2003 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 236

Controls in detail Useful features ! If the indicator lamps in the SOS button, in the "Roadside Assistance" button and in the "Information" button remain illuminated constantly in red and/or the message TELE AID - VISIT WORKSHOP! is displayed in the multifunction display after the system self-check, a malfunction in the system has been detected. If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above, the system may not operate as expected. Have the system checked at the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible. Emergency calls An emergency call is initiated automatically: following an accident in which the emergency tensioning devices (ETDs) or airbags deploy if the anti-theft alarm or the tow-away alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds. See anti-theft alarm system ( page 82) and tow-away alarm ( page 82) An emergency call can also be initiated manually by opening the cover next to the inside rear view mirror labeled SOS, then briefly pressing the button located under the cover. See below for instructions on initiating an emergency call manually. Once the emergency call is in progress, the indicator lamp in the SOS button will begin to flash. The message EMERGENCY CALL - CONNECTING CALL appears in the multifunction display. When the connection is established, the message EMERGENCY CALL - CALL CONNECTED appears in the multifunction display. All information relevant to the emergency, such as the location of the vehicle (determined by the GPS satellite location system), vehicle model, identification number and color are generated. A voice connection between the Response Center and the occupants of the vehicle will be established automatically soon after the emergency call has been initiated. When a voice connection is established, the audio system is muted and the message TELE AID - EMERGENCY CALL ACTIVE appears in the multifunction display. The Response Center will attempt to determine more precisely the nature of the accident provided they can speak to an occupant of the vehicle. 236