity. With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the interior lamp switched on, the mirror reflection 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 inside rear view mirror. The automatic antiglare function will not react for example, if the rear window sun shade is in raised position.

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 to 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

The switch is located on the center console. Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2. First select the mirror to be adjusted - press button: % Left mirror & Right mirror To adjust, toggle the switch forward, backward or to either side.

With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the driver’s side mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in light sensitivity. With gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the interior lamp switched on, the driver’s side mirror brightness does not respond to changes in light sensitivity.

Warning! Exercise care when using the passenger-side mirror. The passenger-side exterior mirror 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. 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.

Rear view mirrors

83

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Rear view mirrors

84

Note: The exterior 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. The automatic antiglare function will not react for example, if the rear window sun shade is in raised position.

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.

Storing mirror positions in memory The exterior rear view mirror positions are stored in memory with the seat/head restraint/steering column positions and can be recalled when necessary, see page 45.

Parking position 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 electronic key in steering lock 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. The mirror position can now be adjusted as desired.

The passenger side mirror will return to its previous position: • immediately at speeds above approximately 6 mph

(10 km/h) - independent of the engaged gear,

• after 20 seconds when shifting gear selector lever

from “R” Reverse,

• by pressing the driver’s side mirror button %.

One passenger-side mirror position can be stored in memory. To do so:

1. Turn electronic key to steering lock position 2.

The vehicle must be stationary.

2. Select passenger-side mirror and adjust the mirror

to view the curb.

3. Press green memory button located in switch cluster

for driver seat, see page 45.

4. Within 2 seconds pull the mirror toggle switch

rearward. The mirror should not move. Repeat the memory procedure if the mirror moves.

Rear view mirrors

85

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instrument cluster

Instrument cluster

86

1 Push buttons V and W for intensity of instrument 2 Push button J for resetting trip odometer, see

lamps, see page 89

page 91, or to acknowledge a malfunction or warning message, see page 108

3 Coolant temperature gauge, see page 90
4 Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement

warning lamp, see page 246

5 Outside temperature indicator, see page 90
6 Left turn signal indicator lamp, see combination

switch on page 122

7 Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp,

see page 247

8 Speedometer 9 Trip odometer, see page 91 and 96
10 Main odometer, see page 96
11 Multifunction display, see page 92,

or FSS indicator, see page 114, or engine oil level indicator, see page 117

12 Right turn signal indicator lamp, see combination

switch on page 122

13 Tachometer, see page 91
14 Gear range indicator display, see page 206
15 Clock

To set the time, see page 110

Instrument cluster

87

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instrument cluster

Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster

High beam

ABS

BRAKE

ABS malfunction, see page 248

Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake engaged, see page 245
Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake engaged, see page 245
BAS malfunction, see page 247
ESP malfunction, see page 247
Fasten seat belts, see page 248

ESP. Adjust driving to road condition, see page 247

88

CHECK ENGINE

SRS

If the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator lamp comes on when the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management system, emission control system, systems which impact emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight. In all cases, we recommend that you have the malfunction checked as soon as possible, see page 244
SRS malfunction, see page 246

Function indicator lamp on the center console Front passenger airbag automatically switched off, see page 249

Activating instrument cluster display The instrument cluster is activated by: • Opening the door. • Pressing button J, V or W on the instrument

cluster.

• Turning the electronic key in steering lock to

position 1 or 2.

• Switching on the exterior lamps.

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.

1 The instrument cluster is activated for approximately 30 seconds.

Instrument cluster illumination

Activating the instrument cluster. Press V or W button to vary intensity of instrument lamps.

Instrument cluster

89

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instrument cluster

90

Coolant temperature gauge (3) During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red marking. The engine should not be operated with the coolant temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause serious engine damage which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Warning!

• Driving when your engine is badly 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 and can occur just by opening the engine hood. Stay away from the engine 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 it cools down.

Outside temperature indicator (5) 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.). Adaptation 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.

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.

Trip odometer (9) To reset to “0” miles/km: Activate the instrument cluster if it is not already activated by pressing the J button on the instrument cluster. 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 J (2) on the instrument cluster.

Tachometer (13) The red marking on 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

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display

92

Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display

Depending on your vehicle’s equipment, you may use the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel to call up, control and set the following systems in the multifunction display:

1 Trip odometer and main odometer, see page 96

Vehicle speed, see page 96
Flexible service system (FSS), see page 114
Engine oil level indicator, see page 117

2 Audio systems, see page 97

Radio, see page 97
CD player (optional), see page 98
Cassette player, see page 99

3 Navigation system (optional), see page 105
4 Malfunction message memory, see page 108
5 Individual settings, see page 110
6 Trip computer, see page 106

After start After reset Fuel tank content

7 Telephone (if so equipped), see page 100

Press the è or ÿ button repeatedly until the required system is displayed. Pressing the è button advances the display to the next system. Pressing the ÿ button returns the display to the previous system. You may call up additional displays within some of these categories by pressing the j or k button.

Warning! A driver’s attention to the road must always be his/ her primary focus when driving. For your safety and the safety of others, selecting