engine MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS WAGON 2001 W210 Owner's Guide

118 Engine oil level indicator
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
One of the following messages will subsequently appear
on the indicator:
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – O.K.”
No oil needs to be added.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.0 QUART”
(Canada: 1.0 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 1.5 QUART”
(Canada: 1.5 L)
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – ADD 2.0 QUART”
(Canada: 2.0 L)
See page 268 for instructions on adding engine oil.
“ENGINE OIL LEVEL – REDUCE OIL LEVEL”
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be siphoned or drained off. It could
cause damage to the engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The message “PERF. SERV. ON TIME” (perform service
[engine oil level check] on time) will be displayed if a
proper oil level check cannot be performed. The engine
oil level check can be repeated after a short time.Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick, if it
cannot be completed via the multifunction display.
See page 268.
In this case we recommend that you have the system
checked at a Mercedes-Benz Center.
Note:
See malfunction and warning messages on page 247
and page 258 if an engine oil level indicator appears on
the multifunction display when the engine is running.
The engine oil level cannot be checked while the engine
is running. The “ENGINE OIL LEVEL – NOT WHEN
ENGINE ON” message will appear.
Engine oil consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made
after the break-in period. During the break-in period,
higher oil consumption may be noticed and is normal.
Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in
increased consumption.

119 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Exterior lamp switch
DOff
CParking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps,
licence plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low
beam is additionally switched on.BParking lamps plus low beam or high beam
headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
ˆStanding lamps, right (turn left one stop)
‚Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops)
‡Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking
lamps and / or low beam headlamps on. Green
indicator in lamp switch comes on.
†Rear fog lamp (pull out to second detent) in
addition to the front fog lamps. Yellow indicator in
lamp switch comes on.
Standing lamps
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 cannot be operated with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2.

120 Exterior lamp switch
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Note:
With the electronic key removed and the driver’s door
open, a warning sounds and the message “SWITCH OFF
LIGHTS” in the multifunction indicator appears if the
vehicle’s exterior lamps (except standing lamps) are not
switched off.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps and / or
the low beam headlamps on. Fog lamps should only be
used in conjunction with low beam headlamps. Consult
your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding allowable lamp operation.
Fog lamps are automatically switched off when the
exterior lamp switch is turned to position D.Daytime running lamps
(Canada only)
When the engine is running and the selector lever is in
a driving position, the low beam headlamps (includes
parking lamps, side marker lamps, taillamps and
license plate lamps) are automatically switched on.
When shifting from a driving position to position “N”
or “P”, the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay).
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should
be turned to position B to permit activation of the
high beam headlamps.
Night security Illumination
When exiting the vehicle after driving with the exterior
lamps on, they switch on again for added illumination
for a pproximately 30 sec onds a f ter c losing th e la st d oor.
The lamp-on time period can be changed at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.

127 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Air volume control for center air outlets, turn wheel
up to open.
2Air volume control for side air outlet and side
window defroster outlet.
To open side air outlets:
Turn wheel to position i.
To open defroster outlets:
Turn wheel to position l.
3Center air outlets, adjustable
4Side air outlet, adjustable
5Side defroster outlet
6Display and ControlsThe system is always at operational readiness, except
when manually switched off.
The automatic climate control only operates with the
engine running.
The temperature selector should be left at the desired
temperature setting. The temperature selected is
reached as quickly as possible.
The system will not heat or cool any quicker by setting a
higher or lower temperature.
The automatic climate control removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation in the cooling
mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground
through ducts in the underbody.
The desired interior temperature can be selected
separately for the left and right side of the passenger
compartment.

128 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Display and controlsPress the desired button to activate, indicator lamp is on
while activated.
UAu tom atic mo de
fRaise temperature
gLower temperature
PDefrost
OAir recirculation
eActivated charcoal filter
FRear window defroster
bAir distribution, manual
SEconomy mode
ïAir volume, manual
TResidual engine heat utilization
0
MAX
P83.40-2167-26

132 Automatic climate control
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Activated charcoal filter
An activated charcoal filter markedly reduces bad odors
and removes pollutants from the air entering the
passenger compartment.
To select, press e button.
To cancel, press e button again.
The blower speed is slightly increased to supply a
constant volume of air.
The system switches automatically to the air
recirculation mode, if the carbon monoxide (CO) or
nitric oxide (NO
X) of the outside air increases beyond a
predetermined level.
When pressing button P or S, the filter is also
switched off.
Notes:
The automatic air recirculation does not function when
selecting the Economy mode S, or the outside
temperature is below 45°F (7°C).
The activated charcoal filter should be switched off
when windows fog up on the inside, or if the passenger
compartment needs to be quickly heated or cooled
down.Residual engine heat utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue
heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled
automatically.
To select:
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or
remove electronic key. Close air outlet in rear passenger
compartment.
Press T button.
This function selection will not activate if the battery
charge level is insufficient.
To c a n c e l :
Press T button.
The system will automatically shut off
•If you turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2,
•after approximately 30 minutes,
•if the battery voltage drops.

165 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Ashtrays
Center console, front
By touching the bottom of the cover lightly, the ashtray
opens automatically. Prior to removing the ashtray
insert, move the gear selector lever to position “N”.To remove ashtray:
Push sliding knob (1) toward the right to eject the
insert.
To i n st a l l a s h t r ay :
Install insert into ashtray frame and push down to
engage.
Wa r n i n g !
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing
still. With the gear selector lever in position “N”,
turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of
unintended contact with the gear selector lever.

183 Contents - Driving
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 184
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 185
Maintenance ................................... 185
Tele Aid............................................ 186
Catalytic converter......................... 196
Emission control ............................ 197
Steering lock ................................... 198
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 200
Automatic transmission................ 201
Parking brake ................................. 210Driving instructions....................... 211
Drive sensibly -
Save Fuel ...................................... 211
Drinking and Driving ................ 211
Pedals ........................................... 211
Power assistance .........................212
Brakes ...........................................212
Driving off ....................................213
Parking .........................................213
Tires ..............................................214
Snow chains ................................ 216
Winter driving instructions ......217
Block heater .................................218
Deep water ...................................219
Passenger compartment ............219
Traveling abroad ......................... 219Cruise control ................................. 220
Brake assist system
(BAS) ........................................... 223
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 225
Four wheel electronic
traction system
(4MATIC) .................................... 227
Electronic stability
program
(ESP) ........................................... 228
Parking assist (Parktronic) .......... 232
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 237
Check regularly and
before a long trip....................... 239

184 Control and operation of radio transmitters
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Control and operation of radio transmitters
COMAND, radio and telephone
1 Observe all legal requirements.
Telephones and two-way radio
Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a
citizens band unit should only be used inside the
vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is
installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions
regarding use of an external antenna.
Wa r n i n g !
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle. Only operate
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 50 feet (approximately
14 m ) e v e r y s e c o n d .
Wa r n i n g !
Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a
built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being
connected to an external antenna) from inside the
vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle’s electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and
personal injury.

185 The first 1 000 miles
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the
break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle
during the first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) at moderate
vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle
driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended
to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend that you select positions “3”, “2” or “1”
only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1 000 miles (1 500 km) speeds may be gradually
increased to the permissible maximum.Maintenance
Approximately 30 days or 2000 miles (2000 km) prior to
the next recommended service, the remaining distance
or days are displayed in the multifunction indicator. See
Flexible service system (FSS) on page 114.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle
serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, in
accordance with the Service Booklet at the times called
for by the FSS.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance
with the Service Booklet at the designated times /
mileage may result in vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.