Mercedes-Benz 300 SE User manual

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Mercedes-Benz
Operator's Manual
300
SE
400
SEL
500
SEL

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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.

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Introduction Trunk 33 Sliding roof with rear pop-up feature 67
Power window and sliding/Pop-Up roof 34 Power Windows 68
Product information 2
Power closing assist for door and trunk lid 35 Rear window Sunshade 69
Operator's manual 4Anti-Theft Alarm System 36 Rear window defroster 70
Consumer Information 141 Power Seats 37 Shelf below rear window 70
Problems with your vehicle 142 Lumbar support 40 Setting Clock 71
Reporting Safety Defects 143 Multicontour Backrest 40 Antenna 71
Index 146 Heated Seats 40 Cellular telephone 71
Armrest, front 42
Instruments and controls Power Seats, Rear 43 Driving
Armrest, rear 44
Instruments and controls 10 Head restraints, rear 44 Drinking and driving 74
Instrument Cluster 12 Power head restraints, rear 45 Parking Brake 74
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Adjustable steering wheel 46 Driving off 74
Catalytic Converter 14
Seat belts and Supplemental restraint sys. (SRS)
47 Automatic Transmission 75
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 15 Seat belts 47 Rear fender indicator 80
Driving Instructions 16 Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 50 Cruise Control 80
Airbag 51 Charge Indicator Lamp 82
Operation Steering lock 56 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge with Oil
Pressure Warning Lamp 82
Air Outlets 22 Combination Switch 57 Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 83
Automatic Climate Control
23
Exterior Lamp Switch 59 Engine Oil Consumption 83
Rear passenger compartment
Adjustable Air outlet
26 Inside and exterior Rear View Mirrors 60 Fuel Consumption Gauge 83
Climate control 27 Sun Visors 63 Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp 84
Activated remote control 27 Vanity mirrors 63 Outside Temperature Indicator 84
Car keys 28 Interior Lighting 64 Coolant Temperature Gauge 84
Infrared Remote Control 29 Storage Compartments 65
Low Engine Coolant Level Warning Lamp
85
Central Locking system 32 Ashtrays 66 Low Windshield and Head Lamp
Doors 32 Lighter 66 Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp 85

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Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 86 First Aid Kit 100 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 124
Seat Belt and Lock Warning Lamp 86 Stowing things in the Vehicle 100 Roof Rack 125
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 86 Vehicle Jack 101 MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Parts Service 125
Brake Warning Lamp 87 Vehicle Tools 101
ABS (Antilock Brake System)
Warning Lamp 88
Storage compartment below vehicle tool
box
101 Technical Data. Fuels,
Coolants, Lubricants etc. Consumer
Information
Acceleration slip control (ASR) 89 Wheels 102
Driving with snow chains 90 Changing Wheels 103 Identification Plates 128
Adaptive damping system (ADS) 91 Tire in Inflation Pressure 106 Warranty Coverage 129
Emission Control 92 Battery 107 Technical Data
300 SE 130
On-Board Diagnostic System
(California models only) 92
Exterior Lamps 108 400 SEL
500 SEL
132
134
Traveling Abroad 93 Fuses 112 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 136
Winter Driving 93 Jump Starting 113 Capacities 136
Snow Chains 93 Towing the Vehicle 115 Engine Oils 138
Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 116 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 138
Practical Hints Testing Infrared Remote Control 119 Brake Fluid 138
Front Head Restraints 120 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 138
Hood 96 Rear Seat Cushion 121 Fuel Requirements 139
Checking Coolant Level 97 Manual Closing of Trunk Lid 121 Gasoline Additives 139
Adding Coolant 97 Manual Retraction of Trunk Lid Handle 121 Coolants 140
Checking Engine Oil Level 98 Replacing Wiper Blades 122 Check regularly and before a long trip 151
Checking Automatic Trans. Fluid Level
99 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 123
Trunk Lamp 100 Emergency Operation of Sliding Roof 123
Spare Wheel, lug wrench 100 Spark Plugs 124

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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see specified pages
1Adjustable air outlet 19 Storage/eyeglasses compartment
2Exterior lamp switch 20 Lock for storage/eyeglasses compartment and eye glove
3Parking brake release 21 Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock
position 2)
4Hood lock release 22 Rear window defroster switch
5Parking brake pedal 23 Switch for rear seat head restraints
6Steering wheel adjustment switch 24 Activated charcoal filter switch
7Combination switch 25 Central locking switch
8Cruise control 26 Hazard warning flasher switch
9Horn, airbag 27 Automatic climate control
10 Instrument cluster 28 Radio
11 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 29 Snow chain switch
12 Adjustable air outlet 30 Ashtray with lighter
13 Heated air supply button - center air outlet 31 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch
14 Non heated/cooled air supply button - center air outlet 32 Compartment (to open press bottom of cover)
15 Air volume control for left air outlet 33 Seat heater switch
16 Air volume control for left center air outlet 34 Switch for rear window sunshade
17 Air volume control for center air outlet 35 Power window switch
18 Air volume control for right air outlet 36 Loudspeaker front to rear fader control

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Instrument Cluster
1Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index 9Trip odometer. See Index
2Coolant temperature gauge. See Index 10 Main odometer. See Index
3Fuel consumption gauge. See Index 11 Outside temperature indicator. See Index
4
Engine oil pressure gauge (bar) with warning lamp (red).
See Index
12 Right turn signal indicator lamp (green) See Index
5Left turn signal indicator lamp (green). See Index 13 Knob for setting clock (to adjust pull knob out
and rotate). See Index
6Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer.
Rotate knob: To vary intensity of instrument lamps.
Depress knob: To reset trip odometer. See Index
14 Tachometer. See Index
7Speedometer See Index 15 Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed.
See Index
8ASR function indicator lamp (yellow). See Index 16 Electric clock. See Index

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Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam ASR malfunction. See Index
Warning Lamp
(should go out with the engine running unless)
ABS malfunction. See Index.
Battery not being charged properly. See Index. Brake pads worn down. See Index.
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer
system low. See Index.
Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.
Coolant level low. See Index. Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake
engaged. See Index.
Engine oil level low. See Index. SRS malfunction. See Index.
Exterior lamp failure. See Index. Fasten seat belts.
See Index.
ADS malfunction. See Index Engine malfunction indicator lamp (California only).
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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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.
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.

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Starting and Turning off the Engine
Before Starting
Engage parking brake and move gearshift
lever to neutral (selector lever position
"P" on automatic transmissions). Turn
key in steering lock to 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 accelerator 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 to stop the engine.
The key can only be removed with the
selector lever in position "P".
If the coolant temperature is very high
(e.g. after hard driving on mountain
roads), do not shut off the engine
immediately, but allow it to run for 1 - 2
minutes at increased idle speed with
selector lever in position "P" or "N".
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.
The charge indicator lamp should go
out as soon as the engine has started.
In areas where temperatures
frequently drop below -25°C (-13°F)
we recommend that an engine block
heater be installed. Your authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will advise
you on this subject.

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Driving Instructions
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
Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear (selector
lever position "4" [for model 300 SL],
"3" , "2" or "B" [for model 500 SL] in
the case of automatic transmission).
This helps prevent overheating of the
brakes and reduces brake pad wear. Do
not exceed engine speed limits (see
pages 78 or 80).
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.
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.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the car is
in the shop for the required
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 parking brake
lightly until a slight drag on the wheels
is felt. Keep applying the brake for
about 10 seconds while pulling the re-
lease handle out before releasing the
parking brake completely. This
practice will keep the parking brake at
maximum efficiency.
Warning!
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.
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.
All checks and maintenance work on
the brake system should be carried out
by an authorized MERCEDES-BENZ
dealer.

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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, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be
affected to an extent that the safety is
substantially impaired.
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 3 mm (1/8 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.

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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.
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.
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.
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.

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