Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.6 1989 User manual

2H
What You Should Know
at the Gas Station
See last page
Drive Sensibly - Save Fuel
Fuel consumption to a great extent
depends on driving habits and operat
ing conditions.
To save fuel you should:
• keep tires at the recommended
inflation pressures
• remove unnecessary loads
• remove ski racks or roof-mounted
luggage racks when not in use
• allow engine to warm up under low
load use
• avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration
• have all maintenance work
performed at regular intervals by
an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer.
Fuel consumption is also increased
by driving in cold weather in stop-
and-go traffic on short trips and in hilly
country.

Owner's Manual
190 E 2.6
Model 201
1989

Kindly observe the following in your own best interests:
We recommend using MERCEDES BENZ original parts as
well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved
by us for your vehicle model.
We have subjected these parts to a special test in which
their reliability, safety and their special suitability for
MERCEDES BENZ vehicles have been determined.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products
and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in
individual cases an official approval or authorization should
exist.
MERCEDES BENZ original parts as well as conversion parts
and accessories approved by us are available at your
MERCEDES BENZ service station where you will receive
comprehensive information, also on permissible technical
modifications, and where expert installation will be
performed.
Printed in Germany
We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data
and illustrations of this Owner’s Manual (s.e.e.o.)- Reprinting translation and copying even
of excerpts is not permitted without our prior authorization in writing.
VKT/ 9.88.10 /K

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, we ask you to make a small investment of your
time:
• Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside.
0 Please consider the recommendations contained in this
manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your MERCEDES BENZ.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe,
pleasurable driving.
Daimler Benz Aktiengesellschaft
3

Introduction
This Owner’s Manual contains a great deal of useful
information. We urge you to read it carefully and famil
iarize 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.
Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or
personal injury.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment
described. Therefore you may find explanations of
equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any
questions about the operation of any equipment your
authorized MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will be glad to
demonstrate the proper procedures.
Owner’s Service and arranty Policy
The Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy Booklet con
tains detailed information about the warranties covering
your MERCEDES-BENZ including:
• New Car Limited Warranty
• Emission System Warranty
• Emission Performance Warranty
• California Emission Control System
Warranty (California Only)
4
Maintenance
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the necessary
maintenance work which should be performed at regular
intervals.
Always have the Maintenance Booklet with you when you
take the vehicle to your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer for service. The Service Advisor will record each
service.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program
provides factory trained technical help in the event of a
breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance
number:
1-800-222-0100
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day 365 days a
year.
On-site service calls by a local Mercedes-Benz Roadside
Assistance technician are available weekdays from
5:00 PM till midnight weekends and legal holidays from
8:00 AM till midnight.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz
Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove
compartment.

Change of Address or Ownership
If you change your address be sure to send in the
“Change of Address Notice” found in the Owner’s Service
and Warranty Policy Booklet. It is in your own interest that
we can contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes please leave all owner’s
literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next
owner.
If you bought this vehicle used be sure to send in the
“Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Owner’s
Service and Warranty Policy Booklet.
Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries
please be aware that:
• unleaded fuels for vehicles with catalytic converters
may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will
damage the catalysts
• fuel may have a considerably lower octane rating and
improper fuel can cause engine damage
• service facilities or replacement parts may not be
readily available.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery
in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For
details consult your authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer or write to:
Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc.
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale NJ 07645
In Canada write to:
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto Ontario M4G 2L5
5

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 Owner’s Manual, your
authorized MERCEDES BENZ dealer will be glad to
inform you of correct care and operating procedures.
The Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet are impor
tant documents and should be kept with the vehicle.
6

Instruments and Controls, Starting the Engine
Driving Instructions, Service and Maintenance
Operation
Driving
Practical Hints
Technical Data
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.
Consumer Information
Index

Check Regularly and
Before a Long Trip
See page 112
The First 1500 km (1000 Miles)
The more cautiously you treat your
vehicle during the break-in period the
more satisfied you will be with its per
formance later on. Therefore drive
your vehicle during the first 1500 km
(1000 miles) at moderate vehicle and
engine speeds.
During this period avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and high RPM (no
more than 2/3 of maximum permissible
speed in each gear).
Downshift at proper engine speed!
On vehicles with automatic transmis
sion avoid accelerating by kick-down.
It is not recommended to brake the
vehicle by manually shifting to a lower
gear. We recommend to select posi
tions “3” or “2” only at moderate
speeds (for hill driving).
After 1500 km (1000 miles) speeds
may gradually be increased to the
permissible maximum.
8

Instruments and Controls, Starting the Engine
Driving Instructions, Service and Maintenance
Instruments and Controls 10
Instrument Cluster 12
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13
Catalytic Converter 14
Starting and Turning off the
Engine 15
Driving Instructions 16
MERCEDES-BENZ
Maintenance System 19
9

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see specified pages.
1 Air volume control lever for side air outlets
(page 22)
2 Adjustable side air outlets (page 22)
3 Exterior lamp switch (page 45)
4 Combination switch (page 46)
5 Cruise control (page 65)
6 Rear passenger compartment lamp switch (page 49)
7 Instrument cluster (page 12)
8 Horn control airbag (page 41)
9 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch (page 44)
10 Rear window defroster switch (page 49)
11 Automatic antenna switch (page 59)
12 Adjustable center air outlets (page 22)
10
13 Air volume control lever for center air outlets
(page 22)
14 Glove compartment illuminated (only with key in
steering lock positions 1 or 2)
15 Fan speed control lever (page 22)
16 Tempmatic climate control system (page 22)
17 Radio (page 52)
18 Ashtray with lighter (pages 50 93)
19 Power window switch group (page 51)
20 Hazard warning flasher switch
21 Adjusting switch for exterior mirror on front
passenger side (page 47)
22 Loudspeaker front to rear fader control
23 Left front seat heater switch (page 36)
24 Right front seat heater switch (page 36)

11
Instruments and Controls

2177
Instrument Cluster 9 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer
Rotate knob: to vary intensity of instrument lamps
1Economical driving indicator. See page 70 Depress knob: to reset trip odometer
2Coolant temperature gauge. See page 68 10 Outside temperature indicator. See page 68
3Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow).
See page 68 11 Knob for clock adjustment
(press in and rotate for adjustments)
4Oil pressure gauge (bar). See page 67 12 Turn signal indicator lamp right (green)
5Turn signal indicator lamp left (green) 13 Tachometer
6Speedometer 14 Red marking on tachometer:
7Main odometer Excessive engine speed
8Trip odometer 15 Electric clock
12

Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam
arning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)
Battery not being charged.
See page 67
Brake pad wear.
See page 67
Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged.
See pages 62 67
Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
See pages 62 67
Engine oil level low.
See page 67
(©)
BRAKE
a
ID
SRS
CHECK
ENGINE
Coolant level low.
See page 68
Fluid level for windshield and
headlamp washer system low.
See page 68
ABS malfunction.
See page 66
I
SRS malfunction.
See page 41
Engine malfunction.
If the lamp comes on when the engine is
running it indicates a malfunction of the
0 2-sensor on Federal version vehicles
and injection system or emission control
system on the California version vehicles.
In either case we recommend that you
have the malfunction checked as soon as
possible.
See page 69
13
Instrument Cluster
Indicator Lamp Symbols

Catalytic Converter
Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped
with monolithic catalytic converters an
important element in conjunction with
the 0 2-sensor to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instruc
tions as outlined in your maintenance
booklet.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters use only premium
unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Should any noticeable irregularities in
the engine operation occur excessive
unburned fuel may reach the convert
er causing it to overheat.
arning!
As with any vehicle, do not idle,
park, or operate this vehicle in
areas where combustible mate
rials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the
hot exhaust system, as these
materials could be ignited.
14

Starting and Turning off the Engine
Engage parking brake before starting
the engine.
Move gearshift lever to neutral (selec
tor lever positions “P” or “N” on auto
matic transmissions).
Turn key to steering lock position 2.
The charge indicator lamp should
come on.
Cold Engine
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop. Do not depress accelerator.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly.
Hot Engine
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop. Do not depress accelerator.
If the engine has not fired after
approx. 4 seconds depress accel
erator and continue cranking until the
engine is firing regularly. Release key
and back off accelerator.
At very high coolant temperatures the
engine starting time can be shortened
if the accelerator is depressed slowly
at the beginning of the starting
process.
Turning off
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position 0. Remove the key only when
the vehicle has stopped.
If the coolant temperature is very high
(e.g. after hard driving on mountain
roads) do not shut off the engine
immediately allow it to run for
1 -2 minutes at increased idle speed.
Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat
unit the key must be returned to steer
ing lock position 0 before a new start
ing attempt is made.
Observe the oil pressure gauge
immediately after starting the engine.
In a very cold engine the oil pressure
will only rise slowly some time after the
engine has started. Do not speed up
the engine before pressure is regis
tered on the pressure gauge.
The charge indicator lamp should go
out as soon as the engine has started.
In areas where temperatures fre
quently drop below -2 5 °C (-13°F)
we recommend that a block heater
be installed. Your authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will advise
you on this subject.

Driving Instructions
Power assistance
When the engine is not running
the brake and steering systems are
without power assistance. Under
these circumstances a much greater
effort is necessary to stop or steer the
vehicle.
Brakes
Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades relieve the brakes by shifting
into a lower gear (selector lever posi
tion “3” or “2” in the case of automatic
transmissions). This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces
brake pad wear. Do not exceed en
gine speed limits (see page 64).
After hard braking it is advisable to
drive on for some time so the air
stream will cool down the brakes
faster.
somewhat reduced and increased
pedal pressure may be necessary.
Be sure to maintain a safe dis
tance from vehicles in front.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for maintenance.
Between maintenance checks it is a
good practice to apply the parking
brake once or twice while driving at
approximately 50 km/h (30 mph) on a
dry straight road. Apply brake lightly
until a slight drag on the wheels is
felt. Keep applying brake for about
10 seconds while holding the release
button in before releasing the parking
brake completely.
This practice will keep the parking
brake at maximum efficiency.
arning!
The stop lamps will not come on
when applying the parking brake
only. Perform the procedure in the
previous paragraph only when the
road is clear of other traffic.
Caution!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
arning!
After driving in heavy rain for
some time without applying the
brakes or through water deep
enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be
All checks and maintenance work on
the brake system should be carried
out by an authorized MERCEDES-
BENZ dealer.
If the parking brake is released and
the brake warning lamp in the instru
ment cluster stays on the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the sys
tem may be the reason for low brake
fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected
at an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer without delay.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid
recommended by MERCEDES-BENZ.
If other than recommended brake
pads are installed the braking proper
ties of the vehicle can be affected to
an extent that the safety is substan
tially impaired.
16

1801
Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are
required by law. These indicators are
located in six places on the tread cir
cumference and become visible at a
depth of approx. 2 mm (1/i6 in) at
which point the tire is considered worn
and should be replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread.
arning!
Do not allow your tires to wear
down too far. ith less than 3 mm
(Vs in) of tread, the adhesion
properties on a wet road fall off
sharply.
Depending upon the weather and/
or road surface (conditions), the
traction varies widely.
Specified tire pressure must be main
tained. This applies particularly if the
tires are subjected to high loads
(e.g. high speeds heavy loads high
ambient temperatures).
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water
layer on the road aquaplaning may
occur even at low speeds and with
new tires. Avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in
the rain.
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet snow cover
ed or icy road is always lower than on
a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to
the condition of the road as soon as
the prevailing temperatures fall close
to the freezing point.
arning!
If ice has formed on the road, tire
traction will be substantially
reduced. Under such weather
conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
We recommend M + S radial-ply
tires for the winter season for all four
wheels to insure normal balanced
handling characteristics. On packed
snow they can reduce your stopping
distance as compared with summer
tires. Stopping distance however is
still considerably greater than when
the road is wet or dry.
!
17
Drivinn In s t r iir t in n c

Parking
arning!
To reduce the risk of personal
injury as a result of vehicle
movement, before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle
always:
1. Keep foot on brake pedal.
2. Pull up parking brake lever.
3. Engage first or reverse gear
(selector lever position “P”
in the case of automatic
transmissions).
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the
road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering lock
position 0 and remove.
Clutch
Caution!
Resting your foot on the clutch pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the clutch disc.
inter Driving Instructions
The most important rule for slippery or
icy roads is to drive sensibly and to
avoid abrupt acceleration braking and
steering action. Do not use the cruise
control system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of
skidding declutch or in case of an au
tomatic transmission move selector
lever to position “N”. Try to keep the
vehicle under control by corrective
steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can
adversely affect braking efficiency.
Increased pedal force may become
necessary to produce the normal
brake effect. We therefore recommend
depressing the brake pedal repeatedly
when traveling on saltstrewn roads at
length. This can bring road salt impair
ed braking efficiency back to normal.
A prerequisite is however that this is
possible without endangering other
drivers on the road.
If the vehicle is parked after being
driven on salt treated roads the
braking efficiency should be tested
as soon as possible after driving is
resumed while observing the safety
rules in the previous paragraph.
Note:
It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever leaving the vehicle. In addi
tion engage first or reverse gear
(selector lever position “P”). Also
when parking on hills always apply
the parking brake.
18