Mercedes-Benz 126 Series Owner'S Manual Download Page 3

Page: 3 / 121

Owner's Manual

420 SEL

560 SEL

560 SEC

Model 126

1989

Summary of Contents for 126 Series

Page 1: ......

Page 2: ...nded inflation pressures remove unnecessary loads remove ski racks or roof mounted luggage racks when not in use allow engine to warm up under low load use avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration...

Page 3: ...Owner s Manual 420 SEL 560 SEL 560 SEC Model 126 1989...

Page 4: ...or them even if in individual cases an official approval or authorization should exist MERCEDES BENZ original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your MER...

Page 5: ...of service Your MERCEDES BENZ represents the efforts of many skil led engineers and craftsmen To ensure your pleasure of ownership we ask you to make a small investment of your time Please read this m...

Page 6: ...y Emission System Warranty Emission Performance Warranty California Emission Control System Warranty California Only 4 Maintenance The Maintenance Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work...

Page 7: ...u plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries please be aware that unleaded fuels for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts fu...

Page 8: ...ions herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment ofyour vehicle If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Owner s Manual your authorized MERCEDES BENZ dealer wi...

Page 9: ...Instruments and Controls Starting the Engine Driving Instructions Service and Maintenance Operation Driving Practical Hints Technical Data Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc Consumer Information Index...

Page 10: ...0 km 1000 miles at moderate vehicle and engine speeds During this period avoid heavy loads full throttle driving and high RPM no more than of maximum per missible speed in each gear Avoid accelerating...

Page 11: ...Driving Instructions Service and Maintenance Instruments and Controls 10 Instrument Cluster 12 Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Catalytic Converter 14 Starting and Turning off the Engine 15 Driving Instruct...

Page 12: ...defroster switch page 50 10 15 Air recirculation switch page 22 16 Hazard warning flasher switch 17 Automatic antenna switch page 60 18 Rear passenger compartment lamp switch page 51 19 Automatic cli...

Page 13: ...I 11 Instruments and Controls...

Page 14: ...e page 67 4 Fuel gauge with reserve warning lamp yellow See page 67 5 Oil pressure gauge bar See page 66 6 Turn signal indicator lamp left green 7 Speedometer 8 Main odometer 9 Trip odometer 10 Outsid...

Page 15: ...vel low See page 67 Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system low See page 67 Exterior light failure See page 67 ABS malfunction See page 69 CHECK ENGINE SRS malfunction See page 41 Engine...

Page 16: ...ctions as outlined in your maintenance booklet Caution To prevent damage to the catalytic converters use only premium un leaded gasoline in this vehicle Should any noticeable irregularities in the eng...

Page 17: ...ess Turning off Turn the key in steering lock to posi tion 0 Remove the key only when the vehicle has stopped If the coolant temperature is very high e g after hard driving on mountain roads do not sh...

Page 18: ...approximately 50 km h 30 mph on a dry straight road Apply brake lightly until a slight drag on the wheels is felt Keep applying brake for about 10 seconds while pulling the release handle out before r...

Page 19: ...atures Aquaplaning Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road aquaplaning may occur even at low speeds and with new tires Avoid track grooves in the road and apply brakes cautiously in the...

Page 20: ...acceleration braking and steering action Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions When the vehicle is in danger of skid ding move selector lever to position N Try to keep the vehicl...

Page 21: ...y to carry out prescribed maintenance jobs at shorter intervals for example Engine Oil change with filter change every 6000 km 3750 miles Automatic transmission Fluid change without filter change ever...

Page 22: ......

Page 23: ...r 35 Adjusting Power Seats Rear 35 Adjusting Individual Rear Seats 36 Adjusting Telescopic Steering Column 36 Operation Seat Belts and Supplemental Restraint System SRS 37 Steering Lock 45 Exterior La...

Page 24: ...ushbuttons 2 and the fan control buttons 3 The adjustable air outlets 7 and 8 can be variably opened and closed or moved to direct the flow of air as de sired The outlets 7 are opened and closed with...

Page 25: ...ulation mode is en gaged The indicator lamp in the switch lights up This mode can be selected to prevent annoying odors or dust from entering the car s interior At high outside temperatures the sys te...

Page 26: ...nd additionally to the ducts in the front doors In the heating mode air will also be periodically emit ted from the adjustable air outlets 7 Enough air is supplied to the windshield and to the side wi...

Page 27: ...lied to the wind shield foot area air outlets 8 and 9 and to the ducts in the front doors Additionally air may be emitted periodically from outlets 7 depending on the interior temperature In the cooli...

Page 28: ...irected to the windshield and adjustable air outlets 9 independent of the positions of the temperature selector wheel and fan control buttons S Of The fresh air supply to the car interior is shut off...

Page 29: ...ment and trunk with the master key Flat Key T The flat key with a red dot fits all vehicle locks Arms disarms the anti theft alarm system We recommend that you carry the flat key with you and keep it...

Page 30: ...urn key From the inside actuate door lock button 2 Unlocking shown on models 3 Locking 420 560 SEL When the rear door lock buttons are down the rear doors cannot be opened from the outside or the insi...

Page 31: ...rm will come on if a door is opened from the inside Trunk To unlock the trunk with the central locking system turn the master key in the trunk lock completely to the left and let it return to the vert...

Page 32: ...tely 150 seconds in the form of blinking exterior lamps At the same time an additional horn will sound intermit tently for 60 seconds pause for 30 seconds and repeat for another 60 seconds The alarm w...

Page 33: ...are properly posi tioned on the body Storing seat head restraint steering wheel positions in memory D Memory button E Position buttons 1 and 2 Two sets of seat head restraint steer ing wheel position...

Page 34: ...seat belts Infants and small children should be seated in a properly sec ured restraint system that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 All seat head restraint and rear view mirro...

Page 35: ...ty Standard 213 1 Orthopedic Seat Backrest Some models may be equipped with orthopedic seats These seats have an inflatable air cushion built into the backrest to provide additional lumbar support The...

Page 36: ...mp will stay on Turning off heater If one indicator lamp is on press in upper part of switch position 1 If both indicator lamps are on press in lower part of switch position 2 The heater automatically...

Page 37: ...head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level Do not extend the head restraint past the stop For removal of head restraint refer to Practical Hints page 97 9262 Adjusting...

Page 38: ...clination of the seat back is al tered together with the fore aft adjust ment of the seat cushion Adjusting Telescopic Steering Column Turn key to steering lock position 1 or 2 with the driver s or fr...

Page 39: ...e Safety Standard 213 1 Seat Belt Warning System With the key in steering lock posi tion 2 a warning buzzer sounds for a short time if the driver s seat belt is not fastened When someone enters the ca...

Page 40: ...ed or when resistance to its extension is encountered e g accidental occupant contact If the seat belt is not buckled with in 30 seconds the seat belt exten der will return to its rest position This i...

Page 41: ...ate engaged pull the loose end of the belt To lengthen the belt With the belt un fastened turn the latch plate so that it is a little more than 90 perpendicular to the belt then extend the belt Fas te...

Page 42: ...seat belts see page 94 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM SRS Emergency Tensioning Retractor ETR The seat belts for the front seats are equipped with emergency tensioning retractors These tensioning retra...

Page 43: ...conds after the lamp goes out the system continues to monitor the components and circuitry of the air bag system and will indicate a mal function by coming on again The following system components are...

Page 44: ...irbag to provide its in tended protection In cases of less severe frontal im pacts roll overs certain side impacts rear collisions or other accidents without severe frontal forces the air bag will not...

Page 45: ...all amount of dust from the airbag and the seat belt emergency tensioning retrac tors This dust however is neither injurious to your health nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle Safety Guidelines...

Page 46: ...Vehicle Safety Standard 213 1 A statement by the child restraint manufacturer of compliance with this standard can be found on the instruc tion label on the restraint and in the instruction manual pro...

Page 47: ...personal in jury Notes The following items can be operated with the key in steering lock position 1 Wiper windshield washer headlamp cleaning system only in ex terior lamp switch positions 1 or 2 head...

Page 48: ...g the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles The standing lamps can only be oper ated with steering lock in position 0 or 1 Notes With the key removed and a front door open a warning buzzer sounds i...

Page 49: ...ime The reservoir hoses and nozzles of the windshield washer and headlamp cleaning system are automatically heated 7 Windshield wiper control 0 Wiper off 1 Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed II...

Page 50: ...ects in mirror are closer than they appear To adjust the mirror Turn key in steering lock to position 2 The exterior mirror can be adjusted using the switch Adjust the mirror so you can just see the s...

Page 51: ...ally when hot Vanity mirror With the visor engaged in its inner mounting the lamp can be switched on by opening the cover Swing sun visors down to protect against sun glare If sunlight enters through...

Page 52: ...unt of power To keep the battery drain to a minimum turn off the defroster as soon as the window is clear The defroster is automatically turned off after a maximum of 20 mi nutes of operation Heavy ac...

Page 53: ...switches The rear courtesy lamp is switched on and off by the rear door contact switches or by the rocker switch on the instrument panel The reading lamps in the rear passenger compartment are switch...

Page 54: ...advertent operation of the rear windows for instance by children is to be prevented push safety switch 5 to the right symbol becomes vis ible Warning When leaving the vehicle always remove the key fro...

Page 55: ...Manual tuning decreasing station frequency 12 Manual tuning increasing station frequency 13 Cassette track selector with track indicator Q Q 14 Reverse music search rewind with indicator 15 Forward m...

Page 56: ...ction that adjusts radio volume in respect to vehicle speed To adjust the tone characteristic Bass D and treble H can be adjusted independently To set the radio to a flat tone setting bass and treble...

Page 57: ...nsitivi ty level This station is held for audi tioning for approx 5 seconds If de sired this station may be locked in by pressing the J 2 H o r 3 bar If neith er of the bars is pressed the radio will...

Page 58: ...casters sometimes may not give their exact frequency but the next closest whole number US radio frequency ranges AM 540 1600 kHz FM 88 1 107 9 MHz Please note It is recommended that direct frequency t...

Page 59: ...able reception quality Although FM is normally static free reception quality can be limited by geographic and atmospheric condi tions station strength and distance from the transmitter Buildings or ot...

Page 60: ...ctor buttons or by pressing the forward music search fast forward button O H again after approx 3 seconds To fast forward the tape press the forward music search fast forward button O H twice The indi...

Page 61: ...the eject button B 0 Remove the tape after the motorized loading system has disengaged the cassette The unit will automatically switch from cassette playback to radio operation When the unit is turned...

Page 62: ...off position the antenna will not extend or will retract completely The height of the antenna can be adjusted to any intermediate posi tion by actuating the antenna switch If the antenna switch is in...

Page 63: ...Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp Coolant Temperature Gauge Low Engine Coolant Level Indicator Lamp Low Windshield and Headlamp Washer Fluid Level Indicator Lamp Outside Temperature Indicator Brake Pad Wear I...

Page 64: ...nd the service brake is applied Do not release the brake until ready to drive The vehicle may otherwise start creep ing when the selector lever is in a drive position Test the brakes briefly after dri...

Page 65: ...ushed towed or tow started Do not engage N while driving except when the vehicle is in danger of skidding e g on icy roads see page 18 D Drive Automatic upshifting to top gear Position D affords optim...

Page 66: ...ill gra dients Depending on the degree of the incline shift selector lever to posi tions 3 or 2 early enough to main tain engine RPM within the best torque range Stopping For brief stops e g at traffi...

Page 67: ...pedal or the vehicle speed falls below approx 40 km h 25 mph for ex ample when driving upgrade the cruise control will be cancelled 4 Resume If the lever is briefly pulled to posi tion 4 when driving...

Page 68: ...n this indicates a fault which must be repaired at an authorized MERCEDES BENZ dealer as soon as possible Oil Pressure Gauge The oil pressure at idle speed may drop to 0 3 bar 4 4 psi if the engine is...

Page 69: ...Gauge If the antifreeze mixture is effective to 30 C 22 F the boiling point of the coolant in the pressurized cooling system of your vehicle is approx 130 C 266 F see also Fuels Cool ants Lubricants e...

Page 70: ...2 and it should go out when the engine is running If the indicator lamp lights up during braking this shows that the front wheel brake pads are worn Have the brake system checked at your authorized M...

Page 71: ...ltage falls below 10 volts the indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is switched off When the voltage is above this value again the indicator lamp should go out and the ABS will be operational If the AB...

Page 72: ...fined areas such as a garage which are not properly ventilated If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving have the cause determined and corrected immediately If you mus...

Page 73: ...ixed windshield washer sol vent anti freeze which is formu lated for below freezing tempera tures see page 47 Test battery Battery capacity drops with decreasing ambient temperature A well charged bat...

Page 74: ......

Page 75: ...eels Tires 80 Changing Wheels 82 Tire Inflation Pressure 83 Headlamp Adjustment 84 Replacing Bulbs 84 Practical Hints Fuses 87 Spark Plugs 87 Battery 88 Emergency Operation of Sliding Roof 89 Manual R...

Page 76: ...ly with wipers in the parked position To close Close hood by depressing it firmly Warning To help prevent personal injury stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open and the engine is running Be...

Page 77: ...ition To close Warning To help prevent personal injury stay clear of moving parts when the hood is open and the engine is running Be sure the hood is properly closed before driving The engine is equip...

Page 78: ...icorro 2 Marking for coolant level sion antifreeze should be used Warning Use extreme caution when opening the hood if there are any signs of steam or coolant leaking from the cooling system Do not re...

Page 79: ...hicle on level ground stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan Wipe the dipstick clean before checking Add oil if needed only to the upper mark max Do not overfi...

Page 80: ...impurity may cause operational troubles The fluid level in the transmission is dependent upon its temperature The maximum and minimum oil level marks on the dipstick are applicable references only if...

Page 81: ...he seat backs Do not place anything on the shelf below the rear window Spare Wheel Roll back the floor mat lift the trunk floor 1 and engage strap 2 in the trunk lid To remove the spare tire turn lugg...

Page 82: ...s vertical when in use especially on hills Lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before work ing under the vehicle Wheels Tires Replace wheels or tires with the same designation manufa...

Page 83: ...and tread center wear on rear wheels becomes visible at a mileage of 5000 10 000 km 3000 6000 miles as otherwise the driving properties deteriorate Underinflated tires due to a slow leak e g due to a...

Page 84: ...the downhill side of each wheel of the other axle on a level road place one chock in front of and one behind the wheel that is diagonally opposite to the wheel being changed 5 Using the combination wr...

Page 85: ...the varying operating conditions Important Tire pressure differs by approx 0 1 bar 1 5 psi per 10 C 18 F of air temperature change Keep this in mind when checking tire pressure in side a garage especi...

Page 86: ...Headlamp vertical adjustment screw 3 420 SEL 560 SEL Fog lamp adjustment screw 4 Plastic nut for housing of turn signal parking side marker and standing lamps 5 High and low beam headlamp cover 6 420...

Page 87: ...fac ing down and turn clockwise Push electrical connector on securely 420 SEL 560 SEL Fog lamp bulb Halogen type H3 Compress the retaining clip of the cover 6 at the top while removing it upwards Pul...

Page 88: ...locks in the trunk to the left as far as the stop and detach bulb carrier To replace the bulbs depress turn to the left and remove High Mounted Stop Lamp 21 W 32 cp bulb To replace the bulb pull tabs...

Page 89: ...ine the cause of the short circuit Spare fuses are furnished inside the fuse box Observe amperage and color of fuse Always use a new fuse for replace ment Never attempt to repair or bridge a blown fus...

Page 90: ...battery to last an optimum length of time Therefore we recommend that you have the battery charge checked fre quently if you use the vehicle mostly for short distance trips or if it is not used for lo...

Page 91: ...the right side of the trunk while opening the filler flap Windshield Wipers To release frozen windshield wiper blades or to replace worn blades the windshield wiper arms can be pulled out of their rec...

Page 92: ...rms to prevent the wiper arms from slipping back in to their parked position recess Press safety tabs 1 and slide wiper blade towards the wiper arm base 2 Lift wiper arm and remove wiper blade Install...

Page 93: ...h all wheels on the ground and the selector lever in position N for distances up to 120 km 75 miles and at a speed not to exceed 50 km h 30 mph To positively avoid a possibility of damage to the trans...

Page 94: ...icle Make sure the cables are not on or near pulleys fans or other parts that will move when the engine is started 5 Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery and run at high idle Then star...

Page 95: ...he under side of the car A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the underbody followed by a thorough in spection Damaged areas need to be re undercoated Your vehicle has been treated at t...

Page 96: ...washing the underbody do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels Tar Stains Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become more difficult to re move MB Tar Remover is recommen ded Wind...

Page 97: ...ot bead up nor mally in 3 5 months depending on climate and washing detergent used MB Paint Polish should be applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt em bedding i e loss of gloss MB Fine Polishing...

Page 98: ...to marring of the paint or even denting of the roof if excessive weight is placed on the rack Your authorized MERCEDES BENZ dealer can give further advice Ashtrays To remove front ashtray Pull ashtray...

Page 99: ...d push it down to the stop Check if the highest position can be reached by pushing the switch up for approximately 5 seconds Adjust head restraint to the desired position Removing rear seat head restr...

Page 100: ...installed by an authorized MERCEDES BENZ dealer All authorized MERCEDES BENZ dealers maintain a stock of original spare parts required for maintenance and repair work In addition strategi cally locate...

Page 101: ...00 Theft Prevention 101 Vehicle Data Cards 102 Warranty Coverage 102 Technical Data 420 SEL 103 560 SEL 560 SEC 104 Fuels Coolants Lubricants etc 105 Capacities 105 Engine Oils 107 Brake Fluid 107 Pre...

Page 102: ...d engine numbers 1 Certification Tag left door pillar 2 Identification Tag left window post 3 Vehicle Identification No 4 Engine No 5 Body No and Paintwork No 6 Emission Control Tag 560 SEC left side...

Page 103: ...rts see illustration are labeled ex factory the labels show the VIN number of this vehicle Spare parts are similarly labeled ex factory in a different location The labels show the letter R for replace...

Page 104: ...ms of the warranties printed in the Owner s Service and Warranty Policy Booklet and your authorized MERCEDES BENZ dealer will ex change or repair any defective parts in accordance with the terms of th...

Page 105: ...s Tires Rims forged light alloy rims 6I 2J x 15 H 2 Wheel offset 21 5 mm 0 8 in Summer tires Radial ply tires 205 65 VR 15 Winter tires Radial ply tires 205 65 R 15 94 T M S Electrical System Alternat...

Page 106: ...tires Radial ply tires 205 65 VR 15 Winter tires Radial ply tires 205 65 R 15 94 T M S 104 Electrical System Alternator 14 V 80 A Starter motor 12V 1 5 kW Battery 12 V 92 Ah Spark plugs see rear insi...

Page 107: ...ed by us Inquire at your author ized MERCEDES BENZ dealer Capacity Engine with oil filter 8 0 I 8 5 US qt Automatic transmission Initial fill 8 6 I 9 1 US qt Fluid change 7 7 I 8 1 US qt Fuels coolant...

Page 108: ...d graphite Brake reservoir approx 0 5 I 0 5 US qt MB Brake fluid DOT4 Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system approx 5 0 I 5 3 US qt MB Windshield washer concentrate S 2 Fuel tank includ...

Page 109: ...ly with unleaded regular and fill up with premium unleaded as soon as possible avoid full throttle driving and ab rupt acceleration do not exceed an engine speed of 3000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded w...

Page 110: ...is low water and MB anticorrosion antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper level have cooling system checked for signs of leakage The water in the cooling system must meet minimum requi...

Page 111: ...and C and they represent the tire s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete A tire marked C may have poor...

Page 112: ......

Page 113: ...Index...

Page 114: ...t 50 Consumer information 109 Coolant level check 76 Coolants 106 108 Coolant temperature gauge 67 Cruise control 65 Doors 28 Driver checks 116 Driving instructions 16 Economical driving indicator ECO...

Page 115: ...12 Jack 80 Jump starting 92 Keys 27 Lamps exterior 46 84 85 86 Fog lamps 84 85 Headlamps 84 High mounted stop lamp 86 License plate lamps 86 Switch 46 Taillamps 86 Lamps interior 51 Lighter 49 Litera...

Page 116: ...isors 49 Supplemental restraint system SRS 37 40 Technical data 103 104 Theft prevention 101 Tire chains 71 Tire pressure 83 Tires 17 80 109 Towing 91 Transmission fluid level check 78 Traveling abroa...

Page 117: ...w Jersey 07645 Att Technical Publications Tel 201 573 0600 for Canada Mercedes Benz Canada Inc 849 Eglinton Ave East Toronto Ont Canada M4G 2L5 Att Technical Publications Tel 416 425 3550 Telex 065 24...

Page 118: ...every two weeks For details see page 83 3 Battery Add distilled or tap water only see page 88 4 Fluid Level in Automatic Trans mission See page 78 5 Windshield Washer System and Headlamp Cleaning Syst...

Page 119: ...m load 1 82 262 1 92 272 2 32 332 Coolant For normal replenishment use water potable water quality For further information e g anticorrosion antifreeze refer to page 108 Bulbs High and low beams Halog...

Page 120: ...DAIMLER BENZ AG Stuttgart U ntertuerkheim Z entralkundendienst 126 584 7 5 97 Kl i ftKKn M 1 Q I I Q A A i ic n a h o n 1 1 Q ftQ...

Page 121: ......

Search results

Summary of Contents for 126 Series

Reviews:

Brands by name

Popular brands

Mercedes-Benz 126 Series, Owner'S Manual

Search results

Summary of Contents for 126 Series

Reviews:

Brands by name

Popular brands