Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC Operator's Manual

1Mercedes-BenzOperator's Manual500SEC600SEC

10Instruments and Controls For more detailed descriptions see specified pages1Adjustable air outlet19Storage/eyeglasses compartment2Exterior lamp swit

1005. Remove the protective cover fromthe jack support tube opening byinserting a screwdriver in theopening and prying it out.The tube openings are lo

10111. Install spare wheel on wheelhub. Insert wheel bolts andtighten them slightly.To avoid paint damage, placewheel flat against hub and hold itther

102Tire Inflation PressureA table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tireinflation pressures specified forsummer and winter tires as well as forthe vary

103BatteryThe maintenance-free battery is locatedin the trunk behind the right-hand coverpanel.The service life of the battery is alsodependent on its

104Exterior LampsWhen replacing bulbs, install only 12volt bulbs with the specified wattratingHeadlamp Assembly1 Headlamp vertical adjustmentscrew2 He

105Replacing bulb:When replacing halogen bulbs do nottouch glass portion of bulb with barehands. Use plain paper or a clean cloth.Warning!Halogen lamp

106Note:Horizontal headlamp aim normallynever changes and needs readjustmentonly after repair to the body or aheadlamp unit. Therefore, do not turnthe

107Taillamp Assemblies1 Turn signal lamp(21 W/32 cp bulb)2 Backup lamp(21 W/32 cp bulb)3 Stop, side marker lamp(21/4 W/35/1.2cpbulb)4 Tail, parking la

108High Mounted Stop Lamp(H2 [20 W] bulb)To replace the bulb, press tabs on bothsides (arrows) to release cover.Turn bulb socket with bulbcounterclock

109Jump StartingIf the battery is discharged, the engineshould be started with jumper cablesand the (12 V) battery of anothervehicle.The battery is lo

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110Important!5. Start engine of the vehicle withthe charged battery and run athigh idle. Then start engine ofthe disabled vehicle in theusual manner.6

111Towing the VehicleThe rear towing eye is located at theright, below the bumper. The fronttowing eye is located on the passengerside behind a flap i

112Cleaning and Care of the VehicleWarning!Many cleaning products can behazardous. Some are poisonous,others are flammable. Always followthe instructi

113Engine CleaningCorrosion protection, such as MBAnticorrosion Wax should be appliedto the engine compartment after everyengine cleaning. Before appl

114Instrument ClusterUse a gentle dish-washing detergent ormild detergent for delicate fabrics as awashing solution. Wipe with a clothmoistened in luk

115Testing Infrared Remote ControlChecking Batteries:If the transmit button (1) is pressedlonger than 1 second, the batteryindicator lamp in the trans

116Front Head RestraintsRemoval:Push button (1) up to bring the headrestraint to its highest position.Depress release button (2) beneath theseatback c

117Rear 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

118Replacing Wiper BladesFor safety reasons, remove key fromsteering lock before replacing a wiperblade, otherwise the motor cansuddenly turn on and c

119Manual Release of Fuel Filler FlapThe manual release knob is locatedbehind the right side trunk panel andfelt pad.In case the central locking syste

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

120Spark PlugsRemove and install spark plugs onlywith socket wrench from the vehicletool kit or a recommended spark plugwrench.Tightening torque:15-22

121Roof RackUse only those roof racks approved byMercedes-Benz to avoid damage to thevehicle. Follow manufacturer'sinstallation instructions.Moun

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123Technical Data

1241Certification Tag(left door pillar)2 Identification Tag(lower edge of windshield)3 Vehicle Identification No.(on cross member beneathfront passeng

125Warranty CoverageYour car is covered under the terms ofthe "warranties" printed in the Owner'sService and Warranty Policy Bookletand

126Technical Data SEL 500 Rims – TiresModel 500 SEC (140 070)1Rims (light alloy rims) 71/² J x 16 H 2Wheel offset51 mm (2.0 in)Engine119 Summer tires:

127Technical Data 500 SECWeightsSee certification tagMain DimensionsRoof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 5065 mm (199.4 in)Trunk load

128Technical Data 600 SEC Rims – TiresModel 600 SEC (140 076)1Rims (light alloy rims) 71/² J x 16 H 2Wheel offset51 mm (2.0 in)Engine120 Summer tires:

129Technical Data 600 SECWeightsSee certification tagMain DimensionsRoof load max. 100 kg (220 lb) Overall vehicle length 5065 mm (199.4 in)Trunk load

13Indicator Lamp SymbolsFunction Indicator LampHigh beamWarning Lamp(should go out with the engine running unless)ABS malfunction. See Index.Battery n

130Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. - CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective lubricants must match.Therefore use only brands tested and rec

131Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Rear axle 1.5 US qt (1.5 l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90, 85 W 90Hydraulic system for adap-tive damping system (

132Engine OilsEngine oils are specifically tested fortheir suitability in our engines.Therefore, use only engine oilsrecommended by Mercedes-Benz.Info

133Fuel RequirementsUse only Premium unleaded meetingASTM standard D 439:The octane number (posted at thepump) must be 91min. It is an averageof both,

134Therefore the following product isstrongly recommended for use in yourcar: Mercedes-Benz Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent.Before the start of the win

135For the U.S.A. only.The following text is published as required of manufacturersunder Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575pursuant

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137Consumer InformationThis has been prepared as required of allmanufacturers of passenger cars underTitle 49, Code of U.S. FederalRegulations, Part 5

138Problems with your VehicleIf you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believemay affect its safe operation, we

139Index:

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

140ABS 75, 84Acceleration slip control (ASR) 85Activated charcoal filter 27Adaptive damping system (ADS) 87ADS 87, 131Air conditioner refrigerant 132A

141First aid kit 96FuelFuel requirements 133Gasoline additives133Premium unleaded gasoline 14, 131 -132Fuel consumption gauge 79Fuel filler flap, manu

142Safety guidelines for the seat belt,emergency tensioning retractorand airbag53Seat belt warning lamp82Seat belts and warning system45Shelf below re

143Service and LiteratureYour authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has trainedtechnicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to serviceyour vehicle properly.

144Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip1 Fuel Supply:Turn fuel filler cap to the leftand hold on to it until possiblepressure in tank has beenreleas

145What 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

15Starting and Turning off the EngineBefore StartingEngage parking brake and movegearshift lever to neutral (selectorlever position "P" on a

16Driving InstructionsPower AssistanceWarning!When the engine is not running, thebrake and steering systems arewithout power assistance. Underthese ci

17If the parking brake is released and thebrake warning lamp in the instrumentcluster stays on, the brake fluid level inthe reservoir is too low.Brake

18AquaplaningDepending on the depth of the waterlayer on the road, aquaplaning mayoccur, even at low speeds and with newtires. Avoid track grooves in

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

22Air Outlets1 Air volume control for left airoutlet, turn left to open2 Air volume control for left centerair outlet, turn left to open3 Air volume c

23Automatic Climate ControlLeft side passenger compartment:1 Temperature selector2 Temperature display3 Automatic mode4 Air distribution buttons5 Defr

24The temperature selected with thetemperature selector is reached asquickly as possible.The temperature selector should be leftat the desired tempera

25Residual Engine HeatUtilizationWith the engine switched off, it ispossible to continue heating theinterior for a short while.Air volume and distribu

268 Air Volume SelectorThe air volume is automaticallyregulated inAUTO = Normal settingand all intermediate positions, exceptwhen selectingMIN = minim

27An activated charcoal filter markedlyreduces bad odors and removespollutants from the air entering thepassenger compartment.When pressing button or

28Car KeysIncluded with your vehicle are:• 2 Master keys with infraredremote control• 1 Master key• 1 Valet key• 1 Flat keyInfrared Master Key withRem

29Master Key in Key Holder1 Release button for master keyReleasing: press release button (1).The key unfolds from the holder byitself.Storing: press r

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

303 Receiver next to trunk lockLocking:Aim transmitter eye (2) at a receiver(3) and press transmit button (1).Distance to receiver max. 20 ft (6 m).Th

31Closing Windows and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof from OutsideContinue to press transmit button (1)after locking car. Distance to receivermax. 20 ft. (6 m).Th

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

33The doors can only be locked with thecentral locking switch, if the frontdoors are closed.The doors cannot be unlocked with thecentral locking switc

34Door lock, left andtrunk lockPower Windows and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof1 Closing2 Interrupting3 OpeningDoor lock, rightWhen locking doors or trunk, turn

35Power Closing Assist for Doors andTrunk LidThe doors and trunk lid closeautomatically if:• doors are pushed against the lock,• trunk lid is lowered

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

37Power Seats, FrontThe slide switches are located in eachfront door.Turn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or frontpasse

38F Memory buttonG Position buttonsStoring seat/head restraint/ steeringwheel/exterior and inside rear viewmirror positions in memory:Three sets of se

39Important!Bring seat backrest to upright positionbefore recalling a stored seat/headrestraint/steering wheel/exterior andinside rear view mirror pos

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

40Lumbar Support1 Pressure regulatorThe seats have an inflatable aircushion built into the backrest toprovide additional lumbar support.The inflation

41Heated SeatsThe front seat heater switches arelocated to the left and right side of thecenter console ashtray.The rear seat heaters only in steering

42Switches in center consolesPower Head Restraints, RearTurn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or passenger'sdoor op

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

44Armrest with Integrated StorageCompartment (Rear Bench Seat)Pull down the armrest by its strap.Before storing the armrest in thebackrest, close its

45Seat Belts and SupplementalRestraint System (SRS)Your vehicle is equipped with seatbelts for all seats, emergencytensioning retractors for the front

46Seat Belt ExtenderWhen the respective door is closed andthe key is in steering lock position 1 or2, the seat belt extender brings the beltforward wi

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

48Warning!USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY.• Each occupant should wear theirseat belt at all times. Togetherwith the "SRS", the seat beltoffers the b

49Supplemental Restraint System(SRS)The SRS uses two crash severity levels(thresholds) to activate either the ETRor airbag or both. Activation depends

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

50AirbagsThe most effective occupant restraintsystem yet developed for use inproduction vehicles is the three pointseat belt. In some cases, however,

51The following system components aremonitored or undergo a self-check:crash-sensor, airbag ignition circuits,driver and passenger seat belt buckles.I

52Important!The "SRS" is designed to reduce thepotential of injury in certain frontaland front-angled impacts which maycause injuries; howev

53Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt,Emergency Tensioning Retractorand AirbagWarning!• Damaged belts or belts that werehighly stressed in an accident

54Infants and Child RestraintSystemsWe recommend that all infants andchildren be restrained at all times whilethe vehicle is in motion.Important!The u

55Steering Lock0 The key can be withdrawn in thisposition only. The steering islocked with the key removedfrom the steering lock. The keycan be remove

56Combination Switch1 Low beam (exterior lampswitch position )2 High beam (exterior lampswitch position )3 High beam flasher (high beamavailable indep

57Windshield Washer Fluid MixingRatioFor temperatures above freezing:MB Windshield Washer Concentrate"S" and water 1 part "S" to 1

58Exterior Lamp SwitchCanada only:When the engine is running, the lowbeam (includes parking lamps, sidemarker lamps, taillamps, license platelamps and

59Inside and Exterior Rear ViewMirrorsInside Rear View MirrorThe mirror is electrically adjustable.Use your inside mirror to determine thesize and dis

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

60Exterior rear view mirror, leftExterior rear view mirror, rightExterior Rear View MirrorsTurn key in steering lock to position 2(with either front d

61Exterior Rear View MirrorMultiple ImagesThis vehicle is equipped with anti-fogging dual-pane side windows toprovide extra insulation against heat,co

62Sun VisorsSwing sun visors down to protectagainstsun glare.If sunlight enters through a sidewindow,disengage visor from inner mountingand pivot to t

63Entrance Lamps, Exit LampsThe lamps are switched on and off bythe door contact switches.Note:To prevent the vehicle battery frombeing discharged, do

64Storage CompartmentsStorage Compartmentsin the Dashboard1 Storage/eyeglassescompartment2 Button for storage/eyeglasses compartment3 Glove box4 Butto

65in center console, frontAshtraysBy touching the top of the coverlightly, the ashtray opens automatically.Prior to removing the ashtray insertmove ge

66Sliding Roof with Rear Pop-UpFeature1 to slide roof open2 to slide roof closed3 to raise roof at rear4 to lower roof at rearTurn key in steering loc

67in center console, frontPower WindowsSwitches for:1 left, front2 left, rear3 right, front4 right, rear5 safety switch6 individual switches(in rear c

68Warning!When closing the windows, be surethat there is no danger of anyonebeing harmed by the closingprocedure.In case of obstruction, the automatic

69Rear Window DefrosterThe switch is located in the centerconsole.Turn key in steering lock toposition I or 2.When activating the rear windowdefroster

7Check Regularly and Before a Long TripSee IndexThe First 1000 Miles (1500 km)The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, t

70Shelf below Rear WindowWarning!The shelf below the rear windowshould not be used to carry objects.This will prevent such objects frombeing thrown ab

71Driving

72Drinking and DrivingWarning!Drinking and driving can be a verydangerous combination. Even a smallamount of alcohol or drugs can affectyour reflexes,

73Automatic TransmissionThe automatic transmission selectsindividual gears automatically,dependent upon• Selector lever position• Accelerator position

74Selector Lever PositionsThe automatic gear shifting processcan be adapted to specific operatingconditions using the selector lever.P Parking lock.Th

75negatively affected by this mode ofoperation.The delayed upshift is effective withvehicle speeds below 31 mph (50km/h) at partial throttle and engin

76Rear Fender IndicatorsWhen the reverse gear is selected, therear fender indicators will extendupward from the rear corners of thefenders.The rear fe

773 CancelingTo cancel the cruise control, brieflypush lever to position 3.When you step on the brake or thevehicle speed drops below approx.25 mph (4

78Charge Indicator LampShould the charge indicator lamp fail tocome on prior to starting when the keyis in steering lock position 2 or shouldit fail t

79Low Engine Oil Level WarningLampWith the key in steering lock position2, the oil pressure warning lamp comeson and goes out with the enginerunning.I

8IntroductionTrunk33 Power Windows 67Power window and sliding/Pop-Up roof34 Rear window sunshade 68Product information 2 Power closing assist for door

80Fuel Reserve Warning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the fuel reserve warning lamp comeson and goes out with the enginerunning.If the w

81Low Engine Coolant LevelWarning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the warning lamp comes on and goesout with the engine running.If the wa

82Exterior Lamp Failure IndicatorLampWith the key in steering lock position2, a dim indicator lamp comes on, andgoes out when the engine is running.Wi

83Brake 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

84Antilock Brake System (ABS)The ABS prevents the wheels fromlocking up above a vehicle speed ofapproximately 3 km/h (2 mph)independent of road surfac

85Acceleration Slip Control (ASR)The acceleration slip control willengage at all vehicle speeds, if one orboth drive wheels begin to lose tractionand

86Snow chain switchDriving with Snow ChainsWhen driving with snow chains, pressthe symbol side of the snow chainswitch, located on the instrument pane

87Adaptive Damping System (ADS)Depending upon road surfaceconditions, load, driving style, ADSwill automatically adjust the optimalride firmness.The i

88Emission ControlCertain systems of the engine serve tokeep certain components of the exhaustgases within permissible limits requiredby law.These sys

89Traveling AbroadAbroad, there is a widely-spreadMercedes-Benz service network atyour disposal. If you plan to travel intoareas which are not listed

9Seat Belt and Lock Warning Lamp82 First Aid Kit 96 Spark Plugs 120Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 82 Stowing Things in the Vehicle 96 Layout of Poly-V-

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91Practical Hints

92HoodTo open:To unlock the hood, pull release lever(1) under the driver's side of theinstrument panel. At the same timehandle (2) will extend ou

93Coolant reservoir of 600 SEC shownChecking Coolant LevelTo check the coolant level, the vehiclemust be parked on level ground and theengine stopped.

94500 SECChecking Engine Oil Level1 Oil dipstick2 Oil filler capTo check the engine oil level, parkvehicle on level ground, with engine atnormal opera

95Dipstick locking lever of 600 SECshownChecking AutomaticTransmission Fluid Level1 Release2 EngageWhen noticing fluid loss or gear shiftingmalfunctio

96Trunk Lamp1 Switching off2 Switching onSwitch off (1) trunk lamp if the trunk isto remain open for along period of time.This prevents the vehicle ba

97Vehicle JackSee illustration for proper storage ofjack.Before storing the jack on the felt inthe spare wheel well, the jack arm(1) must be lowered a

98WheelsReplace rims or tires with the samedesignation, manufacturer and type asshown on the original part. See yourauthorized Mercedes-Benz dealer fo

99tire beads. For this reason, check rimsfor damage at regular intervals. The rimflanges must be checked for wearbefore a tire is mounted. Remove burr