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

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Operator’s manual ............................. 8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Center console .............................. 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out..................................... 27
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 28
Central locking system ................... 29
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 29
Opening and closing windows
and sliding/pop-up roof
from outside .................................. 32
Panic button .................................. 33Mechanical keys .......................... 33
Doors ................................................. 34
Central locking switch.................... 36
Automatic central locking.............. 37
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 37
Tailgate.............................................. 38
Antitheft alarm system.................... 41
Tow-away alarm ............................... 43
Power seats front ............................. 44
Front seat head restraints.............. 50
Rear seat head restraints ................ 51
Multicontour seat ............................ 53
Seat heater........................................ 54
Seat ventilation................................ 57
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 59
Seat belts .......................................... 59
Seat belt nonusage
warning system........................... 60
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system.................... 67Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special
child seat installed ....................... 67
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 68
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR)............................. 69
Airbags .............................................. 70
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag .................................... 76
Infant and child
restraint systems......................... 78
Steering wheel adjustment............. 81
Rear view mirrors ............................ 82
Instrument cluster ........................... 86
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 92
Trip and main odometer,
vehicle speed, FSS
and engine oil level display....... 96
Audio systems .................................. 97
Radio .............................................. 97
CD player ....................................... 98

2 Contents
Cassette player ............................. 99
Telephone ........................................ 100
Telephone book .......................... 100
Redialing ..................................... 102
Incoming call .............................. 104
Navigation system .......................... 105
Trip computer ................................. 106
Malfunction
message memory ...................... 108
Individual settings......................... 110
Setting the audio volume.............. 113
Flexible service system
(FSS) ............................................ 114
Engine oil level indicator.............. 117
Engine oil consumption ................ 118
Exterior lamp switch ...................... 119
Night security Illumination ......... 120
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 121
Combination switch....................... 122
Rear window wiper / washer ....... 124
Hazard warning flasher
switch.......................................... 125
Automatic climate control ............ 126
Display and controls .................. 128Basic setting ............................... 129
Special settings .......................... 129
Defogging windows ................... 129
Defrosting ................................... 129
Rear window defroster ...............130
Air distribution ...........................130
Air volume ...................................130
Air recirculation ......................... 131
Dust filter .....................................131
Activated charcoal filter ............132
Residual engine
heat utilization ............................132
Front center console
compartment ventilation ...........133
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlet ...................134
Audio and telephone,
operation ................................... 135
Power windows .............................. 154
Sliding / pop-up roof..................... 156
Interior lighting ............................. 159
Entrance lamps,
exit lamps in doors................... 159
Sun visors ....................................... 160Illuminated vanity mirrors........... 160
Interior............................................. 161
Armrest, rear bench ...................... 161
Cup holder in rear
bench armrest............................ 161
Glove box ......................................... 162
Cup holder and coin holder
in glove box lid ........................... 162
Storage compartment above
ashtray in center console......... 163
Storage compartments in
center console ........................... 163
Cup holder in center console ....... 164
Ashtrays .......................................... 165
Lighter ............................................. 167
Split rear bench seat ..................... 168
Rear-facing bench seat .................. 174
Loading instructions ..................... 176
Cargo tie-down rings ..................... 177
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 178
Cellular telephone ......................... 178
Garage door opener ....................... 179

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

4 Contents
AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp .............................246
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display ............... 247
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................248
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR .........249
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................250
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................250
BRAKE LINING WEAR .............. 251
BRAKE FLUID ............................. 251
PARKING BRAKE .......................252
ENGINE FAN ...............................252
COOLANT (coolant level) ..........253
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant
temperature) ...............................254
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................255
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................256
REMOVE KEY .............................256
TELE AID .....................................257
STEERING GEAR OIL .................257
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................258
WASHER FLUID ..........................259ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) . 260
Practical hintsFirst aid kit ..................................... 262
Fuses ............................................... 263
Electrical outlet.............................. 265
Hood ................................................ 266
Checking engine oil level............. 268
Automatic transmission
fluid level ................................... 269
Coolant level................................... 269
Adding coolant ........................... 270
Windshield and headlamp
washer system .......................... 271
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........271
Spare wheel, vehicle tools............ 272
Vehicle jack .................................... 273
Wheels ............................................ 274
Tire replacement ........................274
Rotating wheels ......................... 275
Spare wheel..................................... 276
Spare wheel bolts .......................276Changing wheels ........................... 277
Tire inflation pressure .................. 282
Battery ............................................. 283
Jump starting .................................. 285
Towing the vehicle ......................... 288
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking .................. 290
Exterior lamps ................................ 291
Headlamp assembly ...................292
Taillamp assemblies ..................295
Changing batteries in the
electronic main key .................. 298
Synchronizing
remote control ............................300
Emergency engine
shut-down................................... 300
Emergency operation of
sliding / pop-up roof ................. 301
Manual release for
fuel filler flap ............................. 302
Replacing wiper blade insert ....... 302
Roof rack ......................................... 305

8 Introduction
Operator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

13 IntroductionWhere to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
• Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
•Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

19 Instruments and controls
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Parking assist warning indicators, see page 234
2Side defroster outlet
3Side air outlet, adjustable
4Air volume control for side air outlet
5Exterior lamp switch, see page 119
6Parking brake release, see page 210
7Hood lock release, see page 266
8Combination switch, see page 122
9Cruise control switch, see page 220
10Instrument cluster, see page 86
11Multifunction steering wheel, see page 92
Horn (with electronic key in steering lock
position 1 or 2)
Airbag, see page 70
12Steering lock with ignition / starter switch,
see page 198
13Voice recognition system switch, see separate
operating instructions
14Center air outlets, adjustable15Air volume control for center air outlets
16Left front seat heater switch, see page 54
Left front seat ventilation switch, see page 57
17Headlamp washer switch, see page 121
18Rear w ind ow w iper a nd washer sw itch, se e page 124
19Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 125
20Central locking switch, see page 36
21Tow-away alarm switch, see page 43
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system,
seepage41
22Right front seat heater switch, see page 54
Right front seat ventilation switch, see page 57
23Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in
steering lock position 1 or 2)
24Automatic climate control, see page 126
Rear window defroster switch
Activated charcoal filter switch
25Audio system, see page 135
26Storage / eyeglasses compartment

22 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out..................................... 27
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 28
Central locking system ................... 29
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 29
Opening and closing windows
and sliding/pop-up roof
from outside .................................. 32
Panic button .................................. 33
Mechanical keys ........................... 33
Doors .................................................. 34
Central locking switch .................... 36
Automatic central locking .............. 37
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 37
Tailgate .............................................. 38
Antitheft alarm system ................... 41
Tow-away alarm................................ 43
Power seats front ............................. 44
Front seat head restraints .............. 50Rear seat head restraints ................ 51
Multicontour seat ............................ 53
Seat heater........................................ 54
Seat ventilation................................ 57
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 59
Seat belts .......................................... 59
Seat belt nonusage
warning system........................... 60
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system.................... 67
Self-test BabySmart
TM
without special
child seat installed ...................... 67
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)................................ 68
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................ 69
Airbags.............................................. 70
Safety guidelines for the
seat belt, emergency
tensioning retractor
and airbag ..................................... 76
Infant and child
restraint systems ........................ 78Steering wheel adjustment............. 81
Rear view mirrors ............................ 82
Instrument cluster ........................... 86
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ................. 92
Trip and main odometer,
vehicle speed, FSS
and engine oil level display....... 96
Audio systems .................................. 97
Radio .............................................. 97
CD player ....................................... 98
Cassette player ............................. 99
Telephone ........................................ 100
Telephone book .......................... 100
Redialing ..................................... 102
Incoming call .............................. 104
Navigation system .......................... 105
Trip computer ................................. 106
Malfunction
message memory ...................... 108
Individual settings......................... 110
Setting the audio volume............... 113
Flexible service system
(FSS)............................................ 114

23 Contents - Operation
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Engine oil level indicator.............. 117
Engine oil consumption ................ 118
Exterior lamp switch ...................... 119
Night security Illumination ......... 120
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 121
Combination switch....................... 122
Rear window wiper / washer ....... 124
Hazard warning flasher
switch.......................................... 125
Automatic climate control ............ 126
Display and controls .................. 128
Basic setting ................................ 129
Special settings .......................... 129
Defogging windows .................... 129
Defrosting .................................... 129
Rear window defroster .............. 130
Air distribution ........................... 130
Air volume ................................... 130
Air recirculation ......................... 131
Dust filter .................................... 131Activated charcoal filter ............132
Residual engine
heat utilization ............................132
Front center console
compartment ventilation ...........133
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlet ...................134
Audio and telephone,
operation ................................... 135
Power windows .............................. 154
Sliding / pop-up roof..................... 156
Interior lighting ............................. 159
Entrance lamps,
exit lamps in doors................... 159
Sun visors ....................................... 160
Illuminated vanity mirrors .......... 160
Interior ............................................. 161
Armrest, rear bench ....................... 161
Cup holder in rear
bench armrest ............................ 161Glove box ......................................... 162
Cup holder and coin holder
in glove box lid ........................... 162
Storage compartment
above ashtray in
center console ........................... 163
Storage compartments in
center console ........................... 163
Cup holder in
center console ........................... 164
Ashtrays .......................................... 165
Lighter ............................................. 167
Split rear bench seat ..................... 168
Rear-facing bench seat .................. 174
Loading instructions ..................... 176
Cargo tie-down rings ..................... 177
Parcel net in front
passenger footwell .................... 178
Cellular telephone ......................... 178
Garage door opener ....................... 179