E-class Operators Manual
E 3 00 E 320 E 430 E 55 AMG
Product information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interests: We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model. We have subjected these parts to a special test in which their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been determined. We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them. Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed. Printed in the U.S.A. We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of this Owner's Manual. Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our prior authorization in writing. Press time 09/30/98 MBNA/TI
Operator's manual
Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz. Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service. Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time: Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference. Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving. Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
Introduction This Owner's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving. For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized MercedesBenz dealer will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures. Owner's Service and Warranty Information The Owner's Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your MercedesBenz, including: New Car Limited Warranty, Emission System Warranty, Emission Performance Warranty, California and Massachusetts Emission Control System Warranty (California and Massachusetts only), State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).
Important Notice for California Retail Buyers of Mercedes-Benz Automobiles Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. or its authorized dealer fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial nonconformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to perform the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Owner's Service and Warranty Information Booklet.
Maintenance The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals. Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you. Roadside Assistance The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number: 1-800-FOR MERCedes (in the U.S.A.) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada) will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box. Change of Address or Ownership If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Owner's Service and Warranty Information booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise. If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all owner's literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next owner. If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Owner's Service and Warranty Information booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.
Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or Canada If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that: service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available, unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts, gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage. Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or write to: Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645 In Canada write to: Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5 We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Owner's Manual might differ from your vehicle. Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle. If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Owner's Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures. The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.
The First 1000 Miles (1500 km) The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first 1000 miles (1500 km) at moderate vehicle and engine speeds. During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds. Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We recommend that you select positions "3", "2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for hill driving). After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum. Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip See last page. Maintenance Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles (2 000 km) prior to the next recommended service, the remaining distance or days are displayed in the multifunction indicator. See Flexible Service System (FSS) in Index. We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the Service Booklet. Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Service Booklet may result in vehicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Radio Transmitters Warning! Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being connected to an external antenna) from inside the vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehicle's electronic system, possibly resulting in an accident and personal injury. Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citizens band unit should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle. Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions regarding use of an external antenna.
Introduction Product information Operator's manual Consumer Information Problems with your vehicle Reporting Safety Defects Index Instruments and controls Instruments and Controls Instrument Cluster Indicator Lamp Symbols Catalytic Converter Starting and Turning Off Gasoline Engine Diesel Engine Driving Instructions Operation Automatic Climate Control Basic Setting Automatic Mode Defogging Windows Defrosting Rear Window Defroster Air Recirculation Activated Charcoal Filter Front Center Console Compart. Ventilation 24 25 26 26 26 27 27 28 10 12 13 15 16 17 18 2 4 162 163 163 166
Rear Passenger Compartment Adjustable Air Outlet Car keys Start Lock-out Central Locking System Radio Frequency and Infrared Remote Control Mechanical Keys Doors Central Locking Switch Trunk Power Window and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof Anti-Theft Alarm System Power Seats, Front Multicontour Seat Heated Seats Adjusting Steering Wheel Arm Rest, Rear Bench First Aid Kit Head Restraints, Rear Cargo Tie-Down Hooks Shelf below Rear Window Seat belts and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Seat belts BabySmart Airbag Deactivation System Self Test Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) Airbag Child Restraint
28 29 30 31 31 34 35 36 38 39 40 42 45 46 47 47 47 48 48 48 49 49 53 53 54 55 60
Steering Lock Combination Switch Headlamp Cleaning System Exterior Lamp Switch Night Security Illumination Inside Rear View Mirror Exterior Rear View Mirror Ashtrays Lighter Sun Visors Illuminated Vanity mirrors Interior Lighting Storage Compartments Cup Holder Sliding Pop-Up Roof Power Windows Parcel Net Trunk Lid Release Switch Rear Window Sunshade Instrument Lamps Display Illumination Trip Odometer Clock Garage Door Opener Cellular telephone Driving Drinking and driving
62 64 65 66 67 67 68 70 71 71 71 72 73 73 74 75 76 77 77 78 78 78 78 79 80
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Parking Brake Driving off Automatic Transmission Cruise Control Multifunction Indicator Language Selection Multiple Malfunctions Temporarily Switching off Defective Charge Indicator Lamp Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp Engine Oil Consumption Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Placement Warning Tachometer Outside Temperature Indicator Coolant Temperature Gauge Low Engine Coolant Level Warning Lamp Low Windshield and Headlamp Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp Brake Warning Flexible Service System (FSS) Antilock Brake System (ABS) Brake Assist System (BAS) Electronic Traction System (ETS) Acceleration Stability Program (ASR) Electronic Stability program (ESP) Emission Control On-Board Diagnostic System
82 82 83 88 90 90 90 90 91 91 91 91 92 92 92 93 93 94 94 94 95 97 98 99 100 104 104 104
Winter Driving Snow Chains Traveling Abroad Practical Hints Hood Checking Coolant Level Adding Coolant Checking Engine Oil Level Bleeding of Diesel Fuel System Automatic Trans. Fluid Level Trunk Lamp Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, Storage Compartment Stowing Thongs in the Vehicle Vehicle Jack Wheels Changing Wheels Tire in Inflation Pressure Exterior Lamps Battery Fuses Jump Starting Towing the Vehicle Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle Electronic Main Key, Remote Control Front Head Restraint Rear Seat Cushion Emergency Operation of Sliding/Pop-Up Roof Replacing Wiper Blades Insert
105 106 106
Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap Roof Rack MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Part Service Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. Consumer Information Identification Labels Warranty Coverage Technical Data E 300 Diesel E 320 E 430 E 55 AMG Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. Capacities Engine Oils Engine Oils Additives Air Conditioner Refrigerant Brake Fluid Vehicle with Gasoline Engine Premium Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Requirements Gasoline Additives Vehicle with Diesel Engine Diesel Fuels Coolants Service and Literature Check Regularly Before a Long Trip
142 143 143 144
108 109 109 110 111 111 112 112 112 113 113 117 119 120 127 129 130 131 134 138 140 141 141 142
146 147 148 150 152 154 156 156 158 158 158 158 159 159 159 160 161 171 172
Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see Index For adjustment of air outlets, refer to Automatic Climate Control (see Index). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 Side defroster outlet Side air outlet, adjustable Air volume control for side outlet Exterior lamp switch Parking brake release Parking brake pedal Hood lock release Combination switch Cruise control switch Instrument cluster Horn, airbag Gasoline engine: Steering lock with ignition/starter switch Diesel engine: Steering lock with preglow/starter switch Center air outlet, adjustable Air volume control for center outlet Left front seat heater switch Headlamp washer switch Rear seat heater restraint switch 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Hazard warning flasher switch Central locking switch Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system Right front seat heater switch Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position 1 or 2) Automatic climate control, Rear window defroster switch Activated charcoal filter switch Audio system Storage/eyeglasses compartment Ashtray with lighter ASR or ESP control switch Power window switches, front doors Power window safety, rear doors Airbag Off indicator lamp Power window switches, rear doors Trunk lid release switch Mirror adjustment switch Rear window sunshade switch
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5 6 7 8 9 10 11 or
Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) ASR, ESP or ETS warning lamp (yellow). See Index Speedometer Trip odometer. See Index Outside temperature indicator. See Index Main odometer Clock. See Index
8-11 Multifunction indicator, or FSS indicator. See Index 12 13 14 3 4 Coolant temperature gauge. See Index Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement warning lamp (yellow). See Index 15 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green) Tachometer. See Index Push buttons for setting clock. See Index Push button for resetting multifunction indicator. See Index
Instrument Cluster 1 2 Push buttons for intensity of instrument lamps. See Index Push button for resetting trip odometer. See Index
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Multifunction Indicator If a malfunction occurs, the appropriate warning symbol appears, supplemented by a message in the field normally occupied by the displays for outside temperature, odometers, and clock. In the case of more than one malfunction, symbols and messages are displayed in sequence. Push reset button (R) for subsequent messages. A warning sounds at the beginning of each message. Notes: Refer to Multifunction Indicator in the Index for temporarily switching off a Warning Symbol and its message. Warning message selection is available in the English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish language. See Index. Indicator Lamp Symbols Symbols and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator Brake pads worn down. See Index Exterior lamp failure. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index Coolant level low. See Index Battery not being charged properly. See Index Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system low. See Index Exterior lamps are on. See Index Take key. Remove electronic key from steering lock. FSS indicator. See Index Parking brake engaged. See Index Display defective. See Multifunction Indicator in Index See Multifunction Indicator in Index Multifunction indicator for several messages.
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Additional Lamp Symbols in the Instrument Cluster, and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator Fasten seat belts. See Index. Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake engaged. See Index. Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake engaged. See Index. BAS malfunction. See Index ETS malfunction. See Index BAS malfunction. See Index ASR malfunction. See Index BAS malfunction. See Index ESP malfunction. See Index Function Indicator Lamp on the Center Console Passenger Airbag automatically switched off. See Index
Function Indicator Lamps in the Instrument Cluster High beam Preglow (Diesel engine only). See Index ABS malfunction. See Index SRS malfunction. See ASR , ESP or ETS. Adjust driving to road condition. See Index Engine malfunction. If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the 02-sensor on Federal version vehicles, and fuel injection system or emission control system on the California version vehicles. In either case, we recommend that you have the malfunction checked as soon as possible. See Index.
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Catalytic Converter Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type catalytic converters, an important element in conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating condition by following our recommended maintenance instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.
Caution! To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle. Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation should be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to overheat, which could start a fire.
Warning! As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
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Starting and Turning Off the Engine Before Starting Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector lever is in position "P" or "N". Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2. Starting Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to the stop and release. The starter will engage until the engine is running. If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops, turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat starting the engine. After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Important! Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the electronic key must be turned completely to the left before attempting to start the engine again. In areas where temperatures frequently drop below -4F (-20C) we recommend that an engine block heater be installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will advise you on this subject.
Turning Off Turn the electronic key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the engine. The electronic key can only be removed with your foot off the brake pedal and the selector lever in position "P".
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Starting and Turning Off Diesel Engine Before Starting Engage parking brake and ensure selector lever is in position "P" or "N". Turn key in steering lock to position 2. Starting Turn electronic key to steering lock position 2. Preglow indicator lamp should come on with cold engine. The preglow process starts. When the preglow indicator lamp goes out, the engine is ready for starting. Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to the stop and release. The starter will engage until the engine is running. If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops, turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat starting the engine. After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Turning off Turn the key in the steering lock to position 0 only when the vehicle has stopped moving. The key can only be removed with the selector lever in position "P".
Important! Due to the installed starter non-repeat feature, the key must be turned completely to the left before attempting to start the engine again. If the preglow indicator lamp fails to light up, or lights up while driving, the preglow system is defective and should be repaired at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer at the earliest possible date. The engine is equipped with a block heater to provide reliable starting at temperatures below 0F(-18C). Refer to Winter Driving in Index.
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Driving Instructions Warning! If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe distance from the roadway. Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz or tire dealer for repairs. Power Assistance Warning! When the engine is not running, the brake and steering systems are without power assistance. Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.
Brakes Warning! After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal pressure may be necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front. Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause excessive and premature wear of the brake pads. It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an accident. The condition of the parking brake system is checked each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required service.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low. Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir. Have the brake system inspected at an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately. All checks and service work on the brake system should be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by MercedesBenz. Warning! If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired. This could result in an accident.
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Caution! When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear to use the engine's braking power. This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear. After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some time, rather than immediately parking, so the air stream will cool down the brakes faster. Tires Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These indicators are located in six places on the tread circumference and become visible at a tread depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced. The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread. Warning! Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. As tread depth approaches 1 /16 in (1.5 mm), the adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced. Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions), the tire traction varies widely.
Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This applies particularly if the tires are subjected to high loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temperatures). Warning! Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire. Aquaplaning Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, aquaplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.
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Tire Traction The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road. You should pay particular attention to the condition of the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to the freezing point. Warning! If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution. We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires for the winter season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce your stopping distance as compared with summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is not snow or ice covered.
Tire Speed Rating E 300 Turbodiesel, E 320 and E 430: Your vehicle is factory equipped with "H"-rated tires, which have a European speed rating of 130 mph(210 km/h). An electronic speed limiter for models E 320 and E 430 prevents your vehicle from exceeding the speed rating. Model E 55 AMG: Your vehicle is factory equipped with "Z"-rated tires. An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from exceeding a speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Despite the tire rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions. Warning! Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the tires. Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of vehicle control and resulting in personal injury and possible death.
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