Mercedes-Benz E-class 300TD 1998 User manual

E-class
Operator’s Manual
E320
E430
E55AMG
E300TD
E320
E430

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Product information
Kindlyobserve 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 suitabilityfor Mercedes-Benz
vehicles have been determined.
We are unable to make an assessment for other products andtherefore cannot be heldresponsible for them, even if in individual cases
an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such partsand accessories could
adversely affect the safety performance or reliabilityof your vehicle. Please do not use them.
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us areavailable 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 theright 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

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Operator's manual
Our companyand staff congratulate you on the purchase of your newMercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product isa demonstration of your trust in our companyname. Further, it exemplifies your desire toown an
automobile that will be as easyas possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of manyskilled 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 carefullybefore putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.
•Please abide bytherecommendations contained in this manual. They are designed toacquaint you with the operation of your
Mercedes-Benz.
We extend our best wishes for manymiles of safe, pleasurable driving.
Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

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Introduction
This Owner's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefullyand familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety andlonger service life of the vehicle, we urge you to followthe instructions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injuryto you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to
followinstructions isnot covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehiclemayhave 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 anyquestions about the operation of anyequipment, 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:
•NewCar Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California and MassachusettsEmission Control System Warranty(California and Massachusetts only),
•State WarrantyEnforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).
Important Notice for California Retail Buyers of Mercedes-Benz Automobiles
Under California law you maybe entitled toa 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 toits 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 attemptsis
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 nonconformityhas been subject torepair 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.

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Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessarymaintenance 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 simplycall 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 theneed arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all owner's literature with the vehicle to make it available to thenext owner.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" foundin 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.

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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 partsmaynot be readily available,
•unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters maynot be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,
•gasoline mayhave a considerably lower octanerating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery inEurope under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or write to:
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. European DeliveryDepartment One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645
In Canada write to:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European DeliveryDepartment 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5
We continuouslystrive toimprove our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve theright to make changes in design
and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrationsand 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 illustrationsherein may vary slightlyfrom theactual 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 toinform you of correct care and operating procedures.
The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

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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 thefirst 1000 miles (1500 km) at moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavyloads (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" onlyat 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 163.
Maintenance
Approximately30 days or 2 000 miles (2000 km) prior to the next recommended service, the remaining distance or days are
displayed in themultifunction indicator. See Flexible Service System (FSS) in Index.
We stronglyrecommend 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 mayresult 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 citizensbandunit shouldonlybe used inside the vehicle if theyare connected to
an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer tothe radio transmitter operation instructions regarding use of an external antenna.

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Introduction Rear Passenger Compartment Steering Lock 58
Adjustable Air Outlet 28 Combination Switch 59
Product information 2 Car keys 29 Headlamp Cleaning System 60
Operator's manual 4 Start Lock-out 30 Exterior Lamp Switch 61
Consumer Information 154 Central LockingSystem 31 Night Security Illumination 62
Problems with your vehicle 155 RadioFrequencyand InsideRear ViewMirror 62
Reporting Safety Defects 156 Infrared Remote Control 31 ExteriorRearViewMirror 63
Index 158 Mechanical Keys 34 Ashtrays 65
Doors 35 Lighter 66
Instruments and controls Central Locking Switch 36 Sun Visors 66
Trunk 37 Illuminated Vanitymirrors 66
Instruments and controls 10
Power WindowandSliding/Pop-UpRoof
38 Interior Lighting 67
Instrument Cluster 12 Anti-Theft Alarm System 39 Storage Compartments 68
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Power Seats, Front 40 Cup Holder 68
CatalyticConverter 15 Multicontour Seat 43 Sliding Pop-Up Roof 69
Starting and Turning Off
Heated Seats 44 Power Windows 70
Gasoline Engine 16 Adjusting Steering Wheel 45 Trunk Lid Release Switch 72
Diesel Engine 17 Arm Rest, Rear Bench 45 Rear WindowSunshade 73
Driving Instructions 18 First Aid Kit 45 Instrument Lamps 73
Head Restraints, Rear 46 Display Illumination 73
Operation Cargo Tie-Down Hooks 46 Trip Odometer 73
Shelf below Rear Window 46 Clock 73
AutomaticClimateControl
Basic Setting – Automatic Mode 24 25 Seat belts and Supplemental Restra
int
System (SRS) 47 Garage Door Opener 74
Defogging Windows 26 Seat belts 47 Cellular telephone 75
Defrosting 26
BabySmart Airbag Deactivation System
50
Rear Window Defroster 26
Self Test
51 Driving
Air Recirculation 27
Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR)
52
Activated Charcoal Filter 27 Airbag 53 Drinking and driving 78
Front Center Console Compart. Ventilation
28 Child Restraint 56 Parking Brake 78

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Driving off 78 Winter Driving 103 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 137
Automatic Transmission 79 Snow Chains 104
Roof Rack 137
Cruise Control 83 Traveling Abroad 104 MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Part
Service 137
Parking Assist (Parktronic) 85 Practical Hints Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 138
Multifunction Indicator
Language Selection 88 Hood 106
Technical Data. Fuels,
Multiple Malfunctions 88 CheckingCoolant Level 107
Coolants, Lubricants etc.
Temporarily Switching off 88 AddingCoolant 107
Consumer Information
Defective 88 Checking EngineOil Level 108
Charge Indicator Lamp 89 Bleeding of Diesel Fuel System 109 Identification Labels 140
Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp
89
Automatic Trans. Fluid Level
109 WarrantyCoverage 141
Engine Oil Consumption 89 Trunk Lamp 110 Technical Data E 300 Diesel 128
Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap
Placement Warning 89 Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, Storage Compartment 112
E 320
E 420 130 132
Tachometer 90 StowingThongs in the Vehicle 110 E 430 132
Outside Temperature Indicator 90 VehicleJack 111
Coolant Temperature Gauge 90 Wheels 111 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 148
Low EngineCoolant Level Warning ChangingWheels 113 Capacities 148
Lamp 91 Tirein Inflation Pressure
Exterior Lamps 116 117
EngineOils 150
Low Windshield and Headlamp Battery 122
EngineOils Additives 150
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp 91 Fuses 124 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 150
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 92 Jump Starting 125
Brake Fluid 150
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 92 Towing the Vehicle 126 Vehicle with Gasoline Engine
Brake Warning 92 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 128 Premium Unleaded
Flexible Service System 93 Electronic Main Key, Remote Contr. 132
Gasoline 151
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 95 Front Head Restraint 134
Fuel Requirements 151
Brake Assist System (BAS) 96 Rear Seat Cushion 135
Gasoline Additives 151
Electronic Traction System (ETS) 97 EmergencyOperation of
Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 135
Vehicle with Diesel Engine
Acceleration Stability Program ASR)
98 Replacing Wiper Blades Insert 136 Diesel Fuels 152
Electronic Stabilityprogram (ESP) 100
Coolants 153
Emission Control 102 Service and Literature 162
On-Board Diagnostic System 102
Check Regularly Beforea LongTrip 163

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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index For adjustment of air outlets, refer toAutomatic Climate Control (see Index).
1 Side defroster outlet 19 Rear seat heater restraint switch
2 Left front Parktronic warning Indicator 20 Hazard warning flasher switch
3 Side air outlet, adjustable 21
Central locking switchIndicatorlampforantitheftalarmsystem
4 Air volume control for side outlet 22 Right front seat heater switch
5 Exterior lamp switch 23
Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position1 or 2)
6 Parking brake release 24
Automaticclimatecontrol, Rear windowdefroster switch
Activated charcoal filterswitch
7 Parking brake pedal 25 Audio system
8 Hood lock release 26 Storage/eyeglasses compartment
9 Combination switch 27 Ashtraywith lighter
10 Cruise control switch 28 ASR or ESP control switch
11 Instrument cluster 29 Power window switches, front doors
12 Horn, airbag 30 Power window safety, rear doors
13 Gasoline engine: Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 31 Airbag Off indicator lamp
13 Diesel engine: Steeringlock with preglow/starter switch 32 Power window switches, rear doors
14 Right front Parktronicwarningindicator 33 Parktronic switch
15 Center air outlet, adjustable 34 Trunk lid release switch
16 Air volume control for center outlet 35 Mirror adjustment switch
17 Left front seat heater switch 36 Rear window sunshade switch
18 Headlamp washer switch