Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL User manual

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Mercedes-Benz
Operator's Manual
6
00
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.
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.

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Introduction Trunk 32 Vanity Mirrors 61
Power Windows and Interior Lighting 62
Product information 2Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 33 Storage Compartments
Operator's manual 6Power Closing Assist for in the Dashboard 63
Consumer Information 127 Doors and trunk Lid 34 Storage Compartments in the Door 63
Problems with your vehicle 128 Anti-Theft Alarm System 35 Ashtrays 64
Reporting Safety Defects 129 Power Seats, Front 36 Lighter 64
Index 132 Orthopedic Seat Backrest 39 Sliding Roof with Rear
Heated Seats 40 Pop-Up Feature 65
Instruments and Controls Armrest, Front 41 Power Windows 66
Power Seats, Rear 42 Rear Window Defroster 67
Instruments and Controls 10 Armrest, Rear 43 Setting Clock 68
Instrument Cluster 12 Adjusting Front Passenger Antenna 68
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Seat from Rear Seat 43
Catalytic Converter 14 Head Restrains, Rear 42 Driving
Starting and Turning Off the Engine 15 Power Head Restrains, Rear 44
Driving Instructions 16 Adjustable Steering Wheel 45 Drinking and Driving 70
Seat Belts and Supplemental Parking Brake 70
Operation Restrain System (SRS) 46 Driving Off 70
Seat Belts 46 Automatic Transmissions 71
Air Outlets 22 Emergency Tensioning Rear Fender Indicators 74
Automatic Climate Control 23 Retractor (ETR) 49 Cruise Control 74
Rear Passenger Compartment: Airbags 50 Charge Indicator Lamp 76
Climate Control 27 Steering Lock 55 Oil Pressure Gauge with Oil
Active Charcoal Filter 27 Combination Switch 56 Pressure Warning Lamp 76
Car Keys 28 Exterior Lamp Switch 58 Low Engine Oil Level
Infrared Remote Control 29 Inside and Exterior Warning Lamp 77
Central Locking System 31 Rear View Mirrors 59 Engine Oil Consumption 77
Doors 31 Sun Visors 61

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Fuel Consumption Gauge 77 Checking Engine Oil Level 90 Emergency Operation
Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp 78 Checking Automatic of Sliding Roof 114
Outside Temperature Indicator 78 Transmission Fluid Level 91 Spark Plugs 115
Coolant Temperature Gauge 78 Trunk Lamp 92 Layout of Poly-V-Belt drive 115
Low Engine Coolant Level Spare Wheel, Lug Wrench 92 Roof Rack 116
Warning Lamp 79 First Aid Kit 92 Mercedes-Benz
Low Windshield and Headlamp Vehicle Jack 93 Spare Parts Service 116
Washer System Fluid Level Vehicle Tools 93
Warning Lamp 79 Storage Compartment below Technical Data. Fuels,
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 80 Vehicle Tool Box 93 Coolants, Lubricants etc.
Seat Belt Warning Lamp 80 Wheels 94 Consumer Information
Brake Pad Wear Indicator lamp 80 Changing Wheels 95
Brake Warning Lamp 81 Tire Inflation Pressure 98 Identification Plates 118
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 82 Battery 99 Vehicle Data Card 119
Acceleration Slip Control (ASR) 83 Exterior Lamps 100 Warranty Coverage 119
Driving with Snow Chains 83 Fuses 103 Technical Data 120
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) 84 Jump Starting 104 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 122
Emission Control 85 Towing the Vehicle 106 Capacities 122
On Board Diagnostic System Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 107 Engine Oils 124
(California models only) 85 Testing Infrared Remote Control 110 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 124
Traveling Abroad 86 Front Head Restrains 111 Brake Fluid 124
Winter Driving 86 Rear Seat Cushion 112 Premium Unleaded Gasoline 124
Snow Chains 86 Manual Closing of Trunk Lid 112 Fuels Requirements 125
Manual Retraction of Gasoline Additives 125
Practical Hints Trunk Lid Handle 112 Coolants 126
Replacing Wiper Blades 113 Service and Literature 135
Hood 88 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 114 Check regularly and before a long trip 136
Checking Coolant Level 89 At the Gas Station 137
Adding Coolant 89

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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index.
1Adjustable air outlet 18 Lock for telephone control unit compartment and
2Exterior lamp switch glove box
3Parking brake release 19 Glove box (illuminated with key in steering
4Steering wheel adjustment switch lock position 2)
5Combination switch 20 Rear window defroster switch
6Cruise control switch 21 Switch for rear seat head restrains
7Horn, airbag 22 Active charcoal filter switch
8Instrument cluster 23 Hazard warning flasher switch
9Steering lock with preglow / starter switch 24 Automatic climate control
10 Adjustable air outlet 25 Radio
11 Heated air supply button – center air outlet 26 Snow chain switch
12 Non – heated /coolant air supply button - 27 Ashtray with lighter
center air outlet 28 Adaptive damping system adjustment switch
13 Air volume control for left air outlet 29 Seat heater switch
14 Air volume control for left center air outlet 30 Mirror adjustment switch
15 Air volume control for right center air outlet 31 Switch for rear window sunshade
16 Air volume control for right air outlet 32 Power window switch
17 Telephone control unit compartment 33 Loudspeaker front to rear fader control

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

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Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam ASR malfunction. See Index.
ABS malfunction
Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)
Brake pads worn down. See Index.
Battery not being charged properly. 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. See Index.
Exterior lamp failure. See Index.
ADS 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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Catalytic Converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with
the O2~sensor to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended 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 the
selector lever to position "P".
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 only when the vehicle has
stopped moving. 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 neutral or position "P".
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 -4°F (-20°C) 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
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 "3", "2" or "B". This
helps prevent overheating of the brakes
and reduces brake pad wear. Do not
exceed engine speed limits (see Index).
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 trine 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 30 mph (50 km/h) 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
release 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
degraded to an extent that safe
braking 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 approximately 1/16 in (2 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. With less than 1/16 in (3 mm)
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. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track
grooves in the road and 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 when
ever as the
outside temperatures are close to the
freezing point.
Warning!
If ice has formed on the road, fire
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 com pared 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 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 to 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 ac celeration, braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not use the
cruise control system under such
conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of
skidding, 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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