ESP MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS 2003 Manual Online

374 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel requirements
Use only premium unleaded gasoline
meeting ASTM standard D 439:

The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be 91 min (93 for S 600).
It is an average of both the Research
(R) octane number and the Motor (M)
octane number: (R+M) / 2). This is also
known as the ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not exceed
10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional co-solvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be
used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz recommends only the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build-up of carbon depos-
its.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to en-
gine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation


Unstable idle


Knocking / pinging


Misfire


Power loss
Do not blend any specific fuel additives
with fuel. This only results in unnecessary
cost and may be harmful to the engine op-
eration.
!To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gaso-
line must be used. If premium unleaded
gasoline is not available and low octane
fuel is used, follow these precautions:

Have the fuel tank only partially
filled with unleaded regular and fill
up with premium unleaded as soon
as possible.


Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.


Do not exceed an engine speed of
3000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded
with a light load such as two per-
sons and no luggage.


Do not exceed 2 / 3 of maximum ac-
celerator pedal position if the vehi-
cle is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.

379 Technical data
Consumer information
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
Warning
G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.

382 Technical termsCOMAND
(C
ockpit M
anagement and D
ata Sys-
tem)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and navi-
gation, as well as for other optional
equipment (CD changer, telephone,
etc.).
Control system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to ad-
just settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for auto-
matically maintaining the vehicle speed
set by the driver.Distronic*
A driving convenience cruise control
system which helps the driver maintain
a pre-selected speed:


If there is no vehicle directly ahead,
the system operates in the same
way as conventional ->cruise con-
trol.


If a slower moving vehicle is ahead,
Distronic will reduce your vehicle
speed to the extent permitted by re-
duced throttle and up to 20% brak-
ing power to maintain the preset
minimum following distance.
Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and stamped on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine pro-
duced.Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction (vis-
cosity) of the oil at different tempera-
tures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can tol-
erate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
(E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRS

385 Technical terms
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out
of positionP without the SmartKey
turned and the brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, Roadside Assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics.”
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.Tire speed rating
Part of a tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and stamped on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

387 Index
A
ABC 213
Messages in display 297, 299
Setting vehicle level 212, 215
ABS 76, 381
Malfunction indicator lamp 291
Messages in display 298
Warning lamp 291
Accelerator position, automatic transmis-
sion 165
Accident
In case of 49
Activating
Air conditioner (cooling) 184
Air conditioning 184
Air recirculation mode 180
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Central locking (control system) 155
Charcoal filter 182
Distance warning function* 208
Distronic* 204
Easy-entry/exit feature 156
ESP 80
Exterior lamps 121Exterior rear view mirror parking posi-
tion 169
Front and rear fog lamp 121
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 46
High beams 123
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 33
Immobilizer 52, 82
Rear window defroster 183
Residual heat 185
Seat heater 111, 112
Seat ventilation* 110
Tow-away alarm 84
Windshield wipers 47
Activating steering wheel gearshift control
166
Downshifting 167
Upshifting 166
Adding
Coolant 269
Engine oil 266, 267
Additional turn signals 331Adjustable air vents, rear passenger com-
partment 186
Adjusting 34
Air distribution 178
Air volume 179
Backrest tilt 36
Drive-dynamic seats 159
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 37
Head restraint tilt 37
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 127
Lumbar support 104
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 107
Power seat bench* 113
Seat cushion depth 36, 108
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 36
Seat height 36
Seat in the lumbar region 108
Seat in the shoulder region 108
Seats 34
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37

392 Index
Setting to last stored speeds 198
Cruise control lever 196
Cup holder
Cleaning 287
Closing 230
In front seat armrest 229
In rear seat armrest 230
Opening 230
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 381
D
Daytime running lamp mode 122
Setting 151
Deactivating
Air conditioner (cooling) 184
Air recirculation mode 181
Alarm 83
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Automatic climate control 183
Central locking (control system) 155
Charcoal filter 182
Cruise control 197
Defrost 180
Distance warning function* 208
Distronic* 206
Engine with the SmartKey 52
ESP 80Exterior lamps 121
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 51
Immobilizer 82
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 153
Rear window defroster 183
Residual heat 185
Seat heater 111, 112
Seat ventilation* 110
Tow-away alarm 84
Deactivating steering wheel gearshift con-
trol 167
Deceleration
With Distronic* 202
Deep water see Standing water 257
Defrosting 180
Delayed shut-off
Interior lighting 153
Dialing
A number (telephone) 140
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while driv-
ing 48
Digital clock
Setting 23
Digital speedometer 135Direction of rotation (tires) 273
Discharged battery
Jump starting 347
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 345
Displays
Digital speedometer 135
Distronic* 201
Messages 265, 296
Service indicator 280
Showing malfunctions 145
Distance
Decreasing in Distronic* 207
Increasing in Distronic* 207
Setting in Distronic* 206
Warning function 207
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 143
Distance warning function* 207
Activating 208
Deactivating 208
DTR* warning lamp 207
Intermittent warning sound 207
Symbol in multifunction display 142

393 Index
Distronic* 199, 382
Activated 203
Activating 204
Calling up settings 142, 202
Cleaning system sensor 285
Cruise control lever 203
Deactivated 203
Deactivating 206
Deceleration 202
Decreasing distance 207
Decreasing time interval 206
Displays in the speedometer dial 201
Distance warning function 207
Driving hints 208
Fine adjustment 205
Increasing distance 207
Increasing time interval 206
Intermittent signal tone 201
Menu 202
Messages in display 307
Sensor cover 285
Setting a higher speed 204
Setting a slower speed 205
Setting following distance 206
Setting the current speed 204
Setting to last stored speed ("Resume" function) 205
Warning and indicator lamps 201
Door control panel 19, 28
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 244
Doors
Message in display 307
Opening from inside vehicle 94
Opening from outside 87
Downhill driving
Cruise control 197
Downshifting 161, 167
Drink holder see Cup holder 229
Drinking and driving 251
Drive-dynamic seat* 109
Drive-dynamic seats
Adjusting 159
Driving
Abroad 258
General instructions 40, 251
Hydroplaning 255
In winter 256
Problems 48
Safety systems 76
Through standing water 257
With Distronic* 208Driving abroad 258
Driving instructions 251
Driving off 253
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 81
ABS 76
BAS 78
ESP 78
Driving systems 196
ABC 213
AIRMATIC 211
Cruise control 196
Distronic* 199
Driving safety systems 76
Parktronic 218
Vehicle level control 212, 215
E
Easy-entry/exit feature 104
Activating 156
Interrupting movement 157
Electrical fuses 353
Electrical system 368
Electrically folding exterior rear view
mirrors 170
Electronic Stability Program see ESP 78,
382

394 IndexEmergency call system* 237
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 240
With Tele Aid* 238
Emergency engine shut-down 355
Emergency operation (Limp Home Mode)
165
Emergency operations
Closing sliding/pop-up roof 330
Locking the vehicle 327
Opening sliding/pop-up roof 330
Remote door unlock 244
Unlocking the trunk lid 327
Unlocking the vehicle 326
Emergency tensioning device see ETD 65,
382
Emission control 259
Ending
A call (telephone) 140
Engine 362
Compartment 263
Message in display 294
Starting 43
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 43
Starting with the Smartkey 43
Turning off with the Smartkey 52Engine cleaning 284
Engine compartment 263
Fuse box in 354
Hood 263
Engine malfunction indicator lamp 294
Engine number 382
Engine oil 264
Adding 266, 267
Additives 373
Checking level 264
Consumption 264
Display messages 308
Filler neck 267
Messages in display 265, 309
Viscosity 382
Engine oil level see Oil level 262
Engine shut down in an emergency 355
Entry position
Messages in display 321
ESP 78, 382
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP 81
Switching off 80
Switching on 80
Warning lamp 290ETD 382
Safety guidelines 60
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 65
Exterior lamp switch 120
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 39
Folding electrically 170
Parking position for 158
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 149
Fastening the seat belts 40
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 198
Distronic* 205
First aid kit 322
Flat tire 339
Lowering the vehicle 342
Mounting the spare wheel 339
Preparing the vehicle 339
Flexible Service System (FSS) 280, 383
Fog lamp, rear 123, 332
Fog lamps
Replacing bulbs 331

395 Index
Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 314
Replacing bulbs 332
Switching on 122
Folding electrically
Exterior rear view mirrors
170
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC)
with ESP 81
4MATIC 81
Front airbags 61
Front lamps
Messages in display 313–315
Replacing bulbs 331, 333
Switching on 120
Front seat head restraints
Installing 106
Power seat 105
Removing 105
FSS (Flexible Service System) 280, 383
Fuel 261
Fuel reserve warning lamp 294
Premium unleaded gasoline 261
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 143Since last reset 144
Fuel filler flap 261
Locking 261
Opening 329
Unlocking 261
Fuel reserve tank
Message in display 311
Fuel tank
Filler flap 261
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 371
Functions (control system) 131, 134
Resetting 147
Fuse box 353, 354
Fuse chart 323
Fuses 353
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk 353
Fuse box in engine compartment 354
Fuse box in passenger compartment
353
Fuse boxes in the engine compartment
355
Fuse chart 323
Fuse extractor 323
Spare fuses 323G
Garage door opener 245
Erasing in remote control 247
Integrated remote control 246
Rolling code programming 246
Gasoline see Fuel 261
Gear range 383
Automatic transmission 162
Limiting 162
Shifting into optimal 161
Gear range limit
Canceling 161
Gear selector lever
Cleaning 287
Position 163
Global
Locking 87
Unlocking 87
Global Positioning System (GPS) 383
Glove box 224
Closing 224
Opening 224
Good visibility 168
GPS 383
GPS see COMAND* 243

397 Index
Rolling code programming 246
Interior lighting 124
Activating automatic control 125
Deactivating automatic control 125
Delayed shut-off 153
Manual operation 125
Interior storage spaces 224
Cup holder 229
Glove box 224
Parcel net 232
Storage compartment in front of arm-
rest 225, 226, 227, 228
J
Jump starting 347
K
Key dependency memory
Settings 156
Key see SmartKey 30, 52
Key, mechanical 326
Key, SmartKey
Positions in starter switch 31
KEYLESS-GO* 383
Activating ignition with 33
Closing side windows 93
Closing sliding/pop-up roof 93Closing sliding/pop-up roof with 190,
194
Closing windows with 190, 194
Locking the vehicle 93
Loss of KEYLESS-GO card 94
Messages in display 303
Starting the engine 43
Turning off engine 53
Unlocking with 32
KEYLESS-GO* card 89
Checking the batteries 92
Checking vehicle lock status 93
Factory setting 91
Global locking 91
Global unlocking 92
Loss of 94
Messages in display 303
Reprogramming 91
Unlocking 89
Keys 86
Kickdown 165, 383
Kilometers/miles in speedometer 149
Km/h or mph in speedometer 149L
Lamp bulbs, exterior 331
Lamps, exterior
Front 331
Light sensor 312
Messages in display 314
Rear 332
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 291
Airbag Off 61
Battery (SmartKey) 87
Brakes 293
CHECK ENGINE 294
Coolant 304
DTR* 201
Engine diagnostics 294
ESP 290
Fuel reserve 294
Instrument cluster 290–294
Seat belts 294
Service indicator 280
SRS 57
Language
Multifunction display 150
Setting 150
LATCH child seat anchors 72