2002 Mercedes-benz E Class Owners Manual

P54.00-2074-26

The slide switches are located in each front door.

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

1 Seat, up/down

Press the switch (up/down direction) until comfortable seating position with still sufficient headroom is reached.

2 Seat adjustment, fore/aft

Press the switch (fore/aft direction) until a comfortable seating position is reached that still

46

allows you to reach the accelerator/brake pedal safely. The position should be as far rearward as possible, consistent with ability to properly operate controls.

3 Seat cushion tilt

Press the switch in the direction of the arrow until your legs are lightly supported.

4 Backrest tilt

Press the switch in the direction of the arrow until your arms are slightly angled when holding the steering wheel. 5 Head restraint

The height of the head restraint is adjusted automatically with the seat so that the back of the head is supported approximately at ear level. Adjust the head restraint using the switch if the preset position does not support the back of your head approximately at ear level. Adjust the head restraint angle by hand.

Note: Your vehicle is equipped with power head restraints, do not try to raise or lower them manually.

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Synchronizing Head Restraints If the power supply was interrupted (battery disconnected or empty), the head restraints are no longer adjusted automatically. To resynchronize the adjustment feature, turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2, move the seat completely forward and the head restraint fully down, and hold respective buttons for approximately two seconds.

Caution! Do not remove head restraints except when mounting seat covers. For removal refer to Front seat head restraints, see page 51. Whenever restraints have been removed be sure to reinstall them before driving.

Seats

Instruments and controls

Operation

Driving

Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

Technical

data

Index

47

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Instruments and controls

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Memory function

6 Memory button 7 Position buttons

48

Storing positions into memory Three sets of seat/head restraint/steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror positions may be programmed into memory. After the seat/head restraint/steering wheel and exterior rear view mirrors are positioned, push memory button (6), release, and within 3 seconds push position button “1”. A second and third set of positions for the same seat/head restraint/steering wheel and exterior rear view mirrors can be programmed into memory by pushing first memory button (6) and then “2”, respectively “3”.

P54.00-2075-26

Note: For instructions on adjustment of steering wheel and mirrors, see page 81 and 82.

Warning! Do not activate the memory function while driving. Activating the memory function while driving could cause the driver to lose the control of the vehicle.

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Recalling positions from memory To recall a seat/head restraint/steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror position, push and hold position button “1”, “2” or “3” until seat/head restraint/ steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror movement has stopped. The seat/head restraint/steering wheel and exterior rear view mirror movement stops when the position button is released.

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

Important! Prior to operating the vehicle, the driver should adjust the seat height for proper vision as well as fore/aft placement and backrest angle to ensure adequate control, reach, operation, 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 213.1. 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.

Seats

Instruments and controls

Operation

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Instrument cluster display

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data

Index

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Instruments and controls

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data

Index

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.

50

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.

W210.book Seite 51 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11

Front seat head restraints

P82.40-2009-26

Removal: Push button (1) up to bring the power adjustable head restraint to its highest position. Pull out head restraint completely with both hands.

Installation: Push button (1) of the power adjustable head restraint up for approximately 5 seconds. Insert the head restraint and push it down to the stop. Adjust head restraint to the desired position.

For positioning of head restraints, see page 45 and 52.

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

Instruments and controls

Operation

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Instrument cluster display

Practical hints

Car care

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data

Index

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Rear seat head restraints

Folding head restraints backward (with engine running): Press symbol-side of rocker switch to release the head restraints. The head restraints will then fold backward for increased visibility. Placing head restraints upright: Pull head restraint forward until it locks in position.

P91.16-2018-26

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

Important! For safety reasons, always drive with the rear head restraints in the upright position when the rear seats are occupied. Keep area around head restraints clear of articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the folding operation of the head restraints.

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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.

Seats

Instruments and controls

Operation

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Instrument cluster display

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Operation

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W210.book Seite 54 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 11:45 11

Instruments and controls

Seats

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

54

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.

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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.

Seats

Instruments and controls

Operation

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Instrument cluster display

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Index

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Instruments and controls

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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.

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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.

Seats

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Index

57

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58

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.

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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 restraint 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 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.

Restraint systems

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Instruments and controls

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Instrument cluster display

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Index

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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 308.

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 are 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.

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Fastening of seat belts

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. 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.

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Instruments and controls

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Index

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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. 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.

4 Button for belt outlet

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

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

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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), “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.

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Instruments and controls

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Index

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• 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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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, 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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Index

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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 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. The passenger front 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 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, but not ETR

Rear outer seats: • first threshold exceeded:

ETR activates

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

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Instruments and controls

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Index

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Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) The seat belts for the front and outer rear 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 steering lock 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 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. For seat belt and emergency tensioning retractor safety guidelines, see page 75.

Note: The front passenger ETR activates only if the front passenger seat is occupied. 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 and the ETR to activate in a crash exceeding the appropriate threshold.

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Airbags

1 Driver airbag 2 Front passenger airbag

P91.60-2248-27

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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.

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The following system components are monitored or undergo a selfcheck: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition circuits, front seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning retractors, 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 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 236 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: 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.

Side impact airbags, window curtain airbags

3 Side impact airbags 4 Window curtain airbag

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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.

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.

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 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:

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• 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. 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. 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.

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

change the effectiveness of the belts.

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• 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 of objects (e.g. packages, purses, umbrellas, etc.).

• 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

the risk of rendering the “SRS” inoperative or causing unintended 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 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.

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.

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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 80 (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 inside of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.

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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. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle; even if the children are secured in a child restraint system may use vehicle equipment can cause serious personal injury.

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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, note the following steps:

1 Remove cover (1) from anchorage ring and store in a

convenient place (e.g. glove box).

2 Guide tether strap through head restraints. Be

carefully that the tether strap is not twisted.

3 Fold up anchorage rings (2).

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).

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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 48.

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

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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.

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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.

Rear view mirrors

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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 49.

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.

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.

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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 the 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 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 48.

4. Within 2 seconds pull the mirror toggle switch

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

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Instrument cluster

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1 Push buttons for intensity of instrument lamps, see

page 89

2 Push button for resetting trip odometer, see

page 91, or to acknowledge a malfunction 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 236

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 237

8 Speedometer 9 Trip odometer, see page 91 and 96
10 Main odometer, see page 96
11 Multifunction indicator, 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 196
15 Clock

To set the time, see page 110

Instrument cluster

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Instrument cluster

Indicator lamps in the instrument cluster

High beam

88

CHECK ENGINE

ABS

BRAKE

ABS malfunction, see page 238

Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake engaged, see page 202
Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake engaged, see page 202
BAS malfunction, see page 237
ESP malfunction, see page 237
Fasten seat belts, see page 59

ESP. Adjust driving to road condition, see page 237

Engine malfunction indicator lamp. 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,