Mercedes-Benz 1998 SL 500 User manual

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Mercedes-Benz
SL Operator's Manual
SL
500
SL
600

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Product information
Kindly 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 individual cases
an official approval or authorization 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 performed.
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, 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.
DaimlerChrysler AG

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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, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

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Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz
USA,LLC or its authorized Mercedes-Benz Center fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of
repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair
attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a
cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial non-conformity has been subject to repair four or more
times and you have at least once directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an
opportunity to perform the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed
in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet.
Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service.
The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.
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-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

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Change of address or ownership
If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Service and Warranty Information
Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Client Assistance Center (in the USA)
at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
• Service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,
• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program.
For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA: In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz USA, Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
LLC European Delivery Department European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive 849 Eglinton Avenue East
Montvale, NI 07645-0350 Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

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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 Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

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The First 1000 Miles (1500km)
The more cautiously you treat your
vehicle during the break-in period, the
more satisfied you will be with its
performance later on. Therefore, drive
your vehicle during the first 1000 miles
(1500 km) at moderate vehicle and
engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads
(full throttle driving) and excessive
engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is
not recommended to brake the vehicle
by manually shifting to a lower gear.
We recommend to select positions "3",
"2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for
hill driving).
After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds
may be gradually increased to the
permissible maximum.
Check Regularly and Before a Long
Trip
See Index
Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in
accordance with the Maintenance
Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained
in accordance with the Maintenance
Booklet may result in vehicle damage
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz.
Limited Warranty.
Radio Transmitters
Warning!
Never operate radio transmitters
equipped with a built-in or attached
antenna (i.e. without the telephone
connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the
engine is running. Doing so could
lead to a malfunction of the vehicle's
electronic system, possibly resulting
in an accident and personal injury.
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit,
should only be used inside the vehicle
if they are connected to an antenna that
is installed on the outside of the
vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an
external antenna.

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Introduction Trunk 33 Console storage compartments and cup
Power windows 34 holder 62
Product information 2
Interior Central locking system
35 Door pockets 62
Operator's manual 4Antitheft Alarm System tow away Rear Storage Compartments 62
Consumer Information 151 protection 36 Power Windows 63
Problems with your vehicle 152 Power seat 37 Trunk release switch 64
Reporting Safety Defects 153 Backrest 39 Sunshade 64
Index 156 Multicontour seat 40 Roll Bar 65
Heated Seats 41 Antenna 66
Instruments and controls Armrest 42 Cellular telephone 66
Adjusting steering column 42 Display illumination 67
Instruments and controls 10 Seat belts and Supplemental Trip Odometer 67
Instrument Cluster 12 restraint system (SRS) 43 Clock 67
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Seat belts 43 Garage door opener 68
Catalytic Converter 15 BabySmart
Airbag deactivation 46
Hardtop or panorama roof 70
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 16 Self - test 47 Soft top 74
Driving Instructions 17 Emergency tensioning retractor
(ETR) 47
Wind Screen 77
Operation Airbags 48
Child restraint 52 Driving
Automatic Climate Control 22 Steering Lock 53
Basic settings – automatic mode 23 Combination Switch 54 Drinking and Driving 80
Defogging windows 24 Exterior Lamp Switch 56 Parking Brake 80
Defrosting 24 Night security illumination 57 Driving off 80
Rear window defroster 24 Inside rear view mirror 57 Automatic Transmission 81
Air recirculation 25 Exterior rear view mirrors 58 Cruise Control 85
Car Keys 26 Ashtray 59 Charge Indicator Lamp 87
Start lock out 27 Lighter 59
Engine oil pressure Gauge
87
Central locking system 27 Sun Visors 60 Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 87
Radio Frequency and Infrared Vanity mirrors 60 Engine Oil Consumption 88
Remote Control 27 Interior Lighting 60 Fuel Consumption Gauge 88
Doors 31 Storage Compartments (Eyeglasses Tachometer 88
Central locking switch 32 compartment) in dashboard 61

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Fuel Reserve and fuel cap placement Practical Hints MERCEDES-BENZ
Warning Lamps 88 Spare Parts Service 137
Outside Temperature Indicator 89 Hood 106 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 138
Coolant Temperature Gauge 89 Checking Coolant Level 107
Low Engine Coolant Level Adding Coolant 107 Technical Data. Fuels, Coolants,
Warning Lamp 90 Checking engine oil level 108 Lubricants etc. Consumer
Low windshield and Checking Automatic Information
Headlamp washer system
Transmission Fluid Level
109
Fluid level warning lamp 90 Trunk Lamp 109 Identification Plates 140
Roll Bar Warning Lamp 91 First Aid Kit 110 Warranty Coverage 141
Seat Belt and Backrest Lock Stowing things in vehicle 110 Technical Data
Warning Lamp 91 Vehicle Tools 110 500 SL 142
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Spare Wheel 110 600 SL 144
Lamp 91 Vehicle Jack 111 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 146
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 92 Wheels 111 Capacities 146
Brake Warning Lamp 92 Changing Wheels 113 Engine Oils 148
Flexible service system (FSS) 92 Tire inflation Pressure 116 Engine Oils additives 148
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 94 Exterior lamps 117 Air conditioner refrigerant 148
Brake assist system (BAS) 94 Battery 124 Brake Fluid 148
Acceleration assist system 96 Fuses 125 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 149
Electronic stability program (ESP) 98 Jump Starting 126 Fuel Requirements 149
Adaptive damping system (ADS) 100 Towing the Vehicle 127 Gasoline Additives 149
Level control system 101 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 129 Coolants 150
Emission Control 103 Testing Infrared Remote Control 133 Service and literature 159
On-Board Diagnostic System 103 Raising soft top manually 134 Check regularly and before a long trip 160
Winter Driving 104 Replacing Wiper Blades 136
Snow Chains 104 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 137
Traveling Abroad 104

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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see specified pages
1Side air outlet, adjustable 18 Air volume control for center air outlet
2Level control switch and
wheel change switch 19 Air volume control for right air outlet
3 Exterior lamp switch 20 Airbag off indicator lamp
4 Parking brake release 21 Automatic climate control
Rear window defroster switch
5 Hood lock release 22 Audio system
6 Parking brake pedal 23 Trunk lid release switch
7 Combination switch 24 Indicator lamp for anti-theft alarm system
8 Cruise control 25 Central locking switch
9 Horn 26 Hazard warning flasher switch
10 Airbag 27 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch
11 Instrument cluster 28 ASR or ESP control switch
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 29 Roll bar operation switch
13 Center air outlet adjustable 30 Ashtray with lighter (to open press bottom of cover)
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Heated air supply button - center air outlet 31 Soft/hardtop operation switch
15 Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet 32 Mirror adjustment switch
16 Storage/eyeglasses compartment 33 Power window switch
17 Air volume control for left air outlet 34 Seat heater switch

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Instrument Cluster
7Speedometer
1Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement 8ASR or ESP warning lamp (yellow). See Index.
warning lamps (yellow). See Index. 9Odometer display field. See Index.
2Coolant temperature gauge. See Index. 10 Main/trip odometer or FSS indicator. See Index.
3Fuel consumption gauge. See Index. 11 Outside temperature indicator. See Index.
4Engine Oil pressure gauge (bar). See Index. 12 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
5Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) 13 Knob for setting clock. See Index.
6Knob for intensity of instrument lamps, for resetting trip odometer 14 Tachometer. See Index.
and FSS indicator. See Index. 15 Clock See Index.

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Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
Exterior lamp failure. See Index.
High beam Brake pads worn down. See Index.
Warning Lamp
(should go out with the engine running unless)
Battery not being charged properly. See Index.
ASR or ESP.
Adjust driving to road condition. See Index.
Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system
low. See Index
Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.
Coolant level low. See Index. SRS malfunction.
See Index.
Engine oil level low. See Index. Fasten seat belts. Backrest not locked.
See Index.
Roll bar malfunction. See Index.
ABS malfunction. See Index.
ADS malfunction. See Index.
BAS malfunction. See Index
ASR malfunction. See Index.
BAS malfunction. See Index
ESP malfunction. See Index
Engine malfunction. (California only).
If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it
indicates a malfunction of the fuel injection system
or emission control system. In either case, we
recommend that you have the malfunction checked
as soon as possible. See Index.

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Additional Function indicator Lamps
(in the Odometer Display)
Additional Function Indicator Lamp
(in the Dashboard)
FSS indicator (distance), See Index. Passenger Airbag automatically switched off.
See Index.
FSS indicator (days). See Index.
Start Lock-Out malfunction See Index.

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Catalytic Converter
Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped
with monolithic type catalytic converters,
an important element in conjunction with
the O2sensor to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our re-
commended maintenance instructions as
outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, use only premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter
causing it to overheat, which could
start a fire.
Warning!
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park
or operate this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass,
hay or leaves can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system, as these
materials could be ignited and cause
a vehicle fire.

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Starting and Turning off the Engine
Before Starting
Ensure that the parking brake is
engaged and that selector lever is in
position "P" or "N". Turn key in
steering lock to position 2. The charge
indicator lamp should come on.
Starting
Do not depress accelerator.
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop. Release key only when the
engine is firing regularly.
Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat
feature, the key must be turned
completely to the left before attempting
to start the engine again.
Observe the oil pressure gauge
immediately after starting the engine.
In a very cold engine the oil pressure
will rise slowly after the engine has
stared. Do not speed up the engine
before pressure is registered on the
pressure gauge, If you do not see the
gauge register oil pressure, stop the
engine and have it checked.
The battery charge indicator lamp
should go out as soon as the engine has
started.
In areas where temperatures frequently
drop below -4°F (-20°C) we
recommend that an engine block heater
be installed. Your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer will advise you
on this subject.
Turning Off
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position 0 to stop the engine.
The key can only be removed with
your foot off the brake pedal and the
selector lever in position "P".

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Driving Instructions
Warning!
If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you
suspect that possible damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn
on the hazard flashers, carefully slow
down, and drive with caution to an
area which is a safe distance from the
roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the
vehicle for possible damage. If the
vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it
towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz
or tire dealer for repairs.
Power Assistance
Warning!
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
Warning!
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 somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe
distance from vehicles In front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
It can also result In the brakes
overheating thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the car in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
The condition of tie parking brake
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for the required service.
All checks and service 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 instrument
cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system
may be the reason for low brake fluid
in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
immediately.
Install only brake pads and brake
fluid recommended by Mercedes-
Benz.
Warning!
If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, or other than
recommended brake fluid Is used,
the braking properties of the vehicle
can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an
accident.

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Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into "3", "2" or "1" (for
models SL 500 and SL 600). This helps
prevent overheating of the brakes and
reduces brake pad wear.
After hard braking, it is advisable to
drive on for some time, rather than
immediately parking, so the air stream
will cool down the brakes faster.
Tires
Tread wear indicators (TWI) are
required by law. These indicators are
located in six places on the tread
circumference and become visible at a
depth of approximately 1/16 in (1.5
mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be
replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread.
Warning!
Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. As tread depth approaches
1/16 in (1.5 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or
road surface (conditions), the tire
traction varies widely.
Specified tire pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subjected to high loads
(e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat
tire affects the ability to steer or
brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the car. Continued driving
with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause
excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water
layer on the road, aquaplaning may
occur, even at low speeds and with new
tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track
grooves in the road and apply brakes
cautiously in the rain.

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Tire Traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered
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.
Warning!
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.
Tire Speed Rating
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
"Z"-rated tires.
Despite the tire rating, local speed
limits should be obeyed. Use prudent
driving speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
Warning!
Even when permitted by law, never
operate a vehicle at speeds greater
than the maximum speed rating of
the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for
which tires are rated can lead to
sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in
personal injury and possible death.
Parking
Warning!
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 right foot on brake
pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking
brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to
position "P".
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards
the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering
lock position 0 and remove.
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever parking or leaving the
vehicle. In addition, move selector
lever position "P".
When parking on hills, always set the
parking brake.

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Winter 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
automatic 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 salt-strewn roads at length. This can
bring road salt impaired 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.
Warning!
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow,
make sure that snow is kept clear of
the exhaust pipe and from around
the vehicle with engine running.
Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle
interior resulting in unconsciousness
and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air
ventilation, open a window slightly
on the side of the car that is out of
the wind.
Deep Water
Caution!
Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth.
If you must drive through deep water,
drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the engine compartment or
being ingested by the air intake,
possibly causing damage to electrical
components or wiring, to engine or
transmission that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Passenger Compartment
Warning!
Always fasten items being carried as
securely as possible.
In an accident, during hard braking
or sudden maneuvers, loose items
will be thrown around inside the
vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle
occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.