Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL 1989 User manual

24
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 per
formed 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
420 SEL
560 SEL
560 SEC
Model 126
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 BENiZ service station where you will receive
comprehensive information, also on permissible technical
modifications, and where expert installation will be per
formed.
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 / 11.88.10/ MD

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of
your new MERCEDES BENZ.
Your selection of our product is 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 skil
led 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.
• 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, pleasur
able 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
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.
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 Warranty 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 pro
vides factory trained technical help in the event of a
breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance
number:
1-00-222-0100
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assist
ance Representatives 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
On-site service calls by a local Mercedes-Benz Road
side 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 or
console storage 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 litera
ture 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, includ
ing 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 important
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 116
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 % of maximum per
missible speed in each gear).
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 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

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see specified pages.
1 Volume control for side air outlets (page 22)
2 Side air outlets (page 22)
3 Adjustable air outlets (page 22)
4 Parking brake release (page 62)
5 Hood lock release (pages 74 75)
6 Parking brake pedal (page 62)
7 Combination switch (page 47)
8 Exterior lamp switch (page 46)
9 Cruise control (page 65)
10 Instrument cluster (page 12)
11 Horn control airbag (page 41)
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch (page 45)
13 Air volume control lever for center and side air
outlets (page 22)
14 Rear window defroster switch (page 50)
10
15 Air recirculation switch (page 22)
16 Hazard warning flasher switch
17 Automatic antenna switch (page 60)
18 Rear passenger compartment lamp switch (page 51)
19 Automatic climate control (page 22)
20 Radio (page 53)
21 Ashtray with lighter (pages 49 96)
22 Left front seat heater switch (page 34)
23 Fanfare horn control switch
24 Switch for rear window sun shade
25 Right front seat heater switch (page 34)
26 Left power window switch group (page 52)
27 Adjusting switch for exterior mirror on front
passenger side (page 48)
28 Loudspeaker front to rear fader control
29 Right power window switch group (page 52)
30 Glove compartment (illuminated in steering lock
positions 1 or 2) is not installed in vehicles equipped
with a front passenger airbag

I
11
Instruments and Controls

1910
Instrument Cluster
1 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer
Rotate knob: To vary intensity of instrument lamps
Depress knob: To reset trip odometer
2 Economical driving indicator. See page 66
3 Coolant temperature gauge. See page 67
4 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow).
See page 67
5 Oil pressure gauge (bar). See page 66
6 Turn signal indicator lamp left (green)
7 Speedometer
8Main odometer
9Trip odometer
10 Outside temperature indicator. See page 68
11 Turn signal indicator lamp right (green)
12 Electric clock
13 Tachometer
14 Red marking on tachometer:
Excessive engine speed
15 Knob for clock adjustment
(press in and rotate for adjustments)
12

Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam
Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)
Battery not being charged.
See page 66
Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged.
See pages 62 68
Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
See pages 62 68
Brake pad wear.
See page 68
Engine oil level low.
See page 66
(©)
ID
Coolant level low.
See page 67
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low.
See page 67
Exterior light failure.
See page 67
ABS malfunction.
See page 69
CHECK
ENGINE
SRS malfunction.
See page 41
Engine malfunction.
If the lamp comes on when the engine is
running it indicates a malfunction in the
02-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 mal
function checked as soon as possible.
See page 70
13
Instrument Cluster
Indicator LamD Svmbols

Catalytic Converter
Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped
with monolithic catalytic converters
an important element in conjunction
with the 0 2-sensor to achieve sub
stantial control of the pollutants in the
exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle
in proper operating condition by
following our recommended mainte
nance instructions as outlined in your
maintenance booklet.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters use only premium un
leaded 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.
Warning!
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 and move the
gear selector lever in either “P” or “N”
position before starting the engine.
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 ap
prox. 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 pro
cess.
Turning off
Turn the key in steering lock to posi
tion 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
steering lock position 0 before a new
starting 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
registered 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 -25 °C (-13 °F)
we recommend that a block heater
be installed. Your authorized
MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will advise
you on this subject.
I
15
Catalytic Converter
S ta rtin n

Driving Instructions
Power assistance
When the engine is not running the
brake and steering systems are with
out 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 “3” “2” or “B”. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and re
duces brake pad wear. Do not exceed
engine 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.
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for
some time without applying the
brakes or through water deep
enough to wet brake compo
nents, 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 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 pulling the release
handle out before releasing the park
ing brake completely. This practice
will keep the parking brake at maxi
mum 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.
Caution!
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
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
system 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 ('/is 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 (% in) of tread, the adhe
sion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather
and/or road surface (conditions),
the 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).
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 co
vered 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 re
duced. Under such weather con
ditions, 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 in
jury as a result of vehicle move
ment, before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle
always:
1. Keep 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.
Note:
It is advisable to set the parking brake
whenever leaving the vehicle. In addi
tion move selector lever to position
“ p „
Also when parking on hills always
apply the parking brake.
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 skid
ding move selector lever to position
“N”. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
Road salts and chemicals can ad
versely affect braking efficiency.
Increased pedal force may become
necessary to produce the normal
brake effect. We therefore recom
mend 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 prere
quisite is however that this is pos
sible without endangering other
drivers on the road.
If the vehicle is parked after being
driven on salt treated roads the brak
ing efficiency should be tested as
soon as possible after driving is
resumed while observing the safety
rules in the previous paragraph.
18