Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL Operator's Manual

1Mercedes-BenzOperator's Manual600SEL

10Instruments and ControlsFor more detailed descriptions see Index.1Adjustable air outlet18Lock for telephone control unit compartment and2Exterior la

100Exterior LampsWhen replacing bulbs, install only 12volt bulbs with the specified wattrating.Headlamp Assembly1 Headlamp horizontal adjustmentscrew2

101When replacing halogen bulbs do nottouch glass portion of bulb with barehands. Use plain paper or a clean cloth.Warning!Halogen lamps contain press

102Tail lamp Assemblies1 Turn signal lamp(21 W/32 cp bulb)2 Stop, side marker lamp(21/4 W/35/1.2cp bulb)3 Tail, parking lamp (5 W bulb)4 Tail, parking

103High Mounted Stop Lamp(H2 [20W] bulb)To replace the bulb, press tabs on bothsides (arrows) to release cover.Turn bulb socket with bulb counter-cloc

104Jump StartingIf the battery is discharged, the engineshould be started with jumper cablesand the (12 V) battery of anothervehicle.The battery is lo

105Important!5. Start engine of the vehicle withthe charged battery and run athigh idle. Then start engine ofthe disabled vehicle in theusual manner.6

106Towing the VehicleThe rear towing eye is located at theright, below the bumper. The fronttowing eye is located on the passengerside behind a flap i

107Cleaning and Care of the VehicleWarning!Many cleaning products can behazardous. Some are poisonous,others are flammable. Always followthe instructi

108Engine CleaningCorrosion protection, such as MBAnticorrosion Wax should be appliedto the engine compartment after everyengine cleaning. Before appl

109Instrument ClusterUse a gentle dish-washing detergent ormild detergent for delicate fabrics as awashing solution. Wipe with a clothmoistened in luk

11

110Testing Infrared Remote ControlChecking Batteries:If the transmit button (1) is pressedlonger than 1 second, the batteryindicator lamp in the trans

111Front Head RestraintsRemoval:Push button (1) up to bring the headrestraint to its highest position.Depress release button (2) beneath theseatback c

112Rear 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

113Replacing Wiper BladesFor safety reasons, remove key fromsteering lock before replacing a wiperblade, otherwise the motor can suddenlyturn on and c

114Manual Release of Fuel Filler FlapThe manual release knob is locatedbehind the right side trunk panel andfelt pad.In case the central locking syste

115Spark PlugsRemove and install spark plugs onlywith socket wrench from the vehicletool kit or a recommended spark plugwrench.Tightening torque: 15-2

116Roof RackUse only those roof racks approved byMercedes-Benz to avoid damage to thevehicle. Follow manufacturer'sinstallation instructions.Moun

117Technical Data

118Identification PlatesWhen ordering spare parts, please specify vehicleIdentification and engine numbers.1Certification Tag(left door pillar)2 Ident

119Loss of Owner's Service andWarranty PolicyShould you lose your Owner's Serviceand Warranty Policy Booklet, haveyour authorized Mercedes-B

12Instrument Cluster1Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp (yellow).See Index.9Tripodometer2Coolant temperature gauge. See Index.10Main odometer3Fuel c

120Technical DataModel 600 SEL (140 057)1Rims TiresRimsEngine 120 (light alloy rims) 7 ½ J x 16H2Mode of operation 4-stroke engine Summer tires:gasoli

121Technical DataWeights See certification tag Main DimensionsRoof load max. 220 lb (100kg) Overall vehicle length 205.2 in (5213 mm)Trunk load max. 2

122Fuels , Coolants, Lubricants etc.-CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective lubricants must match.Therefore use only brands tested and reco

123Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Rear axle 1.5US qt (1.4l) Hypoid gear oil SAE 90,85 W 90Hydraulic system for adaptive damping system(ADS)

124Engine OilsEngine oils are specifically tested fortheir suitability in our engines.Therefore, use only engine oilsrecommended by Mercedes-Benz.Info

125Fuel RequirementsUse only Premium unleaded meetingASTM standard D 439:The octane number (posted at the pump)must be 91 min. It is an average of bot

126Therefore the following product isstrongly recommended for use in yourcar: Mercedes-Benz Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent.Before the start of the win

127Consumer InformationThis has been prepared as required of allmanufacturers of passenger cars underTitle 49, Code of U.S. FederalRegulations, Part 5

128Problems with your VehicleIf you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that youbelieve may affect its safe operation, we

129For the U.S.A. only.The following text is published as required of manufacturers underTitle 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant

13Indicator Lamp SymbolsFunction Indicator LampHigh beamASR malfunction. See Index.ABS malfunctionWarning Lamps(should go out with the engine running

130

131Index

132ABS73,82Acceleration slip control (ASR) 83Active charcoal filter 27Adaptive damping system (ADS)84ADS 84, 123Air conditioner refrigerant 124Air out

133First aid kit 92FuelFuel requirements 125Gasoline additives 125Premium unleaded gasoline 14, 123 124Fuel consumption gauge 77Fuel filler flap, manu

134Safety guidelines for the seat belt,emergency tensioning retractorand airbag 53Seat belt warning lamp 80Seat belts and warning system 46Service lit

135Service LiteratureYour authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has trained technicians andoriginal Mercedes-Benz parts to service your vehicle properly. Fo

136Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip1 Fuel SupplyTo open the fuel filler when refilling the fueltank, turn fuel filler cap to the left and hold o

137What You Should Know at the Gas Station• Fuel:Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane Index 91(Average of 96 RON/86 MON)Fuel tank capacity app

14Catalytic ConverterYour Mercedes-Benz is equipped withmonolithic type catalytic converters, animportant element in conjunction withthe O2~sensor to

15Starting and Turning Off the EngineBefore StartingEngage parking brake and move theselector lever to position "P".Turn key in steering loc

16Driving InstructionsPower AssistanceWhen the engine is not running, thebrake and steering systems are withoutpower assistance. Under thesecircumstan

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. Reduce vehicle speed, a

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

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

20

21Operation

22Air Outlets1Air volume control for left air5Left center air outlet, adjustable Note:outlet, turn left open6Right center air outlet, adjustable2Air v

23Automatic Climate ControlLeft side passenger compartmentRight side passengercompartment:1Temperature selector5Defrost12Temperature selector2Temperat

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

256 Residual Engine HeatUtilizationWith the engine switched off, it ispossible to continue heating the interiorfor a short while. The rear passengerco

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

27Rear Passenger CompartmentClimate Control1 Temperature selector, left side2 Temperature selector, right sideA basic setting in the white field of th

28Car KeysIncluded with your vehicle are:• 2 Master keys with infraredremote control,• 1 Master key,• 1 Valet key,• 1 Flat key.•Master Key with Infrar

29Master Key in Key Holder1 Release button for master keyReleasing: press release button (1). Thekey unfolds from the holder by itself.Storing: press

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

31Note:If the side windows and sliding/ pop-uproof cannot be opened or closedautomatically by using the key or bypressing the transmit button of thein

32You should then unlock the car, openand recluse this door, and lock the caragain. Each individual door can belocked with door lock button - thedrive

33Door lock, leftand trunk lockPower Windows and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof1 Closing2 Interrupting3 OpeningWhen locking doors or trunk, turn keyin door lock

34Power Closing Assist for Doors andTrunk LidThe doors and trunk lid closeautomatically if:• doors are pushed against the lock,• trunk lid is lowered

35Anti-Theft Alarm SystemThe anti-theft alarm can be armed ordisarmed with any of your vehicleskeys or infrared remote control bylocking or unlocking

36Power Seats, FrontThe slide switches are located in eachfront door.Turn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or frontpasse

37F Memory buttonG Position buttonsStoring seat/head restraint/ steeringwheel/exterior and inside rear viewmirror positions in memory:Three sets of se

38Important!Bring seat backrest to upright positionbefore recalling a stored seat/headrestraint/steering wheel/exterior andinside rear view mirror pos

39Orthopedic Seat Backrest1 Height regulator2 Pressure regulator3 Side bolster adjustmentThe amount of cushion height andcurvature may be adjusted aft

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

40Heated SeatsThe front seat heater switches arelocated to the left and right side of thecenter console ashtray.The rear seat heater switches arelocat

41Armrest with Compartment forTelephone Handset(Front Seats)1 Armrest folded down2 Normal use (3 comfort positions)3 Armrest folded upFolding down:Rai

42Power Seats, RearThe seats can be adjusted using the slideswitches located in either of the reardoors.Turn key in steering lock to position 1 or2 (w

43Armrest with Integrated StorageCompartment (Rear Bench Seat)Pull down the armrest by its strap.Before storing the armrest in thebackrest, close its

44Switch on center consolePower Head Restraints, RearTurn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or frontpassenger's door

45Adjustable Steering WheelTurn key in steering lock to position 1or 2 (with the driver's or frontpassenger's door open, the steeringwheel c

46Seat Belts and SupplementalRestraint System (SRS)Your vehicle is equipped with seatbelts for all seats, emergencytensioning retractors for the front

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" (airbags, ETR'sand kn

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 seat belt. Insome cases, however, the protecti

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

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

55Steering Lock0 The key can be withdrawn in thisposition only. The steering is lockedwith the key removed from thesteering lock. The key can beremove

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 WasherConcentrate "S" and water1 part "S" to 10

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

59Inside and Exterior Rear ViewMirrorsInside Rear View MirrorThe mirror is electrically adjustable.Antiglare night position: Tilt the mirrorto the ant

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

60Note:The exterior mirrors have electricallyheated glass. The heater switches onautomatically, depending on outsidetemperature.If an exterior mirror

61Sun VisorsSwing sun visors down to protectagainst sun glare.If sunlight enters through a sidewindow, disengage visor from innermounting and pivot to

62Interior Lighting1 Interior Lamps (Door contact)A BA Interior lamps are switched on,and off delayed, when unlockingor locking the vehicle, or whenop

63Storage Compartments in theDashboard1 Storage/eyeglassescompartment2 Button for storage/eyeglasses compartment3 Glove box4 Button for glove box5 Loc

64in center console, frontAshtraysBy touching the top of the coverlightly, the ashtray opensautomatically.To remove ashtray from centerconsole:Push sl

65Sliding 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

66in center console, frontPower WindowsSwitches for:1 left, front2 left, rear3 right, front4 right, rear5 safety switch6 individual switches (rear doo

67The power windows can also be closedwith the key or infrared remote controlwhile locking the vehicle doors (seeCentral Locking System in Index).Warn

68Setting Clock1 Knob for setting clockAdjusting clock one minute ahead orback:Pull out adjustment knob, brieflyturn to the right respectively left an

69Driving

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

70Drinking and DrivingWarning!Drinking and driving can be a verydangerous combination. Even a smallamount of alcohol or drugs can affectyour reflexes,

71Automatic TransmissionThe automatic transmission selectsindividual gears automatically,dependent upon• Selector lever position• Accelerator position

72Selector Lever PositionsThe automatic gear shiftingprocess can be adapted to specificoperating conditions using theselector lever.P Parking lock.The

73negatively affected by this mode ofoperation.The delayed up shift is effective withvehicle speeds below 31 mph (50km/h) at partial throttle and engi

74Rear Fender IndicatorsWhen the reverse gear is selected, therear fender indicators will extendupward from the rear corners of thefenders.The rear fe

753 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

76Charge Indicator LampShould the charge indicator lamp fail tocome on prior to starting when the keyis in steering lock position 2 or shouldit fail t

77Low Engine Oil Level WarningLampWith the key in steering lock position2, the oil level warning lamp comes onand should go out when the engine isrunn

78Fuel Reserve Warning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the fuel reserve warning lamps comeon and should go out when the engineis running.

79Low Engine Coolant LevelWarning LampWith the key in steering lock position2, the warning lamp comes on and goesout when the engine is running.If the

8IntroductionTrunk32 Vanity Mirrors 61Power Windows andInterior Lighting 62Product information2 Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 33 Storage CompartmentsOperator&ap

80Exterior Lamp Failure IndicatorLampWith the key in steering lock position2, a dim indicator lamp comes on, andgoes out when the engine is running.Wi

81Brake 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

82Antilock Brake System (ABS)The ABS prevents the wheels fromlocking up above a vehicle speed ofapproximately 2 mph (3 km/h)independent of road surfac

83Acceleration Slip Control (ASR)The acceleration slip control will engageat all vehicle speeds, if one or both drivewheels begin to lose traction and

84Driving the vehicle with differentsize tires will cause the wheels to rotateat different speeds, therefore theacceleration slip control will activat

85Emission ControlCertain systems of the engine serve tokeep the toxic components of theexhaust gases within permissible limitsrequired by law.These s

86Traveling AbroadAbroad, there is a widely-spreadMercedes-Benz service network at yourdisposal. If you plan to travel into areaswhich are not listed

87Practical Hints

88HoodTo 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

89Checking Coolant LevelTo check the coolant level, the vehiclemust be parked on level ground and theengine stopped.Check coolant level only when cool

9Fuel Consumption Gauge77Checking Engine Oil Level 90 Emergency OperationFuel Reserve Warning Lamp78Checking Automatic of Sliding Roof 114Outside Temp

90The best time to check the engine oillevel is when the oil is warm, such asduring a fuel stop.With the vehicle on level ground, stopthe engine and w

91Checking Automatic TransmissionFluid LevelDipstick locking lever1 Release2 EngageWhen noticing fluid loss or gear shiftingmalfunctions, we recommend

92Trunk Lamp1 Switching offSwitch off (1) trunk lamp with car key(at the same time the trunk lid handlewill retract). This prevents the vehiclebattery

93Vehicle JackSee illustration for proper storage ofjack.Before storing the jack on the felt in thespare wheel well, the jack arm (1) mustbe lowered a

94WheelsReplace rims or tires with the samedesignation, manufacturer and type asshown on the original part. See yourauthorized Mercedes-Benz dealer fo

95The rim flanges must be checked forwear before a tire is mounted. Removeburrs, if any.Warning!The jack is designed exclusively forjacking up the veh

965 Remove the protective cover fromthe jack support tube opening byinserting a screwdriver in theopening and prying it out. The tubeopenings are loca

9711 Install spare wheel on wheel hub.Insert wheel bolts and tighten themslightly.To avoid paint damage, place wheelflat against hub and hold it there

98Tire Inflation PressureA table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tireinflation pressures specified forsummer and winter tires as well as forthe varyi

99BatteryThe maintenance-free battery is locatedin the trunk under the right-hand wheelwell cover panel.The service life of the battery isdependent on