Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL Operator's Manual

1Mercedes-BenzOperator's Manual320SE420SEL500SEL

10Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see Index1Adjustable air outlet18Air volume control for right air outlet2Exterior lamp switc

100HoodTo unlock the hood, pull release lever(1) under the driver's side of theinstrument panel. At the same timehandle (2) will extend out of th

101Checking Coolant LevelTo check the coolant level, the vehiclemust be parked on level ground and theengine stopped.Check coolant level only when coo

102S 320Checking Engine Oil Level1 Oil dipstick2 Oil filler capTo check the engine oil level, parkvehicle on level ground, with engine atnormal operat

103Spare Wheel1 Trunk floor2 Strap3 Luggage bowlRoll back the floor mat. Lift the trunkfloor (1) and engage strap (2) in theeyelet on the edge of the

104Vehicle Jack1 Jack arm2 Jack baseSee illustration for proper storage ofjack.Before storing the jack on the felt inthe spare wheel well, the jack ar

105WheelsReplace rims or tires with the samedesignation, manufacturer and type asshown on the original part. See yourauthorized Mercedes-Benz dealer f

106Important!Unidirectional snow tires must alwaysbe mounted with arrow on tire sidewallpointing in direction of vehicle forwardmovement.Note:Thorough

1074. Remove lug wrench (1) andextension (2) from tool kit andassemble. Loosen but do notyet remove the wheel bolts.5. Remove the protective coverfrom

10810. Clean contact surfaces ofwheel and wheel hub. Installspare wheel on wheel hub.Insert wheel bolts and tightenthem slightly.To avoid paint damage

109Tire Inflation PressureA table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tireinflation pressures specified for summerand winter tires as well as for the var

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110BatteryWarning!Failure to follow these instructionscan result in severe injury or death.Never lean over batteries whileconnecting, you might get in

111Exterior LampsHeadlamp AdjustmentCorrect headlamp adjustment isextremely important. Check andreadjust headlamps at regular intervalsand when a bulb

112Replacing bulb:When replacing bulbs, install only 12volt bulbs with the specified wattrating.When replacing halogen bulbs do nottouch glass portion

113Headlamp Assembly (Xenon)1 Cover for low beam headlamp bulband fog lamp2 Latch for cover (1)3 Cover for high beam headlamp andlevel for vertical ad

114Bulb for High BeamHI (55 W)Open hood.Depress latch (4) and removecover (3).Pull off electrical connector (10).Unhook clamping ring and removebulb.I

115Turn Signal, Parking, Side Markerand Standing Lamp(2357 NA [28.5/8.3 W/30/2.2 cp] bulb)Open hood.Squeeze latch (1) together and liftcomplete lamp a

116Adjusting HeadlampCorrect headlamp adjustment isextremely important. To check andreadjust a headlamp do the following:• Horizontal aim will changea

1177. Horizontal headlamp aim (lowbeams on):Turn adjusting screw (5) (Right frontheadlamp: counterclockwise to adjustto the left, clockwise to the rig

118Taillamp Assemblies1 Turn signal lamp(21 W/32 cp bulb)2 Stop, side marker lamp(21/4 W/35/1.2 cp bulb)3 Tail, parking, standing lamp(5 W bulb)4 Driv

119Main fuse box in engine compartmentFusesBefore replacing a blown fuse,determine the cause of the short circuit.Spare fuses are supplied inside them

12Instrument Cluster1Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow). See Index9Trip odometer. See Index2Coolant temperature gauge. See Index10Main odom

120If the battery is discharged, the engineshould be started with jumper cablesand the (12V) battery of anothervehicle.The battery is located in the t

121Towing the VehicleThe rear towing eye is located at theright, below the bumper. The fronttowing eye is located on the passengerside behind a flap i

122Cleaning and Care of the VehicleWarning!Many cleaning products can behazardous. Some are poisonous,others are flammable. Always followthe instructi

123Engine CleaningPrior to cleaning the enginecompartment make sure to protectelectrical components and connectorsfrom the intrusion of water or clean

124Plastic Parts, Headliner and RubberPartsDo not use oil or wax on these parts.See separate subject for additionalinformation.Seat BeltsThe webbing m

125Paintwork, Painted BodyComponentsMercedes-Benz approved Paint Careshould be applied when water drops onthe paint surface do not "bead up"

126Testing Infrared Remote ControlChecking Batteries:If the transmit button (1) is pressedlonger than 1 second, the batteryindicator lamp in the trans

127Front Head RestraintsRemoval:Push button (1) up to bring the headrestraint to its highest position.Depress release button (2) beneath theseatback c

128Manual Closing of Trunk LidThe trunk lid can be closed manuallyshould a malfunction occur on thepower closing system.With the trunk lid open:push s

129Replacing Wiper BladesFor safety reasons, remove key fromsteering lock before replacing a wiperblade, otherwise the motor cansuddenly turn on and c

13Indicator Lamp SymbolsFunction Indicator LampHigh beamWarning Lamp(should go out with the engine running unless)Fasten seat belts. See Index.ASR Adj

130Headlamp Wiper BladesRemoval:Fold wiper arm forward. Push pin (1)and remove wiper blade.Installation:Place wiper blade on wiper arm andpress in pin

131Roof FlackUse only those roof racks approvedby Mercedes-Benz to avoid damage tothe vehicle. Follow manufacturer'sinstallation instructions.Mou

132Rear Seat CushionRemoval: Push in locking tabs (1) (onleft and right side of seat) and pull upseat at the front.Installation: Slide rear edge of cu

133Technical Data

134Identification PlatesWhen ordering spare parts, please specifyvehicle identification and engine numbers.1 Vehicle Identification No.2 Certification

135Loss of Owner's Service andWarranty PolicyShould you lose your Owner's Serviceand Warranty Policy Booklet, haveyour authorized MERCEDES-B

136Technical Data S 320 Rims – TiresModel S 320 (140 032)1Rims (light alloy rims) 71/² J x 16 H 2Model S 320 (140 033)1Wheel offset 51 mm (2.0 in)Engi

137Technical Data S 320Main DimensionsWeightsSee certification tagModelS 320 (140.032)Roof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 5213 mm (2

138Technical Data S 420 Rims – TiresModel S 400 (140 043)1Rims (light alloy rims) 71/² J x 16 H 2Wheel offset51 mm (2.0 in)Engine119 Summer tires:Mode

139Technical Data S 420WeightsSee certification tagMain DimensionsRoof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 5213 mm (205.2 in)Trunk load m

14Catalytic ConverterYour MERCEDES-BENZ is equippedwith monolithic type catalyticconverters, an important element inconjunction with the O2sensor toac

140Technical Data S 500 Rims – TiresModel S 500 (140 051)1Rims (light alloy rims) 71/² J x 16 H 2Wheel offset51 mm (2.0 in)Engine119 Summer tires:Mode

141Technical Data S 500WeightsSee certification tagMain DimensionsRoof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 5213 mm (205.2 in)Trunk load m

142Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. - CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective lubricants must match.Therefore use only brands tested and rec

143Model Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Power steering approx. 1.4 US qt (1.3 l) MB Power steering fluidFront wheel hubs approx. 2.1 oz (60

144Engine OilsEngine oils are specifically tested fortheir suitability in our engines.Therefore, use only engine oilsrecommended by Mercedes-Benz.Info

145Fuel RequirementsUse only Premium unleaded meetingASTM standard D 439:The octane number (posted at thepump) must be 91min. It is an averageof both,

146Therefore the following product isstrongly recommended for use in yourcar: Mercedes-BenzAnticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent.Before the start of the wint

147Consumer InformationThis has been prepared as required of allmanufacturers of passenger cars underTitle 49, Code of U.S. FederalRegulations, Part 5

148Problems with your VehicleIf you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believemay affect its safe operation, we

149For the U.S.A. only.The following text is published as required of manufacturersunder Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575pursuant

15Starting and Turning off the EngineBefore StartingEngage parking brake and ensureselector lever is in position "P" or "N".Turn k

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151Index:

152ABS 79,91-92,94Acceleration slip control (ASR) 92Adaptive damping system (ADS) 96ADS 96,110,142Air conditioner refrigerant 144Air distribution 25Ai

153Electronic stability program (ESP) 94Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 52Emission control 97Engine malfunction"CHECK ENGINE"malfunctio

154Parking assist (Parktronic) 83Parking brake 15-16,18,67, 76-79, 90,92,94, 97,104, 106, 120Power closing assist for doors andtrunk lid 36Power seats

155Service and LiteratureYour authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has trainedtechnicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to serviceyour vehicle properly.

156Check Regularly and Before a Long TripThe engine compartment ofmodel S 500 is illustrated.1 Fuel SupplyTo add fuel turn cap to the leftand hold on

157What You Should Know at the Gas Station• Fuel:Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane index91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON).Fuel tank capacity ap

16Driving InstructionsWarning!If you feel a sudden significantvibration or ride disturbance, or yoususpect that possible damage to yourvehicle has occ

17Caution!When driving down long and steepgrades, relieve the load on the brakesby shifting into "3", "2" or "1" (modelS

18Tire TractionThe safe speed on a wet, snow coveredor icy road is always lower than on adry road.You should pay particular attention tothe condition

19Winter Driving InstructionsThe most important rule for slippery oricy roads is to drive sensibly and toavoid abrupt acceleration, braking andsteerin

2Product informationKindly observe the following in your own best interest:We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts

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21Operation

22Automatic Climate ControlThe system is always at operationalreadiness, except when manuallyswitched off.The automatic climate control onlyoperates w

23Display and ControlsPress to activate, indicator lamp is onwhile activated.Automatic modeRaise temperatureLower temperatureDefrostAir recirculationA

24Basic Setting - Automatic ModePress left and right for automaticmode.Simultaneously press bothand for temperature setting of72° F.Air volume and dis

25Air DistributionPress button repeatedly untilthe requested symbol is displayed.Air VolumePress - or + side of rocker switch untilthe requested blowe

26Activated Charcoal FilterTo select, press button.To cancel, press button again.An activated charcoal filter markedlyreduces bad odors and removespol

27Rear Passenger CompartmentAdjustable Air OutletVehicles without rear passengercompartment climate control.Slide switch (1) up to open outlet forfres

28Car KeysIncluded with your vehicle are• Master keys with infraredremote control• 1 Master key• 1 Valet key• 1 Flat keyInfrared Remote Control withFo

29Starter Lock-OutImportant!Removing the key from the steeringlock activates the start lock-out. Theengine cannot be started.Turning the key in the st

3Operator's manualThis Operator's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yours

304. Receiver, red indicator lamp(locking) and green indicator lamp(unlocking) in driver's door handle.5. Receiver, red indicator lamp(locking) a

31Locking and UnlockingAim transmitter eye at receiver oninside rear view mirror and presstransmit button. Distance to receivermax. 20 ft (6 m).The re

32Central Locking SystemThe entire vehicle may be locked orunlocked by either using the masterkey in the door or trunk locks, orcentral locking switch

33Central locking switch1 Locking2 UnlockingThe central locking switch is locatedon the center console.The doors can only be locked with thecentral lo

34Trunk1 Neutral position - push to open2 Unlocking3 Locking (detent)4 Separate locking of trunk -remove key in this position.When the trunk is separa

35Power Windows and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof1 Closing2 Interrupting3 OpeningWhen locking doors or trunk, turn keyin driver door lock or trunk lock topositi

36Power Closing Assist for Doors andTrunk LidThe doors and trunk lid closeautomatically if:• doors are pushed against the lock,• trunk lid is lowered

371 Indicator lamp in switch located incenter consoleAnti-Theft Alarm SystemThe anti-theft alarm is automaticallyarmed or disarmed with any of yourveh

38Power Seats, FrontWarning!Do not adjust the driver's seat whiledriving. Adjusting the seat whiledriving could cause the driver to losecontrol o

39F Memory buttonG Position buttonsStoring seat/head restraint/ steeringwheel/exterior and inside rear viewmirror positions in memory:Three sets of se

4Important notice for California retail buyers of Mercedes-Benz automobilesUnder California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle o

40Important!Bring seat backrest to upright positionbefore recalling a stored seat/headrestraint/steering wheel/exterior andinside rear view mirror pos

41Lumbar Support1 Pressure regulatorThe seats have an inflatable aircushion built into the backrest toprovide additional lumbar support.The inflation

42Heated SeatsThe front seat heater switches arelocated to the left and right side of thecenter console ashtray.The rear seat heater switches arelocat

43Armrest with Compartment forTelephone Handset(Front Seats)1 Armrest folded down2 Normal use(3 comfort positions)3 Armrest folded upFolding down:Rais

44.Power Seats, RearThe seats can be adjusted using theslide switches located in either of therear doors.Turn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (

45.Armrest with Integrated StorageCompartment (Rear Bench Seat)Pull down the armrest by its strap.Before storing the armrest in thebackrest, close its

46Switch on center consolePower Head Restraints, RearTurn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or frontpassenger's door

47Adjustable Steering WheelTurn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or frontpassenger's door open, the steeringwheel c

48Seat Belts and SupplementalRestraint System (SRS)Your vehicle is equipped with seatbelts for all seats, emergencytensioning retractors for the front

491 Latch plate2 Buckle3 Release buttonFastening of Seat BeltsPush latch plate (1) into buckle (2)until it clicks.The lap belt should be positioned as

5Change of address or ownershipIf you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Owner's Servi

50Warning!USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY.• Each occupant should wear theirseat belt at all times, because seatbelts help reduce the likelihood ofand potentia

51Warning!USE CHILD RESTRAINTSPROPERLY• Infants and small children mustbe seated in an infant or childrestraint system, which isproperly secured by a

52Emergency TensioningRetractor (ETR)The seat belts for the front seats areequipped with emergency tensioningretractors. These tensioning retractorsar

53Airbags1 Driver airbag2 Front passenger airbag3 Side impact airbagThe most effective occupant restraintsystem yet developed for use inproduction veh

54and passenger seat belt buckleharnesses, and low voltage in the entiresystem are detected and indicated.In the event a malfunction of the "SRS&

55Warning!It is very important for your safety toalways be In a properly seatedposition and to wear your seat belt.For maximum protection in theevent

56Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt,Emergency Tensioning Retractorand AirbagWarning!• Damaged belts or belts thatwere highly stressed in anaccident

57Important!The use of infant or child restraints isrequired by law in all 50 states and allCanadian provinces.Infants and small children should besea

58Steering Lock0 The key can be withdrawn in thisposition only. The steering islocked with the key removedfrom the steering lock. The keycan be remove

59.Combination Switch1 Low beam (exterior lampswitch position )2 High beam (exterior lampswitch position )3 High beam flasher (high beamavailable inde

6We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design andequipment. There

60Windshield Washer Fluid MixingRatioFor temperatures above freezing:MB Windshield WasherConcentrate "S" and water1 part "S" to 10

61Exterior Lamp SwitchCanada only:When the engine is running and theselector lever is in a driving position, thelow beam (includes parking lamps, side

62Night Security IlluminationWhen exiting the vehicle after drivingwith the exterior lamps on, theheadlamps switch on for added securityfor approximat

63Exterior Rear View MirrorMultiple ImagesThis vehicle is equipped with anti-fogging dual-pane side windows toprovide extra insulation against heat,co

64Sun VisorsSwing sun visors down to protectagainst sun glare.If sunlight enters through a sidewindow, disengage visor from innermounting and pivot to

65Interior Lighting1 Interior Lamps (Door contact)A BA Interior lamps are switched on,and off delayed, when unlockingor locking the vehicle, or whenop

66Storage CompartmentsStorage Compartmentsin the Dashboard1 Storage/eyeglassescompartment2 Button for storage/eyeglasses compartment3 Glove box4 Butto

67in center console, frontAshtraysBy touching the top of the coverlightly, the ashtray opens automatically.Prior to removing the ashtray insertmove ge

68Sliding Roofwith Rear Pop-Up Feature1 to slide roof open2 to slide roof closed3 to raise roof at rear4 to lower roof at rearTurn key in steering loc

69in center console, frontPower WindowsSwitches for:1 left, front2 left, rear3 right, front4 right, rear5 safety switch6 individual switches (rear doo

7See IndexThe First 1000 Miles (1500 km)The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its

70Warning!When closing the windows, be surethat there is no danger of anyonebeing harmed by the closingprocedure.In case of obstruction, the automatic

71Rear Window Sunshade1 Raising2 LoweringThe switches are located on the centerconsole and between the single rearseats.The sunshade should always be

721 Adjusting knobInstrument LampsRotate adjusting knob (1) to varyintensity of instrument lamps.Display IlluminationPress adjusting knob to brieflyil

73Garage Door Opener1Remote control transmitter located oninside rear view mirror2 Portable remote control transmitterThe built-in remote control is c

74mirrorremote control light starts toflash rapidly. This means that theintegrated remote control hasaccepted the frequency and code ofthe portable tr

75Driving

76Drinking and DrivingWarning!Drinking and driving can be a verydangerous combination. Even a smallamount of alcohol or drugs can affectyour reflexes,

77Automatic TransmissionThe automatic transmission selectsindividual gears automatically,dependent upon• Selector lever position• Accelerator position

78Selector Lever PositionsThe automatic gear shifting processcan be adapted to specific operatingconditions using the selector lever.P Parking lock.Th

79converter to heat up more quickly tooperating temperatures.During the brief warm-up period thisdelayed upshift and increased enginenoise might be pe

8IntroductionDoors32 Vanity mirrors 64Central Locking System32 Interior Lighting 65Product information 2 Central Locking Switch 33Storage Compartments

80Program Mode Selector SwitchThe transmission is provided with aselector switch for Standard "S" andWinter (snow and ice) "W" pro

81Cruise ControlAny given speed above approximately25 mph (40 km/h) can be maintainedwith the cruise control by operating thelever.1 Accelerate and se

82Note:If the engine does not brake the vehiclesufficiently while driving on adowngrade, the speed you set on thecruise control may be exceeded andyou

83Parking Assist (Parktronic)(optional)The Parktronic assists the driverduring parking maneuvers. It visuallyand audibly indicates the distancebetween

84Warning Indicators1 Warning indicators forfront area2 Warning indicators forrear area3 Frame4 SegmentsVisual and audible signals indicate tothe driv

85Parktronic Switch1 Parktronic switched off2 Parktronic switched on3 Indicator light - comes on whenParktronic is switched off.The switch is located

86Engine Oil Pressure GaugeThe oil pressure at idle speed may dropif the engine is at operatingtemperature. This will not jeopardizethe engine's

87Outside Temperature IndicatorThe temperature sensor is located inthe front bumper area. Due to itslocation, the sensor can be affected byroad or eng

88Low Engine Coolant LevelWarning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the warning lamp comes on and goesout with the engine running.If the wa

89Exterior Lamp Failure IndicatorLampWith the key in steering lock position2, a dim indicator lamp comes on, andgoes out when the engine is running.Wi

9Fuel Consumption Gauge 86 Checking Engine Oil Level 102 Rear Seat Cushion 132Fuel Reserve Warning LampAutomatic Trans. Fluid Level102 MERCEDES-BENZ S

90Brake Warning LampThe brake warning lamp will come onwith the key in steering lock position 2and should go out when the engine isrunning.The brake w

91Antilock Brake System (ABS)Important!The ABS improves steering control ofthe vehicle during braking maneuvers.For maximum benefit, do not pump thebr

92Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)The acceleration slip regulation willengage at all vehicle speeds, if one orboth drive wheels begin to lose tracti

93ASR control switch located in centerconsoleASR Control SwitchTo improve the vehicle's traction whendriving with snow chains, or startingoff in

94Electronic Stability Program(ESP) Models S 420, S 500(optional)The ESP enhances directional controland improves traction of the vehicleunder any dri

95ESP control switch located in centerconsoleESP Control SwitchTo improve the vehicle's traction whendriving with snow chains, or startingoff in

96Adaptive Damping System (ADS)Depending upon road surfaceconditions, load, driving style, ADSwillautomatically adjust the optimal ridefirmness.The ma

97Emission ControlCertain systems of the engine serve tokeep certain components of the exhaustgases within permissible limits requiredby law.These sys

98Traveling AbroadAbroad, there is a widely-spreadMercedes-Benz service network at yourdisposal. If you plan to travel into areaswhich are not listed

99Practical Hints