Mercedes-Benz E 300 User manual

E-class
Operator’s Manual
E320
E430
E55AMG
E300
E320
E420

2
Product information
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 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 Mercedes-Benz
authorized dealer where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where
proper installation will be performed.
Printed in the U.S.A.
We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of
this Owner's Manual. Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our
prior authorization in writing.
Press time 09/30/98 MBNA/TI

3
Operator's manual
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.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

4
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 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 dealer will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Owner's Service and Warranty Information
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,
• California and Massachusetts Emission Control System Warranty (California and Massachusetts only),
• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).
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 of
North America, Inc. or its authorized dealer 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 nonconformity 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 per-
form the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Owner's
Service and Warranty Information Booklet.

5
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 dealer for service. The
service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number:
1-800-FOR MERCedes (in the U.S.A.) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)
will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer 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.
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
Information booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes. 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
Information booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.

6
Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
• service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,
• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your
authorized Mercedes-Benz 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
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 Owner'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 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 Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

7
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 1000 miles (1500 km) at moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We recommend
that you select positions "3", "2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum.
Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip
See page 148.
Maintenance
Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles (2 000 km) prior to the next recommended service, the remaining distance or days are
displayed in the multifunction indicator. See Flexible Service System (FSS) in Index.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the
Service Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Service 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 being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehicle's electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and personal injury.
Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citizens band unit should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to
an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions regarding use of an external antenna.

8
Introduction Front Center Console Combination Switch 55
Compartment Ventilation 28 Split Rear Seat 58
Product information 2Rear Passenger Compartment Headlamp Cleaning System 56
Operator's manual 4Adjustable Air Outlet 28 Exterior Lamp Switch 57
Consumer Information 140 Car keys 29 Night Security Illumination 58
Problems with your vehicle 141 Start Lock-out 30 Inside Rear View Mirror 58
Reporting Safety Defects 142 Infrared Remote Control 30 Exterior Rear View Mirror 59
Index 144 Central Locking System 33 Ashtrays 60
Doors 33 Lighter 61
Instruments and controls Central Locking Switch 34 Sun Visors 61
Trunk 35 Illuminated Vanity mirrors 61
Instruments and controls 10
Power Window and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 36 Interior Lighting 62
Instrument Cluster 12 Anti-Theft Alarm System 37 Storage Compartments 63
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Power Seats, Front 38 Cup Holder 63
Catalytic Converter 15 Multicontour Seat 40
Sliding Roof with Rear Pop-Up Feature 64
Starting and Turning Off Heated Seats 41 Power Windows 65
Gasoline Engine 16 Adjusting Steering Wheel 42 Trunk Release Switch 66
Diesel Engine 17 Arm Rest, Rear Bench 42 Rear Window Sunshade 66
Driving Instructions 18 First Aid Kit 42 Instrument Lamps 67
Head Restraints, Rear 43 Display Illumination 67
Operation Cargo Tie-Down Hooks 43 Trip Odometer 67
Shelf below Rear Window 43 Clock 67
Automatic Climate Control 24 Seat belts and Supplemental Restraint Garage Door Opener 68
Basic Setting – Automatic Mode 25 system (SRS) 44 Cellular telephone 69
Defogging Windows 26 Seat belts 44
Defrosting 26
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 48 Driving
Rear Window Defroster 26 Airbag 49
Air Recirculation 27 Child Restraint 52 Drinking and driving 72
Activated Charcoal Filter 27 Steering Lock 54 Parking Brake 72

9
Driving off 72 Traveling Abroad 92 MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Part Service 123
Automatic Transmission 73 Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 124
Cruise Control 77 Practical Hints
Parking Assist (Parktronic) 91 Technical Data. Fuels,
Multifunction Indicator Hood 94 Coolants, Lubricants etc.
Language Selection 79 Checking Coolant Level 95 Consumer Information
Multiple Malfunctions 79 Adding Coolant 95
Temporarily Switching off 79 Checking Engine Oil Level 96 Identification Plates 126
Defective 79 Bleeding of Diesel Fuel System 96 Vehicle Data Card 127
Charge Indicator Lamp 79
Automatic Trans. Fluid Level
96 Warranty Coverage 127
Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 80 Trunk Lamp 97 Technical Data
Engine Oil Consumption 80 Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, E 300 Diesel 128
Fuel Oil Consumption 80 Storage Compartment 97 E 320 130
Tachometer 80 Vehicle Jack 98 E 420 132
Outside Temperature Indicator 81 Wheels 98 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 134
Coolant Temperature Gauge 81 Changing Wheels 100 Capacities 134
Low Engine Coolant Level Tire in Inflation Pressure 103 Engine Oils 136
Warning Lamp 82 Exterior Lamps 104 Engine Oils Additives 136
Low Windshield and Headlamp Battery 109 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 136
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp 82 Fuses 111 Brake Fluid 136
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp
83 Jump Starting 112 Vehicle with Gasoline Engine
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 83 Towing the Vehicle 113 Premium Unleaded
Brake Warning 83 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 115 Gasoline 137
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 84 Testing Infrared Remote Control 119 Fuel Requirements 137
Electronic Traction System (ETS) 85 Front Head Restraint 120 Gasoline Additives 137
Acceleration Stability Program (ASR)
86 Rear Seat Cushion 121 Vehicle with Diesel Engine
Electronic Stability program (ESP) 88 Emergency Operation of Diesel Fuels 138
Emission Control 90 Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 121 Coolants 139
On-Board Diagnostic System 90 Replacing Wiper Blades Insert 122 Service and Literature 147
Winter Driving 91 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 123 Check Regularly Before a Long Trip 148
Snow Chains 92 Roof Rack 123

10
Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to Automatic Climate Control (see Index).
1Exterior lamp switch 14 Central locking switch Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm
system
2Parking brake release 15 Right front seat heater switch
3Parking brake pedal 16
Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
4Hood lock release 17 Automatic climate control, Rear window defroster switch
Activated charcoal filter switch
5Combination switch 18 Radio
6Cruise control switch 19 Storage/eyeglasses compartment
7Horn, airbag 20 Ashtray with lighter
8Instrument cluster 21 ASR or ESP control switch
9Gasoline engine: Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 22 Left power window switch group
9Diesel engine: Steering lock with preglow/starter switch 23 Right power window switch group
10 Left front seat heater switch 24 Trunk lid release switch
11 Headlamp washer switch 25 Mirror adjustment switch
12 Switch for rear head restraints 26 Switch for rear window sunshade
13 Hazard warning flasher switch

11

12
Instrument Cluster
1Push buttons for intensity of
instrument lamps. See Index
2Push button for resetting trip
odometer. See Index
3Coolant temperature gauge.
See Index
4Fuel gauge with reserve
warning lamp (yellow).
See Index
5Left turn signal indicator lamp
(green)
6Speedometer
7Right turn signal indicator lamp
(green)
8Tachometer. See Index
9Push buttons for setting clock.
See Index
10 Push button for resetting
multifunction indicator.
See Index
11 Outside temperature indicator.
See Index
12 Trip odometer. See Index
13 Main odometer. See Index
14 Clock. See Index
or
11-14 Malfunction indicator

13
Indicator Lamp Symbols
Symbols and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator
Brake pads worn down. See Index
Exterior lamp failure. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index
Coolant level low. See Index
Battery not being charged properly. See Index
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system
low. See Index
Exterior lamps are on. See Index
Take key.
Remove electronic key from steering lock.
Display defective. See Multifunction Indicator in Index
Multifunction Indicator
If a malfunction occurs, the appropriate warning symbol
appears, supplemented by a message in the field normally
occupied by the displays for outside temperature, odometers,
and clock.
In the case of more than one malfunction, symbols and
messages are displayed in sequence. Push reset button (R) for
subsequent messages.
A warning sounds at the beginning of each message.
Notes:
Refer to Multifunction Indicator in the Index for temporarily
switching off a Warning Symbol and its message.
Warning message selection is available in the English,
French, German, Italian, or Spanish language. See
Index.
See Multifunction Indicator in Index
Multifunction indicator for several messages.

14
Additional Lamp Symbols in the Instrument
Cluster, and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator
Function Indicator Lamps in the Instrument Cluster
Fasten seat belts. See Index. High beam
Brake fluid low (except Canada). Preglow (Diesel engine only). See Index
Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
ABS malfunction. See Index
ETS malfunction. See Index
SRS malfunction. See
ASR malfunction. See Index
ASR,ESP or ETS.
Adjust driving to road condition. See Index
ESP malfunction. 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.

15
Catalytic Converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with
the oxygen sensors 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 Service 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.

16
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 electronic key in steering
lock to position 2.
Cold Engine
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in
steering lock clockwise to the stop.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly
Hot Engine
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in
steering lock clockwise to the stop. 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 electronic key in the steering
lock to position 0 to stop the engine.
The electronic key can only be
removed with your foot off the brake
pedal and the selector lever in position
"P".
Important!
Due to the installed starter non-repeat
feature, the electronic key must be
turned completely to the left before
attempting to start the engine again.
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.

17
Starting and Turning Off Diesel
Engine
Before Starting
Engage parking brake and ensure
selector lever is in position "P" or "N".
Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
Cold Engine
Turn key to steering lock position 2.
Preglow indicator lamp should come on.
The preglow process starts. When the
preglow indicator lamp goes out, the
engine is ready for starting.
Do not depress accelerator. Turn key in
steering lock clockwise to the stop.
Release key only when the engine is
firing regularly.
Do not interrupt the starting process, but
limit it to maximum 20 seconds. If the
engine is very cold, it is possible that it
will fail to start on subsequent attempts.
Hot Engine
Turn key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop and start engine immediately
without depressing the accelerator.
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".
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.
If the preglow indicator lamp fails to
light up, or lights up while driving, the
preglow system is defective and should
be repaired at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer at the earliest
possible date.
The engine is equipped with a block
heater to provide reliable starting at
temperatures below 0°F(-18°C). Refer
to Winter Driving in Index.

18
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 warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with
caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the
vehicle for possible damage. If the
vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it
towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz
or tire dealer for repairs.
Power Assistance
Warning!
When the engine is not running, the
brake and steering systems are
without power assistance. Under
these circumstances, a much greater
effort is necessary to stop or steer the
vehicle.
Brakes
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for some
time without applying the brakes or
through water deep enough to wet
brake components, the first braking
action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may be
necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe
distance from vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause excessive and premature
wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes
overheating thereby significantly
reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in
sufficient time to avoid an accident.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the
vehicle is in the shop for the required
service.
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 service 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.

19
Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine's braking power. 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
tread depth of approximately 1/16 in
(1.5 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be
replaced.
The tread wear indicator appears as a
solid band across the tread.
Warning!
Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. As tread depth approaches
1/16 in (1.5 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply
reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or
road surface (conditions), the tire
traction varies widely.
Specified tire pressures must be
maintained. This applies particularly if
the tires are subjected to high loads
(e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high
ambient temperatures).
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat
tire affects the ability to steer or
brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at
high speed with a flat tire will cause
excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.
Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water
layer on the road, aquaplaning may
occur, even at low speeds and with
new tires. Reduce vehicle speed, avoid
track grooves in the road and apply
brakes cautiously in the rain.

20
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 whenever the
outside temperatures are 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).
Despite the tire rating, local speed limits
should be obeyed. Use prudent driving
speeds appropriate to prevailing
conditions.
Models E 320, E 420: An electronic
speed limiter prevents your vehicle from
exceeding the speed rating.
Warning!
Even when permitted by law, never
operate a vehicle at speeds greater
than the maximum speed rating of
the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for
which tires are rated can lead to
sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in
personal injury and possible death.
Parking
Warning!
To reduce the risk of personal injury
as a result of vehicle movement,
before turning off the engine and
leaving the vehicle always:
1. Keep right foot on brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake
pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to
position "P".
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the
road curb.
6. Turn the electronic 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.