Just bought another MB. Recently the warning light came on on the dash "ETS" and on the left side of the dash ABS & ETS are lit. What does it mean, and how to correct? Your help is appreciated. Do you know a source for a manual?
thx
henryk

Hi, still have a 1985 300SD with about 215K, engine was replaced about 70K ago. Have also 4 other models 3 diesels and 2 gas.

Henry
If i understand correctly, in the middle of the dash (where the odometer usually appears) it's displaaying "ETS", and possibly will also say "ABS", as well as having the ABS and ETS warning lights on.
ABS as you know is anti lock brakes, and ETS is electronic traction support, which is an engine control to also help control spinning out (kind of the opposite of ABS, one for stopping, one for going. except ETS also help keep the car in control like if you were on ice or snow and also cornering at the same time).
ABS and ETS use some similar inputs, such as wheel speed from all 4 wheels. Possibly one of the wheel speed sensors is bad, this is the most common cause for trouble. OR if you maybe have one wheel that's an incorrect size (or different size from the other 3) this can also cause fault codes.
You need to get it to a dealer or MB specialist shop to get the codes read out and a diagnosis from there.
There is no W210 manual available that I am aware of. On newer cars the info is in many different types of manuals, it's not like the dealer itself even has 1 source for all info, however there is a Mercedes website that you can access for info on the car, I believe you need a subscription of some sort, maybe someone else can help you with that. The dealer also has a computer network they can access for various info, but I don't believe you will be able to buy just a paper manual for a 210 chassis.

Gilly

PS: Just thought of this: Another possiblity is the brake light switch may be bad. This may or may not make the brakelights not work, there are 2 sets of contacts in the switch. Before driving the car PLEASE make sure the brake lights are working. This is another fairly common problem also.

thank you, will try this as soon as I can, and will keep you posted.