air condition MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS 2003 Owner's Manual

254 OperationDriving instructionsTire speed rating
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
"H"-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding the speed rating.
Regardless of the tire rating, local speed
limits should be obeyed. Use prudent driv-
ing speeds appropriate to prevailing condi-
tions.
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move selector lever to position N or in
case you have a manual transmission, de-
clutch. Try to keep the vehicle under con-
trol by corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
We therefore recommend depressing the
brake pedal periodically when traveling at
length on salt-strewn roads.
This can bring road salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal. A prerequisite
is, however, that this be done without en-
dangering other drivers on the road.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and re-
sulting in personal injury and possible death.
iFor more information on driving with
snow chains, see "Snow chains"
(page 274).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
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256 OperationDriving instructionsControl and operation of radio trans-mitter
COMAND*, radio and telephone*Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation in-
structions regarding use of an external an-
tenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial con-
trol of the pollutants in the exhaust emis-
sions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our rec-
ommended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Service Booklet.
Warning!
G
Please do not forget that your primary re-
sponsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only op-
erate the COMAND (Cockpit Management
and Data System), radio or telephone
1 if
road and traffic conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km / h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of approximately
44 feet (approximately 13.5 m) every sec-
ond.
1Observe all legal requirements
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and personal
injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, use only premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat, which could
start a fire.
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269 Operation
Tires and wheels
Life of tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better aquaplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
ensure that the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of tire rotation.Checking tire inflation pressure
Regularly check your tire pressure at inter-
vals of no more than 14 days.
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.If the tires are warm you should only cor-
rect the tire pressure if it is too low for cur-
rent operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the spec-
ified tire inflation pressures for warm and
cold tires as well as for various operating
conditions.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, independently of the remaining
tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Warning!
G
If the tire pressure repeatedly drops:

Check the tires for punctures from for-
eign objects


Check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim.
iThe pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.
Increased inflation pressures listed for
heavier loads may also be used for light
loads. These higher pressures produce
favorable handling characteristics. The
ride of the vehicle, however, will be
somewhat harder. Never exceed the
maximum values or inflate tires below
the minimum values listed in the fuel
filler flap.
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273 Operation
Winter driving
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service in-
cludes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
"S" to a premixed windshield washer
solvent / antifreeze which is formulated
for below freezing temperatures
(page 371).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started, even at
low ambient temperatures.


Tire change. We recommend M+S rat-
ed radial-ply tires on all four wheels for
the winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 39°F (4°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS and the ESP in win-
ter operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-
tices are available from your tire dealer or
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.Warning!
G
Winter tires having a tread depth under
0.16 in (4 mm) must be replaced. They are
no longer suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style to this.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
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280 OperationVehicle care
Vehicle careCleaning and care of vehicle
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to
varying external influences which, if gone
unchecked, can attack the paintwork as
well as the undercarriage and cause last-
ing damage.
Such damage is caused not only by ex-
treme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:

Air pollution


Road salt


Tar, gravel and stone chippingTo avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:


Grease and oil


Fuel


Coolant


Brake fluid


Insects


Tree resins etc.
Frequent washing reduces and / or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions, for ex-
ample:


Near the ocean


In industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)


During winter operationYou should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
A n y d a m a g e s h o u l d b e r e p a i r e d a s s o o n a s
possible to prevent the start of corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of
the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thorough
check is a washing of the undercarriage
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the facto-
ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by
Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility
of incompatibility between materials used
in the production process and others ap-
plied later.
We have selected car-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved
car-care products at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
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295 Practical hints
What to do if …
Messages in the display
The control system shows warning and
malfunction messages in the multifunction
display.
Certain warning and malfunction messag-
es are accompanied by an audible signal.
Address these messages accordingly and
follow the additional instructions given in
this Operator’s Manual.
Selecting the malfunction memory menu in
the control system (
page 121) displays
both cleared and uncleared messages.
High-priority messages appear in the mul-
tifunction display with a red background.On the pages that follow, you will find a
compilation of all the messages that may
appear in the display.
Warning!
G
All messages contain important information
which should be taken note of and, where a
malfunction is indicated, addressed as soon
as possible at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Failure to repair condition noted may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty, or result in property dam-
age or personal injury.Warning!
G
No messages will be displayed if either the
instrument cluster or the multifunction dis-
play is inoperative.
Contact your nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
iTurning the key in the starter switch to
position2, or pressing the KEY-
LESS-GO* start/stop button twice to
position2 causes all lamps as well as
the multifunction display to come on.
Ensure that they are all in working or-
der before starting your journey.
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359 Technical data
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
E320/E500
1Automatic belt tensioner
2Power steering pump
3Air conditioner compressor
4Crankshaft
5Coolant pump
6Generator (alternator)
7Idler pulley
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366 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore use only
brands tested and recommended by us.Please refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products Pamphlet, or inquire at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine with oil filter
E320
E500
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
Recommended engine oils
Automatic transmission
8.0 US qt (7.5 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Oil
1
1MB part no. 001 989 21 03 10Rear axle
E320
E500
1.06 US qt (1 l)
1.37 US qt (1.3 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin
CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 3.0 oz (85 g) each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
0.64 US qt (0.6 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling system
E320
E500
approx. 10.7 US qt (10 l)
approx. 11.9 US qt (11.3 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion / Antifreeze
Fuel tank including a reserve of
21.12 US gal (80.0 l)
2.38 US gal (9.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Posted Octane 91 (Avg. of 96
RON / 86 MON)
Air conditioner system
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lu-
bricant oil (never R-12)
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368 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their
suitability in our engines. Therefore, use
only engine oils recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Information on recom-
mended brands is available in the Factory
Approved Service Products Pamphlet, or at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Please follow FSS recommendations for
scheduled oil changes. Failure to do so
could result in engine damage not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil.
They may be harmful to the engine opera-
tion.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
blending oil additives are not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Air conditioner refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG
lubricating oil is used in the air conditioner
system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based lu-
bricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from
the atmosphere. Under extremely strenu-
ous operating conditions, this moisture
content can lead to the formation of bub-
bles in the system, thus reducing the sys-
tem’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be re-
placed every two years, preferably in the
spring.
Only brake fluid approved by
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. Your au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will pro-
vide you with additional information.
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381 Index
A
ABS 73, 375
Malfunction indicator lamp 289
Messages in display 296
Warning lamp 289
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 156
Accident
In case of 49
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 170, 181
Air recirculation mode 168, 178
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Automatic climate control 174
Central locking (control system) 142
Charcoal filter 180
Climate control 164
Defrost 167
Distance warning function* 206
Distronic* 202
Easy-entry/exit feature* 143
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 46
Exterior lamps 113
Hazard warning flasher 115
Headlamps 46High beams 115
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 33
Immobilizer 52, 81
Rear fog lamp 113
Rear window defroster 169, 180
Residual heat 171, 182
Tow-away alarm 83
Windshield wipers 47
Adjustable air outlets, rear passenger
compartment 182
Adjusting 34
Air distribution 166, 177
Air volume 166, 177
Backrest tilt 36
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 36
Head restraint tilt 36
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 118
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 104
Seat cushion depth 105
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 35Seat height 35
Seats 34
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 170, 181
Turning on 170, 181
Air distribution
Adjusting 166, 177
Air outlets, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 182
Air recirculation mode 167, 178
Activating 168, 178
Deactivating 168, 179
Air volume
Adjusting 166, 177
Airbags 57
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 67, 375
Children 58
Front 60
Passenger 60
Safety guidelines 59
Side impact 61
Window curtain 61
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