Drive Sensibly — Save Fuel

Fuel consumption depends to a great

extent on driving habits and operating
conditions.
In order to save fuel you should:
• ensure that tire pressures are
correct
• not carry unnecessary loads
• remove ski racks or roof-mounted
luggage racks when not in use
• not warm up your engine at idle
and with the vehicle at standstill
• avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration
• avoid frequent braking
• avoid unnecessarily high speeds
• have all the maintenance jobs
specified by us carried out at
regular intervals by a MERCEDES-
BENZ service station.
Driving in low temperature weather, in
stop-and-go city traffic and on short
hops, and in hilly country also
increases fuel consumption.
 380 SEL
380 SEC

Type 126
1982
You have chosen to drive a MERCEDES-BENZ, a ca r in w hose
construction and p roduction we have taken great pains because we
believe that quality is not a m atter of chance.

Perhaps you have already had experience w ith a MERCEDES,

maybe th is is yo u r first car from the DAIMLER-BENZ com pany. In
both cases — fo r yo u r own benefit — please read th is ow ner’s manual
before putting it away. Even though you have been driving a car for
years, som e th in g s in th is car may be new to you, and th is manual
certainly contains a few hints w hich will help you to make the most of
yo u r new car.

We w ish you safe and pleasant motoring.

DAIMLER-BENZ A ktiengesellschaft

3
 Contents

This Owner’s Manual also describes Vehicle Operation C o n tro ls .................................. 22

optional extras as far as this is in Steering L o c k ...................... 22
Instruments and Controls
required for their operation. As the Vi Lighting S w itch...................... 23
scope of delivery is determined by Instrument Cluster . , .
r: Combination Switch . . . . 24
the order, the equipment o f your Keys, D o o r s .................
Cruise C o n tr o l.................... 25
vehicle may deviate from the Master Key and
. Automatic Climate Control . . 26
descriptions and illustrations to Supplementary Key. .
Various E q u ip m e n t................. 31
some extent. Flat K e y ....................
Exterior M irrors.................... 31
Obtaining Replacement ... Inside Rear View Mirror . . . 31
K e y s ...........................
14 Sun V is o rs ............................. 32
Opening, Locking and
14 Sliding R o o f ......................... 32
Unlocking of Doors . .
}4 Interior L a m p s ...................... 33
Master Lock System .
]^ Heated Rear Window . . . . 33
Seats............................... Electric L ig h te r.................... 34
Electrical Adjustment of
Shelf below Rear Window . . 34
Driver’s and Front
Electric Window Lifters . . . 34
Passenger’s Seats . .
Safety Headrests . . .
1° R a d i o ....................................... 35
Rear Seat Adjustment 18
Orthopaedic Seat Back 18
Arm Rest (Rear Seat) . 18
Arm Rest (Front Seats) 19
Seat H e a t e r .............. 19
Seat B e lt s ................. 20

The last page

What you should know at the
gas station

5
Contents

Driving Vehicle Care Practical Hints

H oo d......................................... 42 MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance Rear Seat C u s h io n ................. 62
Parking B r a k e ........................ 42 System ..................................... 56 Ash tra y s .................................. 62
Regular In s p e c tio n s ............. 43 Severe Operating Conditions 56 First Aid K it .............................. 63
Catalytic Converter Cautions . 44 Engine Oil Change and Filter Luggage or Ski Racks . . . . 63
Starting and Turning Change ............................... 57 Spare Wheel, Jack,
off the Engine ........................ 45 Automatic Transmission — Vehicle Tool K it ........................ 63
Starting and Shifting Gears . . 46 Fluid and Filter Change . . . 57 Wheels, Tires, Changing Wheels 64
Safe D r iv in g ........................... 48 Spare Parts Service .............. 57 Wheels, T ires........................ 64
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Cleaning and Care Changing Wheels................. 65
L a m p .................................. 49 of the Vehicle........................... 58 Tire Inflation Pressure. . . . 66
Brake F luid........................... 49 Jobs related to Care . . . . 59 Checking Fuels, Coolants,
Charge Indicator Lamp . . . 50 Lubricants, etc.......................... 67
Oil Pressure G auge............. 50 Engine Oil Level Check . . . 67
Coolant Temperature Gauge 50 Checking Coolant Level. . . 68
Engine Oil Consumption . . 50 Replenishing Cool ant . . . . 68
Emission C o n tro l................. 50 Automatic Transmission
The First 1500 km/1000 Miles . 51 Fluid Level ........................ 69
Driving E conom ically............. 51
Gauge for Economical
Driving (ECONOMY) . . . . 51
Special Operating Conditions . 52
Winter D r iv in g .................... 52
Hints for D r iv in g ................. 52
Tire C hains........................... 53
Traveling A b ro a d ................. 53

6
 Contents

Electrical S ystem .................... 70 Technical Data, Fuels, Coolants,

Replacing B u lb s ................. 70 Lubricants, etc.
F u s e s .................................. 74
Battery.................................. 74 Identification P lates................. 80 Vehicle Operation ^
Spark P lu g s ........................ 74 Vehicle Data C a rd s ................. 81
Warranty C overage................. 81
Windshield W ip e r s ................. 75
Technical D a ta ........................ 82
Emergency Operation of
Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc. 84
Sliding R o o f ........................... 75
C a p a citie s........................... 84
Unlocking the Fuel Filler Flap . 75 Driving ^
Engine O ils ........................... 86
Jump S t a r tin g ........................ 76
Brake F lu id........................... 86
Tow-starting and Towing
C oolants............................... 87
the V eh icle............................... 76
Service Literature.................... 88

Vehicle Care ^

Practical Hints ^

Technical Data, Fuels, k

Coolants, Lubricants, etc. “

7
Vehicle Operation
Instruments and Controls

For more detailed descriptions see quoted pages. 14 Switch for rear passenger compartment
lamp (page 33)
1 Speaker grilles
15 Switch for electric sliding roof (page 32)
2 Side ventilation outlets (page 26)
16 Switch for hazard warning flasher system
3 Swivelling outlets for nonheated fresh air
(page 26) 17 Switch for automatic antenna (page 40)

4 Parking brake release handle (page 42) 18 Switch for heated rear window (page 33)

5 Handle to disengage hood lock (page 42) 19 Automatic climate control (page 26)

6 Parking brake pedal (page 42) 20 Radio (page 35)

7 Combination switch (page 24) 21 Ash tray with lighter (page 34, 62)

8 Lighting switch (page 23) 22 Switch for left front seat heater (page 19)

9 Cruise control (page 25) 23 Loudspeaker — fader control

10 Instrument cluster (page 12) 24 Switch for right front seat heater (page 19)

11 Horn control 25 Switch group for window lifters (page 34)

12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 26 Adjusting lever for exterior mirror on front
(page 22) passenger side (page 31)
27 Glove compartment, illuminated (only in steering
13 Lever for nonheated fresh air (page 26) lock positions “ 1” or “2”)
Instruments and Controls

11
Instrument Cluster

1 Gauge for economical driving (ECONOMY). See 13 0 2-Sensor replacement indicator lamp (red):
page 51 When the indicator lamp comes on, the
0 2-Sensor must be replaced
2 Coolant temperature gauge (° C)
Up to red marking: Maximum permissible tempe­ 14 Seat belt warning lamp (red)
rature for an antifreeze-blended fill protecting
down to -30° C /-220 F. See page 50 15 Brake warning lamp (red) comes on if
• the parking brake is engaged
3 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow) • not enough brake fluid is in the reservoir
Fuel reserve and capacity, refer to page 85 and
last page 16 Brake pad wear indicator lamp (yellow):
Lights up during braking if the front wheel brake
4 Oil pressure gauge (bar). See page 50 pads are worn down. See page 49

5 Turn signal indicator lamp, left (green) 17 Charge indicator lamp (red):
Comes on when the steering lock key is moved to
6 Main odometer driving position “2” and must go out when the
engine is idling. See page 50
7 Trip odometer
18 High beam indicator lamp (blue)
8 Turn signal indicator lamp, right (green)
19 Knob for instrument lamps and trip odometer
9 Tachometer Rotate knob: instrument lamps intensity are infini­
tely variable
10 Red marking on tachometer: Depress knob: trip odometer is turned back
Excessive engine speed

11 Electric clock Note

A stop is provided on the speedometer at the
12 Knob for clock adjustment 138 km/h/85 mph reading. Speeds in excess of
(press in for adjustments) 138 km/h/85 mph will not be indicated.
Instrument Cluster

13
Keys Doors

The flat key fits all vehicle

locks. We recommend
that you carry the flat key
with you and keep it in a
safe place so that it is
always handy, if needed
(e.g. in your wallet). Never leave the
flat key in the vehicle.

Master Key - square head - Obtaining Replacement Keys Opening the Doors
fits all locks on the car. From outside: pull handle
You are handed over 4 keys
Supplementary Key - rounded together with your vehicle. Replace­ outwards (1).
head - fits only the door locks and ment keys can be obtained only via From inside: pull handle in door
the steering lock. This key is MERCEDES-BENZ service stations. trim panel (4).
intended to be used whenever the If the keys are lost, assistance is
car is left with an attendant. Be sure rather time consuming and expen­ Locking and Unlocking of Doors
to lock glove compartment and sive.
trunk with the master key. From the outside: turn key.
From the inside: actuate plunger.
2 Unlocking
3 Locking

14
 Keys Doors

Master Lock System With the master lock system in the

locked position, the trunk lid can
The master lock system locks or
also be unlocked individually: To do
unlocks the driver’s door, the other
so, turn the main key to the left as
vehicle doors, the fuel tank filler flap
far as it will go, then depress the
and the trunk lid simultaneously.
trunk lid lock push button with the
The lock plungers of the other
key and open the trunk. Turn the
vehicle doors must then move
key to its initial position and
together with the lock plunger of the
withdraw it. To lock the trunk lid,
driver’s door. If this does not
close it firmly; the trunk lid will then
happen, the lock of the respective
be locked by the master lock
door is not properly engaged. Open
system again.
the door again and shut it correctly.
The trunk lid can also be locked
The front passenger door and the
independently (for instance, to leave
rear doors can also be locked or
the vehicle in a workshop) without
unlocked individually from inside.
When the rear door plungers are actuating the master lock system.
The front passenger door can also
pushed down, the rear doors cannot Turn the main key to the right as far
be locked and unlocked with the
be opened from the outside or the as it will go and withdraw it. In this
key.
inside. They can be opened after case the trunk lid can only be
pulling plungers up. unlocked with the main key which
must be inserted and turned back to
One cannot lock: the left.
• the driver’s door if it is open.
Note:
• any door if the door lock has not
engaged fully. In this case open If the fuel tank filler flap cannot be
the door and close it again. opened, refer to “Unlocking the Fuel
Filler Flap” (page 75).

15
 Seats

Note:
Prior to operating the vehicle, the
driver should adjust the seat height
for proper vision as well as fore-aft
> placement and seat back angle to
insure adequate control, reach,
operation, and comfort. The head­
rest should also be adjusted for
proper height so that when the
cushion is tipped completely
forward, it should form a cradle
behind the seat occupant’s head.
Both the inside and outside rear
view mirrors should then be
adjusted for adequate rearward
Electrical Adjustment of Driver’s Coupd: When the doors are closed vision. Fasten seat belts. Children
and Front Passenger’s Seats the backrests are locked by means under the age of six or under the
of vacuum. The locks can be re­ weight of 23 kg/50 lb should be
Turn key in steering lock to leased by pushing button. When the seated in the back seat with an
position “2”. doors are opened the backrests can approved restraint system properly
Seat and seat back can be adjusted be folded forward readily. secured.
individually by means of the All seat, headrest, and rear view
switches. These are accommodated mirror adjustments as well as faste­
in the front doors. ning of seat belts should be accom­
When the key is withdrawn or plished before the vehicle is put into
turned to steering lock positions “1” motion.
or “0”, seat and seat back can be
adjusted only if the driver’s door is
open.

16
 Seats

Safety Headrests Detaching headrests: Safety headrests, rear

Adjust headrest to support the back Pull headrest out to the stop. Height adjustment:
of the head approximately at ear Release arrester by depressing Raise or lower headrest as required.
level. release knob to be felt under the
seat back covering material and pull Detaching headrests:
Safety headrests, front headrest upward quickly, holding it Pull up headrest until resistance can
Height adjustment: by the LH headrest post (viewed in be felt. Then pull it out quickly using
Press headrest slightly forward (1) driving direction). Then pull out both hands.
and reset upward or downward as headrest completely with both
required. hands.
The headrest release knob is
located below the LH headrest
post (2).

17
Seats

Rear Seat Adjustment Orthopaedic Seat Back Arm Rest (Rear Seat)
Move key in steering lock to Turn handwheel (1) to adjust the An arm rest is provided in the rear
position “2”. spinal support. The spinal support seat which can be pulled out with a
The rear seat can be adjusted in must not be inflated when being loop.
longitudinal direction by means of adjusted. A red mark in window (2) For the removal of the rear seat
the switch located in the rear door. indicates the height it is adjusted to. cushion see “Practical Hints”.
The inclination of the seat back is To inflate the spinal support, actuate
altered together with the adjustment hand pump (3) as required. For
of the seat cushion. deflation, push button (4).

18
 Seats

Note:
The arm rest does not suffice as a
child restraint system. In case of a
frontal collision a child can be cata­
pulted forward over the locked arm
rest. It is only suitable as protection
against objects which might be
hurled forward when the vehicle is
decelerated.

Seat Heater
The front seat heaters can be
switched on with the steering lock in 9414
positions "1” or “2”, the rear seat
heaters only in steering lock
Arm Rest (Front Seats) Due to the relatively high power
position “2”.
consumption of the seat heater a
The arm rest engages in 3 positions. The switches for the front seats are heavy load is placed on the battery.
Position 1 = arm rest folded up. located at the forward end of the For this reason the switch should
Position 2 = for normally inclined center tray, those for the rear seats not be left in position 2 any longer
seat back. are accommodated in the rear doors. than is absolutely necessary while
Position 3 = for extremely inclined Push switch to position 1 = conti­ the engine is switched off.
seat back. nuous operation. The indicator lamp
in the switch comes on.
For downward adjustment of the arm
rest, depress release button 4. Push switch to position 2 = rapid
heating. Both indicator lamps in the
switch come on.
Switch in center position = seat
heater off.

19
 Seats

>

Seat Beits • Press latch plate (1) into occupant, when the respective
buckle (2) and allow to engage door is closed and the ignition
Warning system: audibly. key is in position “2”.
The indicator is illuminated for • 380 SEL: The seat belt extender returns
4 -8 seconds after turning the steer­ Adjust front seat belts so as to to its rest position whenever the
ing lock key to position “2”. If the have the upper belt located as seat belt is buckled.
seat belt of the driver’s seat is not near as possible to the middle If the seat belt is not buckled
fastened a warning buzzer sounds of the shoulder. For this purpose, within 30 seconds, the seat belt
simultaneously. push button (4) and raise or extender will return to its rest
lower belt outlet (3 positions). position.
Fastening: This is also the case if the
• Pull belt with latch plate (1) • 380 SEC: ignition key is turned back to “1”
over shoulder and lap. The belt The seat belt extender brings the or “0” or if the door is opened.
must not be twisted. belt forward, within easy reach of

20
 Seats

• The belt must be tight and must To shorten the belt, pull belt end
be checked for tightness imme­ with the latch plate engaged. To
diately after fastening and regu­ lengthen the belt, turn the latch
larly during the trip. If required, plate so that it is at a little more than
tighten lap belt by pulling up on 90° to the belt and pull before faste­
the upper belt section. ning the belt.
On the coupe, the swivelling fit­ To disengage the belt, push red
ting which is mounted on the button (3) in buckle.
lower anchoring point to facilitate
entering the vehicle must point Note:
forward. No seat belt can be used for more
than one person. Belts are not
Unfastening: intended for children.
• Depress red button (3) in buckle. After an accident, inspect the seat
• Return latch plate (1) to initial belts and replace them, if required.
position. Lap belt in rear passenger compart­ The belt anchors in the vehicle
Operation: ment: should also be checked.
The seat belt inertia reel stops the Pull belt with latch plate (1) across Belt webbing must not be routed via
belt from unwinding further in case the lap, press latch plate into buckle sharp edges.
of vehicle deceleration in any direc­ (2) and allow to engage audibly. The No modifications which may affect
tion or if the belt is pulled out belt must not be twisted but must be the efficiency of the belts must be
quickly. tight. made.
Functional test: For cleaning and care of belt
webbing, refer to page 59.
The locking function of the inertia
reel can be tested by braking,
driving around a bend or by pulling
the belt out quickly.

21
Controls

Note: compartment lamp, radio, seat

Do not remove key from steering heater for front seats, electrically
lock while the vehicle is in adjustable exterior mirror.
motion as this will cause the The power supply to the standing
engagement of the steering lock lamps is disrupted if the key in the
thus rendering the vehicle steering lock is in position “2”.
inoperable. A warning buzzer sounds when the
1 Steering is unlocked. (If neces­ key has been left in steering lock
sary, move steering wheel position “1” or “0” and the driver’s
slightly to turn the key clockwise door is opened.
to position “1”.) With the engine at idle speed, the
2 Driving position. charging rate of the alternator
(output) is limited.
9473
3 Starting position. It is therefore recommended to turn
Steering Lock For starting and turning off the off unnecessary electrical consu­
engine, refer to page 45. mers while driving in stop and go
0 Steering is locked when the key traffic. This precaution helps to
is withdrawn and the steering Notes: avoid draining of the battery.
lock is engaged. The key can be The following items can be operated An effective measure to preserve
withdrawn only in zero position. with the key in steering lock posi­ battery power is to turn off the follo­
tion “1” : wing consumers:
Wipers, windshield washer, head­ Seat heater, heated rear window
lamp flasher, electric lighter, glove and fog lamps.

22
 Controls

Lighting Switch 3 Standing lamps, right Note:

0 Off-position 4 Standing lamps, left With the steering lock key removed
A Turn to position 2 and pull out and the driver's door open a signal
1 Parking lamps (includes side
marker lamps, tail lamps, license to first detent = same as sounds if the vehicle’s exterior
position 2 plus fog lamps lamps are not switched off
plate lamps, instrument panel
lamps) (standing lamps excepted).
B Available for an option
2 Same as pos. 1 plus headlamps

23
Controls

6 Control for windshield washer

system
When the washer system is
switched on, the wipers also
operate.
7 Windshield wiper control
0 Windshield wiper switched off
1 Intermittent wiping
II Normal wiper speed
ill High wiper speed

9245
Hints:
If one of the turn signals fails, the
Combination Switch To operate the turn signals, move turn signal indicator system flashes
the combination switch past the and sounds at a faster sequence
1 Low beam (turn lighting switch than under normal operating condi­
point of resistance (up or down). The
clockwise two notches) switch is automatically cancelled tions.
2 High beam (turn lighting switch when the steering wheel is turned Fog lamps will only operate together
clockwise two notches) by a large enough angle. with low beam headlamps. Fog
3 Headlamp flasher (high beam To signal minor directional changes lamps are turned off automatically
available independent of lighting of the vehicle, such as changing when lighting switch is returned to
switch position) lanes on a highway, move combina­ off-position.
4 Turn signals, right tion switch to the point of resistance For the overload protection for the
5 Turn signals, left only and hold it there. windshield wiper motor, see page 75.
 Controls

by briefly pushing the switch 4= Resume

to position “1” or “2”, and the If the lever is briefly pushed to
accelerator can be released. position “4” when driving at a
The speed can be increased
(e. g. for passing) by using the
accelerator. As soon as the
speed exceeding approxi­
mately 40 km/h/25 mph, that
speed is resumed which was
<
accelerator is released, the set prior to the cancellation of
previously set speed will be the cruise control. The last
resumed automatically. memorized speed is cancelled
If a set speed is to be incre­ when the key in the steering
ased or decreased slightly, lock is turned to position “ 1”
e. g. to adapt to the traffic flow, or “0”.
Cruise Control retain switch in position “1” or
Any given speed above approxima­ “2” until the desired speed is Important:
tely 40 km/h/25 mph can be main­ reached. When the switch is Only use the cruise control if the
tained with the cruise control by released, the newly set speed traffic conditions make it advisable
operating the switch. remains. to travel at a steady speed.
1 = Setting (touch switch) 3 Cancelling Position “Resume” should be
Accelerating (hold switch) To cancel the cruise control, engaged only if the driver is fully
2 = Setting (touch switch) briefly push lever to position 3. aware of the previously set speed
Decelerating (hold switch) and wishes to resume this particular
The cruise control will also be
preset speed.
Normally the vehicle is acceler­ canceled if the brake pedal is
ated to the desired speed with actuated or if the vehicle When driving with the cruise control,
the accelerator. Speed is set speed drops below 40 km /h/ the selector lever must not be
25 mph. shifted to position “ N” as otherwise
the engine will overrev.

25
 Automatic Climate Control

To ensure efficient operation of the

automatic climate control system,
the air outlets 4, 5 and 6 must be
kept open.
> For the rear passenger compart­
ment, a swivelling air outlet in the
console, which can be opened and
closed, supplies either non-heated,
fresh air or cooled air.
Lever towards left = open.
All push buttons and blower control
buttons should only be operated
individually. The indicator lamps in
the individual buttons light up when
pressed with the lighting switch in
Effective operation of the climate extreme weather conditions, enab­ position 1 or 2.
control system can only be assured ling the defogging of the windshield
with all windows and the sliding roof or air ventilation to top and bottom. We strongly recommend settings
H and I f only, in connection with
kept closed. This is accomplished with the
the desired blower setting. The
The proper use of the automatic temperature selector 7, the push
buttons, and the blower switch 8. following instructions explain the
climate control system will add remainder of settings for special
considerably to your comfort The air outlets 4, 5 and 6 can be purposes.
(well-being). opened, closed or swivelled as
The ACC unit will work only with the desired. The swivelling outlets 5 can
engine running. be opened and closed with levers 1
and 3, and outlets 4 with lever 2.
Heating, cooling and air distribution Levers toward left = open. Outlets 6
within the vehicle’s interior (tri-level) can be variably opened and closed
is automatically controlled. Further­ by turning of control wheel. Wheel
more, settings are available for turned up = open.

26
 Automatic Climate Control

Temperature Selection (°C) Blower Setting

E The interior temperature can be adjusted infinitely

by turning the temperature selector wheel. The
selected temperature is reached as quickly as
£3 Selection for blower settings can be made as
H follows:
Push upper button for maximum air supply
possible and maintained. A basic setting of (6th blower speed).
22° C/72° F is recommended. In order to avoid unde­
sirable temperature fluctuations, a set temperature Push lower button for minimum air supply (1st blower
should be readjusted in small increments only. speed).
To override the automatic climate control, turn the Push middle button (spring loaded) for automatic
temperature selector wheel to either end position control of air supply within 2nd through 5th blower
notches “Max” or “Min”. speed range.
“MIN” (notched-in) = Peak cooling performance, Setting 0 = Always maximum air supply.
whereby 80% of the air is recirculated and 20% of
outside air is introduced. If the blower control is set to Functions
“AUTOM”, it will run continuously in speed No. 5. ■ Off
“Max” (notched-in) = Maximum heating performance. In this setting, the air supply to the interior of the car
If the blower control is set to “AUTOM”, it will run is shut off, (in case of bad odor or automatic car
continuously in speed No. 5. wash). Use this setting only temporarily while driving.
 Automatic Climate Control

I
a EC (ECONOMY) = Economical setting;
the air conditioning compressor stays off.
In any other settings, the air conditioning compressor
comes on with ambient temperatures above
+2° C/36° F.
We recommend this operation to be performed with
cool outside temperatures, so the air conditioning
compressor stays off in order to save fuel.
In the blower operation, air is emitted from outlets
4, 5 and 6 only.
H Economic setting - Ventilation In the heating mode, air is primarily supplied to the
foot area. In addition, air is also supplied to the front
S Normal setting - Cooling doors. Only enough air is supplied to the windshield
and air outlets 5 and 6, in order to keep the glass
defogged in normal weather conditions. In the heating
mode, air will be emitted periodically from outlet 4.
With cold outside temperatures, the fresh air supply
and the blower remain turned off until the engine
coolant has warmed up slightly.
S Normal Setting
We recommend this setting with humid and warm
outside temperatures.
The setting H corresponds with setting H but, in
addition, the air is being cooled or preheated as
necessary.
a Economic setting - Heating
a Normal setting - Heating

28
 Automatic Climate Control

P Bi-Level
♦ t This setting is necessary for clearing a fogged wind­
^ ................... ... shield. As soon as possible, reset to 1 or | .

^ l l l @ ||| 2 1 a B *i m ^
In the heating mode, air is supplied to the windshield,
foot area, air outlets 5 and 6, and the front doors - in
I I I B SB the cooling mode, additionally to air outlet 4. In the

r1
1Drrrmn heating mode, air will be emitted periodically from
" K *
t outlet 4.
9594

O Bi-Level ventilation - Cooling

P Bi-Level ventilation - Heating

Automatic Climate Control

Q Defrosting
The maximum amount of heated air is directed to the
windshield and side windows, regardless of tempera­
ture and blower speed setting.

Important!
To ensure proper operation of the automatic climate
control system, engage buttons § or H at least
once a month for a short period when the outside
temperature is above +2° C/36° F.
@ Defrosting
 Various Equipment

Exterior Mirrors Front passenger side: Inside Rear View Mirror

Driver’s side: Turn key in steering lock to position The mirror can be tilted to the anti­
“ 1” or “2”. The exterior mirror can be glare position by means of the lever
Exterior mirror (2) can be adjusted adjusted by means of the lever.
from inside the vehicle by means of at its lower edge.
adjusting lever (1). Note: 1 = Normal position
If the mirror housing has been 2 = Anti-glare position
forcibly removed from its safety
catch, it must be repositioned by
applying firm pressure.

31
 Various Equipment

>

Sun Visors Illuminated sun visors: Sliding Roof

To protect against glaring sunlight Swing down sun visor. The illumina­ Turn key in steering lock to
from ahead, swing sun visors down­ tion is switched on when the cover position “2".
ward. is opened. For this purpose the visor Press upper end (symbol) of rocker
must be engaged in its inner fixture.
In the event of strong sunlight switch to open roof, press lower end
through the side windows, remove to close.
the respective sun visor from its If the electric drive fails, the sliding
inner fixture and swing it sideways. roof can also be moved by hand.
Refer to “Emergency Operation of
Sliding Roof.

32
 Various Equipment

i
9345

Interior Lamps The rear courtesy lamp is switched Heated Rear Window
on and off by the rear door contact
The switch for the front lamp has switches or by the rocker switch on Turn key in steering lock to
3 positions. the instrument panel. position “2”.
Position 1: the lamp is switched on The reading lamps in the rear pas­ When the rear window heater is
and off (delayed) by the front door senger compartment are switched turned on, the white indicator lamp
contact switches. on and off by means of a switch in in the switch comes on.
Position 2: lamp switched off perma­ each lamp. A heavy load is imposed on the
nently. battery due to the high power requi­
Position 3: lamp switched on perma­ rement. For this reason, switch off
nently. the heated rear window as soon as
it is demisted or defrosted. It is shut
off automatically after a maximum of
30 minutes. Always remove heavy
layers of ice and snow first.

33
Various Equipment

Electric Lighter Electric Window Lifters in the center console. The rear door
windows can also be operated using
Key in steering lock position Switch group for window lifters: the switches (5) in each rear door
“ 1” or “2”. 1 front, left panel as long as the safety switch
Press in electric lighter; it will pop 2 rear, left “S” in the center console is depres­
out automatically when hot. 3 front, right sed. If the safety switch is not
4 rear, right depressed, inadvertent operation of
Shelf below Rear Window 5 Safety switch the rear door windows (for instance,
Do not carry heavy or hard objects The electric window lifters can only by children) is prevented.
on the shelf below the rear window. be operated with the steering lock in
Such items could become position “2”. All four windows can
dislodged during hard braking or then be operated using the switches
upon a vehicle crash causing
distraction or serious injury to the
vehicle occupants.

34
 Radio

17 Fast tape forward locking

Im llBiiifll button i n- ■<!
18 Cassette eject button I t s w l

M R
19 Cassette door ■lllllllllllllllllllllllllll
To turn the radio on or off, the igni­
tion switch must be in position “1”
<
iO i or “2”.
BPB To turn the radio ON
Press “ON” side of EMJdd switch.
The radio will begin operating on the
Electronic Radio last station tuned to and the last
volume and tone setting stored
On/Off switch EEKS3 Recessed button for setting
before last turn off.
Volume decrease control O time I S
The radio can also be turned on by
Volume increase control D 10 Function control button □
inserting a tape cassette through
Bass control m 11 Timer button ED to control the cassette door.
Treble control ■a switch-on time of radio
Push buttons for AM/FM band 12 Time display call button D To turn the radio OFF
selection, station frequency se­ 13 Timer button m to control Press the “OFF” side of
lection, station presetting QQ switch-on time of accessory. the switch.
through CD and clock setting. 14 Automatic or manual search
Stereo indicator light S2H3 station seeker bar MWl'HIM To adjust the volume
Digital display panel for station 15 Cassette track switch and track To decrease the loudness, press the
frequency, station push button indicator volume decrease control D ;
number, AM/FM band and time 16 Fast tape rewind locking to increase the loudness, press the
display button irara<l volume increase control ES

35
Radio

An additional fader control, installed To tune to a station The radio is programmed to auto­
in the center console of the car, Stations can be tuned in by using matically search the entire band in
allows for distribution of the audio automatic search, direct frequency three sensitivity modes. During its
power between the front and rear dialing, manual tuning, or by preset first sweep, only the most powerful
speakers. push buttons. The frequency of the stations received will be selected
station selected is displayed digitally and locked in. During the next
To adjust the tone characteristic on the display panel. sweep, the less powerful and during
To set the radio to a “flat” frequency the third cycle, also the weak
response, briefly press both tone Automatic station search stations will be locked in.
controls H D simultaneously. Switch to the wave band desired by If the station seeker bar is reacti­
To produce more bass, press the pressing any of the following vated within eight seconds after the
bass control only Q . To produce buttons: radio selects a station, the auto­
more treble, press the treble control for FM, buttons EG through S 3 , matic search will resume in the
only Q . for AM, buttons ES through EES • sensitivity mode used last. If eight
seconds are exceeded before reac­
By pressing the right side of the
Note: station seeker bar , the tivating the bar, the unit will again
Repeated pressing of either the radio searches stations in ascen­ search for the most powerful
bass or treble control will cause the stations first.
ding transmitter frequency sequ­
respective tone control to alternate ence, and by pressing the left side,
between an increasing and decreas­ in descending transmitter frequency
ing setting. sequence. The direction of the auto­
matic search operation can be
To select AM or FM reversed by pressing either side of
Press any of the buttons marked the seeker bar MAi-Am. For fast
EG through S 3 to tune the radio to approach of a station sought, the
the FM band. seeker bar can be held down.
Press any of the buttons marked
EZ3 through ED to tune the radio to
the AM band.

36
 Radio

Direct frequency dialing If, after pressing the function

i
In order to select a station with a known frequency, select the wave band, control D , the station seeker bar
press the function button Q and then enter the frequency by pressing the WW.I'MM is not activated within
corresponding push buttons. eight seconds, the manual tuning
mode ist ended automatically.
Example: FM 98.5 MHz AM 1050 KHz Safety Note
Press any button marked ED through S3 Q3 through ED To avoid distraction of attention from
Press the function button □ □ the vehicle’s operation and the road,
Enter frequency by pressing m ’ LL1 S3 EE EZ3 . S3 EZ3 it is recommended NOT to perform
any manual tuning operations by the
When dialing a frequency directly, the number of the push buttons is not driver while the vehicle is in motion.
displayed on the panel. The wave band is indicated by showing “MHz” for Use the automatic station search
FM or “KHz” for AM. operation or preset stations instead.

Note: Push button tuning

All AM stations have allocated frequencies ending with a “0”. Six FM stations and four AM stations
All FM stations have allocated frequencies ending with an odd can be stored in memory and
(uneven) digit after the decimal point. recalled by pressing the appropriate
buttons marked EE through QE
Broadcasters sometimes may not give their exact frequency but the next for FM or Q3 through EES
closest even number. for AM stations.
US radio frequency ranges: AM 540 - 1600 KHz
FM 88.1 - 107.9 MHz To store stations in memory
Any FM station frequency displayed
Manual tuning (used to fine tune a Depress and hold the flM'knM on the panel can be stored on any
station or for manual scanning) (left or right side) button. The button marked EE through S 3
After selecting the desired AM or FM frequency will increase or decrease by depressing the button desired
wave band, press the function respectively in increments of and holding it until the display has
control button □ . 0.1 MHz for FM or 1.0 KHz for AM. changed from the “old” setting to a
Release the button when the “blank” and then to the new frequ­
desired station is tuned in. ency to be stored.

37
Radio

Showing the “old” setting first allows Tape Cassette playback Accordingly, for fast forward trans­
for reconsideration of the decision It is recommended to use only good port of the tape, press the fast
to store. If it is desirable to leave the quality cassettes with a playback forward button m . t i l .
“old” frequency in memory rather time of not more than 60 to 90 When the radio ist turned off by
than exchanging it with the “new” minutes (C 60) or (C 90). pressing the “OFF” side of the
one, quickly release the button. The To start playback, insert a cassette ON OFF I switch or by turning the
“old” frequency will remain in through the cassette door. Push the ignition key off, the cassette will
memory. cassette in until it is locked in its automatically be ejected.
Any AM station can be stored playing position.
similarly on any button marked EES When the end of one playing side is Care and maintenance
through E D . reached, the unit switches auto­ To avoid a deterioration of the tone
Stereo reception matically to reverse for playing the quality, occasionally clean the tape
second track. head with the special cleaner
The stereo indicator symbol BBB3
Manual reverse can be activated by supplied in your glove compartment
lights up if a stereo program is
depressing the cassette track or available through your dealer.
received.
The radio is equipped with an auto­ switch button l i f ? : i l . The built-in
indicators show the track of the To set clock
matic stereo/mono switch that elec­
cassette the unit is playing back. Turn ignition key to position “1” or
tronically switches to mono for clear
To stop playback, press the eject “ 2” .
reception if a weak signal is
received. A special circuit provides button i r » - « i . The unit will auto­ Briefly press recessed time set
for a smooth change-over rather matically eject the cassette and button E l by using a pencil or ball­
than a hard sudden switching, switch to radio reception. point pen.
thereby reducing noise and inter­ For fast tape rewind press the fast Enter the time at which you want to
ference. rewind button ie e m b I . The button start the clock by sequentially
The stereo indicator will remain lit will lock into position until the end of pressing four of the top row push
even if the receiver has changed to the tape is reached or until the buttons EE through ED ■The time
the mono mode and will turn off at eject It —« l or fast for­ entered will be displayed.
an antenna signal cosidered insuf­ ward |KEasj| button is activated.
ficient to provide acceptable recep­
tion quality.
 Radio

Note: To display time If, at any time, you would like to

This is a 24 hour clock and time Briefly press the call button D know the time either timer is set for,
must be entered in all four digits. The time will be displayed for a few depress either button ED or ED •
A 24 hour clock counts time from seconds. The time will be displayed on the
midnight to midnight, that is 24 panel along with a No. 1 or 2 for the
hours. A time of 4:28 PM therefore is respective timer. After a few
counted by this clock as 16:28 To use timers ED or m seconds, the display will change
hours (12 plus 4:28 hours). Timer ED can be used to auto­ again to the station frequency tuned
matically turn the radio on at a to. To change the turn-on time,
Example 1: To enter 7:30 AM, proceed as outlined under “to set
press buttons preset time. Timer ED can be used
to turn an accessory (e.g., seat timers”.
EH ■ EZ3 > ED > EZ3 heating system) on at a preset time.
Example 2: To enter 4:28 PM, To set either timer, the ignition key Note concerning timer ED
press buttons must be in position “1” or “2”. Timer To connect any accessory to this
EG , EG EG , EH ED can only turn the radio on with timer, a special relay is required
the ignition key in position “1” or “2”. which can be plugged into the
The time entered is now stored. To Timer ED can turn an accessory on receptacle provided on the radio.
start the clock in accordance with a without the ignition key inserted in Separate instructions are required
time signal or other time reference, the lock. for this operation.
again briefly press the recessed
time set button To set timers
A colon sign will appear between Press either ED or f E button, key
the second and third digits w rm n , desired turn-on time into timer as
to indicate that the clock is actived. explained under “setting of the
Normally, the display panel will show clock”. To activate timer, e.g., to turn
the frequency the radio is tuned to. radio on at the preset time,
press D • A colon sign will appear
between the second and third digits
to confirm activation.
Radio

Automatic Antenna • if the antenna switch is engaged • If the antenna switch is in center
The antenna switch can be actuated in the “max.” position, the anten­ position, the antenna will extend
with the radio switched on and the na extends fully, to a specific height. The antenna
key in steering lock positions “1” • if the antenna switch is engaged can be further extended or re­
or “2”. in the “off” position, the antenna tracted to any height by rocking
will not extend or will retract the switch (not engaging it).
• If the antenna switch is in center
position, the antenna extends completely. • If the antenna is to be retracted,
automatically to a specific The height of the antenna can fur­ e.g. for playing cassettes,
height, thermore be adjusted continuously engage switch in “off” position.
by actuating the antenna switch: When the key is turned to steering
lock position “0” or the radio is
turned off, the antenna will retract
completely.
Driving

41
Hood Parking Brake

9626

To open, pull hood release handle The engine is equipped with a tran­ Depress parking brake pedal. When
located on the LH side below the sistorized ignition system. Because the key is in position “2” of the stee­
instrument panel. The hood opens of the high voltage it is highly ring lock, the brake warning lamp in
up to the safety catch stop. dangerous to touch any compo­ the instrument cluster comes on.
Push in safety catches on LH and nents (ignition coil, distributor, spark To release the parking brake, pull
RH sides of the radiator grille simul­ plug sockets, ignition cables, diag­ handle on instrument panel. The
taneously and lift up hood. nostic socket) of the ignition system parking brake is released instanta­
To close, push hood down firmly. • if the ignition is “on” and the neously. The brake warning lamp in
engine rewed manually the instrument cluster must go out.
Notes: • while starting the engine
There is a risk of injury when the • with running engine
hood is open and the engine is
running.

42
 Have the following items checked regularly and prior to any long trip

1 Fuel Supply Use unleaded gasoline, for octane rating

see “Capacities and last page”.

2 Tire Pressure For tire pressure table refer to fuel filler

flap or last page. Check at least every
other week. For more details see
“Wheels, Tires, Changing Wheels”.

3 Oil/Fluid Level: Engine, See “Checking Fuels, Coolants, Lubri­

Automatic Transmission cants, etc.”, “Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants,
etc. and last page”.

4 Coolant Level See “Checking Fuels, Coolants, Lubri­

cants, etc.”, “Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants,
etc. and last page”.

5 Brake Fluid When the minimum mark on the reservoir

is reached, have the system checked
(brake lining thickness, leaks).

6 Windshield Washer Replenish with water mixed with wind­

shield washer detergent (container is in
the engine compartment).

7 Battery Replenish with distilled water only.

See “Electrical System”.

8705 Vehicle Lighting Check for function and cleanliness.

Catalytic Converter Cautions

Your MERCEDES-BENZ is equipped the converter causing it to overheat. As with any vehicle, do not idle or
with monolithic catalytic converters, Continued operation of your vehicle park or operate this vehicle in areas
an important element in conjunction can result in damage to the where combustible materials such
with the 0 2-sensorto achieve sub­ converter. as grass, hay or leaves can come
stantial control of the pollutants in into contact with a hot exhaust
the exhaust emissions. Keep your system, as these materials could be
vehicle in proper operating condi­ For the same reason we caution ignited.
tion by following our recommended against: We urge your cooperation by follow­
maintenance instructions as out­ • Misuse or abuse of your vehicle ing the above instructions to
lined in your maintenance booklet. engine achieve cleaner air.
Should any noticeable irregularities • Refueling with leaded gasoline
in the engine operation occur such
as misfiring of one or more cylin­ • Excessive idling with cold engine
ders, indicated by audible signs, • Push or tow starting your vehicle
(e.g. rough idling engine,) exces­ with hot engine.
sive unburned fuel may reach
 Starting and Turning off the Engine

Engage parking brake or service remains engaged. Do not actuate Hints

brake before starting the engine. accelerator. If the engine has not
Place the gear selector lever in fired after approx. 4 seconds, Due to the installed starter non­
either “N” or “P” position before depress accelerator to the floor and repeat unit the key in the steering
starting the engine. continue cranking until the engine lock must be returned to “0” posi­
runs smoothly. Release key and tion before a new starting attempt is
Turn key in steering lock to made.
position “2”. The charge indicator back off accelerator after the engine
lamp must come on. has started. Observe the oil pressure gauge
immediately after starting the
Cold Engine engine. In a very cold engine the oil
pressure will only rise slowly, some
Turn key in steering lock clockwise Turning off time after the engine has started. Do
to the stop. As long as the key is Turn the key in the steering lock to not rev up the engine before pres­
held against the stop the starter position “0” and only remove the sure is registered on the pressure
remains engaged. Do not actuate key when the vehicle is at standstill. gauge.
accelerator. Release key only when The charge indicator lamp must go
the engine is firing regularly. If the coolant temperature is very
high (e.g. after hard driving on out as soon as the engine has
mountain roads), do not shut off the started.
Hot Engine
engine immediately but allow it to At ambient temperatures of less
Turn key in steering lock clockwise run on for 1 - 2 minutes at than -18° C/0° F, depress the acce­
to the stop. As long as the key increased idle speed. lerator three times prior to starting.
is held against the stop the starter
Starting and Shifting Gears

The automatic transmission facili­ means downshifting to the next

tates and simplifies the handling of lower gear and thus maximum acce­
the vehicle. The individual gears are leration. If you ease up on the acce­
shifted automatically dependent lerator after having attained the
upon selector lever position, vehicle desired speed, the transmission will
speed and accelerator position. shift up again.
Hint Gear shifting is controlled by the
vehicle speed.
When parking the vehicle or if
working on the vehicle with the Selector Lever Positions
engine running, depress parking The automatic gear shifting process
brake pedal and move selector lever can be adapted to specific operating
to position “P”. conditions by means of the selector
Do not store any objects in the lever.
driver’s footwell area because they “P” Parking lock.
could become lodged under the Test the service brake shortly after The parking lock is an additi­
operator’s pedals thus rendering driving off. onal safeguard when parking
these controls partially or totally the vehicle. Engage only when
inoperative. Warm up the engine smoothly. Do
not place full load on the engine the car is stationary.
Starting until the operating temperature has “R” Reverse gear.
Shift selector lever to the desired been reached. Shift reverse gear only with the
driving position only when the vehicle at halt.
Accelerator position
engine is idling and the service “N” Neutral.
brake is applied. Do not release the Partial throttle = early upshifting No power is transmitted from
brake before moving off. The vehicle = normal acceleration.
the engine to the rear axle.
may otherwise start creeping when Full throttle = retarded upshifting When the brakes are released,
the selector lever is in a driving posi­ = maximum acceleration. the vehicle can be moved free­
tion. Depressing the accelerator beyond ly (pushed, towed or tow-
full throttle to kickdown position started). Do not engage “N”
when driving except when the
 Starting and Shifting Gears

vehicle is in danger of skidding “L” Low. Stopping

(e.g. on icy roads). See Upshifting to 2nd gear only. When stopping, e.g. on a traffic light,
page 52. For driving on steep mountain hold vehicle with service brake while
“D” Drive. passes, for trailer operation in leaving selector lever in a drive posi­
All gears are available. The mountainous regions, for tion; do not hold vehicle by accele­
vehicle starts off in 1st gear. driving under severe operating rating engine. This will help to avoid
Position “D” affords optimum conditions and as braking unnecessary heat build-up in trans­
driving characteristics under position on extremely steep mission.
all normal operating condi­ declines.
tions. Maneuvering
Do not exceed maximum speeds in
“S” Slope. the individual selector lever To maneuver in a restricted area,
Upshifting to 3rd gear only. positions. Refer to speedometer e.g. when pulling into a parking
Suitable for moderate ascents markings. space, control the car speed by
and descents. As the transmis­ gradually releasing the service
Trailer operation brake. Accelerate gently and do not
sion shifts up to 3rd gear only,
this position permits the utili­ Do not allow the engine speed to pump the accelerator. To rock a car
zation of the engine braking drop too low at uphill gradients to out of soft ground (mud or snow),
effect. prevent the engine from laboring at alternately shift one forward gear
low RPMs. Depending on the degree range and the reverse gear at partial
of the incline, shift selector lever to throttle.
positions “S” or “L” early enough to
maintain engine RPMs within best
torque range.
Safe Driving

Power assistance: Aquaplaning: close to the freezing point. If ice has

Do not attempt to move or coast the Depending on the depth of the formed on the road (e.g. due to fog),
vehicle with the engine not in opera­ water layer on the road, aquaplaning a thin film of water is then quickly
tion, as engine-driven accessories may occur even with tires still produced on the ice which substan­
such as the power steering system showing the full tread depth, and tially reduces the grip of the tires.
or power brakes are not “powered”, even at low speeds. Avoid track Under such weather conditions,
therefore, requiring substantially grooves in the road and apply drive, steer and brake particularly
more effort for their operation even brakes cautiously in the rain. carefully.
though they always remain mecha­ We recommend M + S radial-ply
nically operative. Tire friction: tires for the cold season. On ice or
Dry road = 100 % packed snow, they can reduce your
Tires: stopping distance as compared with
Wet road = from approx. 50 % to
Do not allow your tires to wear down approx. 80 % (be particularly summer tires. Stopping distance,
too far. With less than appr. 3 mm/ cautious on wet and dirty roads) however, is nevertheless conside­
Vd in of tread, the antiskid properties rably greater than when the road is
on a wet road fall off sharply. Icy road = approx. 15 %
wet or dry.
Depending upon the weather and/or A given speed at which a vehicle
driven on dry roads can still be fully Brakes:
road pavement, the grip of the tires
varies widely. controlled must be reduced when When driving down long and steep
the same vehicle is to be driven declines, relieve the brakes by
The retention of the specified tire safely on a wet or icy road. engaging selector lever position “S”
pressure is essential. This applies or “L”. This prevents overheating of
particularly if the tires are subjected You should pay particular attention
to the condition of the road as soon the brakes and reduces brake pad
to high loads (e.g. high speeds, wear.
heavy loads, high ambient tempera­ as the prevailing temperatures fall
tures).
 Safe Driving

After hard braking it is advisable not Flave all inspections of and work on turned to driving position “2” and it
to switch off the engine right away the brake system carried out by a must go out when the engine is
but to drive on for some time so the MERCEDES-BENZ service station. If running. If the indicator lamp lights
air stream will cool down the brakes the parking brake is released and up during braking, this shows that
faster. the brake warning lamp in the the front wheel brake pads are worn
When driving in heavy rain for some instrument cluster comes on, the down.
time without applying the brakes, brake fluid level in the reservoir is Flave brake system checked in a
the first braking action may be too low. MERCEDES-BENZ service station as
somewhat retarded and increased Brake pad wear or a leak in the soon as possible.
pedal pressure may be necessary. system may be the reason for loss
For this reason, stay further away of brake fluid in the reservoir. Brake Fluid
from vehicle in front. Flave the brake system inspected at During the course of the operation of
The condition of the parking brake a MERCEDES-BENZ service station the vehicle, the boiling point of the
should be checked during every without delay. brake fluid is continuously being
maintenance service. Furthermore it Install only brake pads recom­ reduced through the absorption of
is recommended to exert once or mended by us. moisture from the atmosphere.
twice between the regular mainten­ Under extremely hard operating
ance services, a maximum pressure If other than recommended brake
pads are installed, the braking conditions, this moisture content
of 10 kp/22 lb on the parking brake can lead to the formation of vapor in
pedal for 10 seconds while travelling properties of the vehicle can be
affected to an extent that the safety the system thus reducing the
at a speed around 50 km/h/30 mph system’s efficiency. The brake fluid
on dry road. Pull release handle is substantially impaired.
must therefore be replaced annually,
during this process! Repeat proce­ preferable in the spring. It is recom­
dure once or twice. Exercise care, Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp
mended to use only brake fluid
the brake lamps do not work. The brake pad wear indicator lamp approved by MERCEDES-BENZ.
in the instrument cluster comes on
Your MERCEDES-BENZ dealer will
when the key in the steering lock is
provide you with additional informa­
tion.
Safe Driving

Charge Indicator Lamp Coolant Temperature Gauge Emission Control

Should the charge indicator lamp Due to the pressurized cooling Certain systems of the engine sen/e
fail to come on prior to starting when system, the coolant only starts to keep the toxic components of the
the ignition key is in position “2” or boiling at a temperature of approx. exhaust gases within permissible
should it fail to go out after starting 125° C/257° F with a antifreeze- limits required by law. (Nevertheless,
or during operation, this indicates a blended coolant fill protecting down we urgently advise you not to let the
fault which must be repaired at a to -30° C /-22° F (see also “Fuels, engine run in a closed garage.)
MERCEDES-BENZ service station as Coolants, Lubricants, etc.”). These systems, of course, will func­
soon as possible. During severe operating conditions tion properly only when maintained
and stop-and-go city traffic, the strictly according to factory specifi­
Oil Pressure Gauge coolant temperature must not rise cations. Any adjustments on the
above the red marking. engine should, therefore, be carried
The oil pressure may drop at idle out only by qualified MERCEDES-
speed to 0.5 bar/7.1 psi if the engine BENZ technicians. The adjustments
is at operating temperature. This will Engine Oil Consumption
of the engine should not be altered
not jeopardize its operational reliabi­ Engine oil consumption can only be in any way. Moreover, the specified
lity. Pressure must, however, rise determined after a certain mileage service and maintenance jobs must
immediately upon acceleration. has been covered. During the be carried out regularly according to
The oil pressure gauge does not break-in period, higher oil consump­ MERCEDES-BENZ servicing require­
provide any information concerning tion may be noticed and is normal. ments. For details refer to Mainten­
the oil level in the engine. Frequent high engine speed opera­ ance Booklet.
tion will also cause increased oil
consumption.
The First 1500 k m /1000 Miles Driving Economically

The more cautiously you treat your Gauge for Economical Driving In order to drive economically you
engine during the break-in period, (ECONOMY) should try to keep the pointer of the
the more satisfied you will be with its gauge away from the red field as
performance later on. Therefore, The gauge for economical driving
much as possible in all gears.
drive your vehicle during the first indicates the fuel consumption
tendency during the various driving Use selector lever position “D” while
1500 km/1000 miles at moderate driving under all normal operating
vehicle and engine speeds. modes.
conditions. Using selector lever
During this period, avoid heavy If, while driving, the pointer travels to
positions “S” or “L” can involve an
loads (full throttle driving) and high the right into the red field, this indi­
increased consumption of between
RPMs (no more than % of maximum cates an increase in the momentary
25 - 80 %.
permissible speed in each gear) and fuel consumption.
do not force the engine to labor at
low engine speed.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is
not recommended to brake the
vehicle by means of manually shifting
to a lower gear. We recommend to
select positions “S” or “L” only at
moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1500 km/1000 miles speeds
may gradually be increased to the
permissible maximum.
Special Operating Conditions

Winter Driving • Tires: We recommend M + S Road salts can adversely affect

radial tires on all wheels for the braking efficiency. Increased pedal
Have your car winterized in a winter season. Observe permis­ force may become necessary to
MERCEDES-BENZ service station sible maximum speed for M + S produce the normal brake effect. We
before the onset of winter. radial tires and the legal speed therefore recommend depressing
• Engine oil change: If no “all-year- limit. the brake pedal repeatedly when
round” engine oil is used, fill with travelling on salt-strewn roads at
recommended winter oil. For Hints for Driving lenght. This can bring road salt
viscosity and capacity, refer to impaired braking efficiency back to
“Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc. The most important rule for slippery normal. A prerequisite is, however,
and last page”. or icy roads is to drive sensibly and that this is possible without endan­
to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking gering other drivers on the road.
• Antifreeze in the coolant: Check and steering action. Do not use the
antifreeze protection periodically. cruise control system under such If the vehicle is parked after being
For capacity refer to “Fuels, conditions. driven on salt treated roads, the
Coolants, Lubricants, etc.” . braking efficiency should be tested
When the vehicle is in danger of as soon as possible after driving is
• Additive in the windshield skidding, move selector lever to
washer system: Add windshield resumed while adhering to the safe­
position “N”. Try to keep the vehicle ty requirements. Should the braking
washer solvent to the water in under control by means of correc­
the windshield washer system. efficiency have deteriorated consi­
tive steering action. derably it can be improved again by
• Test battery: Battery capacity Provided the traffic conditions will braking several times.
drops with decreasing ambient allow, only brake in a way that the
temperature. A well charged wheels are locked for no more than
battery ensures that the engine fractions of a second as otherwise
can always be started, even at the steerability of the vehicle is lost.
low ambient temperatures.
 Special Operating Conditions

Tire Chains Retighten newly mounted tire chains Traveling Abroad

after a few miles of driving. Do not
Tire chains can only be used on the Abroad, too, there is a widely-spread
exceed permissible maximum speed
driving wheels. Use only chains MERCEDES-BENZ sen/ice network
of 50 km/h/30 mph. On clear roads,
tested and recommended by us. at your disposal. If you travel into
remove the chains as soon as prac­
Any MERCEDES-BENZ service ticable. Adhere to the manufactu­ areas which are not listed in the
station will readily advise you. rer’s mounting instructions. index of your service station booklet,
you should request pertinent infor­
mation from your dealer.
Vehicle Care

55
MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance System

Like any other mechanical equip­ Renew brake fluid once a year, Severe Operating Conditions
ment, the vehicle requires care and preferably in spring. Use only
In the case of severe operating
maintenance. brake fluids recommended by
conditions or heavy use mainly in
A maintenance booklet is delivered MERCEDES-BENZ.
city traffic or over short distances,
with your car listing all the mainten­ The vehicle must receive the pres­ frequent mountain driving, poor
ance jobs that must be carried out cribed maintenance and/or lubrica­ roads, dusty and muddy conditions,
after the following mileages: tion work at the specified intervals trailer operation, hard and sporty
• Once after 1300 — 1600 km/ as listed in the maintenance booklet. driving, etc. it may be necessary to
800 — 1000 miles. Verification of performance of such inspect e.g.
maintenance/lubrication work
• After 12 000 km/7500 miles. should be recorded in the spaces • the tires
• After 24 000 km/15 000 miles provided in the maintenance • the air cleaner (clean or renew
and thereafter every 24 000 km/ booklet. element)
15 000 miles, but at least once The maintenance jobs are described at shorter intervals.
every two years. in detail in a manual which you can Any MERCEDES-BENZ service
We would also like to draw your order from your MERCEDES-BENZ station will be pleased to give you
attention to the hints contained in service station. expert and individual advice.
the maintenance booklet covering
necessary lubrication service every
12 000 km/7500 miles, additional
maintenance jobs every 48 000 km/
30 000 miles and MB individual
maintenance as required.
MERCEDES-BENZ Maintenance System Spare Parts Service

Engine Oil Change and Automatic Transmission — All MERCEDES-BENZ service

Filter Change Fluid and Filter Change stations maintain a stock of original
spare parts required for mainten­
To be carried out every 12 000 km/ To be carried out every 48 000 km/ ance and repair work. In addition,
7500 miles, but at least once a year 30 000 miles according to the main­
strategically located parts distribu­
if year-round multigrade oil is used. tenance booklet.
tion centers provide quick and reli­
Otherwise at least twice a year (in Under severe operating conditions, able parts service.
spring and fall). have the automatic transmission
More than 200 000 different spare
Under severe operating conditions fluid changed every 24 000 km/
parts, even for rather old vehicle
the oil and filter should be changed 15 000 miles without filter change. models, are available.
every 6000 km/3750 miles.
MERCEDES-BENZ original spare
For regular oil level checks, refer to
parts are subjected to most severe
“Checking Fuels, Coolants, Lubri­
quality inspections. Each part has
cants, etc.”
been specifically developed, manu­
factured or selected for and adapted
to MERCEDES-BENZ vehicles.
Therefore, MERCEDES-BENZ
original spare parts should be
installed.
Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle

In operation, your vehicle is You should check your vehicle from oil (check with your local
subjected to a great amount of time to time for stone chipping or MERCEDES-BENZ dealership for
varying external influences which, if other damage. Any damage should recommended brands).
gone unchecked, can attack the be repaired as soon as possible. We have selected car-care products
paintwork as well as the underbody In doing so, do not neglect the and compiled recommendations
and cause lasting damage. underside of the car. A prerequisite which are specially matched to our
Such damage is caused not only by for a thorough check is a washing of vehicles and which always reflect
extreme and varying climatic condi­ the underbody followed by a rust- the newest in technological stan­
tions, but also by air pollution, road proofing treatment. ding. You can obtain MB car-care
salt, tar, gravel and stone chipping. Your vehicle has been treated at the products at every MERCEDES-BENZ
Grease and oil, fuel, coolant, brake factory with a wax-base rustproofing service station.
fluid, bird droppings, tree resins, etc. in the body cavities which will last Scratches, corrosive deposits,
should immediately be removed to for the lifetime of the vehicle. Post­ corrosion or damage due to negli­
avoid paint damage. Frequent production treatment is neither gent or incorrect care cannot always
washing, however, reduces and/or necessary nor recommended by be removed with the car-care
eliminates the aggressivity and MERCEDES-BENZ because of the products recommended here. In
potency of the above adverse possibility of incompatibility such cases it is best to seek aid at
influences. between materials used in the your MERCEDES-BENZ service
Special car-care measures may be production process and others station.
necessary to deal with unfavorable applied later. The following topics deal with the
conditions; for example, near the After every engine cleaning you cleaning and care of your vehicle
coast, in industrial areas (smoke, should have the engine compart­ and give important “how-to” infor­
exhaust emissions), or during winter ment rustproofed. Before rustproo­ mation as well as references to
operation. fing, all control linkage bushings recommended MB car-care
have to be lubricated with hydraulic products.
 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle

Car Wash Tar Stains only clear, lukewarm water and

soap. Do not dry the webbing at
Before washing your vehicle, Quickly remove tar stains before
temperatures above 80° C/176° F or
remove insect residues. The car they dry and become more difficult
in direct sunlight. Never bleach or
should not be washed in the sun. to remove.
re-dye the webbing.
Thoroughly spray the car with a dif­
fused jet of water. Direct only a very Window Cleaning
Steering Wheel, Instrument
weak spray towards the ventilation Use a window cleaning solution on Cluster and Selector Lever
intake. Use plenty of water and rinse very dirty or oil-stained windows.
the sponge and chamois frequently. Use a gentle dish-washing deter­
Clean windshield wiper blades with
Rinse with clear water and tho­ gent or mild detergent for delicate
a clean cloth and washing solution.
roughly wipe dry with a chamois. fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe
Replace blades once or twice a
with a cloth moistened in lukewarm
If the vehicle has been run through year.
solution. Do not use scouring
an automatic car wash — in parti­
agents.
cular one of the older installations — Plastic Parts and Rubber Parts
rewipe the recessed sections
Do not use oil or wax on these parts. Upholstery
provided in the tail lamps (for im­
proved prevention of soiling) if Leather: Wipe leather upholstery
necessary. No solvents (fuels, thin- Seat Belts
with a damp cloth and dry thorough­
ners etc.) must be used. The webbing must not be treated ly. Exercise particular care when
In the winter, thoroughly remove all with chemical cleaning agents. Use cleaning perforated leather as its
traces of road salt as soon as underside should not become wet.
possible.
When washing the underbody, do
not forget to clean the inner sides
of the wheels.
Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle

Velours: Pressure marks resulting Paintwork Light Alloy Wheels

from dampness and heat may If possible, clean wheels once a
Do not apply wax if your car is
appear to be stains. Such marks week with lukewarm water and auto­
parked in the sun or if the hood is
can be removed by wiping with a
still hot. For maximum protection, shampoo. Use an ample supply of
moistened brush, ironing with a wet
the paintwork should be waxed water.
cloth or by treating with a dry
approximately once every three To remove stubborn marks, use
shampoo. Do not sit on damp
months. Use the appropriate polish or paint cleaner and apply
upholstery. Quick drying is achieved
MERCEDES-BENZ Touch-Up Stick with buffing cloth or a soft cloth.
by applying hot air — for example, by
for quick and provisional repairs of
using a hair dryer. If in doubt, please
consult your MERCEDES-BENZ minor paint damage. Ornamental Moldings
service station. (Chrome-Plated, Aluminium)
For regular cleaning and care of very
dirty chrome-plated parts, use a
chrome cleaner.
Practical Hints

A
 Practical Hints

9183

Rear Seat Cushion Note: To remove rear ash tray:

On vehicles provided with adjus­ Push the ash tray down while
Removal: Press unlocking buttons 1 opening and remove.
outwards while slightly lifting the table rear seats the rear seat
front corner of the rear seat cushion. cushion can be removed and To install ash tray:
Then pull the rear seat cushion installed by a MERDEDES-BENZ Position ash tray squarely and

> forward.
Installation: Push rear end of rear
seat cushion under rear seat back
sen/ice station.
Ash trays
push in.

as far as it will go and press down Removal, front:

on the front section of the rear seat Pull ash tray out to the stop, lift up
cushion until it engages. insert and remove.

62
 Practical Hints

First Aid Kit Luggage or Ski Racks Spare Wheel, Jack,

Vehicle Tool Kit
The first aid kit is stowed in a The only type of rack we recom­
covered recess in the hat shelf at mend to be mounted on the roof is Spare wheel (1), jack (2) and vehicle
the rear. To open the lid, push the drip rail mounted type which has tool kit are accommodated in a
button (1). no other supports (suction cups or trough below the foldable trunk
legs) to support the rack on the roof. floor (3).
Such supports may lead to marring Prior to lifting up the cover, fold back
of the paint or even denting of the mats and engage strap (4) in trunk
roof if excessive weight is placed on lid.
the rack. Your MERCEDES-BENZ Note:
dealer can give further advice. The jack is designed exclusively for
jacking up the vehicle at the jack
tubes provided on either side of the
vehicle. Jack stands must be used
when working under the vehicle.

63
Wheels Tires Changing Wheels

Wheels, Tires For tire specifications, refer to Thoroughly clean the inner side of
“Technical Data". the wheels any time you rotate the
In case of replacement we recom­ wheels or wash vehicle underside.
mend to use tires of identical Rotating wheels:
design, version and brand. Dented or bent rims cause tire pres­
The wheels can be rotated accor­ sure loss and damage to the tire
See any MERCEDES-BENZ service ding to the degree of tire wear while beads. For this reason, check rims
station for information on tested and retaining the same sense of rotation. for damage at regular intervals. The
recommended wheels and tires for Rotating, however, should be carried rim flanges must be checked for
summer and winter operation. They out before the characteristic tire wear before a tire is mounted.
will also offer more advice concer­ wear pattern (shoulder wear on front Remove burrs, if there are any.
ning tire service and purchase. wheels and tread center wear on
Mount single newly acquired tires rear wheels) becomes visible at a Observe wheel bolts!
on the front wheels. If any tires are mileage of 5000 — 10 000 km/ 1 For forged light alloy rims only
replaced and the spare tire is new 3000 — 6000 miles as otherwise the
driving properties deteriorate. 2 For steel rims only
and of the same make and version,
mount the spare wheel on the Slowly leaking air ( e.g. due to a nail
vehicle as road wheel. We recom­ in the tire) may cause damage to the
mend that you break in new tires for tire such as tread separation.
approx. 100 km/60 miles at mode­ Regular tire pressure checks at
rate speed. intervals of no more than 14 days
On new rims it is imperative that the are therefore essential. For the tire
wheel securing bolts be retightened pressure checks, keep in mind that
after approx. 800 km/500 miles. On hot tires show higher pressure than
new vehicles retightening is carried cold tires. See tire pressure chart on
out in the course of the 1st inspec­ last page.
tion. Retightening is also necessary Caution:
Should the tire pressure decrease
when new wheels are fitted at a later constantly, check whether foreign Do not use the long wheel bolts (1)
date, e.g. when the spare wheel is objects have penetrated the tire or if intended for light alloy wheels
used for the first time or when a new rim or valve allow the air to leak. mount steel rims. Use only the
set of wheels with M + S tires is shorter bolts (2) for the steel rims.
fitted.

64
 Wheels Tires Changing Wheels

Changing Wheels 5. Clean jack supporting tube, if Note:

necessary. Jack tubes are It must be ensured that light alloy
1. Depress parking brake pedal. behind the front wheel housings rims are not dropped on their
2. Move selector lever to position“P” and in front of the rear wheel outside face since this may
3. Safeguard vehicle against rolling housing. damage the plastic center hub
off by using chocks or similar. 6. Insert jack arm into the tube hole cover.
Place chocks under both oppo­ up to the stop. Position the jack 8. Adjust the jack to allow the
site wheels (on downhill side), on so that it will always be vertical i
wheel to be slipped on without
a level road on both sides of the as seen from the side, even on being lifted.
opposite front wheel when chan­ inclines. Jack up the vehicle until
ging a rear wheel. the wheel is clear off the ground. 9. Slip on wheel and press against
wheel mounting flange. Turn in
4. Using the combination wrench, 7. Then back out the wheel bolts. wheel bolts.
loosen but do not yet remove the Protect bolt threads from dirt and
wheel bolts. sand. Remove the wheel.

65
 Wheels Tires Changing Wheels

10. Lower car and remove jack. Tire Inflation Pressure The ride of the vehicle, however, will
Tighten the five bolts evenly by become somewhat harder.
A table (see fuel filler flap or last
going around the wheel and tigh­ Tire temperature and pressure
tening every other bolt until all page) lists the tire inflation pres­
sures specified for summer and increase with the vehicle speed. Tire
the bolts are tight. Observe a pressure should therefore only be
winter tires as well as for the varying
tightening torque of 10 mkp/ corrected on cold tires. Correct tire
operating conditions.
72 Ib-ft. pressure in hot tires only if pressure
Tire pressures listed for light loads has dropped below the data listed in
11. Correct tire pressure.
are minimum values offering high the table and the respective opera­
driving comfort. Increased inflation ting conditions are taken into consi­
pressures for heavy loads produce deration.
favorable handling characteristics
with lighter loads and are perfectly
permissible.

>

66
 Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.

Engine Oil Level Check The vehicle should be Wipe dipstick before any oil level
parked on level ground and measurement. To determine the oil
1 Dipstick
the oil level must be level, check both sides of the
2 Oil filler opening somewhere between the dipstick. Always determine the oil
Check engine oil level at regular lower and the upper mark level by means of the straight hori­
intervals, after refueling, with the on dipstick (1); do not zontal marking formed by the oil on
engine at operating temperature and replenish in excess of the one side of the dipstick.
shut off. upper mark. For viscosity and capacity, see (
“Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants, etc.,
and last page”.

67
Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.

Checking Coolant Level Replenishing Coolant

The coolant level can be checked If a small amount of coolant has to
visually at the transparent coolant be added (due to evaporation of
reservoir. water), plain water can be added.
To check the coolant level, the If a larger quantity of coolant has to
vehicle must be parked on level be added, a 50/50 mixture of water
ground. and antifreeze should be used.
The coolant level must reach: Caution:
The marking (1, arrow) on the reser­ Do not remove pressure cap on
voir when the engine is cold. coolant reservoir if engine tempera­
Approx. 2 cm/0.8 in higher when the ture is above 90° C/194° F. Allow
engine is at operating temperature. engine to cool down before remo­
ving cap. The coolant reservoir 96 24

contains hot water and is under

pressure.
First turn cap to first notch to relieve
excess pressure using a rag. If
opened immediately, hot scalding
fluid and steam will be blown out
under pressure.
The drain plugs are situated on the
right and left side of the engine and
on the radiator bottom.
 Checking Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.

Check transmission fluid level with The maximum and minimum oil level
the engine idling, parking brake marks on the dipstick are applicable
engaged and selector lever in posi­ references only if the transmission
tion “P”. The vehicle must be parked fluid has reached its normal opera­
on level ground. Prior to the check, ting temperature of 80° C/176° F.
allow engine to idle for approx. 1 to If, however, the transmission fluid
2 minutes. cools down to 20—30° C/68—860 F,
Measure oil level with the dipstick which is the normal shop tempera­
completely inserted and the locking ture range, then the maximum oil
lever released (1). level will be approximately
5 mm/0.2 in below the minimum
Painstaking cleanliness must be mark on the dipstick. We stress this
observed! point because an oil change is
To wipe the dipstick, use a clean, normally performed when the trans­
lintfree cloth (perferably leather). mission oil has cooled down to shop
To fill the transmission with fluid, temperature.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
only pour it through a fine-mesh The fluid level must not exceed the
Level
filter into the dipstick opening. Even dipstick maximum mark with the
At regular intervals, check the fluid the slightest impurity may cause fluid at operating temperature. Drain
level of the automatic transmission operational troubles. or siphon off excess fluid, if
together with the engine oil level The oil level in the transmission is required.
prior to every long trip. dependent upon the oil temperature. Then push dipstick all the way in
and swing locking lever down­
wards (2).

69
Electrical System

Replacing Bulbs Headlamp Unit 6 Securing screw for cover of

sealed-beam unit/halogen and
Only handle new bulbs for head­ 1 Headlamp vertical aiming screw for 380 SEL fog lamp
lamps and tail lamps with tissue 2 Headlamp horizontal aiming
paper or similar. Install only bulbs of 7 Sealed-beam unit/halogen
screw
prescribed wattage. Refer to “Tech­ 8 Securing screws for sealed-
nical Data and last page”. 3 380 SEL: beam unit/halogen
Fog lamp vertical aiming screw
Headlamp Aiming 9 380 SEL:
4 380 SEL:
Fog lamp
Correct headlamp aiming is of para­ Fog lamp horizontal aiming
mount importance to the roadwor­ screw 10 380 SEL:
thiness of the car. Check and read­ Securing screws for fog lamp
5 Securing screw for housing of
just headlamps at regular intervals turn signal, standing, side marker
and invariably when a lamp has and parking lamps
been replaced.

70
 Electrical System

Replacing bulbs:
Bulbs for turn signal, standing, side
marker and parking lamps (11):
Turn lamp holder with bulb to the left
and remove. Depress bulb, turn to
the left and take out.
Sealed-beam Unit/Halogen (7):
Loosen securing screw (5) and pull
housing out of bracket. Then loosen
securing screws (6) and remove
front cover. Remove securing
screws (8) from retaining frame and
take out sealed-beam unit. Pull off
connector.
380 SEL Fog Lamp 380 SEC 4 Bulb for fog lamp:
Bulb for fog lamp (9): Unsnap the bottom of protective
Loosen securing screw (5) and pull The bulb for the fog lamp is acces­
cap and remove towards the top.
housing out of bracket. Then loosen sible through the wheel well for the
Loosen clip (3) and remove
securing screws (6) and remove purpose of bulb replacement. cover.
front cover. Remove securing 1 Vertical adjustment screw for the
Unplug electric connector (5).
screws (10) and take out lamp fog lamp
Unhook retaining spring and
holder. Pull off plug connector (12). 2 Horizontal adjustment screw for remove bulb.
Disengage retaining spring (13) and the fog lamp
take out bulb.
Electrical System

i . A

Tail Lamp Assemblies License Plate Lamps Interior Lamps

1 Side marker lamp Loosen both the securing screws To replace the bulb, lift off front lamp
2 Turn signal lamp (1) and take out lamp. at RH side, pull it out and open
reflector.
3 Stop lamp
The same applies to the removal of
4 Tail, parking and standing lamp the rear lamp.
5 Backup lamp
Turn both locks in the trunk to the Reading Lamps in the Rear
left as far as the stop and detach Passenger Compartment
lamp bracket. To replace the bulbs, To change the bulbs, pull out lamps.
depress, turn to the left and remove.

72
 Electrical System

Trunk Lamp Glove Compartment Lamp

Trunk lamp (1) is easily accessible To replace the bulb, pull out lamp,
when trunk lid (2) is open.

73
 Electrical System

Fuses must not be repaired or rate the diaphragm with the hydro­
bridged. meter or the tube attached to it.
Spare fuses are stored in the fuse Coat battery terminal clamps with
box (observe amperage and color acidproof grease. Keep battery
code). clean and dry.
Before changing a burned out fuse, Only tow vehicle with the battery
determine the cause of the short connected.
circuit. Only charge battery with a battery
After replacing a fuse, engage lid of charger when it is disconnected
fuse box at rear and lock with clamp from the vehicle electrical circuit.
at front.
Note:
Battery While the engine is running the
battery terminal clamps must not be
Replenish with distilled water appro­ loosened or detached as otherwise
Fuses ximately every 4 weeks and more the altenator and other electronic
often during the summer and in hot units would be damaged.
The fuse box is located in the areas.
engine compartment.
Do not use metal funnels and do not Spark Plugs
A All fuse protected equipment is perforate the diaphragm of the
shown in the lid of the fuse box. This vehicle is equipped with spark
battery overfill protection.
plugs as required for driving in the
V Fuse arrangement in the box - star- The battery is filled to the maximum USA. Should additional information
W ting at the engine side and procee­ level when the water level in the cell be necessary, your MERCEDES-
ding outwards - filling chamber stops going down. BENZ dealer will be happy to offer
RH row: odd numbers 1, 3, 5, etc. up
If battery acid is to be extracted for advice.
to 13; LH row: even numbers 2, 4, 6,
battery diagnosis purposes, perfo­
etc. up to 14.

74
Windshield Wipers Emergency Operation of Sliding Roof Unlocking the Fuel Filler Flap

In order to renew or release frozen

windshield wiper blades, the wind­
shield wiper arms can be pulled out
of their recess by hand. Sufficient
force must be applied to overcome
spring resistance.
In order to ensure operation of the
windshield wiper even when it is
snowing heavily, an overload protec­
tion has been installed. It becomes
effective if a certain wiping resis­
tance is exceeded as a result of
snow accumulation. The windshield
wiper arm will then no longer return
completely to its initial position,
although the windshield wiper motor If the electric drive fails, the sliding If the filler flap cannot be opened
continues to run a full cycle. roof can also be moved by hand. because of a fault, withdraw the link
For this purpose a red hexagonal of the vacuum element (on RH side
head is provided in the trunk on the in trunk).
LH side behind a cover. Using a
screwdriver, remove the cover, slip
the spark plug wrench onto the
hexagonal head and move the
sliding roof in the desired direction
by turning the wrench.
To close the sliding roof, turn
wrench clockwise. 380 SEC turn
wrench counterclockwise.

75
Jump Starting Tow-starting and Towing the Vehicle

If the battery is discharged the • Start engine as normal.

engine can be started with jumper • After the engine has started, first
cables (minimum lead cross section remove jumper cables from the
is 35 mm2) and the (12 V) battery of negative battery terminals and
another vehicle. Proceed as follows: then from the positive terminals.
• Turn key to steering lock posi­
Instructions:
tion “0”.
A discharged battery can freeze at
• Run engine of jumper vehicle at
approx. -10° C/+14° F. In all cases it
high idle.
must be thawed out before jumper
• First connect jumper cables to leads are used.
the positive battery terminals and
Never lean over batteries while jump
then to the negative terminals.
starting, you might get burned.

The front towing eye is located on

the RH side behind a flap and the
rear towing eye on the RH side
below the bumper.
Only tow-start vehicle with the
battery cables connected and the
key in steering lock position “2”.
 Tow-starting and Towing the Vehicle

Please keep in mind that conside­ ensure sufficient oil pressure in the Towing a Vehicle
rably more effort is necessary to transmission.
steer and brake the car while the The vehicle may be towed with the
To start the engine, move selector driving wheels on the ground and
engine is not running since there is lever to “L”. Depress accelerator
no servo-assistance. the selector lever in position “N” for
fully. After starting the engine, distances up to 120 km/75 miles
release accelerator and return and at a speed not to exceed
Emergency Engine Start selector lever to “N” immediately.
(Tow-starting) 50 km/h/30 mph.
If the engine fails to fire within a few To positively avoid a possibility of
The engine must be cold if it is to be seconds, return the selector lever damage to the transmission,
started by towing or pushing the from “L” to “N” as otherwise the however, we recommend to discon­
vehicle. transmission may be damaged. nect the drive shaft at the rear axle
Never start a hot engine by towing For another starting attempt, tow car drive flange on any towing beyond a
or pushing the vehicle as the cata­ again for a short while with the short tow to a nearby garage.
lysts might otherwise suffer damage. selector lever in position “N” and
Move selector lever to position “N”. then repeat starting procedure.
Turn key in steering lock to position The same procedure may be used
“2” and have vehicle towed. for starting the engine while rolling

i
After reaching a speed of 30 km/h/ downhill.
18 mph, maintain this speed for
about one minute in order to

77
Technical Data
Fuels Coolants
Lubricants etc.

<
79
Identification Plates

When ordering spare parts, please

quote chassis and engine numbers.

6 Emission Control Tag

7 information Tag
California version
Vacuum line routing for emission
1 Certification Tag (left door pillar) 3 Chassis No. control system
2 Identification Tag (left window 4 Engine No. 8 Emission Control Tag
post) 5 Body No. and Paintwork No. Catalyst Information
Vehicle Data Cards Warranty Coverage

Your car is covered under the terms Loss of owner’s service and
of the “warranties” printed in the warranty policy
owner’s sen/ice and warranty policy Should you lose your owner’s
booklet and your dealer will service and warranty policy booklet,
exchange or repair any defective have your local MB dealer arrange
parts in accordance with the terms for a replacement. It will be mailed
of the following warranties: to you.
1. New vehicle limited warranty
2. Emission systems warranty
3. Emission performance warranty
90 73 4. California emission control
systems warranty (State of Cali­
The vehicle data cards bear all the fornia only unless purchased
important data relating to your optionally for diesel models)
vehicle.
Data card No. 1 bears the key
number and should on no account
be left in the vehicle. Submit this
card to your MERCEDES-BENZ
service station to request a replace­
ment key in case of loss.
Data card No. 2 bears no key data
and is kept in the maintenance
booklet. Presenting this card to the
service station will facilitate the
processing of the order.
Technical Data

Type................. 380 SEL (126 033)' V-belts:

380 SEC (126 043)' Water pump —fan — power
steering p u m p 2 V-belts 9.5 x 1100 mm
Alternator.................................... 9.5 x 990 m
Air conditioning.................... 12.5x 920 mm
Air pump...................................... 9.5 x 750 m

Transmission
Design...................................... Automatic four-speed
torque-converter
transmission
Engine
Steering System
Engine.................................... 116
Mode of operation................. 4-stroke engine, Design.................................... Power steering
gasoline injection
No. of cylinders.................... 8 Rims — Tires
Bore....................................... 88.0 mm/3.46 in R im s................................................ 6' / 2J x 14H2
S troke.................................... 78.9 mm/3.10 in
Total piston displacem ent... 3839 cm3/234.3 in3 Summer tires:
Compression ra tio ............... 83 Radial-ply tires...................... 205/70 HR 14
Output according to SAE__ 115 net-kW/4750 rpm/ Winter tires:
155 net-bhp/4750 rpm Radial-ply tires......................... 205/70 SR 14 M + S
Firing o rd e r........................... 1- 5 - 4 - 8 - 6 - 3 - 7 - 2

The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See a MERCEDES-BENZ
service station for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special
equipment.
 Technical Data

Electrical System W eights................................ See certification tag

Alternator.............................. 14 V/70A Main Dimensions 380 SEL
Starter m o to r........................ 12 V/1.5 kW
B attery.................................. 12 V/66 Ah Overall vehicle le n g th .......... 5285 mm/208.1 in
Spark plugs........................... see “last page” Overall vehicle w id th ............ 1820 mm/ 71.7 in
Overall height
Bulbs..................................... 12 V (curb condition).................... 1440 mm/ 56.7 in
Wheel base........................... 3075 mm/121.1 in
High and low beams.............. Sealed beam/Halogen
Track, fr o n t........................... 1545 mm/ 60.8 in
Turn signal, standing, Track, rear............................. 1517 mm/ 59.7 in
side marker and parking
lamps, fro n t........................... 21/5 W/32/3 cp Main Dimensions 380 SEC
Fog lam ps............................. H3
Stop lam ps........................... 21 W/32 cp Overall vehicle le n g th .......... 5060 mm/199.2 in
Turn signal lamps, re a r........ 21 W/32 cp Overall vehicle w id th ............ 1828 mm/ 72.0 in
Side marker lamps, re a r....... 10 W/ 6 cp Overall height
Tail, parking and (curb condition).................... 1406 mm/ 55.3 in
standing lamps...................... 10W/ 6 cp Wheel base........................... 2850 mm/1 12.2 in
Backup la m p s ...................... 21 W/32 cp Track, fr o n t........................... 1545 mm/ 60.8 in
License plate lamps.............. 5 W festoon lamp Track, rear............................. 1517 mm/ 59.7 in
Interior lam ps........................ 10 W festoon lamp
Reading lamps, rear.............. 4 W/2 cp
Trunk lamp............................. 10 W festoon lamp
Glove compartment lamp__ 5 W festoon lamp

(
Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Capacities

Vehicle components and their Therefore use only brands tested Enquire at your MERCEDES-BENZ
respective lubricants must match. and recommended by us. service station.

Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.

Recommended engine oil

Total oil capacity in

case of engine oil and
filter change

1SAE 40 may be used if ambient temperatures constantly

exceed +30° C/ +86° F.

Automatic transmission Initial fill: Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

7.3 1/7.7 US qt
Fluid change:
6.2 1/6.5 US qt
84
 Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc. Capacities

Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.

Rear axle 1.3 1/1.4 US qt Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90

Accelerator control linkage Hydraulic fluid

Power steering 1.2 1/1.3 US qt Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

60 g each, approx.
Front wheel hubs Multipurpose grease
2.1 oz. each, approx.

Grease nipples Multipurpose or lubrication grease

Door locks Special grease

Battery terminals Bosch special grease

approximately
Brake reservoir Brake fluid
0.5 I/O.5 US qt

approximately Water plus

Windshield washer system
5.0 I/5.3 US qt windshield detergent

Fuel tank approximately

Unleaded gasoline: Average
90 I/23.8 US gal
including a reserve of Octane of Research and Motor 87
approximately
(RON of 91)
12.51/3.3 US gal

Cooling system 12.51/13.2 US qt Coolant

 Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.

Engine Oils A new or reconditioned engine is the first service 1300-1600 km/
filled with an initial operation oil in 800-1000 miles.
Engine oils are specifically tested for the factory or in a MERCEDES-BENZ
their suitability in our engines. service station. This oil is specially Brake Fluid
Therefore, use only engine oils developed for the specific operating
recommended by us. Information on Brake fluid should be changed once
conditions during the first 1300-
recommended brands is available at a year, preferably in spring. Only use
1600 km/800-1000 miles. A recom­
any MERCEDES-BENZ service brake fluid recommended by us. For
mended engine oil may be used for
station. further information, refer to “Safe
topping up if the oil level drops to
Driving”.
the dipstick minimum mark prior to

>
86
 Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc.

Coolants If antifreeze is not available, add a While there may be a number of

corrosion inhibitor to the cooling antifreeze/coolants available which
The coolant is a mixture of water
water to ensure proper protection will provide the requisite protection,
and antifreeze. In production, the
against corrosion. To treat the all such products have not been
cooling system is filled with an anti-
cooling water, do not use more than tested for MERCEDES-BENZ
freeze-water mixture offering protec­
1 % (10 cm3/l) of a recommended vehicles. The following products,
tion to approx. -30° C/-22° F. The corrosion inhibitor. however, are deemed suitable for
red mark on the temperature gauge
Without antifreeze in the cooling use in your car: MERCEDES-BENZ
in the instrument cluster is matched
system, the water already starts Anti-Freeze and Summer Coolant.
to this antifreeze-water mixture
(approx. boiling point 125°C/ boiling at approx. 118° C/224° F, Prior to the onset of the cold
257° F). The protection against which means that the pointer of the season, check the coolant for
corrosion is also ensured by this temperature gauge in the instrument sufficient protection to prevent
mixture making it unnecessary to cluster may still be below the red freezing. Repeat this check during
add a corrosion inhibitor. mark. the cold spell. Regular testing of the
anti-freeze concentration is carried
The coolant remains in the cooling
Antifreeze out only at each MERCEDES-BENZ
system all year long and must be
maintenance service.
renewed after 3 years at the latest. Your vehicle contains a number of
If coolant is lost, replace missing aluminum parts. The use of Protects up to Antifreeze
quantity with water (potable water aluminum components in motor
vehicle engines necessitates that

C\J
O
o
quality) plus antifreeze of a recom­ c jj-

I I I 1 1 1
4.50 1/4.8 US qt
antifreeze/coolant used in such

o
mended brand.
engines be specifically formulated to

C
O C\J O O
o
O CM
For reasons of corrosion inhibition j, 5.50 1/5.8 US qt
protect the aluminum parts. (Failure

o
the minimum proportion of anti­ F 1
to use such antifreeze/coolant may
freeze must be 34 %, which gives

o
result in a significantly shortened j 6.50 1/6.9 US qt
antifreeze protection down to

o
service life.)
-20°C/ -4 ° F.
iervice-Literature

Customers who are interested in ordering service literature

for their vehicles are advised to contact our subsidiaries in
the U.S. or Canada at the following addresses, respectively

for U.S.A.: Mercedes-Benz of N.A. Inc.

One Mercedes Drive
P.O. Box 350
Montvale, New Jersey 07645
Att: Technical Publications
Tel: (201) 573-0600

for Canada: Mercedes-Benz of Canada

849 Eglinton Ave., East
Toronto 17, Ont., Canada
Att: Service Department
Tel: 416-425-3550

The above companies will be happy to handle any such

requests from customers.

We consider this to be the best way to obtain accurate

information for your vehicle.

Printed in G erm any

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 w ithout our prior authorization in writing.
ZKDA/111.81.5. M.

88
The last page What you should know at the gas station

• Fuel: Unleaded gasoline: Average Octane of Research and Motor 87 (RON of 91).
Fuel tank capacity approx. 90 I/23.8 US gal, this includes approx. 12.5 I/3.3 US gal reserve.
Only fill fuel tank until the discharge nozzle unit cuts out - do not over fill.

• Engine Oil: Check engine oil level regularly and prior to every long trip. See page 67.
Quantity differential between upper and lower dipstick marking level: 2.0 1/2.1 US qt.
Year-round multigrade oils 10 W-40/10 W-50/15 W-40/15 W-50.
For further information, refer to page 84.

• Automatic Automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Transmission: For level checks and replenishment, refer to page 69.

• Coolant: For normal replenishment, use water (potable water quality).

For further information (e.g. antifreeze), refer to page 87.

• Bulbs: High and low beams: Sealed beam/Halogen, tail, parking and standing lamps 10 W/6 cp,
turn signal, standing, side marker and parking lamps, front 21/5 W/32/3 cp, turn signal
lamps, rear 21 W/32 cp, stop lamps 21 W/32 cp. For further information, refer to
“Technical Data” .

• SparkPlugs: Bosch W 9 D, Beru 14-9 D, Champion N 12 Y.

bar psi
• Tire Pressure: Cold tires: Warm tires:
2.5 36
For driving up to Pressure may rise by up to
160 km/h/100 mph +0.5 bar/+8 psi.
C/ f '
Never release any air!
bar psi bar psi
normal load 1.9' 28' 2.1' 30'
Summer tires ' For driving above 160 km/h/
maximum load 2.1' 30' 2.4' 34'
100 mph
Winter tires: 2.2 32 2.5 36 +0.4 bar/+6 psi