warning MERCEDES-BENZ E320 WAGON 2003 S210 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 help assure 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.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company

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 .................................... 26
General notes on the central
locking system ............................. 26
Central locking system ................... 27
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 27
Opening and closing windows
and sliding/pop-up roof from
outside ........................................... 30Panic button ..................................31
Mechanical keys ...........................31
Doors ................................................. 32
Central locking switch .................... 34
Automatic central locking .............. 35
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 35
Tailgate .............................................. 36
Antitheft alarm system ................... 39
Tow-away alarm ................................41
Power seats front ............................. 42
Front seat head restraints .............. 48
Rear seat head restraints ............... 49
Multicontour seat .............................51
Seat heater ........................................ 52
Seat ventilation ................................ 55
Seat belts and integrated restraint
system .......................................... 57
Seat belts .......................................... 57
Seat belt nonusage warning
system .......................................... 58
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system .......................................... 65Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 65
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ................................ 66
Emergency tensioning
device (ETD) ................................. 67
Airbags .............................................. 68
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
airbag ............................................ 75
Infant and child restraint
systems ......................................... 77
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
Cassette player ............................. 99
Telephone ........................................ 100

2 Contents
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 .................. 128
Basic setting ................................ 129
Special settings .......................... 129
Defogging windows .................... 129
Defrosting .................................... 129
Rear window defroster .............. 130Air 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 ......................157
Interior lighting ..............................159
Entrance lamps, exit lamps
in doors .......................................159
Reading lamps rear
compartment ..............................160
Sun visors ........................................ 161
Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 161
Interior .............................................162
Armrest, rear bench .......................162Cup holder in rear bench
armrest ....................................... 162
Glove box ......................................... 163
Cup holder and coin holder in
glove box lid ................................ 163
Storage compartment above ashtray
in center console ....................... 164
Storage compartments in center
console ........................................ 164
Cup holder in center console ....... 165
Ashtrays .......................................... 166
Lighter ............................................. 168
Split rear bench seat ..................... 169
Rear-facing bench seat .................. 175
Loading instructions ..................... 177
Cargo tie-down rings ..................... 178
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell ....................................... 179
Cellular telephone ......................... 179
Garage door opener ....................... 180

3 Contents
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 186
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 187
Maintenance ................................... 187
Tele Aid ........................................... 188
Catalytic converter ........................ 198
Emission control ............................ 199
Steering lock ...................................200
Starting and turning off
the engine ..................................202
Automatic transmission ...............203
Parking brake ................................. 212
Driving instructions ...................... 213
Drive sensibly - Save Fuel ......... 213
Drinking and Driving ................ 213
Pedals ........................................... 213
Power assistance ........................ 214
Brakes .......................................... 214
Driving off ................................... 215
Parking ........................................ 216
Tires ............................................. 216Snow chains ................................ 219
Winter driving instructions ...... 219
Block heater ................................ 221
Standing water ........................... 221
Passenger compartment ........... 221
Traveling abroad ........................ 221
Cruise control ................................ 222
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 225
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 227
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) ...................... 229
Electronic stability
program (ESP) ........................... 230
Parking assist (Parktronic) .......... 234
What you should know at the gas
station ......................................... 239
Check regularly and before
a long trip .................................. 241
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster ............. 244
On-board diagnostic system ..... 244Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................244
Brake warning lamp ..................245
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................246
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ....................246
Electronic stability program (ESP)
— warning lamp ..........................247
BAS / ESP malfunction indicator
lamp ..............................................247
ABS malfunction indicator
lamp ..............................................248
Seat belt warning lamp .............248
Malfunction and indicator lamp in
the center console .....................249
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....249
Malfunction and warning messages
in the multifunction display ...250
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................ 251
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR .........252
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................253
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................253
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............254

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, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Maine, 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 i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 1Parking assist warning indicators, see page 236
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 212
7Hood lock release, see page 270
8Combination switch, see page 122
9Cruise control switch, see page 222
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 68
12Steering lock with ignition / starter switch,
seepage200
13Voice control system lever, see separate operating
instructions
14Center air outlets, adjustable15Air volume control for center air outlets
16Left front seat heater switch, see page 52
Left front seat ventilation switch, see page 55
17Headlamp washer switch, see page 121
18Rear window wiper and washer switch, see page 124
19Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 125
20Central locking switch, see page 34
21Tow- away alarm s witch, s ee page 41
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system,
seepage39
22Right front seat heater switch, see page 52
Right front seat ventilation switch, see page 55
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, see page 164

22 Contents – Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 24
Start lock-out .................................... 26
General notes on the central
locking system ............................. 26
Central locking system ................... 27
Radio frequency and infrared
remote control .............................. 27
Opening and closing windows
and sliding/pop-up roof from
outside ........................................... 30
Panic button .................................. 31
Mechanical keys ........................... 31
Doors .................................................. 32
Central locking switch .................... 34
Automatic central locking .............. 35
Emergency unlocking in case of
accident ........................................ 35
Tailgate .............................................. 36
Antitheft alarm system ................... 39
Tow-away alarm ................................ 41
Power seats front ............................. 42
Front seat head restraints .............. 48Rear seat head restraints ............... 49
Multicontour seat .............................51
Seat heater ........................................ 52
Seat ventilation ................................ 55
Seat belts and integrated restraint
system .......................................... 57
Seat belts .......................................... 57
Seat belt nonusage warning
system .......................................... 58
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system .......................................... 65
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ......... 65
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) ............................... 66
Emergency tensioning
device (ETD) ................................ 67
Airbags .............................................. 68
Safety guidelines for the seat belt,
emergency tensioning device and
airbag ........................................... 75
Infant and child restraint
systems ........................................ 77
Steering wheel adjustment .............81
Rear view mirrors ........................... 82Instrument 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
Engine oil level indicator ...............117
Engine oil consumption .................118
Exterior lamp switch ......................119
Night security Illumination ......... 120

23 Contents – Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 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 .................................... 131
Activated charcoal filter ............ 132
Residual engine heat
utilization .................................... 132
Front center console compartment
ventilation ................................... 133
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlet ................... 134Audio and telephone,
operation ....................................135
Power windows ...............................154
Sliding / pop-up roof ......................157
Interior lighting ..............................159
Entrance lamps, exit lamps
in doors .......................................159
Reading lamps rear
compartment ..............................160
Sun visors ........................................ 161
Illuminated vanity mirrors ........... 161
Interior .............................................162
Armrest, rear bench .......................162
Cup holder in rear
bench armrest ............................162
Glove box .........................................163
Cup holder and coin holder in
glove box lid .................................163
Storage compartment above ashtray
in center console .......................164
Storage compartments in center
console ........................................164Cup holder in center console ....... 165
Ashtrays .......................................... 166
Lighter ............................................. 168
Split rear bench seat ..................... 169
Rear-facing bench seat .................. 175
Loading instructions ..................... 177
Cargo tie-down rings ..................... 178
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell ....................................... 178
Cellular telephone ......................... 179
Garage door opener ....................... 180

58 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Note:
For cleaning and care of the seat belts, see page 318.
Seat belt nonusage warning system
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, a
warning sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt
is not fastened.
Wa r n i n g !
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The
backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint
when the wearer is in an upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.
Wa r n i n g !
Failure to wear and properly fasten and position
your seat belt greatly increases your risk of
injuries and their likely severity in an accident.
You and your passengers should always wear seat
belts.If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be
considerably more severe without your seat belt
properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled,
you are much more likely to hit the interior of the
vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously
injured or killed.In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death
is lessened if you ar wearing your seat belt.Wa r n i n g !
Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there
are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in
the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate
seat belt.