traction control MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS WAGON 2001 W210 Owner's Manual

3 Contents
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 ................................. 210
Driving instructions ...................... 211
Drive sensibly -
Save Fuel ..................................... 211
Drinking and Driving ................ 211
Pedals ........................................... 211
Power assistance ........................ 212
Brakes .......................................... 212
Driving off ................................... 213
Parking ........................................ 213Tires ..............................................214
Snow chains ................................ 216
Winter driving instructions ......217
Block heater .................................218
Deep water ...................................219
Passenger compartment ............219
Traveling abroad ......................... 219
Cruise 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
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster .................... 242
On-board
diagnostic system .......................242
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................242
Brake warning lamp ..................243
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)
indicator lamp .............................244
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ....................244
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............245
BAS / ESP malfunction
indicator lamp .............................245
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................245
Seat belt warning lamp .............246
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ...... 246

58 Seats
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
When in operation, the seat ventilation consumes a
large amount of electrical power. It is not advisable to
use the seat ventilation longer than necessary.
The seat ventilation may automatically switch off if too
many power consumers are switched on at the same
time or if the battery charge is low. When this occurs,
one or more indicator lamps in the switch will blink.
The seat ventilation will switch on again automatically
as soon as sufficient voltage is available.
If the blinking indicator lamps pose a distraction, the
seat ventilation can be switched off.

78 Restraint systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Infant and child restraint systems
We recommend all infants and children be properly re-
strained at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All
lap-shoulder belts except the driver’s seat belt have
special seat belt retractors for secure fastening of child
restraints.
To activate, pull shoulder belt out completely and let it
retract. During the seat belt retraction a ratcheting
sound can be heard to indicate that the special seat belt
retractor is activated. The belt is now locked.
To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and let seat belt
retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in
the usual manner.
Note:
For child seats with mounting fittings for tether
anchorages refer to page 80 (installation of infant and
child restra int systems).Important!
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in
all 50 states and all Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system properly
secured by a lap-shoulder belt, and that complies with
U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of
compliance with this standard can be found on the
instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction
manual provided with the restraint.
When using any infant or child restraint system, be sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer’s
instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside
of vehicle and to infant or child restraints.
Wa r n i n g !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is
in motion, since the special seat belt retractor will
be deactivated.

135 Audio system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Operation – audio and telephone
These instructions are intended to help you become
acquainted with your Mercedes- Benz car radio. They
contain useful tips and a detailed description of the user
functions.
The right to correct errors and make technical amendments is
reserved.
Operating safety1 Optional equipment
Dolby and the double-D symbol
Ù
are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation. The Dolby noise reduction
system is manufactured under licence from Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
Wa r n i n g !
In order to avoid distraction which could lead to an
accident, system settings should be entered with
the vehicle at standstill and systems should be
operated by the driver only when traffic conditions
permit. Always pay full attention to traffic
conditions first before operating system controls
while driving. 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 !
Any alternations made to electronic components
can cause malfunctionsThe radio, cassette deck, CD changer
1 and
telephone
1 are interconnected. Therefore, when
one of the components is defective or has not been
removed / replaced properly this may impair the
function of other components.
These malfunctions might seriously impair the
operating safety of your vehicle.We recommend that you have any service work or
alternations on electronic components done in an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

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

203 Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the
transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service
brake.
For longer stops with the engine idling, shift into “N”
or “P” and hold the vehicle with the service brake.
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill gradient, do not
hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids
unnecessary transmission heat build up.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a
parking space, control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes. Accelerate gently and never
abruptly step on the accelerator.
To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying
slight partial throttle.
Rocking a vehicle free in this manner may cause the
ABS or traction system malfunction indicator lamp to
come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the
malfunction indication.
Wa r n i n g !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever
not fully engaged in position “P” is dangerous.
Also, when parked on an incline, position “P” alone
may not prevent your vehicle from moving,
possibly hitting people or objects.Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting
to position “P”, see page 210 for parking brake. When parked on an incline, also turn front wheel
against curb.Wa r n i n g !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the key
from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle. Do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could move
the gear selector lever from position “P”, which
could result in an accident or serious injury.

209 Automatic transmission
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index WWinter / Wet (snow and ice) mode
Press switch on symbol “W”. The vehicle starts
out in 2nd gear, except with selector lever in 1st
gear, or with accelerator pedal in kick-down
position.
The “W” mode helps to improve traction and
driving stability of the vehicle.
The gear shifting process occurs at lower vehicle
and engine speeds than in the “S” program mode.
Caution!
Never change the program mode when the selector lever
is out of position “P”. It could result in a change of
driving characteristics for which you may not be
prepared.
Important!
Always be certain of the program mode selected since
the vehicle driving characteristics change with the
selection of the program mode.
Dependent on the program mode selector switch
position “S” or “W” and the gear selector lever in
position “R”, the ratio of power transmission changes.Emergency operation
(Limp home mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens or the transmission no
longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating
in Limp Home Mode which engages when there is a
malfunction of the transmission. This condition may be
accompanied by the “CHECK ENGINE” malfunction
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be
activated.
To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1. Sto p t h e v e h i c l e .
2. Move selector lever to position “P”.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to position “D” (for 2nd gear), or
move selector lever to position “R” (for reverse gear).
Have the transmission checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

214 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These
indicators are located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a tread depth of
approximately
1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across
the tread.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride
disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to
your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the
hazard warning f lashers, carefully slow down, and
drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the roadway.Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible
damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. As
tread depth approaches
1/16 in (1.5 mm), the
adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and / or road surface
(conditions), the tire traction varies widely.

215 Driving instructions
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This
applies particularly if the tires are subjected to high
loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient
temperatures).
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road,
aquaplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with
new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in
the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is
always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the condition of
the road whenever the outside temperatures are close to
the freezing point.
We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires for the winter
season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced
handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can
reduce your stopping distance as compared with
summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is not snow or
ice covered.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat
tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will
cause excessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.
Wa r n i n g !
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be
substantially reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme
caution.

223 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Brake assist system (BAS)The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle‘s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver‘s
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).
Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BA S a ssistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply
continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped car must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.