What does this warning light mean?
 

Just bought an 88 560SEL 81kmiles, my first Mercedes. The car runs GREAT, but recently a warning light on the dash came on. It is a circle with an exclamation point inside. I searched the forums, and someone else had what seems to be the same problem, and somebody said that the warning light meant that they have a light out on the exterior. I checked, and that is true, I have a reverse light out.

BUT the manual says "Low Brake Fluid (Canada Only)".

Does anyone know what's up?

yes thats right, its a blown bulb. there are various ways that it can be out. do you know exactly which bulb it is? i think you said it was the reverse light but it may be good to check them all. get a friend and turn on the car without pressing down on the break. then press it, does the light come on? if not, then good, those are fine ( don't forget to check the third brake light, overlooked many times ) , turn on your headlights all the way to the right ( and put on the high beams ) , do they come on? if so it could be your corner lights or headlights. then put it in reverse, or another way to check is to just go to the bulbs. most you can tell if they are blown. if are going to replace one, you might as well replace the other since that may not live much longer. good luck

If you don't have a friend to help with the brake light. Turn car off and then restart (light will not be on) Hit brake pedal - if light comes on that's your problem. Don't forget about 3rd brake light.

Congratulations on purchasing a wonderful car!

Now you need an owner's manual. I take it one didn't come with the car.
Call 800-FOR MERC and see if they have one for your model and year.

Is that a yellow warning light, or a red warning light?

If its Red, than its "Breaks" Related. If Yellow, than its "Bulb-Out" Related.

Phil

really?? mine was yellow and it was a brake light.... maybe only on a 300e???