264 MERCEDES-BENZ E320 2003 W211 Owner's Manual

Contents
Adjusting air distribution .............. 177
Adjusting air volume .................... 177
Defrosting .................................... 178
Air recirculation mode.................. 178
Charcoal filter .............................. 180
Rear window defroster ................. 180
Air conditioner ............................. 181
Residual heat and ventilation ....... 182
Rear air conditioning .................... 182
Power windows.................................. 184
Opening and closing the windows 184
Synchronizing power windows ..... 186
Sliding/pop-up roof* ......................... 187
Opening and closing the slid-
ing/pop-up roof* ......................... 187
Synchronizing the
sliding/pop-up roof ...................... 189
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof*......... 190
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* ... 190
Solar panel* ................................. 193
Driving systems ................................. 194
Cruise control .............................. 194
Distronic* .................................... 197
AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control)* ...... 209
PARKTRONIC system* ................. 212
Loading.............................................. 216Roof rack ...................................... 216
Ski sack* ...................................... 216
Split rear bench seat*................... 219
Folding front passenger seat* ...... 222
Expanding the cargo area* ........... 223
Loading instructions ..................... 224
Cargo tie-down rings ..................... 225
Useful features ................................... 226
Interior storage spaces ................. 226
Ashtrays........................................ 231
Cigarette lighter ............................ 232
12-V socket* ................................ 232
Heated steering wheel* ................ 233
Telephone* ................................... 233
Tele Aid* ....................................... 234
Garage door opener ...................... 243
Operation.......................................... 247
The first 1000 miles (1500km) ........... 248
Driving instructions ............................ 249
Drive sensibly – save fuel.............. 249
Drinking and driving ...................... 249
Pedals ........................................... 249
Power assistance .......................... 250
Brakes........................................... 250Driving off ..................................... 252
Parking ......................................... 252
Tires.............................................. 252
Aquaplaning .................................. 253
Tire traction .................................. 253
Tire speed rating ........................... 254
Winter driving instructions ............ 254
Standing water ............................. 255
Passenger compartment............... 255
Traveling abroad ........................... 255
Control and operation of radio
transmitter.................................... 256
Catalytic converter ....................... 256
Emission control ........................... 257
Coolant temperature .................... 258
At the gas station ............................... 259
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 260
Engine compartment .......................... 261
Hood ............................................. 261
Engine oil ...................................... 262
Transmission fluid level ................ 264
Coolant level ................................. 264
Battery .......................................... 266
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 267

49 Getting started
Driving
The coolant temperature is over 248°F
(120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
and turn off the engine. Allow engine
and coolant to cool.

Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (
page 264).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:

Do not start the engine under any cir-
cumstances.

Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be de-
termined:

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.If no damage can be determined on the


major assemblies


fuel system


engine mount

Start the engine in the usual manner.

260 OperationAt the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system
For more information on refilling the
reservoir, see the "Operation" section
(
page 267).
2Brake fluid
More information on brake fluid can be
found in the "Technical data" section
(page 368).
3Coolant level
More information on the coolant level
can be found in the "Operation" section
(page 264).Engine oil level
More information on engine oil can be
found in the "Operation" section
(
page 262).
See also "Opening hood" (
page 261).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
the "Practical hints" section (page 332).
See also the section on the exterior lamp
switch (
page 112).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
can be found in the "Operation" section
(
page 269).
iUse only premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
More information on gasoline can be
found in the Factory Approved Service
Products Pamphlet.iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the ?lamp to
illuminate.

264 OperationEngine compartmentOther display messages
If there is excessive engine oil with the en-
gine at normal operating temperature, the
following message will appear:Engine oil level Reduce oil level!
Have excess oil siphoned.
If the key is not turned to position 2 in the
starter switch:
Turn on ignition to see engine oil
level
!

Switch on the ignition.
If you see the message:
Observe waiting time
Wait five minutes before repeating
check procedure.If you see the message:
Engine oil level Not when engine on! 
Turn off the engine. If engine is at nor-
mal operating temperature, wait five
minutes before checking oil. If the en-
gine is not yet at normal operating tem-
perature, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil.
See "Practical hints" (
page 299) if the
engine oil level indicator lights up in the
display while the engine is running.
More information on engine oil can be
found in the "Technical data"
(
page 368).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need
to be checked. If you notice transmission
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions,
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
check the transmission.Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the driver’s side of the engine compart-
ment.
iIf you want to interrupt the checking
procedure, press the k or j but-
ton on the multifunction steering
wheel.

292 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
D
The red coolant warning lamp
lights up when the engine is run-
ning.
There is insufficient coolant in the reservoir.
If this warning lamp lights up frequently,
there is a leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant level is correct, the electric ra-
diator fan may be broken.

Immediately add coolant to prevent
engine from overheating
(page 264).

Have the cooling system checked.

If the coolant temperature is below
257 °F (125 °C), you can continue
driving to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

Avoid high engine loads (e.g. driving
uphill) and stop-and-go driving.
D
The red coolant warning lamp
lights up while driving and you
hear a warning sound.
The coolant temperature has exceeded
257 °F (125 °C).

Stop as soon as possible and allow
the engine and coolant to cool down.
Warning!
G
Driving when your engine is badly overheat-
ed can cause some fluids which may have
leaked into the engine compartment to
catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause
serious burns and can occur just by opening
the engine hood. Stay away from the engine
if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until it
cools down.

311 Practical hints
What to do if …
W
Washer fluid
Check level
The fluid level has dropped to about 1/3 of total reservoir capacity.

Add washer fluid (
page 267).
B
Coolant
Check level
The coolant level is too low.

Add coolant (
page 264).

If you have to add coolant frequently, have
the cooling system checked by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Ï
Coolant
Visit workshop!
The cooling fan for the coolant is
malfunctioning.

Observe the coolant temperature display.

Have the fan replaced as soon as possible.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
Warning!
G
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. You can be seriously burned.
!Do not ignore the low engine coolant
level warning. Extended driving with
the message and symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount
of coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major en-
gine damage.

385 Index
ESP 76
Exterior lamps 113
Hazard warning flasher 115
Headlamps 51
Immobilizer 81
Interior lighting delayed
switch-off 141
Rear window defroster 169, 180
Residual heat 171
Tow-away alarm 83
Deceleration
With Distronic* 200
Defogging
Windshield 166, 177
Defrosting 167, 178
Delayed switch-off
Interior lighting 141
Dialing
A number (telephone) 149
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving 48
With starting 44
Digital speedometer 126
Discharged battery
Jump starting 346Display
Selecting 135, 136
Displays
Digital speedometer 126
Distronic* 199
Messages 264
Selecting 135
Service indicator 275
Showing malfunctions 130
Distance
Decreasing in Distronic* 205
Increasing in Distronic* 205
Warning function 205
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 145
Distance warning function* 205
Activating 206
Deactivating 206
DTR* warning lamp 205
Intermittent warning sound 205
Symbol in multifunction display 129
Distronic* 197, 376
Activated 201
Activating 202
Calling up settings 128, 200
Cleaning sensors 283Cover 283
Cruise control lever 201
Deactivated 201
Deactivating 204
Deceleration 200
Decreasing distance 205
Displays in the speedometer dial 199
Distance warning function 205
Driving hints 206
Fine adjustment 203
Increasing distance 205
Intermittent signal tone 199
Menu 200
Messages in display 300
Resetting stored speed 203
Setting a higher speed 202
Setting a slower speed 203
Setting the current speed 202
Setting the following distance in
Distronic 204
Warning and indicator lamps 199
Door entry lamps 117
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 241

386 IndexDoors
Message in display 323
Opening from inside vehicle 93
Opening from outside 87, 91
Downhill driving
Cruise control 195
Downshifting 152
Driving
General instructions 40
Problems 48
Safety systems 73
With Distronic* 206
Driving hints
SBC brake system 79
Driving safety systems
ABS 73
BAS 74
ESP 75, 376
SBC brake system 77
Driving systems 194
AIRMATIC DC 209
Cruise control 194
Distronic* 197
Driving safety systems 73
Vehicle level control 209
DTR see Distronic* 376Dual control
AIRMATIC DC 209
E
Easy-entry/exit
Message in display 310
Easy-entry/exit feature* 102
Activating 143
Interrupting movement 102, 143
Electrical fuses 352
Electrical system 363
Electronic Stability Program see ESP 75,
376
Emergency call system* 235
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 237
With Tele Aid* 236
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 156
Emergency operations
Releasing trunk lid from inside 97
Remote door unlock 241
Sliding/pop-up roof* or panorama slid-
ing/pop-up roof* 331
Unlocking the vehicle 327Emergency tensioning device 377
Emergency tensioning device see
ETD 377
Ending
A call (telephone) 149
Engine 360
Starting 43
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 44
Starting with the key 44
Turning off with the key 52
Engine number 376
Engine oil
Adding 263
Additives 368
Checking level 262
Display messages 299, 300
Filler neck 263
Messages in display 264, 300
Viscosity 376
ESP 75, 376
Switching off 76
Switching on 77
Warning lamp 288
ETD 377
Safety guidelines 59
Exterior lamp switch 112