E-class E 300TD

Operator’s Manual E 320

E 430
Product information
Kindly observe the following in your own best interests:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for
your vehicle model.

We have subjected these parts to a special test in which their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles have been determined.

We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in individual cases
an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your Mercedes-Benz
authorized dealer where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where
proper installation will be performed.
Printed in the U.S.A.
We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of
this Owner's Manual. Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our
prior authorization in writing.
Press time 09/30/98 MBNA/TI

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Operator's manual
Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.

Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an
automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.

Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of ownership, and for
your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:

• Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.
• Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your
Mercedes-Benz.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.

Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

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Introduction
This Owner's Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this
manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure to
follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional
equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes-
Benz dealer will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Owner's Service and Warranty Information
The Owner's Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-
Benz, including:
• New Car Limited Warranty,
• Emission System Warranty,
• Emission Performance Warranty,
• California and Massachusetts Emission Control System Warranty (California and Massachusetts only),
• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).
Important Notice for California Retail Buyers of Mercedes-Benz Automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz of
North America, Inc. or its authorized dealer fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair
attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial nonconformities for a cumulative total
of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial nonconformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have
at least once directly notified us in writing of the need to repair the non-conformity and have given us an opportunity to per-
form the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Owner's
Service and Warranty Information Booklet.

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Maintenance
The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for service. The
service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the
toll-free Roadside Assistance number:
1-800-FOR MERCedes (in the U.S.A.) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

Change of Address or Ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the "Change of Address Notice" found in the Owner's Service and Warranty
Information booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes. It
is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all owner's literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next owner.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car" found in the Owner's Service and Warranty
Information booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.

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Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

• service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,

• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,
• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or write to:
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645
In Canada write to:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design
and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Owner's Manual might differ from your vehicle.
Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order
items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Owner's Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will
be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.

The Owner's Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

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The 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 performance later on.
Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first 1000 miles (1500 km) at moderate vehicle and engine speeds.
During this period, avoid heavy loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds.
Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It is not recommended to brake the vehicle by manually shifting to a lower gear. We recommend
that you select positions "3", "2" or "1" only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum.

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

See page 163.
Maintenance

Approximately 30 days or 2 000 miles (2 000 km) prior to the next recommended service, the remaining distance or days are
displayed in the multifunction indicator. See Flexible Service System (FSS) in Index.
We strongly recommend that you have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the
Service Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Service Booklet may result in vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Radio Transmitters

Warning!
Never operate radio transmitters equipped with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being connected to an external
antenna) from inside the vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehicle's electronic
system, possibly resulting in an accident and personal injury.

Radio transmitters, such as a portable telephone or a citizens band unit should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to
an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions regarding use of an external antenna.
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Introduction Rear Passenger Compartment Steering Lock 58
Adjustable Air Outlet 28 Combination Switch 59
Product information 2 Car keys 29 Headlamp Cleaning System 60
Operator's manual 4 Start Lock-out 30 Exterior Lamp Switch 61
Consumer Information 154 Central Locking System 31 Night Security Illumination 62
Problems with your vehicle 155 Radio Frequency and Inside Rear View Mirror 62
Reporting Safety Defects 156 Infrared Remote Control 31 Exterior Rear View Mirror 63
Index 158 Mechanical Keys 34 Ashtrays 65
Doors 35 Lighter 66
Instruments and controls Central Locking Switch 36 Sun Visors 66
Trunk 37 Illuminated Vanity mirrors 66
Instruments and controls 10 Power Window and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 38 Interior Lighting 67
Instrument Cluster 12 Anti-Theft Alarm System 39 Storage Compartments 68
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Power Seats, Front 40 Cup Holder 68
Catalytic Converter 15 Multicontour Seat 43 Sliding Pop-Up Roof 69
Starting and Turning Off Heated Seats 44 Power Windows 70
Gasoline Engine 16 Adjusting Steering Wheel 45 Trunk Lid Release Switch 72
Diesel Engine 17 Arm Rest, Rear Bench 45 Rear Window Sunshade 73
Driving Instructions 18 First Aid Kit 45 Instrument Lamps 73
Head Restraints, Rear 46 Display Illumination 73
Operation Cargo Tie-Down Hooks 46 Trip Odometer 73
Shelf below Rear Window 46 Clock 73
Automatic Climate Control 24 Seat belts and Supplemental Restraint 47 Garage Door Opener 74
Basic Setting – Automatic Mode 25 System (SRS)
Defogging Windows 26 Seat belts 47 Cellular telephone 75
Defrosting 26 BabySmart Airbag Deactivation System 50
Rear Window Defroster 26 Self Test 51 Driving
Air Recirculation 27 Emergency tensioning retractor (ETR) 52
Activated Charcoal Filter 27 Airbag 53 Drinking and driving 78
Front Center Console Compart. Ventilation 28 Child Restraint 56 Parking Brake 78
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Driving off 78 Winter Driving 103 Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap 137
Automatic Transmission 79 Snow Chains 104 Roof Rack 137
Cruise Control 83 Traveling Abroad 104 MERCEDES-BENZ Spare Part 137
Service
Parking Assist (Parktronic) 85 Practical Hints Layout of Poly-V-Belt Drive 138
Multifunction Indicator
Language Selection 88 Hood 106 Technical Data. Fuels,
Multiple Malfunctions 88 Checking Coolant Level 107 Coolants, Lubricants etc.
Temporarily Switching off 88 Adding Coolant 107 Consumer Information
Defective 88 Checking Engine Oil Level 108
Charge Indicator Lamp 89 Bleeding of Diesel Fuel System 109 Identification Labels 140
Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp 89 Automatic Trans. Fluid Level 109 Warranty Coverage 141
Engine Oil Consumption 89 Trunk Lamp 110 Technical Data E 300 Diesel 128
Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, E 320 130
Placement Warning 89 Storage Compartment 112 E 420 132
Tachometer 90 Stowing Thongs in the Vehicle 110 E 430 132
Outside Temperature Indicator 90 Vehicle Jack 111
Coolant Temperature Gauge 90 Wheels 111 Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. 148
Low Engine Coolant Level Warning Changing Wheels 113 Capacities 148
Lamp 91 Tire in Inflation Pressure 116 Engine Oils 150
Exterior Lamps 117
Low Windshield and Headlamp Battery 122 Engine Oils Additives 150
Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp 91 Fuses 124 Air Conditioner Refrigerant 150
Exterior Lamp Failure Indicator Lamp 92 Jump Starting 125 Brake Fluid 150
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Lamp 92 Towing the Vehicle 126 Vehicle with Gasoline Engine
Brake Warning 92 Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle 128 Premium Unleaded
Flexible Service System 93 Electronic Main Key, Remote Contr. 132 Gasoline 151
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 95 Front Head Restraint 134 Fuel Requirements 151
Brake Assist System (BAS) 96 Rear Seat Cushion 135 Gasoline Additives 151
Electronic Traction System (ETS) 97 Emergency Operation of Vehicle with Diesel Engine
Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 135
Acceleration Stability Program ASR) 98 Replacing Wiper Blades Insert 136 Diesel Fuels 152
Electronic Stability program (ESP) 100 Coolants 153
Emission Control 102 Service and Literature 162
On-Board Diagnostic System 102 Check Regularly Before a Long Trip 163
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Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index For adjustment of air outlets, refer to Automatic Climate Control (see Index).

1 Side defroster outlet 19 Rear seat heater restraint switch

2 Left front Parktronic warning Indicator 20 Hazard warning flasher switch

3 Side air outlet, adjustable 21 Central locking switch Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system
4 Air volume control for side outlet 22 Right front seat heater switch
5 Exterior lamp switch 23 Glove box (illuminated with key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
6 Parking brake release 24 Automatic climate control, Rear window defroster switch
Activated charcoal filter switch
7 Parking brake pedal 25 Audio system
8 Hood lock release 26 Storage/eyeglasses compartment
9 Combination switch 27 Ashtray with lighter
10 Cruise control switch 28 ASR or ESP control switch
11 Instrument cluster 29 Power window switches, front doors
12 Horn, airbag 30 Power window safety, rear doors
13 Gasoline engine: Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 31 Airbag Off indicator lamp
13 Diesel engine: Steering lock with preglow/starter switch 32 Power window switches, rear doors
14 Right front Parktronic warning indicator 33 Parktronic switch
15 Center air outlet, adjustable 34 Trunk lid release switch
16 Air volume control for center outlet 35 Mirror adjustment switch
17 Left front seat heater switch 36 Rear window sunshade switch
18 Headlamp washer switch
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 5 Left turn signal indicator lamp
(green)
6 ASR, ESP or ETS warning lamp
(yellow). See Index
7 Speedometer
8 Trip odometer. See Index
9 Outside temperature indicator.
See Index
10 Main odometer
11 Clock. See Index
or
8-11 Multifunction indicator, or FSS
indicator. See Index
8-11 12 Right turn signal indicator lamp
(green)
13 Tachometer. See Index

14 Push buttons for setting clock.

Instrument Cluster See Index

1 Push buttons for intensity of 3 Coolant temperature gauge. 15 Push button for resetting
instrument lamps. See Index See Index multifunction indicator.
See Index
2 Push button for resetting trip 4 Fuel gauge with reserve and
odometer. See Index fuel cap placement warning
lamp (yellow). See Index

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Multifunction Indicator Engine oil level low. See Index
If a malfunction occurs, the appropriate warning symbol appears,
supplemented by a message in the field normally occupied by the Coolant level low. See Index
displays for outside temperature, odometers, and clock.
Battery not being charged properly. See Index
In the case of more than one malfunction, symbols and messages
are displayed in sequence. Push reset button (R) for subsequent
messages. Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer
system low. See Index
A warning sounds at the beginning of each message.
Exterior lamps are on. See Index
Notes:
Take key.
Refer to Multifunction Indicator in the Index for temporarily
switching off a Warning Symbol and its message. Remove electronic key from steering lock.
FSS indicator. See Index
Warning message selection is available in the English,
French, German, Italian, or Spanish language. See Index.
Parking brake engaged. See Index
Indicator Lamp Symbols
Display defective. See Multifunction Indicator
Symbols and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator in Index
Brake pads worn down. See Index See Multifunction Indicator in Index
Multifunction indicator for several messages.
Exterior lamp failure. See Index

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Additional Lamp Symbols in the Instrument Function Indicator Lamps in the Instrument Cluster
Cluster, and Warnings in the Multifunction Indicator

Fasten seat belts. See Index. High beam

Brake fluid low (except Canada). Parking brake engaged. Preglow (Diesel engine only). See Index
See Index.
Brake fluid low (Canada only). Parking brake engaged. ABS malfunction. See Index
See Index.
BAS malfunction. See Index SRS malfunction. See
ETS malfunction. See Index
BAS malfunction. See Index ASR or ESP.
ASR malfunction. See Index Adjust driving to road condition. See Index
BAS malfunction. See Index
ESP malfunction. See Index Function Indicator Lamp
on the Center Console
Engine malfunction. Passenger Airbag automatically switched off.
If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it See Index
indicates a malfunction of the 02-sensor on Federal
version vehicles, and fuel injection system or emission
control system on the California version vehicles. In
either case, we recommend that you have the malfunction
checked as soon as possible. See Index.

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Catalytic Converter Caution! Warning!
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with To prevent damage to the catalytic As with any vehicle, do not idle, park
monolithic type catalytic converters, an converters, use only premium unleaded or operate this vehicle in areas where
important element in conjunction with gasoline in this vehicle. combustible materials such as grass,
the oxygen sensors to achieve hay or leaves can come into contact
substantial control of the pollutants in Any noticeable irregularities in engine with the hot exhaust system, as these
the exhaust emissions. Keep your operation should be repaired promptly. materials could be ignited and cause a
vehicle in proper operating condition Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel vehicle fire.
by following our recommended may reach the catalytic converter
maintenance instructions as outlined in causing it to overheat, which could
your Service Booklet. start a fire.

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