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Driving

Drinking and Driving 60Parking Brake

Driving OffManual Transmission 61Recommended Shift Points

for Manual TransmissionAutomatic TransmissionCruise Control 65Brake Pad Wear Indicator

Lamp 67Brake Warning Lamp 67

Brake System (ABS) 68Automatic Locking

Differential ASD) 69Acceleration lip Control (ASR) 69Charge Indicator LampEngine Oil Consumption 71

Engine Oil Pressure GaugeLow Engine Oil Level Warning

LampCoolant Temperature GaugeLow Engine Coolant Level

Warning LampFuel Reserve Warning LampLow Windshield and

System

Fluid Level Warning LampOutside Temperature IndicatorEmission ControlOn-Board Diagnostic System

(California models only)Traveling AbroadWinter DrivingSnow Chains

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737374

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Drinking and Driving

Warning!

Drinking and driving can be avery dangerous combination.Even a small amount of alco-

hol or drugs can affect yourreflexes, perceptions andjudgement.

The possibility of a serious oreven fatal accident is sharplyincreased when you drink anddrive.

Please dont drink and driveor allow anyone to drive afterdrinking. Parking Brake

To engage, pull up parking brakelever. When the key is in steeringlock position 2, the brake warninglamp in the instrument clustershould come on brightly.

To release the parking brake,slightly pull up lever, push inrelease button at the grip, thenlower it completely. The brakewarning lamp in the instrumentcluster should dim, when the leveris down.

Also see Brake Warning LampTest in Index.

Driving Off

Test the brakes briefly after driv-ing off. Perform this procedureonly when the road is clear ofother traffic.

Warm up the engine smoothly. Donot place full load on the engineuntil the operating temperaturehas been reached.

When starting off on a slipperysurface, do not allow one drivingwheel to spin for an extendedperiod.

Warning!

Keep drivers foot area clear atall times. Objects stored in thisarea may impair pedalmovement.

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Manual Transmission

See illustration for gearshift leverpositions corresponding to theindividual gears.

Stop the vehicle completely before

shifting into reverse; to shift intoreverse, pull the shift lever up.

Do not exceed the maximumspee d in the individua l gea rs. Seeline markings on the speedometer.

Recommended Shift Points forManual Transmission

For good fuel economy, thefollowing shift points arerecommended:

Shiftfrom 1st to 2nd at

15 mph (24 km/h)from 2nd to 3rd at

25 mph (40 km/h)

Important! from 3rd to 4th at

When vehicle is parked, be sure to40 mph (64 km/h)

engage first or reverse gear and4th 5th

firmly set parking brake.45 mph (72 km/h).

When parking on an incline, alsoturn front wheel against curb.

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Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission se-lects individual gears automati-cally, dependent upon selectorlever position, vehicle speed andaccelerator position.

Important!

When parking the car and beforeworking on the vehicle with theengine running, firmly engage theparking brake and shift the selec-tor lever to position

Driving

The selector lever is automatically

locked while in position Tomove the selector lever out ofposition the service brakepedal must be firmly depressedbefore the shift lock will release.

Shift selector lever to the desireddriving position only when theengine is idling and the servicebrake is applied. Do not release

the brake until ready to drive. Thevehicle may otherwise start creep-ing when the selector lever is indrive or reverse position.

Warning!

It is dangerous to shift theselector lever out of orif the engine speed is

higher than idle speed. If yourfoot is not on the brake pedal,the car could acceleratequickly forward or in reverse.You could lose control of thecar and hit someone or some-thing. Only shift into gearwhen the engine is idling

normally.

Important!

After selecting any driving positionfrom or wait a moment toallow the gear to fully engagebefore accelerating, especiallywhen the engine is cold.

Accelerator position

Partial throttle = early upshifting =normal acceleration

Full throttle = later upshifting =rapid acceleration

(depressing the accel-erator beyond full throttle)downshifting to a lower gear =maximum acceleration. Once thedesired speed is attained, ease upon the accelerator the transmis-sion shifts up again.

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Selector lever positions

The automatic gear shifting pro-cess can be adapted to specificoperating conditions using theselector lever.

P Parking lock.The parking lock is an ad-ditional safeguard to the park-ing brake when parking thevehicle. Engage only with thecar stopped.

Note:The key can be removed fromthe steering lock only with theselector lever position P.

N

D

The selector lever is locked inposition with the key re-moved.

Reverse gear.Shift to reverse gear only withthe car stopped.

Neutral.No power is transmitted fromthe engine to the rear axle.When the brakes are released,the vehicle can be moved freely(pushed or towed). Do not en-gage N while driving exceptto coast when the vehicle is indanger of skidding (e.g. on icyroads, see Winter Driving

in Index).Important!

Coasting the vehicle, or drivingfor any other reason with se-lector lever in N, can result intransmission damage that is notcovered by the Mercedes-BenzLimited Warranty.

The transmission automatically

upshifts to 4th gear. Positionorovides ootimum drivingcharacteristics underoperating conditions.

all normal

Upshift to 3rd gear only.Suitable for medium rangeor downgrades.

Upshift to 2nd gear only.For driving in mountainousregions. Since transmission willnot shift up further, this gearselection will make use of theengines braking power.

Important!

With selector lever in position Dor upshifting from 1st to 2ndto 3rd gear is delayed dependingon vehicle speed and engine tem-perature. This allows the catalytic

converter to heat up more quicklyto operating temperatures.

During the brief warm-up periodthis delayed upshift and increasedengine noise might be perceivedas malfunction. neitherthe engine nor transmission arenegatively affected by this mode ofoperation.

The delayed upshift is effectivefor:

Model 190 2.3with vehicle speeds below 31 mph(50 km/h) at partial throttle and

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engine temperatures below 86 F(30C).

Model 190 2.6with vehicle speeds below 31 mph(50 km/h) at partial throttle andengine tempertures below 95 F

(35C).

Important!

Do not exceed the vehicle speedlimits for individual gear selec-tions, which are indicated bymarks (I, II, III etc.) on the circum-ference of the speedometer.

Do not downshift to a lower gear(for example from to 3)

unless the speedometer needle isbelow the speed limit mark of thatparticular gear range. Overrevvingcould result in serious damage tothe engine.

Warning!

On slippery road surfaces,never downshift in order toobtain braking action. Thiscould result in rear wheel slip

and reduced vehicle control.Your vehicles ABS will notprevent this type of loss ofcontrol.

To prevent the engine from labo-ring at low RPM, do not allow theengine speed to drop too low onuphill gradients.

Depending on the degree of theincline, shift selector lever to po-

sition or 2 early enough tomaintain engine RPM within thebest torque range.

Maneuvering

To maneuver in tight areas, e. g.when pulling into a parking space,control the car speed by graduallyreleasing the brakes. Accelerategently and never abruptly step onthe accelerator.

To rock a car out of soft ground(mud or snow), alternately shiftfrom forward to reverse whileapplying partial throttle.

Rocking a car free in this mannermay cause the warning lampto come on. Turn off and restartthe engine to clear the malfunctionindication.

Stopping

For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights,leave the transmission in gear andcontrol vehicle with the servicebrake.

For longer stops with the engineidling, shift into N or

When stopping the car on anincline, do not hold it with theaccelerator, use the brake. Thisavoids unnecessary transmissionheat build up.

Warning!

Getting out of your car withthe selector lever not fully

engaged in position isdangerous. When parked ona steep incline, positionalone may not prevent yourvehicle from moving, possiblyhitting people or objects.

Always set the parking brakein addition to shifting toposition

When parked on an incline,

also turn front wheel againstcurb.

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1

Cruise Control

Any given speed above approxi-mately 25 mph (40 km/h) can bemaintained with the cruise controlby operating the lever.

Accelerate and set:Lift lever briefly to set speed.Hold lever up to accelerate.

Decelerate and set:Depress lever briefly to setspeed.

Hold lever down to decelerate.

Normally the vehicle is 3to the desired speed with the

accelerator.

Speed is set by briefly pushing thelever to position 1 or 2. The accel-erator can be released.

The speed can be increased (e. g.for passing) by using the accelera-tor. As soon as the accelerator isreleased, the previously set speedwill be resumed automatically.

If a set speed is to be increased ordecreased slightly, e. g. to adaptto the traffic flow, hold lever inposition 1 or 2 until the desiredspeed is reached, or briefly tip thecontrol lever in the appropriatedirection for increases ordecreases in 0.6 mph (1 km/h)increments. When the lever isreleased, the newly set speedremains.

CancelingTo cancel the cruise control,briefly push lever to position 3.When you step on the brake orclutch pedal or the vehiclespeed falls below approx.

25 mph (40 km/h), for examplewhen driving upgrade, thecruise control will be canceled.

ResumeIf the lever is briefly pushed toposition 4 when driving at aspeed

3approximately

25 mph (40 km h), the vehicleresumes the speed which wasset prior to the cancellation ofthe cruise control. The lastmemorized speed is canceledwhen the key in the steeringlock is turned to position or 0.

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Note:

If the engine does not brake thevehicle sufficiently while driving ona downgrade, the speed you seton the cruise control may be ex-ceeded and you may have to step

on the brake pedal to slow down.As soon as the grade eases, thecruise controlled speed will againbe maintained as long as thebrakes were not previously ap-plied, or the lever may be used toresume the previously set speed ifthe brakes were applied.

Warning!

Only use the cruise control ifthe traffic and weather condi-tions make it advisable to trav-el at a steady speed.

l The use of cruise controlcan be dangerous on wind-ing roads or in heavy trafficbecause conditions do notallow safe driving at asteady speed.

l use of cruise controlcan be dangerous on slip-pery roads. Rapid changesin tire adhesion can resultin wheel spin and loss ofcontrol.

Resume function shouldonly be operated if the driveris fully aware of the previouslyset speed and wishes to re-sume this particular presetspeed.

Caution!

In the case of manual transmis-sions, the vehicle maximum speedin the individual gears should notbe exceeded. See line markingson the speedometer. In the case ofautomatic transmissions, thetransmission selector lever mustnot be shifted to position Nwhen driving with the cruisecontrol engaged as otherwise theengine will

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Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp

The brake pad wear indicatorlamp in the instrument clustercomes on when the key in thesteering lock is turned to posi-

tion 2 and it goes out when theengine is running. If the indicatorlamp lights up during braking, thisindicates that the front wheelbrake pads are worn down(vehicles equipped with ASR frontand/or rear wheel brake pads).

Wave the brake system checked atyour authorized Mercedes-Benzdealer as soon as possible.

Brake Warning bamp

The brake warning lamp will comeon if insufficient brake fluid is inthe reservoir (key in steering lockposition 2 and parking brake

released).When the minimum mark on thereservoir is reached, have thebrake system checked for brakepad thickness and leaks.

To test the brake warning lamp,turn key in steering lock to posi-tion 2. The brake warning lampcomes on dimly, and should goout when the engine is running.

Warning!

Driving with the brake warninglamp on, can result in an acci-dent. Have your brake systemchecked immediately if the

brake warning lamp stays on.Dont add brake fluid beforechecking the brake system.Overfilling the brake fluidreservoir can result in spillingbrake fluid on hot engine partsand the brake fluid catchingfire. You can be seriouslyburned.

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Brake System (ABS)

The ABS prevents the wheels fromlocking up above a vehicle speedof approximately 2 mph (3 km/h)independent of road surface con-ditions. It is necessary, however,that the vehicle speed reaches atleast 5 mph (8 km/h) before com-mencing brake.

At the instant one of the wheels isabout to lock up, a slight pulsationcan be felt in the brake pedal, in-dicating that the ABS is in the re-gulating mode.

On slippery road surfaces, theABS will respond even with only

slight brake pedal pressure. Thepulsating brake pedal can be anindication of hazardous road con-ditions, and it functions as a re-minder to take extra care whiledriving.

The ABS warning lamp in theinstrument cluster comes on withthe key in steering lock position 2and should go out with the enginerunning.

If the charging voltage falls below10 volts, the indicator lamp comeson and the ABS is switched off.When the voltage is above thisvalue again, the warning lampshould go out and the ABS isoperational.

If the ABS warning lamp does notgo out or comes on while driving,it indicates that the ABS has de-tected a malfunction and has

switched off. In this case, thebrake system functions in theusual manner, but without

Warning!

Even the ABS cannot preventthe natural laws of physicsfrom acting on the vehicle.The ABS cannot prevent acci-

dents, including those result-ing from excessive speed inturns, following anothervehicle too closely, oraquaplaning. Only a safe,attentive, and skillful drivercan prevent accidents. Thecapabilities of an ABSequipped car must never beexploited in a reckless ordangerous manner which

could jeopardize the userssafety or the safety of others.

assistance. Have the system Note:checked at your authorizedMercedes-Benz dealer as soon as To alert following vehicles to

possible. slippery road conditions youdiscover, operate your hazardwarning flashers appropriate.

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Automatic Locking Differential

The automatic locking differentialengages when there is a differ-ence in speed (slip) during accel-eration between the front and rear

wheels of over 1.2 mph (2 km/h)and the vehicle speed is less than15.6 mph (25 km/h). It will disen-gage at speeds above 16.2 mph(26 km/h).

The yellow function indicator inthe speedometer comes on when-ever there is a difference in speedbetween the front and rear wheelsof over 1.2 mph (2 km/h), warning

of slippery road conditions.In steering lock position 2, theyellow function indicator lamp andthe yellow ASD warning lamp inthe instrument cluster shouldcome on and then must go outwith the engine running.

If the ASD warning lamp comes onwith the engine running, a mal-function has been detected. Werecommend that you visit anauthorized Mercedes-Benz dealeras soon as possible to have the

ASD checked.

Caution!

If the vehicle is towed with thefront axle raised, the key must notbe in steering lock position 2.Otherwise, the automatic lockingdifferential control will immediately

be engaged, which may causeloss of towing control.

Notes:

The automatic locking differentialwill not engage at speeds above15.6 mph (25 km/h). However,above this speed, a limited-slipeffect of up to 35% is alwayspresent.

When testing the parking brake ona brake test dynamometer, turn offthe engine to avoid engaging theautomatic locking differential.

In winter operation, the maximumefficiency of the automatic lockingdifferential can only be achievedwith Mercedes-Benz recommend-ed M + S radial-ply tires on all fourwheels.

Acceleration Slip ControlThe acceleration slip control willengage at all vehicle speeds, ifone or both drive wheels begin tolose traction and spin due to

excessive acceleration. Whileengaged, the yellow function indi-cator in the speedometer lights up.

With the acceleration slip controlengaged, the brake is applied tothe spinning drive wheel until it

regains sufficient traction. If bothdrive wheels lose traction andspin, the brake is applied to bothdrive wheels and simultaneously,engine torque is limited.

As traction on the road surfaceincreases, the allowable enginetorque also increases again andthe brake is no longer applied todrive wheels.

Caution!If the vehicle is towed with thefront axle raised, the key must notbe in steering lock position 2.Otherwise, the acceleration slipcontrol will immediately be en-gaged and will apply the rearwheel brakes.

Notes:

With the key in steering lock posi-

tion 2, the yellow function indicatorlamp and the yellow ASR warninglamp in the instrument clustercome on. They must go out withthe engine running.

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Charge Indicator Lamp

Should the charge indicator lampfail to come on prior to startingwhen the key is in steering lockposition 2 or should it fail to go outafter starting or during operation,

this indicates a fault which mustbe repaired at an authorizedMercedes-Benz dealer imme-diately.

If the charge indicator lamp comeson while the engine is running,this may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should thiscondition occur, the poly-V-beltmust be replaced before con-tinuing to operate the vehicle.Otherwise, the engine will over-heat due to an inoperative waterpump which may result in damageto the engine.

Engine Oil Consumption

Engine oil consumption can onlybe determined after a certainmileage has been covered. Duringthe break-in period, higher oilconsumption may be noticed and

is normal. Frequent driving at highengine speeds results in increasedconsumption.

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge

The oil pressure at idle speed maydrop to 4.4 psi (0.3 bar) if the en-gine is at operating temperature.This will not jeopardize its opera-tional reliability.

Pressure must, however, riseimmediately upon acceleration.

Low Engine Oil Level WarningLamp

The warning lamp comes on withthe key in steering lock position 2and should go out when the en-gine is running.

If the warning lamp comes on withthe engine running and at opera-ting temperature, the engine oillevel has dropped to approxima-tely the minimum mark on thedipstick. When this occurs, thewarning lamp will first come onintermittently and then stay on ifthe oil level drops further. If no oilleaks are noted and there is noloss in engine oil pressure, con-tinue to drive to the nearest ser-vice station where the engine oilshould be topped to the fullmark of the dipstick (see Index).

In addition to the warning lamp,the engine oil level should beperiodically checked with the dip-stick, for example during a fuelstop, or before a long trip (seeIndex).

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Coolant Temperature Gauge

If the antifreeze mixture is effectiveto -22F the boiling pointof the coolant in the pressurizedcooling system of your vehicle isapprox. 266F (130C).

During severe operating conditionsand stop-and-go city traffic, thecoolant temperature may riseclose to the red marking.

The engine should not be opera-ted with the coolant temperature inthe red zone.

Warning!

Driving when your engine isbadly overheated can causesome fluids which may haveleaked into the engine com-partment to catch fire. You

could be seriously burned.Turn off the engine and getout of the car until it coolsdown.

Steam from an overheatedengine can cause seriousburns and can occur just byopening the engine hood.Stay away from the engineif you see or hear steamcoming from it. Turn off theengine and do not standnear the car until it coolsdown.

Low Engine Coolant LevelWarning Lamp

The warning lamp comes on withthe key in steering lock position 2,and should go out when the en-gine is running.

If it comes on with the enginerunning, the coolant has droppedbelow the required level. If noleaks are noticeable and theengine temperature does notincrease, continue to drive to thenearest service station and havecoolant added to the coolantsystem (see Index).

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Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp

The fuel reserve warning lampshould come on when the key isturned to steering lock position 2,and should go out after the engineis running.

If the warning lamp stays on afterthe engine starts, or comes onwhile driving, it indicates that thefuel level is down to the reservequantity of 1.6 US gal (6.0 I).

Low Windshield and HeadlampWasher System Fluid LevelWarning Lamp

The warning lamp comes on withthe key in steering lock position 2and should go out when the en-

gine is running.If the warning lamp comes on withthe engine running, the level ofthe reservoir has dropped to ofthe total volume. The reservoirshould be refilled with MB Wind-shield Washer Concentrate Sand water (or commercially avail-able premixed windshield washersolvent/antifreeze, depending onambient temperature see Index)

at the next opportunity. The reser-voir for the windshield and head-lamp washer systems is located inthe engine compartment (seeIndex).

Outside Temperature Indicator

The temperature sensor is locatedin the front bumper area. Due toits location, the sensor can be af-fected by road or engine heatduring idling or slow driving. This

means that the accuracy of thedisplayed temperature can only beverified by comparison to athermometer placed next to thesensor, not by comparison toexternal displays (e.g. bank signsetc.).

Adaptation to ambient temperaturetakes place in steps and dependson the prevailing driving condi-tions (stop-and-go or moderate,

constant driving) and amount oftemperature change.

serve as anDevice and is therefore un-suitable for that purpose.

above freezin

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Emission Control

Certain systems of the engineserve to keep the toxic compo-nents of the exhaust gases withinpermissible limits required by law.

These systems, of course, willfunction properly only whenmaintained strictly according tofactory specifications. Any adjust-ments on the engine should,therefore, be carried out only byqualified Mercedes-Benztechnicians. The engine shouldnot be altered in any way. More-over, the specified service andmaintenance jobs must be carriedout regularly according toMercedes-Benz servicingrequirements. For details refer tothe Maintenance Booklet.

Warning!

Inhalation of exhaust gas ishazardous to your health. Allexhaust gas contains carbonmonoxide, and inhaling it cancause unconsciousness and

lead to death.Do not run the engine in con-fined areas (such as a garage)which are not properly ventila-ted. If you think exhaust gasfumes are entering the vehiclewhile driving, have the causedetermined and corrected im-mediately. If you must driveunder these conditions, drive

only with at least one windowfully open.

oard Diagnostic System(California models only)

The Continuous Fuel injection(CFI) control module monitorsemission control components thateither provide input signals to or

receive output signals from thecontrol unit. Malfunctions resultingfrom interruptions or failure of anyof these components are indicatedby the CHECK ENGINE mal-function indicator lamp in theinstrument cluster and are simul-taneously stored in the CFI controlmodule.

If the CHECK ENGINE malfunc-tion indicator lamp comes on,

have the system checked at yourauthorized Mercedes-Benz dealerat the first opportunity.

An on-board diagnostic connectorwith pushbutton and light emittingdiode (LED) is located on theengine compartment firewall,allowing the accurate identificationof system malfunctions throughthe readout of diagnostic troublecode.

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Snow Chains

Use only snow chains that aretested and recommended byMercedes-Benz. Your authorizedMercedes-Benz dealer will be gladto advise you on this subject.

Chains should only be used onthe rear wheels. Follow the manu-facturers mounting instructions.

Snow chains should only bedriven on snow at speeds not toexceed 30 mph (50 km/h).Remove chains as soon aspossible when driving on roadswithout snow.

For tips on driving on slippery Important!winter roads refer to Index.

Vehicles with Acceleration Slip chains on Model

Control (ASR): Standard model (withoutWhen driving with snow chains, Sportline option) permissiblepress the snow chain switch, referto Index.

only on standard equipment tiresize

Sportline model with rear axlelevel control permissible on tiresize or winter tire size

15 87T M+S.

Sportline model without rearaxle level control not allowedon tire size but permis-sible on winter tire size

Refer to Rims Tires in sectionTechnical Data (see Index).

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