Drive Sensibly - Save Fuel

Fuel consumption, to a great extent,

depends on driving habits and operat­

24 ing conditions.
To save fuel you should:
• keep tires at the recommended
inflation pressures
• remove unnecessary loads
• remove ski racks or roof-mounted
luggage racks when not in use
• allow engine to warm up under low
load use
What You Should Know • avoid frequent acceleration and
at the Gas Station deceleration
See last page • have all maintenance work per­
formed at regular intervals by an
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer.
Fuel consumption is also increased
by driving in cold weather, in stop-
and-go traffic, on short trips and in
hilly country.
Owner's Manual

420 SEL
560 SEL
560 SEC
Model 126
1989
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 should
exist.
MERCEDES-BENZ original parts as well as conversion parts
and accessories approved by us are available at your
MERCEDES-BENiZ service station where you will receive
comprehensive information, also on permissible technical
modifications, and where expert installation will be per­
formed.

Printed in Germany
We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data
and illustrations of this Owner’s Manual (s.e.e.o.). Reprinting, translation and copying,
even of excerpts, is not permitted without our prior authorization in writing.

VKT / 11.88.10/ MD
Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of
your new MERCEDES-BENZ.
Your selection of our product is demonstration o f 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 skil­
led engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, we ask you to make a small investment of your
time:
• Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside.
• Please consider 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 o f safe, pleasur­
able driving.

Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

3
Introduction Maintenance
This Owner’s Manual contains a great deal of useful The Maintenance Booklet describes all the necessary
information. We urge you to read it carefully and maintenance work which should be performed at regular
familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving. intervals.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, Always have the Maintenance Booklet with you when
we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings. you take the vehicle to your authorized MERCEDES-
Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or BENZ dealer for service. The Service Advisor will record
personal injury. each service.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment
described. Therefore, you may find explanations of Roadside Assistance
equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program pro­
questions about the operation of any equipment, your vides factory trained technical help in the event of a
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will be glad to breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance
demonstrate the proper procedures. number:
Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy 1- 800 - 222-0100
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assist­
The Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy Booklet con­
ance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
tains detailed information about the warranties covering
your MERCEDES-BENZ, including: On-site service calls by a local Mercedes-Benz Road­
side Assistance technician are available weekdays from
• New Car Limited Warranty 5:00 PM till midnight, weekends and legal holidays from
• Emission System Warranty 8:00 AM till midnight.
• Emission Performance Warranty For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz
• California Emission Control System Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove or
Warranty (California Only) console storage compartment.

4
Change of Address or Ownership Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or Canada
If you change your address, be sure to send in the If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries,
“Change of Address Notice” found in the Owner’s please be aware that:
Service and Warranty Policy Booklet. It is in your own • unleaded fuels for vehicles with catalytic converters
interest that we can contact you should the need arise. may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all owner’s litera­ damage the catalysts,
ture with the vehicle to make it available to the next • fuel may have a considerably lower octane rating, and
owner. improper fuel can cause engine damage,
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the • service facilities or replacement parts may not be
“ Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Owner’s readily available.
Service and Warranty Policy Booklet.
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

5
Optional equipment is also described in this manual, includ­
ing 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 Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

6
Instruments and Controls, Starting the Engine
Driving Instructions, Service and Maintenance

Operation

Driving

Practical Hints

Technical Data
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.
Consumer Information

Index
Check Regularly and The First 1500 km (1000 Miles)
Before a Long Trip The more cautiously you treat your Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is
See page 116 vehicle during the break-in period, the not recommended to brake the
more satisfied you will be with its per­ vehicle by manually shifting to a
formance later on. Therefore, drive lower gear. We recommend to select
your vehicle during the first 1500 km positions “3” or “2” only at moderate
(1000 miles) at moderate vehicle and speeds (for hill driving).
engine speeds. After 1500 km (1000 miles) speeds
During this period, avoid heavy loads may gradually be increased to the
(full throttle driving) and high RPM permissible maximum.
(no more than % of maximum per­
missible speed in each gear).

8
Instruments and Controls, Starting the Engine
Driving Instructions, Service and Maintenance

Instruments and Controls 10

Instrument Cluster 12
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13
Catalytic Converter 14
Starting and Turning off
the Engine 15
Driving Instructions 16
MERCEDES-BENZ
Maintenance System 19
Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see specified pages.

1 Volume control for side air outlets (page 22) 15 Air recirculation switch (page 22)
16 Hazard warning flasher switch
2 Side air outlets (page 22)
17 Automatic antenna switch (page 60)
3 Adjustable air outlets (page 22)
18 Rear passenger compartment lamp switch (page 51)
4 Parking brake release (page 62) 19 Automatic climate control (page 22)
5 Hood lock release (pages 74, 75) 20 Radio (page 53)
21 Ashtray with lighter (pages 49, 96)
6 Parking brake pedal (page 62)
22 Left front seat heater switch (page 34)
7 Combination switch (page 47)
23 Fanfare horn control switch
8 Exterior lamp switch (page 46) 24 Switch for rear window sun shade
9 Cruise control (page 65) 25 Right front seat heater switch (page 34)
26 Left power window switch group (page 52)
10 Instrument cluster (page 12)
27 Adjusting switch for exterior mirror on front
11 Horn control, airbag (page 41) passenger side (page 48)
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch (page 45) 28 Loudspeaker front to rear fader control
29 Right power window switch group (page 52)
13 Air volume control lever for center and side air
outlets (page 22) 30 Glove compartment (illuminated in steering lock
positions 1 or 2) is not installed in vehicles equipped
14 Rear window defroster switch (page 50) with a front passenger airbag

10
11
I

Instruments and Controls

 1910

Instrument Cluster
1 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer 8 Main odometer
Rotate knob: To vary intensity of instrument lamps
9 Trip odometer
Depress knob: To reset trip odometer
10 Outside temperature indicator. See page 68
2 Economical driving indicator. See page 66
11 Turn signal indicator lamp, right (green)
3 Coolant temperature gauge. See page 67
12 Electric clock
4 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow).
See page 67 13 Tachometer
5 Oil pressure gauge (bar). See page 66 14 Red marking on tachometer:
Excessive engine speed
6 Turn signal indicator lamp, left (green)
15 Knob for clock adjustment
7 Speedometer
(press in and rotate for adjustments)

12
Indicator Lamp Symbols Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low.
Function Indicator Lamp See page 67

ID High beam Exterior light failure.

See page 67

Instrument Cluster
Indicator LamD Svmbols
Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless) ABS malfunction.
See page 69

Battery not being charged.

See page 66
SRS malfunction.
See page 41
Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged.
Engine malfunction.
See pages 62, 68 CHECK If the lamp comes on when the engine is
ENGINE running, it indicates a malfunction in the
Brake fluid low (Canada only).

(©) Parking brake engaged.

See pages 62, 68
0 2-sensor on Federal version vehicles, and
injection system or emission control system
on the California version vehicles. In either
case we recommend that you have the mal­
function checked as soon as possible.
Brake pad wear. See page 70
See page 68

Engine oil level low.

See page 66

Coolant level low.

See page 67

13
Catalytic Converter Caution! Warning!
Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped To prevent damage to the catalytic As with any vehicle, do not idle,
with monolithic catalytic converters, converters, use only premium un­ park or operate this vehicle in
an important element in conjunction leaded gasoline in this vehicle. areas where combustible mate­
with the 0 2-sensor to achieve sub­ Should any noticeable irregularities in rials such as grass, hay or leaves
stantial control of the pollutants in the the engine operation occur, excessive can come into contact with the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle unburned fuel may reach the convert­ hot exhaust system, as these
in proper operating condition by er causing it to overheat. materials could be ignited.
following our recommended mainte­
nance instructions as outlined in your
maintenance booklet.

14
Starting and Turning off the Engine Hot Engine Important!
Engage parking brake and move the Turn key in steering lock clockwise to Due to the installed starter non-repeat
gear selector lever in either “ P” or “ N” the stop. Do not depress accelerator. unit, the key must be returned to
position before starting the engine. If the engine has not fired after ap­ steering lock position 0 before a new
Turn key to steering lock position 2. prox. 4 seconds, depress accelerator starting attempt is made. I
The charge indicator lamp should and continue cranking until the engine
Observe the oil pressure gauge

Catalytic Converter
S ta r t in n
come on. is firing regularly. Release key and
immediately after starting the engine.
back off accelerator.
In a very cold engine the oil pressure
Cold Engine At very high coolant temperatures the will only rise slowly, some time after
engine starting time can be shortened the engine has started. Do not speed
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
if the accelerator is depressed slowly up the engine before pressure is
the stop. Do not depress accelerator.
at the beginning of the starting pro­ registered on the pressure gauge.
Release key only when the engine is
cess.
firing regularly. The charge indicator lamp should go
out as soon as the engine has started.
Turning off
In areas where temperatures fre­
Turn the key in steering lock to posi­ quently drop below -2 5 °C (-13 °F),
tion 0. Remove the key only when the we recommend that a block heater
vehicle has stopped. be installed. Your authorized
If the coolant temperature is very high MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will advise
(e.g. after hard driving on mountain you on this subject.
roads), do not shut off the engine
immediately, allow it to run for
1-2 minutes at increased idle speed.

15
Driving Instructions The condition of the parking brake All checks and maintenance work on
system is checked each time the car the brake system should be carried
Power assistance is in the shop for maintenance. out by an authorized MERCEDES-
Between maintenance checks it is a BENZ dealer.
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are with­ good practice to apply the parking If the parking brake is released and
out power assistance. Under these brake once or twice while driving at the brake warning lamp in the instru­
circumstances, a much greater effort approximately 50 km/h (30 mph) on a ment cluster stays on, the brake fluid
is necessary to stop or steer the dry straight road. Apply brake lightly level in the reservoir is too low.
vehicle. until a slight drag on the wheels is felt. Brake pad wear or a leak in the
Keep applying brake for about system may be the reason for low
Brakes 10 seconds while pulling the release brake fluid in the reservoir.
Caution! handle out before releasing the park­
ing brake completely. This practice Have the brake system inspected at
When driving down long and steep will keep the parking brake at maxi­ an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
grades, relieve the brakes by shifting mum efficiency. dealer without delay.
into “3” , “2” or “ B” . This helps prevent Install only brake pads and brake fluid
overheating of the brakes and re­ recommended by MERCEDES-BENZ.
duces brake pad wear. Do not exceed Warning!
engine speed limits (see page 64). If other than recommended brake
The stop lamps will not come on pads are installed, the braking proper­
After hard braking it is advisable to when applying the parking brake ties of the vehicle can be affected to
drive on for some time so the air only. Perform the procedure in an extent that the safety is substan­
stream will cool down the brakes the previous paragraph only tially impaired.
faster. when the road is clear of other
Warning! traffic.
After driving in heavy rain for
some time without applying the Caution!
brakes or through water deep Resting your foot on the brake pedal
enough to wet brake compo­ will cause excessive and premature
nents, the first braking action wear of the brake pads.
may be somewhat reduced and
increased pedal pressure may be
necessary. Be sure to maintain a
safe distance from vehicles in
front.

16
 Warning! Tire traction

Do not allow your tires to wear The safe speed on a wet, snow co­
down too far. With less than vered or icy road is always lower than
3 mm (% in) of tread, the adhe­ on a dry road.
sion properties on a wet road are You should pay particular attention to
sharply reduced. the condition of the road as soon as
Depending upon the weather the prevailing temperatures fall close
and/or road surface (conditions), to the freezing point.
the traction varies widely.
Warning!
Specified tire pressures must be If ice has formed on the road, tire
maintained. This applies particularly if traction will be substantially re­
1801 the tires are subjected to high loads duced. Under such weather con­
(e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ditions, drive, steer and brake
Tires ambient temperatures). with extreme caution.

Tread wear indicators (TWI) are Aquaplaning

required by law. These indicators are We recommend M + S radial-ply tires
located in six places on the tread cir­ Depending on the depth of the water for the winter season for all four
cumference and become visible at a layer on the road, aquaplaning may wheels to insure normal balanced
depth of approx. 2 mm ('/is in), at occur, even at low speeds and with handling characteristics. On packed
which point the tire is considered new tires. Avoid track grooves in the snow, they can reduce your stopping
worn and should be replaced. road and apply brakes cautiously in distance as compared with summer
the rain. tires. Stopping distance, however, is
The tread wear indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread. still considerably greater than when
the road is wet or dry.
Parking Winter Driving Instructions Road salts and chemicals can ad­
The most important rule for slippery versely affect braking efficiency.
Warning! or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to Increased pedal force may become
avoid abrupt acceleration, braking necessary to produce the normal
To reduce the risk of personal in­ brake effect. We therefore recom­
jury as a result of vehicle move­ and steering action. Do not use the
cruise control system under such mend depressing the brake pedal
ment, before turning off the repeatedly when traveling on salt-
engine and leaving the vehicle conditions.
strewn roads at length. This can
always: When the vehicle is in danger of skid­ bring road salt impaired braking
1. Keep foot on brake pedal. ding, move selector lever to position efficiency back to normal. A prere­
2. Firmly depress parking “ N” . Try to keep the vehicle under quisite is, however, that this is pos­
brake pedal. control by corrective steering action. sible without endangering other
3. Move the selector lever drivers on the road.
to position “P”. If the vehicle is parked after being
4. Slowly release brake pedal. driven on salt treated roads, the brak­
5. Turn front wheels towards ing efficiency should be tested as
the road curb. soon as possible after driving is
6. Turn the key to steering resumed while observing the safety
lock position 0 and remove. rules in the previous paragraph.

Note:
It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever leaving the vehicle. In addi­
tion, move selector lever to position
“p„

Also, when parking on hills, always

apply the parking brake.

18
MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance Severe Operating Conditions Special Maintenance Measures
System
Under severe operating conditions or Brake fluid should be replaced annu­
A maintenance booklet is included heavy use, it may be necessary to ally, preferably in the spring.
with your car, listing all the mainte­ carry out prescribed maintenance It is recommended to use only brake
nance jobs that must be carried out jobs at shorter intervals, for example: fluid approved by MERCEDES-BENZ.
after the following mileages:
I
Engine: Oil change with filter change Do not mix different types of brake

Q \/o to m
every 6000 km (3750 miles) fluids.
Routine Maintenance
Automatic transmission: Fluid Have the engine coolant (water/anti­
Inspection at change without filter change every corrosion/antifreeze mixture) replaced
1300-1600 km (800-1000 miles) 24 000 km (15 000 miles) every three years (see “ Fuels, Cool­

M f lin t p n a n r o
Lubrication Service every Tires: Inspect every 12 000 km ants, Lubricants, etc.”).
12 000 km (7500 miles) (7500 miles)
Maintenance Service every Maintenance Vouchers
Air filter: Clean or replace element
24000 km (15 000 miles) every 24 000 km (15 000 miles) Your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
Additional Work every dealer will certify in the maintenance
48 000 km (30 000 miles) Note: booklet that all lubrication and
maintenance services have been
For additional details refer to the Severe operating conditions or heavy
carried out at the correct intervals.
Maintenance Booklet. use include: predominant city or short
In the case of low mileage operation, distance driving, frequent mountain
driving, poor roads, dusty or muddy
the Maintenance Service must be
carried out at least once every conditions, etc..
2 years.

Engine Oil and Filter Change

Required every 12 000 km
(7500 miles), or at least once a year
(fall) when using year-round multi­
grade oil; otherwise at least twice
a year (spring and fall).
For engine oil recommendations, see
page 105.

19
 Operation

Automatic Climate Control 22 Seat Belts and Supplemental

Car Keys 27 Restraint System (SRS) 37
Opening the Doors 28 Steering Lock 45
Locking and Unlocking of Doors 28 Exterior Lamp Switch 46
Central Locking System 29 Combination Switch 47
Anti-Theft Alarm System 30 Exterior Rear View Mirrors 48
Adjusting Power Seats, Front 31 Inside Rear View Mirror 48
Arm Rest (Front Seats) 33 Lighter 49
Orthopedic Seat Backrest 33 Sun Visors 49
Heated Seats 34 Console Storage Compartment 50
Arm Rest (Rear Bench Seat) 35 Rear Window Defroster 50
Head Restraints, Rear 35 Interior Lamps 51
Adjusting Power Seats, Rear 35 Sliding Roof with Rear Pop-Up
Adjusting Individual Rear Seats 36 Feature 51
Adjusting Telescopic Steering Power Windows 52
Column 36 Shelf below Rear Window 52
Electronic Radio 53
 Heating, cooling, and air distribution
within the vehicle’s interior will be
automatically controlled. This is
accomplished with the temperature
selector (1), the pushbuttons (2) and
the fan control buttons (3).
The adjustable air outlets (7) and (8)
can be variably opened and closed, or
moved to direct the flow of air as de­
sired. The outlets (7) are opened and
closed with slide lever (6), and outlets
(8) with slide levers (5).
Move slide levers (5) and (6) towards
the left to open, towards the right to
close.
3 Fan control buttons The air flow from the outlets (9) may
Automatic Climate Control
be increased by rotating the control
The engine must be running for the S3 Maximum fan speed (10) up, and reduced by rotating
down.
climate control system to operate. Automatic fan speed
1 Temperature selector With the exterior lamps turned on (ex­
control
cept standing lamps), the symbols on
2 Pushbuttons for function selection Minimum fan speed all buttons light up. Each button shi­
Defrost nes brighter when depressed.
4 Air recirculation switch
Bi-Level 5 Volume control for Notes:
adjustable air outlets (8) The automatic climate control
Normal setting right and left operates properly only if all windows
6 Volume control for and the sliding roof are kept closed.
P I EC (Economy) Air outlets (7), (8) and (9) must not all
adjustable air outlets (7)
be closed at the same time.
Q Off (air supply off) 7, 8 Adjustable air outlets
The air conditioner removes consider­
9 Side air outlets able moisture from the air during
10 Volume control for side air operation. It is normal, for water to
outlets (9) right and left drip on the ground through openings
in the underbody.

22
 Temperature Selection (°C) At high outside temperatures, the sys­
tem automatically engages the recir­
The desired interior temperature
can be selected by rotating the culated air mode thereby increases
the cooling capacity performance.
temperature selector. The
selected temperature is reached as The recirculated air mode will be
quickly as possible and maintained. A automatically switched off after ap­
basic setting of 22 °C (72 °F) is re­ proximately 30 minutes of operation
commended. at outside temperatures above ap­
proximately 7 °C (45 °F) and after ap­
If desired, the temperature selector
proximately 5 minutes at outside tem­
can be rotated to the end positions
peratures below approximately 7 °C
“ MIN” and “ MAX” . This overrides the
(45 °F).
automatic mode.
At outside temperatures above 20 °C
“ MIN” (detent) = peak cooling.
(68 °F), the system can be continu­
“ MAX” (detent) = maximum heating. ously operated in the recirculatedjair
The adjustable air outlet in the rear If button 1 3 is depressed with the mode by pressing button jg| or |2|
passenger compartment console pro­ temperature selector in the “ MIN” or and rotating the temperature selector
vides a variable flow of fresh outside “ MAX” end positions, the fan will run to end position “ MIN” .
air or cooled air. The air flow is in­ at near maximum speed. If the windows should fog up from the
creased by sliding the lever to the left inside, switch from recirculated air
and decreased by sliding the lever to Air Recirculation back to fresh air by pressing the lower
the right.
E Press symbol side of switch =
the air recirculation mode is en­
gaged. The indicator lamp in the
switch lights up.
half of the air recirculation switch (the
indicator lamp in the switch goes out).
Note:
It is not possible to switch to recircu­
This mode can be selected to prevent lated air if button or (jj2 is depres­
annoying odors or dust from entering sed.
the car’s interior.
 Function Setting

^ Normal setting
The system automatically cools or heats depending on
the outside temperature and the selected interior temper­
ature.
• In the cooling mode, air is directed only to the adjust­
able air outlets (7), (8) and (9).
• In the heating mode, warm air is primarily directed to
1480
the foot area and additionally to the ducts in the front
q Normal setting - Cooling doors.
In the heating mode, air will also be periodically emit­
^ Economy setting - Ventilation ted from the adjustable air outlets (7).
Enough air is supplied to the windshield and to the
side windows to keep the glass free of fog in normal
weather conditions.
At low outside temperatures, fan operation does not
start until the engine coolant has warmed up.

P I EC (ECONOMY) = Economical setting

The function of this setting corresponds to the ’’Normal"
setting, however, because the air conditioning com­
pressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not possible to
air condition in this setting.

P i Economy setting - Heating

24
 0 Bi-Level
This setting is used if the inside of the windshield begins
to fog up, ice up or when wet snow is falling. As soon as
the windshield has cleared, reset to ^ or ^ .
In the heating mode, warm air is supplied to the wind­
shield, foot area, air outlets (8) and (9), and to the ducts
in the front doors. Additionally, air may be emitted
periodically from outlets (7), depending on the interior
temperature.
In the cooling mode, cool air is supplied to the wind­
3 Bi-Level ventilation - Cooling shield, foot area, front door ducts, and air outlets (7), (8)

Operation
and (9).
Note:
In warm, humid climates, prolonged use of this setting
may create condensation on the outside of the wind­
shield, directly above the defroster ducts.

£ 1 Bi-Level ventilation - Heating

25
 ^ Defrost
The maximum amount of heated air is directed to the
windshield and adjustable air outlets (9) independent of
the positions of the temperature selector wheel and fan
control buttons.

S Of,
The fresh air supply to the car interior is shut off. While
driving, use this setting only temporarily.

26
 Valet Key - round head with a red Obtaining Replacement Keys
dot - fits only the door locks and the
Your vehicle is equipped with a theft
steering lock. Arms/disarms the anti­
deterrent locking system requiring a
theft alarm system. The valet key will
special key manufacturing process.
not fit the trunk glove or console stor­
For security reasons, replacement
age compartment locks. This key
keys can only be obtained via your
should be used whenever the car is authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
left with an attendant. Be sure to lock
glove or console storage compart­
ment and trunk with the master key. Warning!
When leaving the vehicle always
Flat Key remove the key from the steering
lock. Do not leave children un­
The flat key with a red dot

T
attended in the vehicle. Unsuper­
fits all vehicle locks.
vised use of vehicle equipment
Arms/disarms the anti­
may cause serious personal in­
Car Keys theft alarm system. We
jury.
recommend that you carry
Included with your vehicle are two the flat key with you and
master keys, one valet key and one keep it in a safe place so
flat (master) key. that it is always handy.
Master Key - square head with a red Never leave the flat key in
dot - fits all locks on the car. Arms/ the vehicle.
disarms the anti-theft alarm system.
 When the rear door lock buttons are
down, the rear doors cannot be
opened from the outside or the inside,
unless the door lock buttons are first
pulled up.
The driver’s door can be locked only
if it is closed and the door latch has
properly engaged.

Opening the Doors Locking and Unlocking of Doors

From outside: pull handle (1) From the outside: turn key.
outwards. From the inside: actuate door lock
From inside: pull handle (4) in door button.
trim panel. 2 Unlocking (shown on models
3 Locking 420/560 SEL)

28
Central Locking System The central locking system can be en­ The trunk can remain locked while the
gaged from the driver-side door lock central locking system is unlocked
The entire vehicle may be locked or
button, provided the door is com­ (e.g. while driving or when leaving the
unlocked with the central locking
pletely closed. It can also be engaged car in a situation where it must be
system by:
from the passenger-side if the ignition driven using the valet key, but you
• Using the master or valet key in key is removed, or the key is inserted wish the trunk to remain locked at
either front door. in the steering lock without being parking lots, workshops, etc.). Turn
• Using the master key in the trunk turned (key in position 0). the master key completely to the right
lock. If the car has been locked from the and pull it out in the horizontal posi­
outside, the anti-theft alarm will come tion. Now the trunk can only be un­
• By pushing down or pulling up the locked with the master key by turning
interior door lock button at either on if a door is opened from the inside.
it back completely to the left.
front door.
Trunk
The central locking system locks or Important!
unlocks all doors, trunk lid and fuel To unlock the trunk with the central
locking system, turn the master key in If the trunk is unlocked with the mas­
filler flap simultaneously.
the trunk lock completely to the left ter key, the doors and fuel filler flap
Doors and let it return to the vertical posi­ will also be unlocked. After closing
tion. Push in trunk lock button and the trunk, the central locking system
When you lock the car, all door lock
open the trunk. To lock the trunk, turn must again be engaged using the key
buttons should move down. If any one
the master key completely to the right to relock the doors and fuel filler flap.
stays up, the respective door is not
properly closed. You should then un­ and let it return to the vertical posi­
tion. Note:
lock the car, open and reclose this
door, and lock the car again. If the fuel filler flap cannot be
opened, refer to “ Manual Release of
Fuel Filler Flap” (page 89).
Anti-Theft Alarm System The alarm will last approximately Do not give the master key to an un­
150 seconds in the form of blinking authorized person. We recommend
The anti-theft alarm can be armed or
exterior lamps. At the same time an that you carry the flat key safely with
disarmed with the master key, valet
additional horn will sound intermit­ you so that it is always handy. This
key or flat key by locking or unlocking
either front door or the trunk. tently for 60 seconds, pause for key has the same function as the
30 seconds, and repeat for another master key.
60 seconds.
Operation
The alarm will stay on even if the ac­
Once the alarm system has been
tivating element (a door, for example)
armed, the exterior vehicle lamps will
is immediately closed.
flash and the horn will sound intermit­
tently when someone:
Note:
• opens a door If the radio is removed from its
• opens the trunk mounting when the anti-theft alarm is
armed the radio will automatically be
• opens the hood rendered inoperative! (This is indi­
• removes the radio cated by a dashed line across the dis­
play.)
• switches on or bridges the ignition
circuit
• steps on the brake pedal.

30
 Seat and head restraint adjustment: Storing seat/head restraint/steering
A Seat cushion adjustment. wheel positions in memory:
D Memory button.
B Seatback adjustment.
E Position buttons “ 1” and “2” .
C Head restraint adjustment.
Two sets of seat/head restraint/steer­
Adjust head restraint to support ing wheel positions may be program­
the back of the head approxi­ med into memory. After the seat/head
mately at ear level. The head re­ restraint/steering wheel are posi­
straint can also be tilted forward tioned, push memory button D, re­
by hand. lease, and within 3 seconds push
Note: position button “ 1” . A second set of
positions for the same seat/head re­
Your car is equipped with power straint/steering wheel can be pro­
head restraints, do not try to op­ grammed into memory by pushing
1121
erate manually. first button D and then “2” .
Recalling seat/head restraint/steering
Adjusting Power Seats, Front wheel positions stored in memory:
Warning!
The switches are located in each front Do not adjust the driver’s seat To recall a seat/head restraint/steering
door. while driving. Adjusting the seat wheel position, push position button “ 1”
Turn key to steering lock position 1 while driving could cause the or “2” until seat/head restraint/steering
or 2 (with the driver’s or front passen­ driver to lose control of the vehi­ wheel movement has stopped. For safe­
ger’s door opened, the power seats cle. ty reasons, the seat/head restraint/steer­
can also be operated with the key re­ ing wheel movement stops after releas­
Never ride in a moving vehicle ing the position button.
moved or in steering lock position 0). with the seat back reclined. The
seat back and seat belts provide Note:
the best restraint, when the See page 36 for instructions to adjust
wearer is in an upright position telescopic steering column.
and the belts are properly posi­ Caution!
tioned on the body.
Do not remove head restraints except
when mounting seat covers. For
removal refer to “ Practical Hints” ,
page 97. Whenever restraints have
been removed be sure to reinstall
them before driving.
 Important! Both the inside and outside rear view
Prior to operating the vehicle, the mirrors should be adjusted for ade­
quate rearward vision. Fasten seat
driver should adjust the seat height
for proper vision as well as fore/aft belts. Infants and small children
should be seated in a properly sec­
placement and seat back angle to in­
ured restraint system that complies
sure adequate control, reach, opera­
with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
tion, and comfort. The head restraint
Standard 213.
should also be adjusted for proper
height. All seat, head restraint, and rear
view mirror adjustments as well as
fastening of seat belts should be done
before the vehicle is put into motion.

19580

Coupe: For safety, when the doors

are closed and the engine is running
the backrests are mechanically locked
by vacuum actuators. The locks can
be released by pushing the button
(arrow). When the doors are opened
the backrests can be folded forward
without pushing the button.

32
 Warning!
The arm rest does not suffice as
a child restraint system. In case
of a frontal collision a child can
be catapulted forward over the
locked arm rest. Infants and
small children should be seated
in a properly secured restraint
system that complies with US
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 and Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard

Operation
213.1.

Orthopedic Seat Backrest

Arm Rest (Front Seats) In addition, the cushion height may be
Some models may be equipped with changed to five different settings bet­
Position 1 = arm rest folded up. orthopedic seats. These seats have ween position “A” = lowest setting,
Position 2 = for normally inclined seat an inflatable air cushion built into the and “ E” = highest setting, by varying
back. backrest to provide additional lumbar the height regulator (2) adjustment.
support. The amount of cushion
Position 3 = for extremely inclined height and curvature may be adjusted If the engine is turned off, the last
seat back. after turning the key to steering lock cushion setting is retained in memory,
To adjust arm rest downwards, press position 1 or 2. and automatically adjusts the cushion
release button (4). to this setting when the engine is re­
The inflation pressure of the air cush­ started.
ion can be varied between position
Note: “0” = without pressure, and position
To move the arm rest between posi­ “4” = maximum pressure, by chang­
tions 1 and 2 it may be necessary to ing the pressure regulator (1) setting.
overcome a slight resistance.

33
 Heater operation: Notes:
Push in upper switch portion; position When in operation, the seat heater
1 = normal heater operation, one indi­ consumes a large amount of power. It
cator lamp lights up. is advisable not to use the seat heater
Push in lower switch portion; position longer than necessary.
2 = rapid heating, both indicator The seat heaters may automatically
lamps light up. switch off if too many power con­
After approximately 5 minutes in the sumers are switched on at the same
rapid heating mode, the heater auto­ time, or if the battery charge is low.
matically switches to normal opera­ When this occurs, the indicator lamp
tion and only one indicator lamp will in the switch will blink (both indicator
stay on. lamps blink during rapid seat heating).
The seat heaters will switch on again
Turning off heater: as soon as sufficient voltage is avail­
If one indicator lamp is on, press in able.
Heated Seats upper part of switch, position 1. If the blinking of the indicator lamps is
If both indicator lamps are on, press distracting to you, the seat heaters
The front seat heaters can be can be switched off.
switched on with the key in steering in lower part of switch, position 2.
lock positions 1 or 2, the rear seat The heater automatically turns off
heaters only in steering lock after approximately 30 minutes of
position 2. operation.
The switches for the front seats are
located at the forward end of the
center console, those for the rear
seats are located in the rear doors.

34
 Operation
926 2

Arm Rest (Rear Bench Seat) Head Restraints, Rear Adjusting Power Seats, Rear
When pulling out the arm rest by its Adjust head restraint to support the Turn key to steering lock position
strap, the seat belt buckles for the back of the head approximately at ear 1 or 2.
outboard seats swing out automati­ level. Do not extend the head restraint The rear seat can be adjusted using
cally. past the stop. the switch located in either of the rear
For the removal of the rear seat cusfr For removal of head restraint refer to doors. The inclination of the seat back
ion, see “ Practical Hints” , page 98. “ Practical Hints” , page 97. changes with the adjustment of the
seat cushion.

35
Adjusting Individual Rear Seats Press switches: Adjusting Telescopic Steering
The switches are located on the con' 1 Upward seat cushion adjustment Column
sole between the seats. 2 Downward seat cushion adjust­ Turn key to steering lock position
Turn key to steering lock position 1 ment 1 or 2 (with the driver’s or front
or 2. passenger’s door opened, the tele­
3 Forward seat cushion adjustment scopic steering column can be oper­
4 Rearward seat cushion adjustment ated with the key removed or in steer­
The inclination of the seat back is al­ ing lock position 0).
tered together with the fore/aft adjust­ To lengthen or shorten the steering
ment of the seat cushion. column, actuate the switch (1).
Note:
The steering wheel position is stored
in memory with the seat and head
restraint position.

36
Seat Belts and Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS)
Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts for all seats, emergency
tensioning retractors for the front
seats, driver airbag and knee bolster
and optional front passenger airbag
and knee bolster.

Seat Belts
Important!
Laws in most states and provinces

Operation
require seat belt use.
All states and provinces require child
restraint use that complies with U.S. Seat Belt Warning System Fastening
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan­
dard 213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle With the key in steering lock posi­ • Pull belt with latch plate (1) across
Safety Standard 213.1. tion 2, a warning buzzer sounds for a shoulder and lap so that the lap
short time if the driver’s seat belt is belt is positioned as low on your
not fastened. hips as possible. Do not twist the
When someone enters the car the re­ belt. For safety reasons, avoid ad­
minder lamp, located below the front justing the seat into positions
interior/reading lamp, flashes for a which could affect the correct seat
short time to remind all occupants to belt position.
fasten seat belts. • Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2)
until it clicks.

37
 Emergency operation:
If the electrical system fails, the ex­
tender arm and belt can be manually
pushed back into their rest position.
• The belt must be pulled snug and
checked for snugness immediately
after engaging it and during driv­
ing. If necessary, tighten the lap
portion to a snug fit by pulling
shoulder portion up.
The swivel fitting (mounted on the
lower anchoring point to facilitate
entering the vehicle) must point
forward when fastening the seat
belt.
• Sedan • Coupe The pivot plate must face to the
Adjust front seat belts so the upper When the respective door is closed rear with the seat belt extender in
belt is located as close as possible and the key is in steering lock the retracted position.
to the middle of the shoulder (it position 2, the seat belt extender
should not touch the neck). For brings the belt forward within easy
this purpose, push button (4) and reach of the occupant.
raise or lower belt outlet (3 posi­ The seat belt extender returns to
tions). its rest position when the seat belt
The belt must be pulled snug and is buckled or when resistance to its
checked for snugness immediately extension is encountered (e.g.,
after engaging it and during driv­ accidental occupant contact).
ing. If necessary, tighten the lap If the seat belt is not buckled with­
portion to a snug fit by pulling in 30 seconds, the seat belt exten­
shoulder portion up. der will return to its rest position.
This is also the case if the key is
turned to steering lock position 1
or 0 or if the door is opened.

38
 To disengage the belt, push red
button (3) in the buckle.
If the center seat is not occupied, the
belt buckle and rolled-up seat belt
can be stored in the space next to the
rear arm rest (to the left or right of arm
rest).

Warning!
• Each occupant should wear
their seat belt at all times. To­

Operation
gether with the “SRS” (driver
airbag, ETR’s, driver - side
knee bolster and optional front
passenger airbag, front pas­
Unfastening Lap belt for center seating position of senger - side knee bolster),
• Push in the red button (3) in the the rear seat the seat belt offers the best
belt buckle (2). Pull belt with latch plate (1) over lap conditions for protection of
• Allow the retractor to completely so that the belt is positioned as low the body in case of major fron­
rewind the seat belt by guiding the on your hips as possible. Push latch tal impact. Never wear the
latch plate (1). plate (1) into buckle (2) until it clicks. shoulder belt under your arm
Do not twist the belt but keep it tight. or otherwise out of position.
Operation: For safety reasons, avoid adjusting Position the lap belt as low as
The inertia reel stops the belt from the seat into positions which could possible around the hips (not
unwinding during sudden vehicle affect the correct seat belt position. the waist).
stops or when quickly pulling on the To shorten the belt: With the latch • According to accident statis­
belt. plate engaged, pull the loose end of tics, children are safer when
The emergency tensioning retractor the belt. properly restrained in the rear
tightens the seat belt upon major To lengthen the belt: With the belt un­ seating positions than in the
frontal impacts within the shaded area fastened, turn the latch plate so that it front seating positions.
shown on page 40. is a little more than 90° perpendicular
The locking function of the reel may to the belt, then extend the belt. Fas­
be checked by quickly pulling out the ten the belt and shorten as stated
belt. above.
39
 • Infants and small children SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT The emergency tensioning retractors
must be seated in an infant or SYSTEM (SRS) are designed to activate only when
child restraint system, which the seat belts are fastened during ma­
is properly secured by a lap jor frontal impacts within the shaded
belt or lap belt portion of a area shown. They tighten the belts in
lap-shoulder belt. Children such a way that they fit more snugly
could be endangered in an against the body restricting its for­
accident if their child re­ ward movement as much as possible.
straints are not properly se­ In cases of less severe frontal im­
cured in the vehicle. pacts, roll-overs, certain side impacts,
• Children too big for child re­ rear collisions, or other accidents
straint systems should ride in without major frontal forces, the
rear seats using regular seat emergency tensioning retractors will
belts. Position shoulder belt not be activated. The driver and pas­
across the chest and shoulder, sengers will then be protected by the
not the face or neck. A boos­ fastened seat belts and inertia reel in
ter seat may be necessary. the usual manner.
• Each seat belt should not be For seat belt and emergency ten­
used for more than one per­ sioning retractor safety guidelines,
Emergency Tensioning
son at a time. see page 43.
Retractor (ETR)
• Belts should not be worn
The seat belts for the front seats are
twisted.
equipped with emergency tensioning
• Pregnant women should retractors. These tensioning retractors
select a seat with a lap-shoul- are located in each belt’s inertia reel
der belt whenever possible. and become operationally ready with
The lap belt should be the key in steering lock position 1
positioned as low as possible or 2.
around the hips to avoid
any possible pressure on the
abdomen.

For cleaning and care of the seat

belts, see page 94.

40
 The operational readiness of the air­
bag system is verified by the indicator
lamp “SRS” (3) in the instrument clus­
ter. 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 air­
bag system and will indicate a mal­
function by coming on again.
The following system components are
monitored or undergo a self-check:
crash-sensor, airbag ignition circuit,
driver and front passenger seat belt
buckles. Initially, when the key is
turned from steering lock position 0 to
positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the
crash-sensor are detected and indi­
cated (the “SRS” indicator lamp stays
on longer than 4 seconds).
In the operational mode, after the in­
dicator lamp has gone out after the
initial check, interruptions and 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 de­
Driver Airbag The airbag (1) is located in the steer­ tected and indicated.
The most effective occupant restraint ing wheel hub and, in conjunction
system yet developed for use in pro­ with wearing the seat belts with
duction vehicles is the three-point emergency tensioning retractors (2),
seat belt. In some cases, however, provides increased protection for the
the protective effect of seat belts can driver.
be further enhanced by an airbag.
in the event a malfunction of the
“SRS” is indicated as outlined above,
we strongly recommend that you visit
an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer immediately to have the sys­
tem checked; otherwise the “SRS”
may not be activated in a major fron­
tal accident.

Important note:
The airbag is designed to activate
only in major frontal impacts within
the shaded area shown in the illus­
tration on page 40. Only during
these types of impacts will it pro­
vide its supplemental protection.
The driver should always wear the
seat belt, otherwise it is not possi­
ble for the airbag to provide its in­
tended protection.

In cases of less severe frontal im­

pacts, roll-overs, certain side impacts,
rear collisions, or other accidents
without severe frontal forces, the air­
bag will not be activated. The driver
and other passengers will then be
protected by the fastened seat belts. Front Passenger Airbag Important note:
If your vehicle is equipped with the The front passenger airbag is de­
optional front passenger airbag, it can signed to activate only in major
be identified by the lettering “SRS- frontal impacts within the shaded
AIRBAG” on the dashboard ahead of area shown in the illustration on
the front passenger (cover of airbag page 40. Only during these types of
unit). impacts will it provide its supple­
mental protection. The front

42
passenger should always wear the The service life of the airbag ex­ Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt,
seat belt, otherwise it is not pos­ tends to the date indicated on the Emergency Tensioning Retractor
sible for the front passenger airbag label located on the driver-side and Airbag
to provide its intended protection. door latch post. To provide con­
tinued reliability after that date, it
should be inspected by an au­ Warning!
Warning! thorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer • Damaged belts or belts that
Infants and small children must at that time and replaced when were highly stressed in an
only be seated in a rear seat and necessary. accident must be replaced
be properly secured using a child and their anchoring points
or infant safety seat/restraint must also be checked. Use
system. only belts installed or supplied
by an authorized MERCEDES-
BENZ dealer.
Important note:
• Do not pass belts over sharp
The ”SRS” is designed to reduce edges.
the potential of injury in major fron­
tal impacts, however, no system • Do not make any modification
available today can totally eliminate that could change the effec­
injuries and fatalities. tiveness of the belts.
The activation of the “SRS” tem­ • An airbag or emergency ten­
porarily releases a small amount of sioning retractor (ETR) that
dust from the airbag and the seat was activated must be re­
belt emergency tensioning retrac­ placed.
tors. This dust, however, is neither • No modifications of any kind
injurious to your health, nor does it may be made to any compo­
indicate a fire in the vehicle. nents or wiring of the “SRS”.
This includes the installation
of additional trim material,
badges, etc. over the steering
wheel hub or front passenger
airbag cover and installation
of additional electrical/elec­
tronic equipment on or near
“SRS” components and
wiring.
 • Improper work on the system, Infant and Child Restraint Systems becoming a projectile in the
including incorrect installation event of an accident.
Mercedes-Benz of North America re­
and removal, can lead to pos­ commends that all infants and chil­ Infants and small children should
sible injury through an uncon­ dren be restrained at all times while never be held on the lap, nor
trolled activation of the “SRS”. the vehicle is in motion. should they share a seat belt with
In addition, through improper another occupant while the vehi­
work there is the risk of ren­ Important! cle is in motion.
dering the “SRS” inoperative.
Work on the “SRS” must The use of infant or child restraints is According to accident statistics,
therefore only be performed required by law in all 50 states and all children are safer when properly
by an authorized Canadian provinces. restrained in the rear seating
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer. Infants and small children should be positions than in the front seating
seated in an infant or child restraint positions.
• When scrapping the airbag
system, which is properly secured by Children too big for child re­
unit or emergency tensioning
a lap belt or lap belt portion of a lap- straint systems should ride in
retractor, it is mandatory to
shoulder belt, and that complies with rear seats using regular seat
follow our safety instructions.
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety belts. Position shoulder belt
These instructions are avail­
able at your authorized Standard 213 and Canadian Motor across the chest and shoulder,
Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1. not the face or neck. A booster
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
A statement by the child restraint seat may be necessary.
manufacturer of compliance with this
When you sell the vehicle we strongly standard can be found on the instruc­
urge you to give notice to the subse­ tion label on the restraint and in the This vehicle is equipped with tether
quent owner that it is equipped with a instruction manual provided with the anchorages for use with child re­
“SRS” by alerting him to the applic­ restraint. straints that have a top tether strap.
able section in the Owner’s Manual. When using any infant or child re­ Consult your authorized MERCEDES-
straint system, be sure to carefully BENZ dealer for the exact location of
read and follow all manufacturer’s in­ these anchorages.
structions for installation and use.
Note:
Canada Models only
Warning! In compliance with Canadian Motor
When the child restraint is not in Vehicle Safety Standard 210.1, child
use, remove it from the car or restraint tether anchorage hardware is
secure it with the seat belt to attached to the tool kit located in the
prevent the child restraint from trunk.
44
 2 Driving position. A warning buzzer sounds when the
3 Starting position. driver’s door is opened with the key in
steering lock position 1 or 0.
For starting and turning off the en­
gine, refer to page 15. With the engine at idle speed, the
charging rate of the alternator (output)
is limited.
Warning!
It is therefore recommended to turn
When leaving the vehicle always off unnecessary electrical consumers
remove the key from the steering while driving in stop and go traffic.
lock. Do not leave children un­ This precaution helps to avoid drain­
attended in the vehicle. Unsuper­ ing of the battery.
vised use of vehicle equipment
Unnecessary strain on the battery and
may cause serious personal in­
jury. charging system may be minimized
by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated
Steering Lock Notes: seats, rear window defroster.
0 Steering is locked when the key is The following items can be operated
withdrawn and the steering lock is with the key in steering lock
engaged. The key can be with­ position 1:
drawn only in position 0. Wiper,
windshield washer,
headlamp cleaning system (only in ex­
Warning! terior lamp switch positions 1 or 2),
Do not remove key from the headlamp flasher,
steering lock while the vehicle lighter,
is in motion as this will cause glove compartment lamp,
the engagement of the steer­ sliding roof,
ing lock thus rendering the rear window defroster,
vehicle impossible to steer. power windows,
power seats, front and rear,
heated seats, front,
1 Steering is unlocked. orthopedic seat backrest,
(If necessary, move steering wheel telescopic steering column.
slightly and turn the key clockwise
to position 1.)
45
Exterior Lamp Switch Notes:
0 Off-position With the key removed and a front
door open, a warning.buzzer sounds
1 Parking lamps (includes side if the vehicle’s exterior lamps (except
marker lamps, taillamps, license standing lamps) are not switched off.
plate lamps, instrument panel
lamps) Fog lamps will operate together with
the parking lamps, low beam head­
2 Same as pos. 1 plus headlamps lamps and high beam headlamps.
3 Standing lamps, right Fog lamps are turned off automatical­
4 Standing lamps, left ly when the exterior lamp switch is
returned to the off-position.
A Turn to position 2 and pull out to
first stop = same as position 2 plus Fog lamps should only be used in
fog lamps. conjunction with low beam head­
lamps. Consult your state Motor Vehi­
Standing lamps cle Regulations regarding fog lamp
operation.
When the vehicle is parked on the
street the standing lamps (right or left
side parking lamps) can be turned on,
making the vehicle more visible to
passing vehicles.
The standing lamps can only be oper­
ated with steering lock in position 0
or 1.
 7 Windshield wiper control
0 Wiper off
1 Intermittent wiping
II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed
Note:
If one of the turn signals fails, the turn
signal indicator system flashes and
sounds at a faster rate than normal. In
addition, the light failure indicator will
come on.
If the windshield wipers smear the

Operation
windshield, even during rain, activate
the washer system as often as neces­
sary. The fluid in the washer reservoir
Combination Switch To signal minor directional changes, should be mixed in the correct ratio.
such as changing lanes on a highway, For the overload protection of the
1 Low beam (with exterior lamp
move combination switch to the point windshield wiper motor, see page 89.
switch turned to position 2)
of resistance only and hold it there.
2 High beam (with exterior lamp Mixing ratio
6 Control for
switch turned to position 2)
• windshield washer system For temperatures above freezing:
3 High beam flasher (high beam • headlamp cleaning system
available independent of exterior (will work only with exterior MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
lamp switch position) lamp switch in position 1 or 2) “S” and water
4 Turn signals, right When the washer system is acti­ 1 part “S” to 100 parts water
vated, the wipers also operate for (40 ml “S” to 1 gallon water).
5 Turn signals, left
a limited time. For temperature below freezing:
To operate the turn signals, move the The reservoir, hoses, and nozzles of MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
combination switch past the point of the windshield washer and headlamp “S” and commercially available pre­
resistance (up or down). The switch is cleaning system are automatically mixed windshield washer solvent/anti­
automatically cancelled when the heated. freeze 1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
steering wheel is turned to a large (40 ml “S” to 1 gallon solvent).
enough degree.

47
Exterior Rear View Mirrors Caution! Inside Rear View Mirror
The exterior mirrors have electrically Exercise care when using the The mirror can be tilted to the anti­
heated glass. The heater switches on passenger-side mirror. glare night position by means of the
and off automatically, depending on lever at its lower edge.
Objects in mirror are closer than they
outside temperature. appear. Use your inside mirror to determine
the size and distance of objects seen
Driver’s side: To adjust the mirror: in the passenger-side convex mirror.
The exterior mirror (2) can be adjusted Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
from inside the vehicle by moving ad­ The exterior mirror can be adjusted
justing lever (1) in the desired direc­ using the switch. Adjust the mirror so
tion. you can just see the side of your vehi­
cle in the portion of the mirror closest
Passenger side:
to the car.
The passenger-side exterior mirror is
convex (outwardly curved surface for Note:
a wider field of view). If the mirror housing is forcibly piv­
oted from its normal position, it must
be repositioned manually by applying
firm pressure until it snaps into place.
48
 Operation
Lighter Sun Visors Vanity mirror:
Turn key in steering lock to position 1 Swing sun visors down to protect With the visor engaged in its inner
or 2. against sun glare. mounting, the lamp can be switched
Push in lighter; it will pop out auto­ If sunlight enters through a side win­ on by opening the cover.
matically when hot. dow, disengage visor from inner
mounting and swing to the side. From
this position, the visor can slide for­
Warning!
ward and backward on its shaft.
Do not touch heating element or
sides of lighter, hold at knob
only.

49
 Note:
The rear window defroster uses a
large amount of power. To keep the
battery drain to a minimum, turn off
the defroster as soon as the window
is clear. The defroster is automatically
turned off after a maximum of 20 mi­
nutes of operation. Heavy accumula­
tion of snow and ice should be
removed before activating the defro­
ster.
If several power consumers are
turned on simultaneously, or the
9345 battery is only partially charged, it is
possible that the defroster will auto­
matically turn itself off. When this
Console Storage Compartment Rear Window Defroster happens, the indicator lamp inside the
For vehicles with a front passenger With engine running, press symbol switch starts blinking. As soon as the
airbag, a lockable storage compart­ side of rocker switch to turn on, battery has sufficient voltage, the de­
ment in the center console replaces bottom to turn off. froster automatically turns itself back
the glove compartment in the instru­ When activating the rear window de­ on.
ment panel. froster, the indicator lamp in the
switch will come on.

50
 Operation
Interior Lamps The rear courtesy lamp is switched on Sliding Roof with Rear Pop-Up
and off by the rear door contact Feature
The switch for the front lamp (combi­
nation interior and reading lamp) has switches or by the rocker switch on
Turn key to steering lock position 1
the instrument panel.
4 positions. or 2. Activate switch.
Position 1: Interior and reading lamp The reading lamps in the rear
passenger compartment are switched 1 to slide roof open
switched on continuously.
on and off by a switch in each lamp. 2 to slide roof closed
Position 2: Interior and reading lamp
3 to raise roof at rear
switched off continuously.
Position 3: Reading lamp switched 4 to lower roof at rear
on continuously. The switch is illuminated when the ex­
Position 4: Interior lamp is switched terior lamps are switched on (except
on and off (delayed, however, there standing lamps).
will be no delay when the key is in The sliding roof can be opened or
steering lock position 2) by the front closed manually should an electrical
door contact switches. malfunction occur (see page 89).

51
 Shelf below Rear Window

Warning!
The shelf below the rear window
should not be used to carry ob­
jects. This will prevent such ob­
jects from being thrown about
and injuring vehicle occupants
during an accident or sudden
maneuver.

Power Windows If inadvertent operation of the rear

windows (for instance by children) is
Switch group for power windows:
to be prevented, push safety switch
1 left, front (5) to the right (symbol becomes vis­
2 left, rear ible).
3 right, front
4 right, rear
5 Safety switch Warning!
The power windows can be operated When leaving the vehicle always
with the key in steering lock position 1 remove the key from the steering
or 2. lock. Do not leave children un­
attended in the vehicle. Unsuper­
All four windows can then be oper­
vised use of power windows can
ated using the switches in the center
cause serious personal injury.
console. The rear door windows can
also be operated using the switches
(6) in each rear door panel.

52
 15 Forward music search/fast for­
ward with indicator
16 Dolby B and C noise reduction
with indicators*
17 Tape equalization with indica-
tor BUS
18 Cassette eject E d
19 Cassette door

To turn the radio ON

Electronic Radio indicator (e), tuning sensitivity indi­
Press “ON” side of button.

Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with the cator (f), stereo balance indicator
(displayed only when balance The radio will begin operating on the
MERCEDES-BENZ sound system as last station, volume and tone setting
standard. This system has been spe­ function is activated).
stored before last switching it off.
cially adapted to this vehicle. P= tu j n hH n (|)
i 1.L U 3 1
STEREO am

I 'I The system can also be turned on by

e d a
1
bl cI 1
f inserting a cassette through the
Pushbutton Functions
7 Function control Q | cassette door into the unit.
On/Off button | ON OFF
8 Tuning sensitivity Q To turn the radio OFF
Volume control
9 Seek tuning bar [
Bass control/left stereo Press the “OFF” side of the ^ | ^ E E 3
balance 10 Scan tuning bar button. The radio turns off automati­
cally when the key is turned back to
4 Treble control/right stereo 11 Manual tuning |
position 0.
balance (decreasing station frequency)
5 Pushbuttons for AM/FM band 12 Manual tuning □
selection, station frequency selec­ (increasing station frequency) Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
tion, station storage 13 Cassette track selector with Noise reduction system manufactured under license
through B J ] track indicator Q Q from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

6 Digital display for station frequen­ 14 Reverse music search/rewind

cy (a), station pushbutton number with indicator
(b), AM/FM band indicator (c),
stereo indicator (d), tone setting

53
Volume adjustment Speed-Dependent Volume Adjustment
To reduce volume, press volume con­ The radio includes e special function that adjusts radio volume in respect to
trol button downward; vehicle speed.
to increase volume, press the button
upward. To adjust the tone characteristic
A fader control, located in the center Bass D and treble § H can be adjusted independently.
console, allows for balancing the vol­ To set the radio to a “flat” tone setting (bass and treble at mid-range setting),
ume level between the front and rear briefly press both tone control buttons and simultaneously. The tone
speakers. setting indicators display the selected mid-range setting:
The left to right stereo balance may
P __
be adjusted by first pressing the func­ -j-= = Mid-range Setting
tion control button Q | and then
pressing the bass control button
Upon pressing either tone control button ( e it h e r ^ |o r |Q ) , the bass or treble
or the treble control button . This
will increase until the respective tone control button is released or when the
will cause the stereo balance to shift
maximum tone level is reached.
either left or right respectively.
To center the left to right stereo bal­ ^ -= = Maximum Treble
ance, briefly press both buttons (
p_
and simultaneously. - j- g = Maximum Bass
The stereo balance setting will be dis­
played (as shown below) when the After reaching the maximum tone level, the tone setting will stay at that level
balance feature is activated. The unless the tone control button is released and pressed again, at which point the
magnitude of the setting is shown by tone level will begin decreasing. It will stop decreasing when the tone control
a number from 0 to 8. Bracketing this button is released or when the minimum tone level is reached.
number are two arrows indicating the p
direction of the setting. For example: —= = Minimum Treble
< 0 > = null or centered balance p _
j- = = Minimum Bass
<5 = balance shifted 5 units left
7 > = balance shifted 7 units right.
After reaching the minimum tone level, the tone setting will stay at that level
unless the tone control button is released and pressed again. After pressing the
tone control button again the tone level will begin to increase and the cycle is
repeated.

54
Note: Seek tuning Tuning sensitivity button
It takes approx. 5 seconds to go from Switch to the desired wave band, By pressing the tuning sensitivity
minimum tone level to maximum tone press the seek tuning bar Q button F W once or twice, you can
level. upward to automatically seek stations select the desired sensitivity level for
This radio has 3 tone setting memo­ in ascending frequencies, press seek/scan tuning. The sensitivity indi­
ries, one each for AM, FM and casset­ downward to do so in descending fre­ cator displays the selected sensitivity
te. The individual tone setting for each quencies. In order to arrive at a de­ level:
mode will be automatically stored. sired station without stopping, the bar I = least sensitive (the automatic
must be held in the desired direction. station seeker/scanner stops
To select AM or FM The direction of seek tuning can be only at strong stations)
reversed by pressing the b a r ^ ^ flin f = average (the automatic seeker/
Press anyof the buttons marked the respective direction. scanner stops at strong and
through R J ] to tune the radio to the
moderate strength stations)
FM b a n c ^ ^
Scan tuning f 1= most sensitive (the automatic
Press any of the buttons marked station seeker/scanner also
Switch to AM or FM, then press the
through t0 tune the radio to the stops at weak stations)
AM b a n c k ^ scan tuning b a r g J B t0 automatically
tune to the first station broadcasting If no stations are located by the seek
The selected wave band is indicated within the selected reception sensitivi­ or scan functions during one com­
in the digital display. ty level. This station is held for “audi­ plete pass through the selected wave
tioning” for approx. 5 seconds. If de­ band, the tuning sensitivity will auto­
To tune-in a station sired, this station may be locked in by matically switch to the next higher
Stations can be tuned-in by using pressing the J 2 H o r | ^ 3 bar. If neith­ sensitivity level and be indicated as
seek/scan tuning, direct frequency er of the bars is pressed, the radio will shown above.
tuning, manual tuning, or by preset continue to scan to each station with­
When switched off, the radio returns
pushbuttons. The frequency of the in the selected sensitivity level and
to the “least sensitive” level.
station selected is indicated in the di­ “audition" each station for approx. 5
gital display. seconds. Note: The tuning sensitivity button
has no influence on reception quality,
By pressing the scan tuning bar
only on the sensitivity of station selec­
0 upward the radio will scan sta­
tion during the automatic station
tions in ascending frequencies, by
seeker/scanner modes.
pressing downward it will do so in
descending frequencies.
Direct frequency tuning Manual tuning
In order to select a station with a known frequency, select the wave band (AM (For fine tuning a station or for manual
or FM), press the function control button Q a n d then enter the frequency by tuning)
pressing the corresponding pushbuttons. After selecting the desired AM or FM
Example: FM 98.5 MHz AM 1050 kHz wave band, press the manual tuning

a a
button VM (decreasing station fre­
Press any button marked Q3ul through ^ 2 1 through quency) o r|^ (in c re a s in g station fre­
Press the function control button quency).
Enter frequency by pressing Q [2 3 033 033 m 3 033 033 The frequency will increase or
decrease respectively in increments
When tuning a frequency directly, the pushbutton number is not displayed on of 0.1 MHz for FM or 1.0 kHz for AM.
the panel. The wave band is indicated by showing “ MHz” for FM or “ kHz” for Release the button when the desired
AM. station is tuned in.
Note:
Pushbutton tuning
All AM stations have allocated frequencies ending with a “ 0” .
All FM stations have allocated frequencies ending with an odd-numbered digit Six FM stations and four AM stations
following the decimal point. can be stored in memory and recalled
by pressing t he appropriate buttons
Broadcasters sometimes may not give their exact frequency but the next marked through for FM or
closest whole number. through for AM stations.
US radio frequency ranges:
AM 540-1600 kHz
FM 88.1-107.9 MHz
Please note: It is recommended that direct frequency tuning operations be
performed by the driver only while the vehicle is not moving. The driver should
use the automatic station seeker/scanner or pushbutton tuning when the
vehicle is in motion.

56
To store stations in memory Stereo reception In the event that it is important to lis­
ten to a weak station or to a strong
Any FM station can be stored onany The stereo indicator m h :k »i lights up
station that is masked by terrain-in­
button marked through by if a stereo program in the AM or FM
duced noise or interference problems,
first tuning in the desired station, band is received.
the following steps can be taken to
depressing the button desired and Note: The radio receives AM stereo increase the listenability of the station.
holding it until the display has programs which are broadcast via the
changed from the “old” setting to a Fringe area AM and FM reception of
C-Quam®* AM stereo system.
“blank” and then to the new station to weak stations can be improved by
be stored. The radio is equipped with an auto­ first insuring that the antenna is at its
matic stereo/mono blend switch that maximum height and then reducing
Showing the “old” setting first allows electronically switches to mono for the treble and bass settings as re­
for reconsideration of the decision to clear reception if a weak signal is quired to filter out as much back­
store. If it is desirable to leave the received. ground noise as is needed.
“old” station in memory rather than
exchanging it with the “new” one, The stereo indicator will remain lit FM noise problems that are caused
quickly release the button. The “old” even if the receiver has changed to by urban and hilly conditions may be
station will remain in memory. the mono mode and will turn off at an reduced by lowering the treble setting
antenna signal considered insufficient until the pops and hisses associated
Any AM station can be storedsim i- to provide acceptable reception with this type of terrain are reduced to
larly on any button marked QQ| quality. acceptable levels.
through ^ J |-
Although FM is normally static free, AM reception difficulties caused by
reception quality can be limited by strong adjacent stations or nighttime
geographic and atmospheric condi­ atmospheric conditions may be re­
tions, station strength and distance duced by fine tuning the selected sta­
from the transmitter. Buildings or tion with the two fine tuning buttons.
other obstructions can cause momen­
The tuning sensitivity button Q has
tary static, flutter or station swapping.
no influence on reception quality.
If good reception cannot be obtained,
tune to a stronger station.

* C-Quam® is a registered trademark o f Motorola, Inc.

TAPE CASSETTE PLAYBACK Forward music search/fast forward Reverse music search/rewind
Cassette player operation To engage the forward music search To engage the reverse music search
It is recommended to use only high feature, press the forward music feature, press the reverse music
search/fast forward button O H search/rewind button | ^ Q once. The
quality cassettes with a playback time
of not more than 90 minutes (C 90). once. The forward music search be­ reverse music search begins to re­
gins to advance the tape to the next wind the tape to the previous music
To play a cassette, insert the cassette music selection. The indicator lamp in selection. The indicator lamp in the
(tape side first, side “ 1” or “A” facing the button O H lights up. There must button lights up. There must be
up) through the cassette door. Gently be a minimum pause of 4 seconds a minimum pause of 4 seconds bet­
push the cassette into the slot until between selections for the music ween selections for the music search
the motorized-loading system en­ search feature to determine the be­ feature to determine the beginning of
gages the cassette. The unit will then ginning of the next music selection. the previous music selection.
switch from radio to cassette play­
back. Music search can be interrupted by Music search can be interrupted by
pressing the reverse music search/ pressing the forward music search/
Automatic tape tensioning will take up rewind , track selector fast forward 0 9 or track selector
any possible tape slack before the be­ buttons or by pressing the forward buttons and by pressing the
ginning of playback. music search/fast forward button reverse music search/rewind button
A switched-off unit can be automati­ O H again after approx. 3 seconds. again after approx. 3 seconds.
cally turned-on by loading a cassette. To fast forward the tape, press the To rewind the tape, press the reverse
forward music search/fast forward music search/rewind button
Track selection button O H twice. The indicator lamp twice. The indicator lamp in the
When the end of the first track is in the button blinks. Upon button |Q Q blinks. Upon reaching
reached, the unit automatically re­ reaching the end of the tape, the unit the beginning of the tape, the unit will
verses to play the second track. The will automatically reverse to play the automatically replay the same track.
tape track can also be selected by other track. The unit will not reverse to the other
briefly pressing the cassette track Fast forward can be interrupted by track.
selector button . The track pressing the reserve music search/ Rewind can be interrupted by
selected is indicated by the respective rewind , track selector Q Q pressing the forward music search/
indicator lamp in the button. buttons or by pressing the forward fast forward O H or track selec­
music search/fast forward button tor B u buttons and by pressing the
3 2 B again after approx. 3 seconds. reverse music search/rewind button
0 ® again after approx. 3 seconds.

58
Dolby B and C noise reduction Cassette eject If the cassette ejects during playback,
To replay cassettes recorded using To removea cassette, press the eject this may be caused by binding of the
the Dolby B or C noise reduction sys­ button B 0 . Remove the tape after tape in the cassette. To eliminate this
condition, fast forward the cassette to
tems, press the Dolby NR button the motorized-loading system has
Q 3 repeatedly until the desired type disengaged the cassette. The unit will the end of the track and then rewind
to the beginning of the track.
of Dolby noise reduction (Dolby B or automatically switch from cassette
Dolby C) is attained. This reduces playback to radio operation. Protect cassette tapes from direct
tape hiss. The indicator lamps in the sunlight or other temperature
When the unit is turned off by
button indicate the type of Dolby extremes.
pressing the “OFF” side of the On/Off
noise reduction selected. To replay
button or by turning the
cassettes not recorded in Dolby,
press the button repeatedly until
0
key to steering lock position , the
Radio anti-theft protection
cassette will automatically eject. Removal of the radio with the vehicle
the indicator lamps in the button E E 3 anti-theft alarm armed will render the
go out. Care and maintenance radio inoperative indicated by a
To avoid deterioration of the tone dashed line across the display.
Tape equalization
quality, periodically clean the tape
For optimum reproduction quality it is head with the special cleaning tape
necessary to select the correct tape kit available at your authorized
equalization for the particular type of MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
tape being used. Press the tape
equalization button b | ] only when Cassette tapes should be properly
playing Chromium dioxide (CR02) or stored when not in use. It is recom­
“metal” cassette tapes. The indicator mended that cassettes be stored in a
lamp in the button will illuminate when cassette box designed to prevent un­
2
CR0 or metal equalization has been winding and the accumulation of dust.
selected. For all other types of tape,
do not press the tape equalization
button . The indicator lamp in
the button remains off.
Automatic Antenna The height of the antenna can be
adjusted to any intermediate posi­
The antenna switch can be actuated
tion by actuating the antenna
with the radio switched on.
switch:
• If the antenna switch is engaged in
• If the antenna switch is in the
the “ max” position, the antenna
center position, the antenna will
extends fully.
extend to medium height. The
antenna can be further extended
Note:
or retracted to any height by
For most conditions the antenna rocking the switch (not engaging
should normally be in this position. it).
• If the antenna switch is in the cen­ • If the antenna is to be retracted,
ter position, the antenna extends e.g. going through car wash, etc.,
automatically to medium height, engage switch in “off” position.
• if the antenna switch is engaged When the key is turned to steering
in the “off” position, the antenna lock position 0 or the radio is
will not extend or will retract turned off, the antenna will retract
completely. completely.
 Driving

Parking Brake 62
Automatic Transmission 62
Cruise Control 65
Engine Oil Consumption 66
Economical Driving Indicator
(ECONOMY) 66
Charge Indicator Lamp 66
Oil Pressure Gauge 66
Low Engine Oil Level Indicator
Lamp 66
Exterior Light Failure
Indicator Lamp 67
Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp 67
Coolant Temperature Gauge 67
Low Engine Coolant Level
Indicator Lamp 67
Low Windshield and Headlamp
Washer Fluid Level
Indicator Lamp 67
Outside Temperature Indicator 68
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 68
Brake Warning Lamp 68
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 69
Emission Control 70
On-Board Diagnostic System
(California models only) 70
Traveling Abroad 71
Winter Driving 71
Tire Chains 71
 Automatic Transmission Test the brakes briefly after driving
off. Perform this procedure only when
The automatic transmission selects
the road is clear of other traffic.
individual gears automatically, de­
pending upon selector lever position, Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
vehicle speed and accelerator posi­ place full load on the engine until the
tion. operating temperature has been
reached.
Warning! When starting off on a slippery sur­
face, do not allow one driving wheel
Keep driver’s foot area clear at to spin for an extended period
all times. Objects stored in this (420 SEL only).
area may impair pedal move­
ment. Accelerator position
Partial throttle = early upshifting =
Driving: normal acceleration.
Parking Brake Shift selector lever to the desired Full throttle = later upshifting =
driving position only when the maximum acceleration.
To engage, depress parking brake
pedal. When the key is in steering engine is idling and the service Depressing the accelerator beyond
lock position 2, the brake warning brake is applied. Do not release the full throttle to kickdown position
lamp in the instrument cluster should brake until ready to drive. The means downshifting to the next lower
come on brightly (function check for vehicle may otherwise start creep­ gear and thereby increasing accelera­
brake warning lamp). ing when the selector lever is in a tion. If you ease up on the accelerator
drive position. after having attained the desired
To release the parking brake, pull speed, the transmission will shift up
handle on instrument panel. The
again.
brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster should dim.

62
 “P” Parking lock. “ D” Drive.
The parking lock is an addi­ Automatic upshifting to top gear.
tional safeguard to the parking Position “ D” affords optimum
brake when parking the vehicle. driving characteristics under all
Engage only with the car normal operating conditions.
stopped.
“3” Upshift to 3rd gear only. Suitable
“ R” Reverse gear. for medium range up or down­
Shift to reverse gear only with grades.
the car stopped.
“2” Upshift to 2nd gear only. For
“N” Neutral. driving in mountainous regions.
No power is transmitted from Since transmission will not shift
the engine to the rear axle. up further, this gear selection
When the brakes are released, will make use of the engine’s
the vehicle can be moved freely braking power.
(pushed, towed or tow-started).
“ B” In this position, the engine’s
Do not engage “ N” while driving braking effect is utilized while
Selector lever positions
except when the vehicle is in descending steep or lengthy
The automatic gear shifting process danger of skidding (e.g. on icy downgrades. Use this position
can be adapted to specific operating roads, see page 18).

Driving
only below 60 km/h (40 mph).
conditions using the selector lever.

63
Important! Stopping Maneuvering
Do not exceed the engine speed For brief stops, e. g. at traffic lights, To maneuver in tight areas, e. g. when
limits for individual gear selections, leave the transmission engaged and pulling into a parking space, control
which are indicated by marks on the control vehicle with the service brake. the car speed by gradually releasing
speedometer. For longer stops with the engine the brakes. Accelerate gently and do
idling, shift into “ N” or “ P” . not pump the accelerator.
Do not attempt downshifting to a
lower gear (braking effect) unless the When stopping the car on an incline, To rock a car out of soft ground (mud
speedometer needle is below the do not hold it with the accelerator, or snow), alternately shift from for­
speed limit mark of that particular use the brake. This avoids unneces­ ward to reverse, while applying partial
gear range. Overrevving could result sary transmission heat build up. throttle.
in damage to the engine.
On slippery road surfaces, it is not
recommended to downshift in order
to obtain braking action. This could
result in rear wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control.
To prevent the engine from laboring at
low RPMs, do not allow the engine
speed to drop too low on uphill gra­
dients. Depending on the degree of
the incline, shift selector lever to posi­
tions “3” or “2” early enough to main­
tain engine RPM within the best
torque range.

64
 The speed can be increased (e. g. for Note:
passing) by using the accelerator. As If the engine does not brake the ve­
soon as the accelerator is released, hicle sufficiently while driving on a
the previously set speed will be re­ downgrade, the speed you set on the
sumed automatically. cruise control may be exceeded. As
If a set speed is to be increased or soon as the grade eases, the cruise
decreased slightly, e. g. to adapt to controlled speed will again be main­
the traffic flow, hold lever in position tained as long as the brakes were not
1 or 2 until the desired speed is applied.
reached, or briefly tip the control lever If the set speed was sufficiently ex­
in the appropriate direction for increa­ ceeded such that the brakes had to
ses or decreases in 1 km/h (0.6 mph) be applied, the cruise control can be
increments. When the lever is relea­ resumed by pulling the lever to posi­
sed, the newly set speed remains. tion 4.
9708
3 Cancelling
To cancel the cruise control,
Cruise Control briefly push lever to position 3. Warning!
Any given speed above approximately When you step on the brake pedal Only use the cruise control if the
40 km/h (25 mph) can be maintained or the vehicle speed falls below traffic and weather conditions
with the cruise control by operating approx. 40 km/h (25 mph), for ex­ make it advisable to travel at a
the lever. ample when driving upgrade, the steady speed.
1 Accelerate and set: cruise control will be cancelled. The “Resume” function should
Lift lever briefly to set speed. 4 Resume only be operated if the driver is
Hold lever up to accelerate. If the lever is briefly pulled to posi­ fully aware of the previously set
2 Decelerate and set: tion 4 when driving at a speed ex­ speed and wishes to resume this
ceeding approximately 40 km/h particular preset speed.
Depress lever briefly to set speed.
Hold lever down to decelerate. (25 mph), the vehicle resumes the When driving with the cruise con­
speed which was set prior to the trol, the transmission selector
Normally the vehicle is accelerated to
cancellation of the cruise control. lever must not be shifted to posi­
the desired speed with the accelera­
The last memorized speed is can­ tion “N” as otherwise the engine
tor. Speed is set by briefly pushing
celled when the key is turned to will overrev.
the lever to position 1 or 2. The accel­
steering lock position 1 or 0.
erator can be released.
Engine Oil Consumption Charge Indicator Lamp Low Engine Oil Level Indicator
Lamp
Engine oil consumption can only be Should the charge indicator lamp
determined after a certain mileage fail to come on prior to starting when The indicator lamp comes on with the
has been covered. During the break- the key is in steering lock position 2 key in steering lock position 2 and
in period, higher oil consumption may or should it fail to go out after should go out when the engine is run­
be noticed and is normal. starting or during operation, this ning.
indicates a fault which must be If the indicator lamp comes on with
Economical Driving Indicator repaired at an authorized the engine running and at operating
(ECONOMY) MERCEDES-BENZ dealer as soon temperature, the engine oil level has
as possible. dropped to approximately the
The indicator shows the fuel con­
sumption tendency during various minimum mark on the dipstick. When
driving modes. Oil Pressure Gauge this occurs, the indicator lamp will
The oil pressure at idle speed may first come on intermittently and then
High fuel consumption is indicated if
drop to 0.3 bar (4.4 psi) if the engine stay on if the oil level drops further. If
the pointer moves into the red area; no oil leaks are noted and there is no
economical driving is indicated when is at operating temperature. This will
not jeopardize its operational reliabili­ loss in engine oil pressure, continue
it is in the black area. The indications to drive to the nearest service station
should only be compared when driv­ ty.
where the engine oil should be top­
ing within the same gear. Pressure must, however, rise imme­ ped to the “full” mark of the dipstick
Do not compare fuel consumption diately upon acceleration. (see page 77).
readings between different gears. The In addition to the indicator lamp, the
following rule applies; If you drive at engine oil level should be periodically
equal speeds, the fuel consumption is checked with the dipstick, for exam­
lower in the higher gear, although in ple during a fuel stop, or before a long
this gear the pointer is more frequent­ trip (see page 77).
ly in the red area.

66
Exterior Light Failure indicator Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp Low Engine Coolant Level Indicator
Lamp The fuel reserve warning lamp will Lamp
With the key in steering lock position come on when the key is turned to The indicator lamp comes on with the
2, a dim indicator lamp comes on and steering lock position 2, and will go key in steering lock position 2, and
must go out with the engine running. out after the engine is running. should go out when the engine is run­
With the key in steering lock position If the warning lamp stays on after ning.
2 or with the engine running, a bright the engine starts, or comes on while If it comes on with the engine running,
illumination of this lamp indicates an driving, it indicates that the fuel level the coolant has dropped below the
exterior lamp failure. is down to the reserve quantity (12.5 I required level. If no leaks are notice­
If an exterior light fails, the indicator [3.3 US gal]). able and the engine temperature does
will come on only when that light is not increase, continue to drive to the
switched on. Coolant Temperature Gauge nearest service station and have cool­
ant added to the coolant system (see
If a brake or turn signal light fails, the If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
page 76).
light failure indicator will come on -3 0 °C (-22 °F), the boiling point of
when applying the brake or actuating the coolant in the pressurized cooling
the turn signal and stay on until the system of your vehicle is approx. Low Windshield and Headlamp
engine is turned off. 130 °C (266 °F) (see also “ Fuels, Cool­ Washer Fluid Level Indicator Lamp
ants, Lubricants, etc.”). The indicator lamp comes on with the
Caution! During severe operating conditions key in steering lock position 2 and
The indicator lamp will also come on if and stop-and-go city traffic, the cool­ should go out when the engine is run­
ant temperature may rise close to the ning.
an incorrect bulb is installed.
red marking. If the indicator lamp comes on with
If additional lighting equipment is in­
stalled (e.g. auxiliary headlamps etc.), the engine running, the level of the
be certain to connect into the fuse reservoir has dropped 1/3 of the total
before the failure indicator monitoring volume. The reservoir should be refil­
unit in order to avoid damaging the led with MB Windshield Washer Con­
system. centrate “S” and water (or commer­
cially available premixed windshield
washer solvent/anti-freeze, depending
on ambient temperature) at the next
opportunity. The reservoir for the
windshield and headlamp washer sys­
tem is located in the engine compart­
ment (see page 116).
Outside Temperature Indicator Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp Brake Warning Lamp
The temperature sensor is located in The brake pad wear indicator lamp in The brake warning lamp will come on
the front bumper area. Due to its loca­ the instrument cluster comes on when if insufficient brake fluid is in the re­
tion, the sensor can be affected by the key is turned to steering lock posi­ servoir (key in steering lock position 2
road or engine heat during idling or tion 2 and it should go out when the and parking brake released).
slow driving. This means that the engine is running. If the indicator lamp When the minimum mark on the re­
accuracy of the displayed tempera­ lights up during braking, this shows servoir is reached, have the brake
ture can only be verified by compar­ that the front wheel brake pads are system checked for brake pad thick­
ison to a thermometer placed next to worn. ness and leaks.
the sensor, not by comparison to ex­
Have the brake system checked at To test the brake warning lamp, turn
ternal displays (e.g., bank signs, etc.). your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ key in steering lock to position 2. The
Adaptation to ambient temperature dealer as soon as possible. brake warning lamp comes on, and
takes place in steps and depends on should go out when the engine is run­
the prevailing driving conditions (stop ning.
and go or moderate, constant driving)
and amount of temperature change.

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

68
ABS (Antilock Brake System) The ABS indicator lamp in the instru­
Warning!
ment cluster comes on with the key in
The ABS prevents the wheels from Even the ABS cannot prevent the
steering lock position 2 and should go
locking up above a vehicle speed of natural laws of physics from act­
out with the engine running.
approximately 3 km/h (2 mph) inde­ ing on the vehicle. The ABS can­
pendent of road surface conditions. It If the charging voltage falls below not prevent accidents, including
is necessary, however, that the vehi­ 10 volts, the indicator lamp comes on those resulting from excessive
cle speed reaches at least 8 km/h and the ABS is switched off. When speed in turns, following another
(5 mph) before commencing to brake. the voltage is above this value again, vehicle too closely, or aquaplan­
At the instant one of the wheels is the indicator lamp should go out and ing. Only a safe, attentive, and
about to lock up, you will feel a slight the ABS will be operational. skillful driver can prevent acci­
pulsation in the brake pedal, indicat­ If the ABS indicator lamp does not go dents. The capabilities of an ABS
ing that the ABS is in the regulating out or comes on while driving, it indi­ equipped car must never be ex­
mode. cates that the ABS has detected a ploited in a reckless or danger­
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS malfunction and has switched off. In ous manner which could jeopar­
will respond even with only a slight this case, the brake system functions dize the user’s safety or the safe­
brake pedal pressure. The pulsating in the usual manner, but without anti­ ty of others.
brake pedal can be an indication of lock assistance. We recommend that
hazardous road conditions, and it you visit an authorized MERCEDES-

Driving
functions as a reminder to take extra BENZ dealer as soon as possible to
care while driving. have the system checked.

69
Emission Control On-Board Diagnostic System
Warning!
(California models only)
Certain systems of the engine serve Inhalation of exhaust gas is
to keep the toxic components of the hazardous to your health. All ex­ The CIS-E control unit monitors emis­
exhaust gases within permissible haust gas contains carbon sion control components that either
limits required by law. monoxide, and inhaling it can provide input signals to or receive
These systems, of course, will func­ cause unconsciousness and lead output signals from the control unit.
tion properly only when maintained to death. Malfunctions resulting from interrup­
strictly according to factory specifica­ tions or failure of any of these compo­
Do not run the engine in confined nents are indicated by the “CHECK
tions. Any adjustments on the engine areas (such as a garage) which
should, therefore, be carried out only ENGINE” indicator lamp in the instru­
are not properly ventilated. If you ment cluster and are simultaneously
by qualified MERCEDES-BENZ tech­ think that exhaust gas fumes are stored in the CIS-E control unit.
nicians. The adjustments of the en­ entering the vehicle while driving,
gine should not be altered in any way. have the cause determined and If the “CHECK ENGINE” indicator
Moreover, the specified service and corrected immediately. If you lamp comes on, have the system
maintenance jobs must be carried out must drive under these condi­ checked at your authorized
regularly according to MERCEDES- tions, drive only with at least one MERCEDES-BENZ dealer at the
BENZ servicing requirements. For de­ window fully open. first opportunity.
tails refer to the Maintenance Booklet. An on-board test connection with
pushbutton and light emitting diode
(LED) is located on the engine com­
partment firewall, allowing the accu­
rate detection of system malfunctions.

70
Traveling Abroad Winter Driving Tire Chains
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Have your car winterized at your Use only tire chains that are tested
MERCEDES-BENZ service network at authorized MERCEDES-BENZ and recommended by MERCEDES-
your disposal. If you plan to travel into dealer before the onset of winter. BENZ. Your authorized MERCEDES-
areas which are not listed in the index BENZ dealer will be glad to advise
• Engine oil change: If “year-round”
of your dealer directory, you should you on this subject.
multigrade engine oil is not used,
request pertinent information from Chains should only be used on the
be sure to use an SAE grade
your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ rear wheels. Adhere to the manufac­
based on ambient temperature.
dealer. turer’s mounting instructions.
For recommended engine oil vis­
cosities refer to “ Fuels, Coolants, After driving a short distance retighten
Lubricants, etc.” and last page. the mounted chains.
• Check engine coolant anticorro­ Tire chains should only be driven on
sion/antifreeze concentration. snow at speeds not to exceed
• Additive for the windshield washer 50 km/h (30 mph). Remove chains as
and headlamp cleaning system: soon as possible when driving on
Add MB Concentrate “S” to the roads without snow.
premixed windshield washer sol­ For tips on driving on slippery winter
vent/anti-freeze which is formu­ roads refer to page 18.
lated for below freezing tempera­
tures (see page 47).
• Test battery: Battery capacity
drops with decreasing ambient
temperature. A well charged
battery ensures that the engine
can always be started, even at
low ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S radial
tires on all four wheels for the win­
ter season. Observe permissible
maximum speed for M+S radial
tires and the legal speed limit.
 Practical Hints

H oo d - 4 2 0 SEL, 560 SEL 74 Fuses 87

Hood - 560 SEC 75 Spark Plugs 87
Checking Coolant Level 76 Battery 88
Adding Coolant 76 Emergency Operation
Engine Oil Level Check 77 of Sliding Roof 89
Fluid Level - Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 89
Automatic Transmission 78 Windshield Wipers 89
First Aid Kit 79 Replacing Wiper Blades 90
Stowing Things in the Vehicle 79 Towing the Vehicle 91
Spare Wheel 79 Jump Starting 92
Vehicle Tools 79 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 93
Vehicle Jack 80 Ashtrays 96
Wheels, Tires 80 Luggage or Ski Racks 96
Changing Wheels 82 Head Restraints 97
Tire Inflation Pressure 83 Rear Seat Cushion 98
Headlamp Adjustment 84 Spare Parts Service 98
Replacing Bulbs 84
 Warning!
To help prevent personal injury,
stay clear of moving parts when
the hood is open and the engine
is running. Be sure the hood is
properly closed before driving.
The engine is equipped with a
transistorized ignition system.
Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any compo­
nents (ignition coil, distributor,
spark plug sockets, ignition cab­
les, diagnostic socket) of the ig­
nition system
• if the ignition is “on” and the
Hood - 420 SEL, 560 SEL Pull handle (2) completely out of engine turned manually
radiator grill and open hood (do not • while starting the engine
To open:
pull up on handle).
To unlock the hood, pull release lever • with the engine running.
(1) under the driver’s side of the in­ Caution!
strument panel. At the same time
handle (2) will pop out of the radiator To avoid damage to the windshield
grill (it may be necessary to lift the wipers or hood, open the hood only
hood up slightly). with wipers in the parked position.
To close:
Close hood by depressing it firmly.

74
 Warning!
To help prevent personal injury,
stay clear of moving parts when
the hood is open and the engine
is running. Be sure the hood is
properly closed before driving.
The engine is equipped with a
transistorized ignition system.
Because of the high voltage it is
dangerous to touch any compo­
nents (ignition coil, distributor,
spark plug sockets, ignition cab­
les, diagnostic socket) of the ig­
nition system
• if the ignition is “on” and the
Hood - 560 SEC Push in safety catches on LH and RH engine turned manually
sides of the radiator grill simultane­ • while starting the engine
To open:
ously and lift up hood.
To unlock the hood, pull release lever • with the engine running.
under the driver’s side of the instru­ Caution!
ment panel. The hood opens up to the
safety catch stop. To avoid damage to the windshield
wipers or hood, open the hood only
with wipers in the parked position.

To close:
Close hood by depressing it firmly.
 Checking Coolant Level Warning
The coolant level can be checked vis­ • Use extreme caution when
ually at the transparent coolant reser­ opening the hood, if there are
voir. any signs of steam or coolant
To check the coolant level, the vehicle leaking from the cooling
must be parked on level ground. system.
The coolant level must reach: • Do not remove pressure cap
on coolant reservoir if engine
The marking (2, arrow) on the reser­
temperature is above 90 °C
voir when the engine is cold.
(194 °F). Allow engine to cool
Approx. 2 cm (0.8 in) higher when the down before removing cap.
engine is at operating temperature. The coolant reservoir contains
hot fluid and is under
Adding Coolant pressure.
If coolant has to be added, a 50/50 • Using a rag, turn cap to first
1 Coolant reservoir cap mixture of water and MB anticorro- notch to relieve excess
2 Marking for coolant level sion/antifreeze should be used. pressure. If opened immedi­
ately, hot scalding fluid and
steam will be blown out under
pressure.

The drain plugs are located on the

right and left side of the engine and
on the radiator bottom.

76
 Engine Oil Level Check Add oil, if needed, only to
the upper mark (max). Do
The best time to check the engine oil
not overfill the engine.
level is when the oil is warm, such as
during a fuel stop.
With the vehicle on level ground, stop
the engine and wait a few minutes for
the oil to drain back to the oil pan. For viscosity and capacity, see
Wipe the dipstick clean before “ Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.”
checking. and last page.
For low engine oil level indicator lamp,
see page 66.

1 Oil dipstick
2 Oil filler cap

Practical Hints
77
 Fluid Level - The fluid level in the transmission is
Automatic Transmission dependent upon its temperature. The
maximum and minimum oil level
Check the fluid level in the automatic
marks on the dipstick are applicable
transmission regularly and prior to an
references only if the transmission
extended trip.
fluid has reached its normal operating
Check transmission fluid level with the temperature of 80 °C (176 °F).
engine idling, parking brake engaged
and selector lever in position “ P” . The Important!
vehicle must be parked on level If the transmission fluid cools down to
ground. Prior to the check, allow en­ 20-30 °C (68-86 °F), which is the nor­
gine to idle for approx. 1 to 2 minutes. mal shop temperature range, then the
Measure fluid level with the dipstick maximum fluid level will be approxi­
completely inserted and the locking mately 10 mm (0.4 in) below the
lever released (1). minimum mark on the dipstick. We
stress this point because a fluid
Extreme cleanliness must be ob­
change is normally performed when
served! To wipe the dipstick, use a
the transmission fluid has cooled
clean, lint-free cloth. To fill the trans­
down to shop temperature.
mission with fluid, pour it through a
fine-mesh filter into the dipstick open­ The fluid level must not exceed the
ing. Even the slightest impurity may dipstick maximum mark with the fluid
cause operational troubles. at operating temperature. Drain or
siphon off excess fluid, if required.
Then push dipstick all the way in and
swing locking lever downwards (2).

78
 Stowing Things in the Vehicle

Warning!
To help avoid personal injury
during a collision or sudden
maneuver, exercise care when
stowing things.
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk
if possible. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backs.
Do not place anything on the
shelf below the rear window.

First Aid Kit Spare Wheel

The first aid kit is stored in the shelf Roll back the floor mat, lift the trunk
below the rear window. To open the floor (1) and engage strap (2) in the
lid, push button (1). trunk lid.
To remove the spare tire, turn luggage
bowl (3) to the left and remove.

Vehicle Tools

Practical Hints
The vehicle tools are located in the
spare wheel well.

79
 Wheels, Tires
Warning!
The jack is designed exclusively Replace wheels or tires with the same
for jacking up the vehicle at the designation, manufacturer and type
jack tubes built into either side of as shown on the original part. See
the vehicle. Use the jack only to your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
lift the vehicle during a wheel dealer for further information.
change. Never get beneath the
vehicle while it is supported by Warning!
the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the Do not mix different tire con­
lifted vehicle. Always firmly set struction types (i.e. radial, bias,
parking brake and block wheels and bias-belted) on your car be­
before raising vehicle with jack. cause handling may be adversely
affected and may result in loss of
Do not disengage parking brake control.
while vehicle is raised. Be certain
Vehicle Jack that the jack is always vertical
when in use, especially on hills. See your authorized MERCEDES-
See illustration for proper storage of
Lower the vehicle onto sufficient BENZ dealer for information on tested
jack.
capacity jackstands before work­ and recommended wheels and tires
Before storing the jack, the jack arm ing under the vehicle. for summer and winter operation.
(1) must be lowered almost to the They can also offer more advice con­
base (2) of the jack and should rest on cerning tire service and purchase.
the felt in the spare wheel well.
Front tires should be replaced in sets.
If possible, the spare tire should be
used on the rear wheels. We recom­
mend that you break in new tires for
approx. 100 km (60 miles) at mod­
erate speed.

80
 It is imperative that the wheel mount­ Rotating wheels: that warm tires have a higher pressure
ing bolts be retightened after approx. The wheels can be rotated according than cold tires. (See tire pressure
800 km (500 miles). to the degree of tire wear while retain­ chart on fuel filler door and the last
On new vehicles retightening is ing the same direction of travel. page.) If a tire constantly loses air, it
carried out during the 1st inspection. Rotating, however, should be carried should be inspected for damage.
Retightening is also necessary out before the characteristic tire wear Use only genuine MERCEDES-BENZ
whenever wheels are fitted, e. g. when pattern (shoulder wear on front wheel bolts (identified by Mercedes
the spare wheel is used for the first wheels and tread center wear on rear star).
time or when a set of wheels with wheels) becomes visible at a mileage Thoroughly clean the inner side of the
M+S tires is installed. of 5000-10 000 km (3000- wheels any time you rotate the wheels
Tightening torque: 110 Nm (80 Ib-ft). 6000 miles) as otherwise the driving or wash vehicle underside.
properties deteriorate.
For tire specifications, refer to "Tech­ Dented or bent rims cause tire
nical Data” . Underinflated tires due to a slow leak pressure loss and damage to the tire
(e.g. due to a nail in the tire) may beads. For this reason, check rims for
Note: cause damage such as tread separa­ damage at regular intervals.
The use of retread tires is not recom­ tion, bulging, etc. Regular tire pres­ The rim flanges must be checked for
mended. Retread tires may adversely sure checks (including the spare tire) wear before a tire is mounted. Re­
affect the handling characteristics and at intervals of no more than 14 days move burrs, if there are any.
safety of the vehicle. are therefore essential. Keep in mind
 Warning!
The jack is designed exclu­
sively for jacking up the vehi­
cle at the jack tubes built into
either side of the vehicle. Use
the jack only to lift the vehicle
during a wheel change. Never
get beneath the vehicle while
it is supported only by the
jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the
lifted tire. Jack stands must
be used when working under
the vehicle. Always set park­
ing brake and block wheels
Changing Wheels 5. Using the combination wrench, before raising vehicle with
loosen but do not yet remove the jack.
1. Move vehicle a safe distance off
wheel bolts.
the roadway.
6. Remove cap from the jack support 9. Then unscrew wheel bolts com­
2. Set parking brake and turn on
tube. (The tube openings are lo­ pletely. Keep bolt threads pro­
hazard warning flasher. tected from dirt and sand.
cated directly behind the front
3. Move selector lever to wheel housings and in front of the While removing last bolt, hold
position “ P” . rear wheel housings.) wheel against hub to avoid paint
4. Prevent vehicle from rolling away 7. Insert jack arm fully into the tube damage on rim.
by blocking wheels with wheel hole up to the stop. 10. Remove wheel.
chocks or sizeable wood block or
8. Position the jack so that it will al­ 11. Screw the alignment bolt (sup­
stone (not supplied with vehicle):
ways be vertical (plumb-line) as plied in tool kit) into an upper
When changing a wheel on a hill,
seen from the side (see arrow), threaded hole.
place chocks on the downhill side
even on inclines. Jack up the vehi­
of each wheel of the other axle; on 12. Adjust the jack height so that the
cle until the wheel is clear off the
a level road, place one chock in wheel can be slipped on without
ground.
front of and one behind the wheel being lifted.
that is diagonally opposite to the
wheel being changed.

82
13. Install spare wheel on wheel hub. Tire Inflation Pressure Tire pressures listed for light loads are
Insert wheel bolts and tighten minimum values offering high driving
A table (see fuel filler flap or last page)
them slightly. comfort. Increased inflation pressures
lists the tire inflation pressures
To avoid paint damage, place for heavy loads produce favorable
specified for summer and winter tires
wheel flat against hub and hold it handling characteristics with lighter
as well as for the varying operating
there while installing first wheel loads and are perfectly permissible.
conditions.
bolt.Unscrew the alignment stud The ride of the vehicle, however, will
to install the last wheel bolt. become somewhat harder.
Important!
14. Lower car, remove jack. Tire temperature and pressure in­
Tire pressure differs by approx. crease with the vehicle speed. Tire
15. Engage jack tube cover hooks on 0.1 bar (1.5 psi) per 10 °C (18 °F) of air pressure should therefore only be
top and snap bottom into place. temperature change. Keep this in corrected on cold tires. Correct tire
16. Tighten the five bolts evenly, al­ mind when checking tire pressure in­ pressure in warm tires only if pressure
ways skipping one, until all bolts side a garage - especially in the has dropped below the pressure
are tight. Observe a tightening winter. listed in the table and the respective
torque of 110 Nm (80 Ib-ft). operating conditions are taken into
’ Example: consideration.
17. Correct tire pressure.
If garage temperature =
Important! approx. + 20 °C (+ 68 °F) and,
Retighten wheel mounting bolts after ambient temperature =
approx. 800 km (500 miles). Observe approx. 0 °C (+ 32 °F) then the
a tightening torque of 110 Nm adjusted air pressure = specified
(80 Ib-ft). air pressure + 0.2 bar (3 psi).
Headlamp Adjustment Headlamp Assembly 6 420 SEL, 560 SEL:
Correct headlamp adjustment is ex­ Fog lamp cover
1 Headlamp horizontal adjustment
tremely important. Check and read­ screw 7 Turn signal, parking, side marker
just headlamps at regular intervals and standing lamp bulb
2 Headlamp vertical adjustment
and when a bulb has been replaced screw 8 Electrical connector for high and
3 420 SEL, 560 SEL: low beam headlamp bulb
Replacing Bulbs 9 Clamping ring for high and low
Fog lamp adjustment screw
Install only 12 volt bulbs with the beam headlamp bulb
4 Plastic nut for housing of turn
specified watt rating. 10 420 SEL, 560 SEL:
signal, parking, side marker and
standing lamps Fog lamp bulb
5 High and low beam headlamp 11 420 SEL, 560 SEL:
cover Electrical connector for fog lamp
bulb

84
Replacing bulbs:
Bulb for turn signal, parking, side
marker and standing lamp (21/5 W/
32/3 cp):
Loosen plastic nut (4) and remove
housing towards the front.
9548
Turn bulb socket (7) with bulb coun­
terclockwise and pull out. Push bulb
Fog Lamp 560 SEC 4 Bulb for fog lamp (H 3):
into socket, turn counterclockwise
Unsnap the bottom of protective
and remove. The bulb for the fog lamp is acces­
cap and remove towards the top.
Bulb for high and low beam sible through the wheel well for the
Loosen clip (3) and remove cover.
(Halogen type 9004): purpose of bulb replacement.
Unplug electric connector (5). Un­
Compress cover (5) at the top and 1 Vertical adjustment screw for the
hook retaining spring and remove
remove upwards. Pull off electrical fog lamp
bulb.
connector (8). Turn clamping ring (9) 2 Horizontal adjustment screw for
counterclockwise and pull out bulb the fog lamp
together with clamping ring. Remove
bulb.
Insert new bulb (flat side facing up),
mount clamping ring (9) (with tab fac­
ing down) and turn clockwise. Push
electrical connector on securely.
420 SEL, 560 SEL

Practical Hints
Fog lamp bulb (Halogen type H3):
Compress the retaining clip of the
cover (6) at the top while removing it
upwards. Pull off electrical connector
(11). Disengage retaining clip and re­
move bulb (10). When replacing cover
(6), make sure it clicks into place.

85
Taillamp Assemblies High Mounted Stop Lamp License Plate Lamps
(21 W/32 cp bulb) (5 W bulb)
1 Side marker lamp
(10 W/6 cp bulb) To replace the bulb, pull tabs on both Loosen both the securing screws (1),
sides (arrows) - using a screwdriver - remove lamp and take out bulb.
2 Turn signal lamp
to release cover.
(21 W/32 cp bulb)
Press bulb down, turn counterclock­
3 Stop lamp (21 W/32 cp bulb)
wise and remove.
4 Tail, parking and standing lamp
(10 W/6 cp bulb)
5 Backup lamp
(21 W/32 cp bulb)
Turn both locks in the trunk to the left
as far as the stop and detach bulb
carrier. To replace the bulbs, depress,
turn to the left and remove.

86
 Fuses Spark Plugs
The fuse box is located in the engine This vehicle is equipped with spark
compartment. plugs as required for driving in the
To exchange a fuse, release clamp (1) USA. If additional information is de­
and remove fuse box cover. sired, your authorized MERCEDES-
BENZ dealer will be happy to offer
All equipment protected by fuses are advice (see also rear inside cover of
listed by number and letter on a label Owner’s Manual).
in the lid of the fuse box. The num­
bers and letters above the fuses
correspond to the ones on the label.
M aa::
Before replacing a blown fuse, deter­
mine the cause of the short circuit.
Spare fuses are furnished inside the
fuse box. Observe amperage and
color of fuse.
Always use a new fuse for replace­
ment. Never attempt to repair or
bridge a blown fuse.
After replacing a fuse, replace fuse
box cover and secure with clamp (1).

Practical Hints
87
Battery Coat battery terminal clamps with
Warning!
Check electrolyte level in each cell acid-proof grease. Keep battery clean
and dry. Battery fluid contains sulfuric
approximately every 3 months, and
acid. Do not allow this fluid to
more frequently during the summer The service life of the battery is also
come in contact with eyes, skin
and in hot climates. dependent on its condition of charge.
or clothing.
Refill battery with distilled or tap It must always be sufficiently charged
for the battery to last an optimum In case it does, immediately flush
water. Do not use metal funnels or
length of time. affected area with water and
push through the overfill-protection
seek medical help.
diaphragms in filler holes. Therefore, we recommend that you
have the battery charge checked fre­ A battery will also produce hyd­
The battery is completely filled when
quently if you use the vehicle mostly rogen gas, which is flammable
the water stops draining through the
for short distance trips, or if it is not and explosive. Keep flames or
overfill-protection diaphragm.
used for long periods of time. sparks away from battery, avoid
To check the battery charge with a improper connection of jumper
hydrometer, push its tip through the Only charge a battery with a battery
cables, smoking, etc..
overfill-protection diaphragm and take charger after it has been discon­
nected from the vehicle electrical cir­ While the engine is running the
an electrolyte sample.
cuit. battery terminal clamps must not
be loosened or detached as
otherwise the alternator and
other electronic units would be
damaged.
Only tow vehicle with the battery
connected.

88
 Windshield Wipers
To release frozen windshield wiper
blades or to replace worn blades, the
windshield wiper arms can be pulled
out of their recess by hand. Sufficient
force must be applied to overcome
spring resistance. Be careful not to
tear rubber blades which are frozen to
the glass, as this will reduce the effec­
tiveness of the wipers.
To ensure operation of the windshield
wiper even when it is snowing heavily,
an overload protection has been in­
stalled. It becomes effective if a cer­
tain wiping resistance is exceeded as
Emergency Operation of Sliding Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap a result of snow accumulation. The
Roof windshield wiper arm will then no
If the central locking system does not longer return completely to its initial
The sliding roof can be opened or release the fuel filler flap automatical­ position, although the windshield
closed manually should an electrical ly, pull back the knob on the vaccuum wiper motor continues to run a full
malfunction occur. element on the right side of the trunk cycle. If this condition is encountered,
Fold back access cover in left side while opening the filler flap. the accumulated snow should be
panel of trunk with a screwdriver. In­ manually removed when it is safe.
sert socket wrench (from tool kit)

Practical Hints
through opening in panel and place
on the hex-drive of the electric motor.
Turn socket wrench (manually) to
open or close roof as desired.
To slide the roof closed or to raise the
roof at the rear: turn clockwise.
To slide the roof open or to lower the
roof at the rear: turn counterclock­
wise.

89
 Windshield Wiper Blades
Removal:

■
Pull the wiper arms from their recess
below the hood across the windshield
until they stop (just above the hood
line).
Change wiper blades one at a time
while holding wiper arms to prevent
the wiper arms from slipping back in­
to their parked position recess.
Press safety tabs (1) and slide wiper
blade towards the wiper arm base (2).
Lift wiper arm and remove wiper
blade.

Replacing Wiper Blades Installation: Headlamp Wiper Blades

Remove key from steering lock before Lift wiper arm, insert wiper blade in Removal:
replacing a wiper blade. arm and lock in place. Fold wiper arm forward. Pull wiper
Note: blade up to remove.
Do not open engine hood with wiper Installation:
arm folded forward. Place wiper blade straight on wiper
arm and press onto wiper arm.

90
Towing the Vehicle We recommend that the vehicle be
transported using flat bed equipment.
The front towing eye is located on the
passenger side behind a flap in the This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
bumper panel and the rear towing eye
on the passenger side below the The vehicle may be towed with
bumper. all wheels on the ground and the
selector lever in position “ N” for
distances up to 120 km (75 miles)
and at a speed not to exceed
50 km/h (30 mph).
To positively avoid a possibility of
damage to the transmission,
however, we recommend to discon­
nect the drive shaft at the rear axle
drive flange on any towing beyond a
short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment
over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift or flat bed equipment.

Practical Hints
91
Jump Starting 4. Clamp one end of the second Important!
If the battery is discharged the engine jumper cable to the grounded A discharged battery can freeze at
can be started with jumper cables and negative (-) terminal of the charged approx. -1 0 °C (+ 14 °F). In that case
the (12 V) battery of another vehicle. battery and the final connection to it must be thawed out before jumper
a grounded heavy metal bracket in cables are used.
Proceed as follows:
the engine compartment or on the
1. Position the vehicle with the engine of the disabled vehicle. Jumper cables specifications:
charged battery so that the jumper Make sure the cables are not on or • Minimum cable cross-section of
cables will reach, but never let the near pulleys, fans, or other parts 25 mm2 or approx. 2 AWG
vehicles touch. Make sure the that will move when the engine is
jumper cables do not have loose or • Maximum length of 3500 mm
started. (11.5 ft)
missing insulation.
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the
2. On both vehicles: charged battery and run at high
• Turn off engine and all lights and idle. Then start engine of the dis­ Warning!
accessories, except hazard abled vehicle in the usual manner. Never lean over batteries while
flashers or work lights. 6. After the engine has started, re­ jump starting, you might get
• Apply parking brake and shift move jumper cables by reversing burned.
selector lever to position “ P” . the above installation sequence ex­ Battery fluid contains sulfuric
actly, starting with the jumper cable acid. Do not allow this fluid to
•Be sure the battery vent caps
connected to a heavy metal brack­ come in contact with eyes, skin,
are tight. Place a damp cloth
et in the disabled vehicle’s engine or clothing. In case it does, im­
over the vent caps, making cer­
compartment. When removing each mediately flush affected area
tain it is clear of all moving
clamp, make sure that it does not with water, and seek medical
parts.
touch any other metal while the help.
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper other end is still attached.
cable to the positive (+) terminal on A battery will also produce hyd­
the discharged battery and the rogen gas, which is flammable
other end to the positive (+) termi­ and explosive. Keep flames or
nal on the charged battery. Make sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper
sure the cable clamps do not touch
cables, smoking, etc..
any other metal parts.

92
Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle You should check your vehicle from We have selected car-care products
In operation, your vehicle is subjected time to time for stone chipping or and compiled recommendations
to varying external influences which, if other damage. Any damage should be which are specially matched to our
gone unchecked, can attack the repaired as soon as possible to pre­ vehicles and which always reflect the
paintwork as well as the underbody vent the start of corrosion. latest technology. You can obtain
and cause lasting damage. In doing so, do not neglect the under­ MB car-care products at your au­
side of the car. A prerequisite for a thorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
Such damage is caused not only by
extreme and varying climatic condi­ thorough check is a washing of the Scratches, corrosive deposits, corro­
tions, but also by air pollution, road underbody followed by a thorough in­ sion or damage due to negligent or
salt, tar, gravel and stone chipping. spection. Damaged areas need to be incorrect care cannot always be re­
Grease and oil, fuel, coolant, brake re-undercoated. moved or repaired with the car-care
fluid, bird droppings, tree resins, etc. Your vehicle has been treated at the products recommended here. In such
should be removed immediately to factory with a wax-base rustproofing cases it is best to seek aid at your
avoid paint damage. Frequent wash­ in the body cavities which will last for authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
ing, however, reduces and/or elimi­ the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-pro­ The following topics deal with the
nates the aggressiveness and poten­ duction treatment is neither necessary cleaning and care of your vehicle and
cy of the above adverse influences. nor recommended by MERCEDES- give important “ how-to” information
More frequent washings are neces­ BENZ because of the possibility of in­ as well as references to recom­
sary to deal with unfavorable condi­ compatibility between materials used mended MB car-care products.
tions; for example, near the ocean, in in the production process and others
industrial areas (smoke, exhaust applied later.
emissions), or during winter operation.
Engine Cleaning In the winter, thoroughly remove all Plastic Parts, Headliner
Corrosion protection, such as MB traces of road salt as soon as pos­ and Rubber Parts
Anticorrosion Wax should be applied sible.
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
to the engine compartment after every When washing the underbody, do not
engine cleaning. Before applying, all forget to clean the inner sides of the Seat Belts
control linkage bushing should be lub­ wheels.
The webbing must not be treated with
ricated. The V-belt and all pulleys
Tar Stains chemical cleaning agents. Use only
should be protected from any wax.
clear, lukewarm water and soap. Do
Quickly remove tar stains before they not dry the webbing at temperatures
Car Washing dry and become more difficult to re­ above 80 °C (176 °F) or in direct sun­
Before washing your vehicle, remove move. MB Tar Remover is recommen­ light. Never bleach or re-dye the web­
insect residues. MB Insect Remover is ded. bing as this may severely weaken the
recommended. Do not use hot water belts.
or wash your car in direct sunlight. Window Cleaning, Wiper Blades
Use only a mild car wash detergent, Use a window cleaning solution on Instrument Cluster
such as MB Autoshampoo. very dirty or oil-stained windows. Use a gentle dish-washing detergent
Thoroughly spray the car with a Clean the wiper blade rubber with a or mild detergent for delicate fabrics
diffused jet of water. Direct only a clean cloth and detergent solution. as a washing solution. Wipe with a
very weak spray towards the ventila­ Replace blades twice a year; once cloth moistened in lukewarm solution.
tion intake. Use plenty of water and before and once after winter. Do not use scouring agents.
rinse the sponge and chamois fre­
quently. Headlamp Cleaning System Steering Wheel and
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly The condition of the wiper blades is Selector Lever
wipe dry with a chamois. Do not allow important for satisfactory cleaning of Wipe with a damp cloth and dry
cleaning agents to dry on the finish. the headlamp lenses. We therefore re­ throughly or clean with MB Leather
If the vehicle has been run through an commend that the blades be inspec­ Cleaner.
automatic car wash - in particular one ted regularly.
of the older installations - rewipe the Replace damaged wiper blades.
recessed sections in the taillamps
(designed to prevent soiling) if neces­
sary. No solvents (fuels, thinners etc.)
must be used.

94
Upholstery Paintwork, Painted Body Light Alloy Wheels
Components
Using aftermarket seat covers or MB-Autoshampoo should be used for
wearing clothing that have the ten­ MB-Paint Protector and Sealer should regular cleaning of the light alloy
dency to give off coloring (e. g. when be applied when water drops on the wheels.
wet, etc.) may cause the upholstery paint surface do not “ bead up” ; nor­ If possible, clean wheels once a week
(velour for example) to become per­ mally in 3 - 5 months depending on •with MB-Autoshampoo, using a soft
manently discolored. By lining the climate and washing detergent used. sponge and an ample supply of
seats with a proper intermediate MB-Paint-Polish should be applied if lukewarm water.
cover, contact-discoloration will be paint surface shows signs of dirt em­
prevented. If the MB-Autoshampoo does not
bedding (i. e. loss of gloss). satisfactorily clean the wheels, use
Leather Upholstery MB-Fine Polishing Paste must be MB-Protective Agent for Light Alloy
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp used when the paint surface shows Wheels for normal cleaning and MB-
cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with signs of excessive fading/chalking Cleaner for Light Alloy Wheels for
MB Leather Cleaner. Exercise particu­ due to lack of care, etc.. heavier dirt accumulation.
lar care when cleaning perforated Follow instructions on container.
Do not apply any of these products or
leather as its underside should not
wax if your car is parked in the sun or
become wet. if the hood is still hot. Ornamental Moldings
Velour Upholstery
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up For regular cleaning and care of very
Pressure marks resulting from damp­ Stick for quick and provisional repairs dirty chrome-plated parts, use a
ness and heat may appear to be of minor paint damage (i. e. chips chrome cleaner.
stains. Such marks can be removed from stones, car doors, etc.).
by wiping with a moistened brush,
ironing with a wet cloth or by treating Automatic Antenna
with a dry shampoo. Do not sit on
damp upholstery. Quick drying is For trouble-free operation of the auto­
achieved by applying hot air - for matic antenna, we recommend to
example, by using a hair dryer. If in clean the antenna mast periodically.
doubt, please consult your authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
 Luggage or Ski Racks
We recommend the use of drip rail
mounted ski and roof racks. These
racks do not require additional
supports (suction cups or legs). Such
supports may lead to marring of the
paint or even denting of the roof if
excessive weight is placed on the
rack. Your authorized MERCEDES-
BENZ dealer can give further advice.

Ashtrays To remove rear ashtray:

To remove front ashtray: Push the ashtray down while opening
and remove.
Pull ashtray out to the stop, lift up
insert and remove. To install ashtray:
Position ashtray squarely and push in.

96
Head Restraints Removing rear seat head restraints:
Removing front seat head restraints: Pull head restraint up until detent is
Bring the head restraint to it’s highest felt. Then pull it out sharply using both
position. hands.
Depress release button (1) beneath
Installing rear seat head restraints:
the seatback covering material and
pull head restraint up sharply, holding Insert the head restraint, push it down
it by the left head restraint post and adjust as desired.
(viewed in driving direction). Then pull
out head restraint completely with Warning!
both hands.
For your protection, drive only
The release button (1) is located be­ with properly positioned head re­
low the left head restraint post on straints.
both front seats.
Do not drive the vehicle without
the seat head restraints. Head re­
Installing front seat head restraints:
straints are intended to help re­
Insert the head restraint and push it duce injuries during an accident.
down to the stop.
Check if the highest position can be
reached by pushing the switch up for For positioning of head restraints refer
approximately 5 seconds. to pages 31 and 35.
Adjust head restraint to the desired
position.

Practical Hints
97
 Rear Seat Cushion (sedan only) Spare Parts Service
Removal: Push buttons (1) (left and All authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
right side of seat) down while slightly dealers maintain a stock of original
lifting the front corner of the seat spare parts required for maintenance
cushion. Then pull the seat cushion and repair work. In addition, strategi­
forward. cally located parts distribution centers
Installation: Push rear of seat cushion provide quick and reliable parts ser­
under seat back as far as it will go vice.
and press down on the front section More than 300,000 different spare
until it engages. parts, even for older models, are
available.
Note: MERCEDES-BENZ original spare
On vehicles with power rear seats, the parts are subjected to the most strin­
rear seat cushion can best be re­ gent quality inspections. Each part
moved and installed by an authorized has been specifically developed,
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer. manufactured or selected for and
adapted to MERCEDES-BENZ
vehicles.
Therefore, MERCEDES-BENZ original
spare parts should be installed.

98
 Technical Data
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.
Consumer Information

Identification Plates 100

Theft Prevention 101
Vehicle Data Cards 102
Warranty Coverage 102
Technical Data
420 SEL 103
560 SEL, 560 SEC 104
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc. 105
Capacities 105
Engine Oils 107
Brake Fluid 107
Premium Unleaded Gasoline 107
Fuel Requirements 107
Coolants 108
Consumer Information 109

99
Identification Plates 1 Certification Tag
(left door pillar)
When ordering spare parts, please
2 Identification Tag
specify vehicle identification and
(left window post)
engine numbers.
3 Vehicle Identification No.
4 Engine No.
5 Body No. and Paintwork No.
6 Emission Control Tag
(560 SEC left side)
7 Information Tag
California version
Vacuum line routing for
emission control system

100
 Location of labels
1 Bumper front/rear
2 Engine hood
3 Trunk lid
4 All fenders
5 All doors
Engine*:
on engine block, left rear
Transmission*:
on transmission, left front
* not shown in illustration

Technical Data
Theft Prevention Note:
This vehicle complies with the Federal Do not remove these labels. These
Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention labels are intended for parts identifi­
Standard (49 CFR Part 541). Engine, cation in case of theft. When replac­
transmission and certain body parts ing parts subject to labeling, please
(see illustration) are labeled ex factory, make sure that the parts you receive
the labels show the VIN-number of are labeled properly. This is especially
this vehicle. important when work is performed I
Spare parts are similarly labeled ex outside of the United States.
factory in a different location. The
labels show the letter R (for replace­
ment) instead of the VIN-number.

101
Vehicle Data Cards Warranty Coverage Loss of Owner’s Service and
Warranty Policy
Your car is covered under the terms
of the “warranties” printed in the Should you lose your Owner’s
Owner’s Service and Warranty Service and Warranty Policy
Policy Booklet and your authorized Booklet, have your authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will ex­ MERCEDES-BENZ dealer arrange for
change or repair any defective parts a replacement. It will be mailed to
in accordance with the terms of the you.
following warranties:
1. New vehicle limited warranty
2. Emission system warranty
3. Emission performance warranty
9073
4. California emission control
The vehicle data cards bear all the systems warranty (State of Cali­
important data relating to your fornia only, unless purchased
vehicle. optionally for diesel models).
Data card No. 1 bears the key
number and should never be left in
the vehicle. Submit this card to your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer
to request a replacement key in
case of loss.
Data card No. 2 has no key number
information and should be kept in the
Maintenance Booklet where indi­
cated.

102
Technical Data 420 SEL
Model_____________________ 420 SEL (126 035)1 Electrical System
Alternator 1 4V /80A
Engine
Starter motor 12 V/1.5 kW
Engine type 116 Battery 12 V/92 Ah
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine, Spark plugs see rear inside cover
qasoline injection
No. of cylinders 8
Bore 92.00 mm (3.62 in) Weights See certification tag
Stroke 78.90 mm (3.11 in) Roof load max. 100 (220
kq lb)
Total piston displacement 3
4196 cm (256.1 in3) Trunk load max. 100 (220
kg lb)
Compression ratio 9.0
Output acc. to SAE J 1349 150 kW/5200 rpm
(201 hp/5200 rpm) Main Dimensions
Maximum torque acc. to
SAE J 1349 310 Nm/3600 rpm Overall vehicle length 5285 mm (208.1 in)
(228 ft-lb/3600 rpm) Overall vehicle width 1820 mm ( 71.7 in)

T p r .h n ir a l D a ta
Firing order 1 -5 -4 -8 -6 -3 —7-2 Overall height 1441 mm ( 56.7 in)
V-belts: Wheel base 3075 mm (121.1 in)
Water pump - fan - power Track, front 1562 mm ( 61.5 in)
steering pump 2 V-belts 9 .5 x 1 100mm Track, rear 1534 mm ( 60.4 in)
Alternator 9.5 x 990 mm
Air conditioning 12.5 x 960 mm
Air pump 9.5 x 750 mm

Rims - Tires
Rims
(forged light alloy rims) 6/2
I J x 15 H 2 I
Wheel offset 21.5 mm (0.8 in)
Summer tires:
Radial-ply tires 205/65 VR 15
Winter tires: The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer for the corresponding data of all special bodies and
Radial-ply tires 205/65 R 15 94 T M+S special equipment.

103
Technical Data 560 SEL, 560 SEC
Model 560 SEL (126 039)1 Electrical System
___________________________560 SEC (126 045)1
Alternator 14 V/80 A
Engine Starter motor 12V/1.5 kW
Battery 12 V/92 Ah
Enqine type 117 Spark plugs see rear inside cover
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine,
qasoline injection
No. of cylinders 8 Weights See certification taq
Bore 96.50 mm (3.80 in) Roof load max. 100 kq (220 lb)
Stroke 94.80 mm (3.73 in) Trunk load max. 100 kg (220 lb)
Total piston displacement 5547 cm3 (338.5 in3)
Compression ratio 9.0
Output acc. to SAE J 1349 178 kW/4800 rpm Main Dimensions 560 SEL
(238 hp/4800 rpm)
Maximum torque acc. to Overall vehicle length 5285 mm (208.1 in)
S A E J 1349 390 Nm/3500 rpm Overall vehicle width 1820 mm ( 71.7 in)
(287 ft-lb/3500 rpm) Overall height 1431 mm ( 56.3 in)
Firinq order 1 -5 -4 -8 -6 -3 -7 -2 Wheel base 3075 mm (121.1 in)
V-belts: Track, front 1562 mm ( 61.5 in)
Water pump - fan - power Track, rear 1534 mm ( 60.4 in)
steerinq pump 2 V-belts 9 .5 x 1 110mm
Alternator 9.5x1005 mm Main Dimensions 560 SEC
Air conditioninq 12.5 x 960mm
Air pump 9.5 x 750 mm Overall vehicle length 5060 mm (199.2 in)
Overall vehicle width 1828 mm ( 72.0 in)
Rims - Tires Overall height 1397 mm ( 55.0 in)
Wheel base 2850 mm (112.2 in)
Rims
6Vz J x 15 H 2 Track, front 1562 mm ( 61.5 in)
(forged light alloy rims)
21.5 mm (0.8 in) Track, rear 1534 mm ( 60.4 in)
Wheel offset
Summer tires:
Radial-ply tires 205/65 VR 15
Winter tires: 1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer for the corresponding data of all special bodies and
Radial-ply tires 205/65 R 15 94 T M+S special equipment.

104
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc. Capacities

Vehicle components and their respec­

tive lubricants must match. Therefore
use only brands tested and recom­
mended by us. Inquire at your author­
ized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.

Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.

Year-round use
multigrade oil
Engine with oil filter 8.0 I (8.5 US qt)

1 SAE 40 may be used if ambient temperatures constantly

exceed +30 °C (+86 °F).

Initial fill: 8.6 I (9.1 US qt) MB Automatic transmission fluid

Automatic transmission
Fluid change: 7.7 I (8.1 US qt)
 Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.

420 SEL 1.3 I (1.4 US qt) Flypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 901
Rear axle
Hypoid gear oil SAE 90 for
560 SEL, 560 SEC 1.3 I (1.4 US qt)
limited slip differential1

Power steering 1.3 I (1.4 US qt) MB Power steering fluid

Level control 560 SEL, 560 SEC 2.0 I (2.1 US qt) Hydraulic oil1

Front wheel hubs approx. 60 g (2.1 oz) each High temperature roller bearing grease

Battery terminals Bosch special grease (acid proof)

Accelerator control linkage Hydraulic fluid1

Grease nipples Multipurpose or lubrication grease

Door locks Powdered graphite

Brake reservoir approx. 0.5 I (0.5 US qt) MB Brake fluid (DOT4)

Windshield washer system MB Windshield washer

approx. 5.0 I (5.3 US qt)
and headlamp cleaning system concentrate “S”2

Fuel tank approx. 90 I (23.8 US gal) Premium unleaded gasoline: Posted

including a reserve of approx. 12.5 I (3.3 US gal) Octane 91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON)

Cooling system approx. 13.0 I (13.7 US qt) MB Anticorrosion/antifreeze

1 Your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will advise
you on recommended brands.
2 Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “ S" and water
for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate “ S” and commercially available
premixed windshield washer solvent/anti-freeze for
temperatures below freezing. Follow suggested mixing
ratios, see page 47.

106
Engine Oils Premium Unleaded Gasoline Fuel Requirements
Engine oils are specifically tested for Caution! Use only Premium unleaded meeting
their suitability in our engines. There­ ASTM standard D 439:
To maintain the engine’s durability
fore, use only engine oils recom­ The octane number (posted at the
and performance, premium unleaded
mended by us. Information on recom­ pump) must be 91 min. It is an aver­
gasoline must be used. If premium
mended brands is available at your age of both, the Research (R) octane
unleaded is not available and low
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer. number and the Motor (M) octane
octane fuel is used, follow these
precautions: number: [(R+M)/2], This is also known
Brake Fluid as ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
• have the fuel tank filled only par­
During vehicle operation, the boiling Unleaded gasoline containing oxy­
tially with unleaded regular and fill
point of the brake fluid is continuously

o ti-
up with premium unleaded as soon genates such as Ethanol, MTBE, IPA,
reduced through the absorption of IBA and TBA can be used provided
as possible,
moisture from the atmosphere. Under the ratio of any one of these oxy­

I u h rin a n tc
extremely hard operating conditions, • avoid full throttle driving and ab­
genates to gasoline does not
this moisture content can lead to the rupt acceleration,
exceed 10%.
formation of bubbles in the system • do not exceed an engine speed of
thus reducing the system’s efficiency. The ratio of Methanol to gasoline
3000 rpm, if the vehicle is loaded must not exceed 3% plus additional
The brake fluid must therefore be with a light load such as two per­

F u e ls . C o o la n ts
cosolvents.
replaced annually, preferably in the sons and no luggage,
spring. Using mixtures of Ethanol and
• do not exceed % of maximum Methanol is not allowed. MTBE may,
It is recommended to use only brake accelerator pedal position, if the however, be added up to 15%.
fluid approved by MERCEDES-BENZ. vehicle is fully loaded or operating Gasohol, which contains 10% Ethanol
Your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ in mountainous terrain. and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
dealer will provide you with additional used.
information.
These blends must also meet all other
fuel requirements such as resistance
to spark knock, boiling range, vapor
pressure, etc..
I

107
Coolants temperature will increase due to the Therefore the following product is
The engine coolant is a mixture of lower heat transfer capability of the strongly recommended for use in your
water and anticorrosion/antifreeze, solution. Therefore, do not use more car: MERCEDES-BENZ Anticorrosion/
which provides: than this amount of anticorrosion/anti­ Antifreeze Agent.
freeze. Before the start of the winter season
• corrosion protection
• freeze protection If the coolant level is low, water and (or once a year in the hot southern
• boiling protection (by increasing MB anticorrosion/antifreeze should be regions), you should have the anti­
the boiling point). used to bring it up to the proper level corrosion/antifreeze concentration
(have cooling system checked for checked. The coolant is also regularly
The cooling system was filled at the signs of leakage). checked each time you bring your
factory with a coolant providing freeze vehicle to your authorized
The water in the cooling system must
protection to approx. -3 0 °C (-22 °F) MERCEDES-BENZ dealer for main­
meet minimum requirements, which
and corrosion protection. The red tenance service.
are usually satisfied by normal drink­
area of the temperature gauge is
ing water. If you are not sure about
matched to the heating properties of Approx. freeze Anticorrosion/
the water quality, consult your au­
this coolant solution. protection antifreeze
thorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
The coolant solution must be used -3 0 °C \
year round to provide the necessary Anticorrosion/antifreeze 5.75 I (6.1 US qt)
(-22 °F) /
corrosion protection and increase in Your vehicle contains a number of
the boil-over protection. You should aluminium parts. The use of alumi­ -4 5 °C \
6.75 I (7.1 US qt)
have it replaced every 3 years. nium components in motor vehicle (-49 °F) /
To provide the important corrosion engines necessitates that anticorro­
protection, the solution must be at sion/antifreeze coolant used in such
least 40% anticorrosion/antifreeze engines be specifically formulated to
(equals a freeze protection to approx. protect the aluminium parts. (Failure
-2 5 °C [-13 °F]). If you use a solution to use such anticorrosion/antifreeze
that is more than 55% anticorrosion/ coolant will result in a significantly
antifreeze (freeze protection to ap­ shortened service life.)
prox. -4 5 °C [-49 °F[), the engine

108
Consumer Information Treadwear Temperature “A” , “ B” , “C”
This has been prepared as required of The treadwear grade is a comparative The temperature grades of “A” (the
all manufacturers of passenger cars rating based on the wear rate of the highest). “ B” and “C” representing
under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal tire when tested under controlled con­ the tire’s resistance to the genera­
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the ditions on a specified government test tion of heat and its ability to dissipate
“ National Traffic and Motor Vehicle course. For example, a tire graded heat when tested under controlled
Safety Act of 1966” . 150 would wear one and a half (11 / 2) conditions on a specified
times as well on the government indoor laboratory test wheel.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading course as a tire graded 100. The rela­ Sustained high temperature can
tive performance of tires depends cause the material of the tire to
Relevant tire grade information on tire
upon the actual conditions of their degenerate and reduce tire life, and
sidewalls.
use, however, and may depart sig­ excessive temperature can lead to
All passenger car tires must conform nificantly from the norm due to varia­ sudden tire failure. The grade “C”
to federal safety requirements. In ad­ tions in driving habits, service prac­ corresponds to a level of perfor­
dition, consumer information on tices and differences in road charac­ mance which all passenger car tires
treadwear, traction and temperature teristics and climate. must meet under the Federal Motor
must be provided. Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Traction “A” , “ B” , “C”
Grades “ B” and “A” represent higher
The traction grades, from highest to levels of performance in the labora­
lowest, are “A” , “ B” and “C” and they tory test than the minimum required
represent the tire’s ability to stop on by law.
wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt Warning!
and concrete. A tire marked “C” may The temperature grade for this
have poor traction performance. tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not over­
Warning! loaded. Excessive speed, under­
inflation, or excessive loading,
The traction grade assigned to
either separately or in combina­
this tire is based on braking
tion, can cause excessive heat
(straight ahead) traction tests
build up and possible tire failure.
and does not include cornering
(turning) traction.
Index
Airbags 41, 42 Capacities 105 Economical driving indicator
Alarm system 30 Catalytic converter 14 (ECONOMY) 66
Alloy wheels 95 Central locking system 29 Emergency tensioning
Antenna 60, 95 Certification tag 100 retractors (ETR) 40
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 108 Charge indicator lamp 66 Emission control 70
Arm rests 33, 35 Cleaning and care of the vehicle 93 Emission control tag 100
Ashtrays 96 Combination switch 47 Engine no. 100
Automatic climate control 22 Console storage Engine oil and filter
Automatic transmission 62 compartment 50 change 19
Consumer information 109 Engine oil consumption 66
Battery 88 Coolant level check 76 Engine oil level check 77
Body no. 100 Coolants 106, 108 Engine oils 107
Brake fluid 107 Coolant temperature Engine starting and turning off 15
Brake pad wear indicator gauge 67 Exterior lamp switch 46
lamp 68 Cruise control 65 Exterior light failure
Brake, parking 62 indicator lamp 67
Brakes 16 Doors 28
Brakes, ABS 69 Driver checks 116 First aid kit 79
Brake warning lamp 68 Driving instructions 16 Fog lamps 84, 85
Break-in period 8 Fuel filler flap 89
Fuel requirements 107
Fuel reserve warning lamp 67
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 105
Fuses 87

Gauges 12, 66, 67

Coolant temperature 67
Fuel 12
Oil pressure 66

112
Headlamps 47, 84 Jack 80 Maintenance 4, 19
Headlamp washer 47 Jump starting 92
Head restraints 31, 35, 97 Oil pressure gauge 66
front 31, 97 Keys 27 On-board diagnostic system
rear 35, 97 (California models only) 70
Heated seats 34 Lamps, exterior 46, 84, 85, 86 Orthopedic seat 33
Hood 74, 75 Fog lamps 84, 85 Outside temperature indicator 68
Headlamps 84
Identification plates 100 High mounted stop lamp 86 Paintwork no. 100
Indicator lamps 12, 13, 66, 67, 68 License plate lamps 86 Parking 18
Brake pad wear 68 Switch 46 Parking brake 62
Brake warning 68 Taillamps 86 Premium unleaded gasoline 106, 107
Charging system 66 Lamps, interior 51
Check engine 13 Lighter 49 Radio 53
Exterior light failure 67 Literature 115 Rear view mirrors 48
Fuel reserve 67 Lubricants 105 Rear window defroster 50
Low coolant 67 Luggage or ski racks 96 Restraint systems,
Low engine oil 66 infants and children 44
Low washer fluid 67 Roadside assistance 4
Symbols 13
Instruments and controls 10
Instrument cluster 12
Seat belts 37 Technical data 103, 104 Upholstery, cleaning 95
Warning system 37 Theft prevention 101
Seats 31, 32, 35, 36, 98 Tire chains 71 Vanity mirrors 49
front 31, 32 Tire pressure 83 V-belt 103, 104
rear 35, 36, 98 Tires 17, 80, 109 Vehicle data cards 102
Service literature 115 Towing 91 Vehicle identification no. 100
Shelf below rear window 52 Transmission, fluid Vehicle tools 79
Sliding roof 51 level check 78
Emergency operation 89 Traveling abroad 71 Warranty 4, 102
Spare parts 98 Turn signals 47 Wheels 80
Spare wheel 79 Wheels, changing 82
Spark plugs 87 Windows 52
Starting and turning off Windshield/headlamp washer
engine 15 system 47
Steering column, adjusting 36 Windshield wipers 89
Steering lock 45 Winter driving 18,71
Stowing things 79 Wiper blades 90, 94
Sun visors 49 Replacing 90
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) 37, 40

114
Service Literature
Warning!
Your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer has trained
To help avoid personal injury, be extremely careful
technicians and original MERCEDES-BENZ parts to ser­
when performing any maintenance work or repairs.
vice your vehicle properly. For expert advice and quality
Improper or incomplete service may damage the
service, see your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
vehicle or its equipment, which may in turn result in
Customers who are interested in ordering service literatu­ personal injury.
re for their vehicles are advised to contact MERCEDES-
If you have any question about carrying out some
BENZ distributors in the U. S. or Canada at the following
service, turn to the advice of an authorized
addresses, respectively MERCEDES-BENZ dealer.
for U.S.A.: Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc.
One Mercedes Drive
P. O. Box 350
Montvale, New Jersey 07645
Att: Technical Publications
Tel: (201) 573-0600
for Canada: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
849 Eglinton Ave., East
Toronto, Ont., Canada
M 4G 2 L 5
Att: Technical Publications
Tel: 416-425-3550
Telex: 065-24232
The above companies will be happy to handle any such
requests from customers.
We consider this to be the best way to obtain accurate
information for your vehicle.

115
Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip 1 Fuel Supply: Turn fuel filler cap to
the left and hold on to it until pos­
sible pressure in tank has been re­
leased, then remove the cap.
2 Tire Inflation Pressure: Check at
least every two weeks. For details
see page 83.
3 Battery: Add distilled or tap water
only, see page 88.
4 Fluid Level in Automatic Trans­
mission: See page 78.
5 Windshield Washer System and
Headlamp Cleaning System: See
page 106.
6 Coolant Level: See page 76.
7 Engine Oil Level: See page 77.
8 Brake Fluid: See pages 106
and 107.
Vehicle Lighting: Check function and
cleanliness. For replacement of light
bulbs, see pages 84, 85 and 86.

116
What You Should Know at the Gas Station

• Fuel: Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Coolant: For normal replenishment, use water
Octane 91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON). (potable water quality).
Fuel tank capacity approx. 90 I (23.8 US gal). For further information (e.g. anticorrosion/
This includes approx. 12.5 I (3.3 US gal) reserve. antifreeze), refer to page 108.
Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle unit
Bulbs: High and low beams: Halogen type 9004, fog
cuts out - do not overfill.
lamps: Halogen type H 3, tail, parking and standing
lamps 10 W/6 cp, turn signal, standing, side marker
• Engine Oil: Engine oil level check, see page 77.
and parking lamps, front 21/5 W/32/3 cp, turn signal
Quantity differential between upper and lower dipstick lamps, rear 21 W/32 cp, stop lamps 21 W/32 cp,
marking level: 2.0 I (2.1 US qt). license plate lamps 5 W.
Year-round multigrade oils 10 W-40, 10 W-50,
15 W -4 0,15 W-50. Spark Plugs: 420 SEL: Bosch W 8 DC, W 8 DCO,
W 8 DP, Beru 14-8 DU, 14-8 DPU, Champion
For further information, refer to page 105. N 11 YC, N 11 YCC.
560 SEL, 560 SEC: Bosch W 9 DC, W 9 DCO,
• Automatic Transmission: MB Automatic W 9 DP, Beru 14-9 DU, 14-9 DPU,
transmission fluid. Champion N 12 YC, N 12 YCC.
For level checks and replenishment, refer to page 78. Electrode gap: 0.8 mm (0.032 in).

• Tire Pressure: Cold tires: bar psi Warm tires:

For driving up to Pressure may rise by up to
160 km/h (100 mph) + 0.5 bar (+7 psi).

Never release any air from a warm

tire to offset this pressure increase!
bar psi
normal load 1.82) 262) 1.82) 262) 1) 420 SEL: 2.4 bar (34 psi)
Summer tires ---------- 2) For driving above 160 km/h (100 mph)
jm load 1.92) 272) 2.11).2) 301),2)
where permitted, add 0.6 bar (9 psi).
Winter tires: 2.32) 332) 2.62) 382>
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