2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E500 Owners Manual

E 320 E 500

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz. Your selection of our product is a demon- stration 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 ef- forts of many skilled engineers and crafts- men. To help assure your driving pleasure, and also the safety of you and your passen- gers, we ask you to make a small invest- ment of 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 follow the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.  Please pay attention to the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety of the vehicle operator and oc- cupants. We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents Introduction .......................................... 9 Product information................................ 9 Operator’s Manual ............................... 10 Service and warranty information .. 10 Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11 Maintenance .................................. 12 Roadside Assistance ...................... 12 Change of address or ownership.... 12 Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada......................... 13 Where to find it .................................... 14 Symbols ............................................... 15 Operating safety .................................. 16 Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16 Problems with your vehicle .................. 17 Reporting safety defects...................... 18 Reporting safety defects ................ 18 At a glance .......................................... 19 Cockpit ................................................. 20 Instrument cluster ................................ 22 Multifunction steering wheel ................ 24 Center console ..................................... 25 Upper part ...................................... 25 Lower part ...................................... 26 Overhead control panel ........................ 27 Door control panel................................ 28 Getting started ................................... 29 Unlocking ............................................. 30 Unlocking with the SmartKey.......... 30 Unlocking with KEYLESS-GO* ......... 32 Adjusting .............................................. 34 Seats............................................... 34 Steering wheel ................................ 37 Mirrors ............................................ 38 Driving .................................................. 40 Fastening the seat belts.................. 40 Starting the engine ......................... 43 Switching on headlamps ................. 46 Turn signals and high beam ............ 46 Windshield wipers ........................... 47 Problems while driving.................... 48 Parking and locking .............................. 50 Parking brake ................................. 50 Switching off headlamps................. 51 Turning off the engine ..................... 51 Safety and Security ........................... 55 Occupant safety ................................... 56 Airbags ........................................... 57 Seat belts ....................................... 61 Children in the vehicle .................... 65 Blocking of rear door window operation ........................................ 71 Panic alarm .......................................... 72 Activating........................................ 72 Deactivating.................................... 72 Driving safety systems ......................... 73 ABS ................................................. 73 BAS ................................................. 74 ESP ................................................. 75 The SBC brake system.................... 77 Anti-theft systems ................................ 81 Immobilizer ..................................... 81 Anti-theft alarm system .................. 82 Tow-away alarm .............................. 82

Contents Controls in detail ............................... 85 Locking and unlocking ......................... 86 Keys ............................................... 86 SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*......... 89 Opening the doors from the inside . 93 Opening the trunk from the inside.. 94 Opening the trunk .......................... 96 Closing the trunk ............................ 96 Trunk lid emergency release .......... 97 Separately locking the trunk .......... 98 Separately unlocking the trunk ...... 99 Automatic central locking .............. 99 Locking and unlocking from the inside ..................................... 100 Seats.................................................. 102 Easy-entry/exit feature* .............. 102 Head restraints............................. 103 Multicontour seat* ....................... 104 Dynamic driving seat* .................. 105 Heated seats* .............................. 107 Seat ventilation* .......................... 108 Memory function................................ 109 Storing positions into memory ..... 110 Recalling positions from memory . 110 Storing parking position ............... 111 Lighting.............................................. 112 Exterior lamp switch..................... 112 Combination switch ..................... 115 Hazard warning flasher ................ 115 Interior lighting............................. 116 Door entry lamps ......................... 117 Trunk lamp ................................... 117 Instrument cluster ............................. 118 Instrument cluster illumination .... 118 Coolant temperature display ........ 119 Trip odometer .............................. 119 Tachometer .................................. 120 Outside temperature indicator ..... 120 Control system .................................. 121 Multifunction display .................... 121 Multifunction steering wheel ........ 122 Menus .......................................... 124 Standard display menu ................ 126 AUDIO menu ................................ 126 NAVI* ........................................... 128 Distronic* menu........................... 128 Malfunction memory menu .......... 129 Settings menu .............................. 130 Trip computer menu ..................... 145 TEL menu* ................................... 147 Automatic transmission ..................... 151 One-touch gearshifting ................ 152 Gear ranges ................................. 153 Gear selector lever position ......... 154 Program mode selector switch .... 155 Accelerator position..................... 156 Emergency operation (Limp home mode) ....................... 156 Good visibility .................................... 157 Rear view mirror .......................... 157 Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 158 Sun visors .................................... 158 Rear window sunshade* .............. 160 Roller sunblind* in the rear doors 161 Climate control .................................. 162 Setting the temperature............... 165 Adjusting air distribution.............. 166 Adjusting air volume .................... 166 Defrosting .................................... 167 Air recirculation mode.................. 167 Rear window defroster ................. 169 Deactivating the climate control system ............................. 170 Air conditioner ............................. 170 Residual heat and ventilation* ..... 171 Automatic climate control* ............... 172 Setting the temperature............... 176

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 sliding/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.............................................. 216 Roof 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........................................... 250 Driving 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

Contents Tires and wheels ................................ 268 Important guidelines .................... 268 Life of tire ..................................... 269 Direction of rotation ..................... 269 Checking tire inflation pressure ... 269 Rotating wheels............................ 272 Winter driving..................................... 273 Winter tires................................... 273 Block heater (Canada only) .......... 274 Snow chains ................................. 274 Maintenance ...................................... 275 Flexible Service System PLUS (FSS PLUS) ........................................... 275 Clearing the service indicator ....... 275 Service term exceeded................. 276 Calling up the service indicator .... 276 Resetting the service indicator ..... 276 Setting the date for special works 278 Calling up the service data information................................... 279 Vehicle care ....................................... 280 Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 280 Practical hints.................................. 287 What to do if … .................................. 288 Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 288 Lamp in center console ................ 294 Messages in the display ............... 295 Where will I find ...? ........................... 324 First aid kit ................................... 324 Spare wheel ................................. 324 Luggage box ................................. 325 Vehicle tool kit ............................. 326 Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 327 Unlocking the vehicle ................... 327 Locking the vehicle ...................... 328 Changing batteries ....................... 328 Fuel filler flap emergency release 329 Manually unlocking the transmission selector lever .......... 330 Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 331 Sliding/pop-up roof* or panorama sliding/pop-up roof* ... 331 Replacing bulbs ................................. 332 Bulbs ............................................ 332 Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 334 Replacing bulbs for rear lamps .... 336 Replacing wiper blades ...................... 337 Replacing wiper blades ................ 337 Flat tire .............................................. 338 Preparing the vehicle ................... 338 Mounting the spare wheel ........... 338 Batteries ............................................ 343 Disconnecting the battery............ 344 Removing the battery................... 344 Charging and reinstalling the battery ......................................... 344 Reconnecting the batteries .......... 345 Jump starting ..................................... 346 Towing the vehicle ............................. 348 Towing the vehicle ....................... 348 Installing towing eye bolt ............. 350 Fuses ................................................. 352 Fuse box in passenger compartment ............................... 352

Contents Technical data ................................. 355 Spare parts service ............................ 356 Warranty coverage............................. 357 Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet ..................... 357 Identification labels ........................... 358 Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 359 E 320/E 500 ............................... 359 Engine................................................ 360 Rims and tires.................................... 361 Same-sized tires........................... 361 Minispare wheel ........................... 362 Sport package .............................. 362 Electrical system ............................... 363 Main dimensions ............................... 364 Weights.............................................. 365 Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc............ 366 Capacities ..................................... 366 Engine oils .................................... 368 Engine oil additives ....................... 368 Air conditioner refrigerant............. 368 Brake fluid..................................... 368 Premium unleaded gasoline .......... 369 Fuel requirements ......................... 369 Gasoline additives ......................... 369 Coolants ....................................... 370 Windshield and headlamp washer system .......................................... 372 Consumer information ........................ 373 Uniform tire quality grading .......... 373 Technical terms ............................... 375 Index ................................................. 381

Contents

9 Product information Introduction Product information Please observe the following in your own best interest: We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model. We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in indi- vidual cases an official approval or authori- zation by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them. Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be per- formed.

10 Introduction Operator’s Manual 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 fail- ure 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. We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual might differ from your vehicle. Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle. If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures. The Operator’s Manual and Service Book- let are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle. 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).

2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E500 Owners Manual

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