Mercedes-Benz SL320 R129 1997 User manual

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Mercedes-Benz
Operation Guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview 3
Radio Functions 4
Cassette Player Functions 5
Compact Disc Changer Functions 6
Radio Operation 7
Cassette Operation 11
Compact Disc Operation 14
Anti-theft System 18
Error Code Chart 20

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OVERVIEW
Prepare to enjoy the many pleasures of listening toa
superb sound system: the Mercedes-Benz AM and FM
stereo radio with cassette player. This Operation Guide
is designed to giveyou both a quick reference of basic
functions and features and a detailed description of the
system's entire range of operation. To maximize your
listening satisfaction, take a fewminutes to carefully
review all sections of this guide.
Note: The following instructions also include thefunctions of the optional dealer-installed
trunk-mounted compact disc changer.*
* Standard on V-12 models

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RADIO FUNCTIONS
BASIC CONTROLS
1. On/Off Switch, Volume
Control
2. Antitheft Indicator
3. Bass/Treble Selector
4. Fader/Balance Selector
5. Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance
Control
TUNING
6. AM or FM Band
7. Weather Band (WB)
8. Station Memory Buttons
9. Seek Tuning
10. Scan Tuning
11. Manual Tuning
DISPLAY PANEL
12. Band (AM/FM/WB)
13. Station Memory Location
14. Station Frequency
15. Stereo Mode
16. Cassette-in Indicator

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CASSETTE PLAYER FUNCTIONS
BASIC CONTROLS
1. On/Off Switch, Volume
Control
2. Antitheft Indicator
3. Bass/Treble Selector
4. Fader/Balance Selector
5. Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance
Control
CASSETTE OPERATION
6. Cassette Port
7. Cassette Eject Button
8. Track Selector
9. Tape Mode Selector
10. Dolby Noise
Selector Reduction
11. Music Search
12. Tape Scan
13. Fast Forward/Rewind
DISPLAY PANEL
14. Tape Track
15. Noise Reduction Type
16. Cassette-in Indicator

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COMPACT DISC CHANGER FUNCTIONS
BASIC CONTROLS
1. On/Off Switch, Volume
Control
2. Antitheft Indicator
3. Bass/Treble Selector
4. Fader/Balance Selector
5. Bass, Treble, Fader, Balance
Control
CD OPERATION
6. CD Mode Selector
7. Disc Selector
8. Track Seek
9. Track Scan
10. Fast Forward and Reverse
DISPLAY PANEL
11. Disc Number
12. Track Number
13. Cassette-in Indicator

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RADIO OPERATION
POWER AND VOLUME
The sound system will operate with the car's ignition
switch in position 1 or 2, and can also be activated
without the ignition key. In this condition, the radio
will turn off after 1 hour to conserve the vehicle
battery. To operate the radio, simply push the large
knob located on the left side of the radio faceplate.
To adjust the volume, rotate the knob.
AM/FM SELECTION
Press the AM/FM button until the desired band
appears in the left side of the display. The word
STEREO will appear in the right side of the display
if the selected FM station is broadcasting in stereo.
If the indicator flashes, it signifies that the station is
weak, and reception may not be clear.
WEATHER BAND
Press the WB button to begin automatic tune-in of
the nearest available National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) broadcasts,
which come directly from the offices of the National
Weather Service. There are about 372 National
Weather Service stations in the United States. A
station's antenna has a line of sight broadcast range
of about 40 miles. If NONE appears in the display,
the radio has searched through all seven
weatherband frequencies 3 times and could not find
a sufficiently strong signal. If you are tuned to one
weather station but wish to listen to another, press
either the Scan (SC), or Seek or Tune button.
Please note that Weatherband stations 1 through 6
are preset into memory locations 1 through 6. To
change these preset locations, refer to the "Station
Memory Tuning" section on page 5.

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SCAN TUNING
To automatically find the next radio station in
ascending frequency, push the Scan (SC) button.
The radio will play the first station it finds for eight
seconds, then scan upward to the next station,
which it will also play for eight seconds. SC will
appear in the display. To avoid stops on marginal
stations, the radio will scan the entire band in the
least sensitive mode first, then automatically switch
to high sensitivity and scan again. This sequence
will repeat until the Scan (SC), Seek or Tune button
is pressed. Selecting another mode or turning
power OFF and ON again will also cancel the scan
function.
SEEK TUNING
To find and lock onto the next station in ascending
frequency, push the right side of the seek button.
Push the left side to lock onto the next station in
descending frequency.
MANUAL TUNING
To manually tune through each possible radio
broadcast frequency in ascending order, press the
right side of the tune button. Each possible
frequency number will appear in the display. To
manually tune through radio stations in descending
order, press the left side of the tune button.
STATION MEMORY TUNING
This radio allows storing of up to six AM, FM and
weatherband stations for instant pushbutton tuning.
First, tune to a station using scan, seek, or manual
tuning. Next, depress and hold one of six numbered
station-memory buttons. In approximately two
seconds, a beep tone will be heard through the
speakers, signaling that the new station is stored in
the numbered location you pressed. Each new
station-memory button can store one AM, one FM
and one weatherband station. The display will
indicate the storage location next to the band
selected in the left side of the display.

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BASS/TREBLE CONTROL
To adjust bass or treble response, press the tone
control button repeatedly until BASS or
TREE appears in the display. To increase treble or
bass, press the " + " button. To decrease, press the
"-" button. Horizontal bars at the bottom of the
display indicate the amount of adjustment plus or
minus the center (flat) point. To set bass or treble to
their flat settings, push the tone button, then
simultaneously press and hold both the "-" and " + "
buttons momentarily (less than 4 seconds). Please
note that only the tone settings for the current mode
(AM, FM, WB, tape or CD) will be set flat. If you
press and hold the " + " and "-" buttons for at least 5
seconds, both bass and treble (as well as fader and
balance) will automatically reach the center point of
their ranges and RESET (CENTR) will appear in the
display. The volume level will also return to a preset
point.
FADER/BALANCE CONTROL
To adjust left-right speaker balance or front to rear
fader *, press the speaker button repeatedly
until FADER or BAL appears on the display. Then
press either the " + " or "-" button to adjust fader or
balance. Horizontal bars at the bottom of the display
indicate the amount of adjustment plus or minus the
center point. To set fader or balance to their center
positions, push the Fader/Balance selector, then
simultaneously press and hold both the "-" and " + "
button momentarily (less than 4 seconds). The fader
and balance settings for all models will be set to
their center positions. If you press and hold the "-"
and " + " buttons for at least 5 seconds, left-right
speaker balance, front to rear fader (as well as bass
and treble) will automatically reach the center point
and RESET will appear in the display. The volume
level will also return to a preset point.
* SL, SLK models do not have the fader function.

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ANTENNA
The antenna extends automatically whenever the
radio is switched on and retracts whenever the
radio or the vehicle's ignition is switched off. **
Be sure to switch the radio off before entering a car
wash to avoid damage to the antenna mast.
** Model Year 1996 E-Class models: antenna will
only
extend with cellular telephone, which must be
switched on. Radio antenna is integrated into the
vehicle.
As of Model Year 1997, all antenna elements are
integrated in the E-Class

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CASSETTE OPERATION
BASIC FUNCTIONS
To play a cassette, turn on the radio, then insert the
cassette into its port, side 1 or A facing up. Inserting
a cassette automatically selects the TAPE mode.
The "cassette in" symbol at the lower right corner
of the display will illuminate. If AM, FM, WB or CD is
currently selected and a cassette is already in the
mechanism, press the TAPE button to begin
cassette operation. The proper tape equalization for
normal or chrome/metal tape is automatically
selected. At the conclusion of the first side played,
the auto-reverse mechanism will automatically
begin playing the other side of the tape. When a
tape is inserted, all dual-function controls and
displays - those that function differently in radio and
cassette player modes -switch to the cassette
player mode.
EJECT
To remove a cassette, push the eject (EJ) button.
The tape will automatically disengage and can be
removed from the cassette port. Ejecting a
cassette switches the system back to the last radio
mode (AM or FM) which was used prior to TAPE. If
the ignition is turned off while a cassette is playing,
the cassette will remain in the port. Switching the
radio ON will restart the tape.
Note:
The cassette can be ejected if the radio is OFF even
if it is in a CODE condition.
DOLBY® B AND C NOISE REDUCTION
This function, which is activated by pressing the
Dolby noise-reduction button, reduces background
hiss while playing a cassette that was recorded
using the Dolby B or Dolby C noise-reduction
systems. Most prerecorded cassettes indicate which
type of noise reduction was used during recording (if
any). The display will show which system is
selected.

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REWIND
Push the left side of the Tune button to rewind the
tape. Once this function is engaged, the tape will
rewind until either the Scan (SC), Tune or Seek
button is pressed again, or the beginning of the side
has been reached. When rewind is selected, RWD
will appear in the display.
FAST FORWARD
To fast forward to the end of a side, press the right
side of the Tune button. Once this function is
engaged, the tape will fast forward until either the
Scan (SC) Tune, or Seek button is pushed again, or
the end of the side has been reached. When fast
forward is selected, FWD will appear in the display.
FORWARD MUSIC SEARCH/REVERSE MUSIC
SEARCH
A cassette tape can be automatically advanced to
the next selection by Dressing the right side of the
Seek button. will appear in the display. To
rewind the tape to the beginning of the present
selection, press the left side of the seek button.
will appear in the display. Note that a
pause of at least 4 seconds must be present
between selections for the radio to recognize the
next selection.
SIDE SELECTION
Once a cassette has been engaged, push the track
(TRK) button to switch to the tape's other side
without having to remove and flip the cassette.
Once the side is finished, the other side will be
selected automatically.

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TAPE SCAN
To automatically scan the tape's selections, push
the Scan (SC) button. Each selection will play for
eight seconds, then the tape will fast forward to the
next selection, which will also play for eight
seconds. This sequence will repeat until either the
Scan (SC), Tune or Seek button is pressed.
Selecting another mode or turning power OFF and
ON again will also cancel the Scan function. SC
plus the track number will appear in the display,
while the selection is playing, and TAPE FWD SC
will appear between selections.
MAINTENANCE REMINDER
Every 30 hours of cassette operation, CLEAN will
flash in the display panel for 10 seconds
accompanied by a one second audible warning,
reminding you to clean the tape head, pinch rollers
and capstan. The proper cleaning cassette and
instructions are available at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer.

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COMPACT DISC OPERATION
If the optional dealer-installed CD changer is
connected to your system,* it can be operated via
the same keys that control the radio and cassette
player. The same instructions that govern volume,
tone, balance and fader in the radio and cassette
modes apply to the CD mode as well. However,
some system functions and procedures are
exclusive to the CD mode.
LOADING THE CD MAGAZINE AND CD CHANGER
The CD changer is located inside the car's trunk. Its
magazine will accept up to six discs. For CD
magazines with non-removable trays, insert the
discs into the magazine compartment with the label
surface facing up, as indicated on the CD
magazine. For CD magazines with removable trays,
slide the CD tray part way out of the magazine, and
place the disc on the tray with the label facing UP.
Slide the tray back into the magazine until a light
click is heard. Repeat for any additional discs you
wish to insert. When the magazine is loaded, place
it into the CD port.

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An arrow in the top surface of the magazine
indicates which end should be inserted first. When
you feel the magazine lock snugly into position in
the port, close the port door. During this procedure,
the display panel will indicate CD MAG LOAD. The
first available CD will then start to play.
Note:
If a disc is inserted into the tray of magazine upside
down, that disc will not be recognized.
EJECTING THE CD MAGAZINE
To eject the magazine from the CD changer, slide
open the magazine port door. The magazine eject
button will be illuminated. Press the button and the
magazine will automatically slide halfway out of the
magazine port. The eject button will blink; you may
now remove the magazine manually. To close the
port door, press the button located at the front of
the door. The door will slide to the closed position.
TO PLAY CDS
First turn on the radio. Then press the CD button. If
the CD magazine has not been inserted into the CD
changer, the display will indicate MAG NONE. If a
magazine slot is empty, or if the disc is inserted
incorrectly, the display will indicate NO CD for each
empty magazine compartment. The radio will return
to the last AM or FM mode selected prior to CD. The
radio's station recall buttons, numbered 1 through 6
function as CD direct disc-selected buttons as well.
To play the disc in the CD magazine's fourth
compartment, for example, press button 4. To
interrupt one disc and choose another, press the
appropriate disc-selector button for the disc desired.
The display will indicate CD LOAD along with the
disc number until the newly selected disc begins
playing. Should NO CD appear in the display, an
empty compartment in CD magazine has been
selected. If an empty slot is selected the FIRST
TIME the magazine is inserted, the next available
disc will be loaded. Subsequently, NO CD will
appear, and the current disc will play.

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SCAN TRACKS
To scan in ascending order through the tracks on a
CD, press the Scan (SC) button. The magazine will
play each track for about eight seconds, then scan
up to the next track. SC and the track number being
played will appear in the display. This sequence will
repeat until either the Scan (SC), Seek or Tune
button is pressed. Selecting another mode or disc
or turning power OFF and ON again will also cancel
the Scan function.
SEEKING TRACKS
To go directly to the beginning of the track in
ascending order, press the right side of the Seek
button. To return to the beginning of the track being
played, press the left side of the Seek button.
Pressing the left side of the button repeatedly will
select tracks in descending order. If the Seek button
is pressed during the first 10 seconds of play, the
previous track will be selected. After 10 seconds,
the currently selected track will restart from the
beginning. The selected track number will appear in
the display.
FAST FORWARD/FAST REVERSE
To move rapidly forward through a track, press the
right side of the Tune button. To move rapidly in
reverse through a track, press the left side of the
Tune button. The audible signal can be used to
gauge your progress, and the display will indicate
elapsed time in minutes and seconds (MM:SS).
Notes For CD System Operation:
Extreme temperatures will affect the performance of
the CD system. However, optimum performance will
occur between 0 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If the
ambient temperature exceeds 160 degrees
Fahrenheit, CD TEMP A will appear on the display,
and play will stop. After 4 seconds, the mode which
was active prior to CD will resume. CD operation will
not resume until the temperature falls within the
optimum performance range.

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If the ambient temperature drops below 0 degrees
Fahrenheit, will be displayed and flash
for 8 seconds. Play will continue, however, the CD
player will be more likely to exhibit skipping over
unusual road conditions. The normal CD display will
re-appear after 8 seconds. If another mode is
selected again, this process will repeat if the
temperature is still below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dampness on the disc surface can be caused by
changing temperatures and may affect disc
performance, inhibiting the system's laser from
focusing and making it impossible for it to read the
contents of a disc. As soon as relative humidity has
decreased, this situation will correct itself, usually
within one to two hours.
Although compact discs are specially coated for
durability, they should still be handled carefully.
Handle discs only by the edges and avoid
fingerprints, dust, scratches, and dampness on both
surfaces. Do not label the disc or affix paper or tape
to them. After removing a disc from the magazine,
store it in its original case. If necessary, clean the
disc with a CD cleaning cloth, wiping radially from
the center of the disc to the edge. Do not use
solvents such as benzene, thinner, or commercially
available cleaners intended for analog discs. Mist
racking or skipping due to road shock is
unavoidable, and will not damage the unit or discs.
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC MODE INDICATIONS
If the CD changer detects an operational error, it will
automatically enter its self-diagnostic mode. The
machine's analysis of the cause is displayed in
code. The chart on page 18 lists the self-diagnostic
codes and actions you can take.
CAUTION:
This CD player contains a Class 1 laser unit. If the
cover is opened or damaged, there is danger from
invisible laser radiation. Do not remove the cover.
There are no parts that can be repaired by the user.
Only qualified service technicians should attempt
internal maintenance or repairs, including cleaning.

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ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
The Mercedes-Benz AM and FM stereo radio with
cassette player and CD compatibility is fitted with a
built-in system designed to help render it
inoperative in case of theft. If the radio or battery is
disconnected, the radio will automatically be
disabled. To indicate this state, the word CODE will
appear on the radio's display. To render the radio
operable again, the correct five digit code must be
entered into the radio via its numbered station-recall
buttons. A code is reassigned to each radio and
supplied to the owner on a wallet-sized card.
RECODING SEQUENCE
To recede a radio, follow this procedure:
1. Turn ignition key to lock position one. 2. Turn on
the radio. The word CODE appears on the display
with the letter "C" flashing. 3. Enter the first digit of
the radio's anti-theft code as it appears on the code
card. The word CODE will disappear and the first
number that you have entered will be displayed,
followed by four dashes. e. g. 1 . 4. Enter
the rest of the five digit anti-theft code. Each
number will be displayed when it is keyed in. 5.
When all five anti-theft code numbers have been
correctly entered, the first number in the code
flashes, alerting you to confirm the code. Press the
Scan (SC) Seek or Tune button to confirm the code.
Radio operation will now resume.
INCORRECT CODE
If an incorrect anti-theft code digit is entered,
continue to enter numbers until the five-digit code is
correctly entered and displayed. If an incorrect code
is confirmed, the word CODE will appear again. The
system allows two more receding attempts. After the
third attempt, the word WAIT is displayed. A period
of 10 minutes must pass and the word CODE must
again be displayed before receding can be
successful. The radio must be left on during this
period. This measure is meant to prevent receding
of the radio by randomly entering numbers.

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If the correct anti-theft code has not been entered
after nine separate attempts and therefore after two
10-minute wait intervals- the radio will lock for 24
hours to prevent any further receding attempts. The
radio must be left on with the ignition key in position
1 during this period in order for it to reenter the
code mode.
Code cards should not be stored in the glove
compartment. During vehicle service at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, we recommend
that you leave one card with your service advisor.
Thus, if the battery is disconnected, the Service
Advisor can recode the radio before the car is
returned to you.
If you have difficulty reprogramming the radio or if
the reprogramming function fails to operate, please
contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

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ERROR CODE CHART
INDICATION CAUSE SOLUTION
CD E-01 Disc-change malfunction. Consult your Mercedes-Benz
dealer.
CD E-02 Disc is retained in player
mechanism. Insert an empty magazine, then press the magazine eject button.
CD E-03 CD E-04 CD E-05 Disc-change malfunction. If the code disappears within a few
seconds, unit will function properly.
If it does not, consult your
Mercedes-Benz dealer.
CD E-06 Disc-change malfunction. Press the magazine eject button
and pull out the magazine. Check
for error indication. Try again. If
the magazine cannot be pulled out,
consult your Mercedes-Benz
dealer.
CD E-07 Magazine ejection impossible. Press the magazine eject button. If
the magazine does not eject,
consult your Mercedes-Benz
dealer.
CD EEEEE No communication between the
radio and the CD changer. Consult your Mercedes-Benz dealer.
CD 2 ERROR Read problem with CD in No. 2
compartment of CD magazine. Consult your Mercedes-Benz dealer.