Mercedes-Benz 2001 S 500 User manual

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Mercedes-Benz
Operator's Manual
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500

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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.
Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy
The Owner’s 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,
•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:
1-800-222-0100 (in the USA) only
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 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 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.
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:
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, NJ 07645 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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Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip
See Index
The First 1000 Miles (1500 km)
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 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 as indicated on the speedometer).
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" or "2"only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum
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 citicens band unit should only be used inside
the passenger compartment, if they are connected to a Mercedes-Benz approved antenna that is
installed on the outside of the vehicle.

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Introduction Radio Frequency Infrared Remote Control 29 Interior Lighting 66
Doors 33 Storage Compartments 67
Product information 2Central Locking Switch 34 First Aid Kit 68
Operator's manual 4Trunk 35 Stowing Things in the Vehicle 69
Consumer Information 153 Power Window and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 36 Ashtrays 69
Problems with your vehicle 154
Power Closing Ass. f Door and Trunk lid 37 Lighter 69
Reporting Safety Defects 155 Anti-Theft Alarm System 38 Sliding /Pop-up Roof 70
Index 158 Power Seats, Front 39 Power Windows 71
Lumbar Support 42 Rear Window Sunshade 73
Instruments and controls Multicontour Backrest 42 Trunk Lid Release switch 73
Armrest, Front 43 Shelf Below Rear Window 73
Instruments and controls 10 Heated Seats 44 Instrument Lamps 74
Instrument Cluster 12 Power Seats, Rear 45 Display Illumination 74
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Armrest, Rear 46 Trip Odometer 74
Catalytic Converter 15 Head Restraints, Rear 46 Clock 74
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 16 Power Head Restraints, Rear 47 Garage Door Opener 75
Driving Instructions 17 Adjustable Steering Wheel 48 Antenna 76
Seat belts and Supplemental Restraint sys.
(SRS)
49 Cellular telephone 76
Operation Seat belts 49
Baby Smart Airbag Deactivation System 52 Driving
Automatic Climate Control 22 Self Test 53
Basic Setting – Automatic Mode 24 Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 53 Drinking and driving 78
Defogging Windows 24 Airbag 54 Parking Brake 78
Defrosting 24 Child Restraint 57 Driving off 78
Rear Window Defroster 24 Steering lock 59 Automatic Transmission 79
Air circulation 25 Combination Switch 60 Cruise Control 83
Activated Charcoal Control 26 Exterior Lamp Switch 62 Parking Assist (Parktronic) 85
Rear passenger compartment
Adjustable Air Outlet 27
Night Security Illumination 63 Charge Indicator Lamp 88
Climate Control 27 Inside Rear View Mirror 63 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge 88
Car keys 28 Exterior Rear View Mirror 63 Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 89
Start Lock-out 29 Sun Visors 65 Engine Oil Consumption 89
Central Locking System 29 Vanity mirrors 65 Fuel Consumption Gauge 89

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Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Practical Hints Manual Closing of Trunk Lid 136
Placement Warning Lamp 89 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 136
Outside Temperature Indicator 90 Hood 106 Roof Rack 137
Tachometer 90 Checking Coolant Level 107 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 137
Coolant Temperature Gauge 90 Adding Coolant 107 MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Part Service 138
Low Engine Coolant Level Checking Engine Oil Level 108
Warning Lamp 91
Automatic Trans. Fluid Level
109 Technical Data. Fuels,
Coolants, Lubricants etc. Consumer
Information
Low Windshield and Headlamp 91 Spare Wheel 109
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp 91 Trunk Lamp 109 Identification Plates 140
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 92 Vehicle Jack 110 Warranty Coverage 141
Vehicle Tools 110 Technical Data S 320 142
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 92 Storage compartment below vehicle tool
box
110 S 420
S 500
144
146
Brake Warning Lamp 93 Wheels 111 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 148
Flexible Service System (FSS) 93 Changing Wheels 112 Capacities 148
ABS (Antilock Brake System) 95 Tire in Inflation Pressure 115 Engine Oils 150
Brake Assist System (BAS) 96 Exterior Lamps 116 Engine Oils Additives 150
Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) 97 Battery 124 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 150
Electronic Stability program (ESP) 99 Fuses 125 Brake Fluid 150
Adaptive damping system (ADS) 101 Jump Starting 125 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 150
Emission Control 102 Towing the Vehicle 127 Fuel Requirements 151
On-Board Diagnostic System 102 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 128 Gasoline Additives 151
Traveling Abroad 103 Testing Infrared Remote Control 132 Coolants 152
Winter Driving 103 Front Head Restraints 133 Service and Literature 163
Snow Chains 103 Rear Seat Cushion 134 Check regularly and before a long trip 164
Emergency Operation of Sliding Roof 134
Replacing Wiper Blades 135

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Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see Index
1Left Front Parktronic warning indicator 21 Storage/eyeglasses compartment
2Side air outlet, adjustable 22 Lock for storage/eyeglasses compartment and eye glove
3Exterior lamp switch 23
Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
4Parking brake release 24 Switch for rear seat head restraints
5Hood lock release 25 Trunk lid release switch
6Parking brake pedal 26 Central locking switch, Indicator for anti-theft alarm
system
7Steering wheel adjustment switch 27 Hazard warning flasher switch
8Combination switch 28 Automatic climate control, Power window defroster switch
Activated charcoal filter switch
9Cruise control 29 Radio
10 Horn, airbag 30 ASR or ESP control switch
11 Instrument cluster 31 Ashtray with lighter
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter 32 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch
13 Right front Parktronic warning indicator 33 Seat heater switch
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Center air outlet, adjustable 34 Mirror adjustment switch
15 Heated air supply button - center air outlet 35 Power window switch, front doors
16 Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet 36 Power window safety switch, rear doors
17 Air volume control for left air outlet 37 Airbag Off indicator lamp
18 Air volume control for left center air outlet 38 Power window switches, rear doors
19 Air volume control for right center air outlet 39 Parktronic switch
20 Air volume control for right air outlet 40 Switch for rear window sunshade

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

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Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam Fasten seat belts. See Index.
Warning Lamp
(should go out with the engine running unless)
Battery not being charged properly. See Index
ESP Adjust driving to road condition. See Index Exterior lamp failure. See Index.
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer
system low. See Index.
ADS malfunction. See Index
Coolant level low. See Index. BAS malfunction. See Index
ASR malfunction. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index.
BAS malfunction. See Index
ESP malfunction. See Index
Brake pads worn down. See Index. ABS malfunction. See Index
Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.
SRS malfunction. See Index
Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.
Engine malfunction.
If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it
indicates a malfunction of the 02-sensor on Federal
version vehicles, and fuel 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 Index.

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Additional Function Indicator Lamps
in the Odometer Display Additional Function Indicator Lamp on the Center
Console
Start Lock-Out malfunction. See Index. Passenger Airbag automatically switched off.
See Index
FSS indicator (days). See Index
FSS indicator (distance). 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 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
started. 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 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 the
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
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 the parking brake
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for the required
maintenance.
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.
All checks and maintenance work on
the brake system should be carried out
by an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer.
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 a lower gear. 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 approx. 2 mm (1/16 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.
Warning!
Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. With less than 1.5 mm (1/16
in) of tread, 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, or tire blowout.
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
arid 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 rated 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 not snow or ice
covered.
Tire Speed Rating
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
"H" -rated tires, which have a European
speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). An
electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding the speed rating.
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 foot on brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake
pedal.
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.
7. Take your key and lock vehicle
when leaving.
Important!
It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever parking or leaving the
vehicle.
In addition, engage first or reverse gear
(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 suden maneuvers, loose items will
be thrown around inside the vehicle,
and cause injury to vehicle occu-
pants unless the items are securely
fastened in the vehicle.