1999 Mercedes-benz C Class Owners Manual

Emergency Operation of Sliding/Pop-Up Roof

The sliding/pop-up roof can be opened or closed manually should an electrical malfunction occur. The sliding/pop-up roof drive is located behind the lens of the left interior lamp between the sun visors. 1. Pry off lens (1) by using a screw driver. 2. Obtain crank (2) (supplied with vehicle) and insert it through hole.

To slide the roof closed or to raise the roof at the rear: turn crank clockwise. To slide the roof open or to lower the roof at the rear: turn crank counterclockwise.

Replacing Wiper Blade Insert

For safety reasons, remove electronic key from steering lock before replacing the wiper blade, otherwise the motor can suddenly turn on and cause injury.

Notes: Do not open engine hood with wiper arm folded forward. Do not allow the wiper arm to contact the windshield glass without a wiper blade inserted. The glass may be scratched or broken. Make certain that the wiper blade is properly installed. An improperly installed blade may cause windshield damage.

Removal: Fold wiper arm forward. Press safety tab down (1), push wiper blade downward (2) and remove. Place wiper blade on firm support. Slide (direction of arrow) the wiper blade insert out of the retainer claws.

Headlamp Wiper Blades

Removal: Fold wiper arm forward. Push pin (1) and remove wiper blade.

Installation: Place wiper blade on wiper arm and press in pin (1).

Installation: Slide (direction of arrow) wiper blade insert into retainer claws until tabs are engaged. Insert wiper blade between tabs (3) on the wiper arm, and slide into end of wiper arm. Press safety tab upward until it locks in place.

Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap

The manual release knob is located behind the right side trunk panel and felt pad. In case the central locking system does not release the fuel filler flap, pull the manual release knob while simultaneously opening the fuel filler flap.

Use only those roof racks approved by Mercedes-Benz to avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manufacturer's installation instructions. Mount supports only between markings on border of roof which are visible when doors are opened.

Roof Rack

C230

C 280, C 43 AMG

Layout of Poly-V-belt Drive

1. Automatic belt tensioner 2. Crankshaft 3. Air conditioning compressor 4. Generator (alternator)

5. Idler pulley 6. Power steering pump 7. Coolant pump, fan

For dimensions of the poly-V-belt, see Technical Data in Index.

Spare Parts Service

All authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers maintain a stock of original spare parts required for maintenance and repair work. In addition, strategically located parts distribution centers provide quick and reliable parts service. More than 300,000 different spare parts, for other Mercedes-Benz models, are available. Mercedes-Benz original spare parts are subjected to the most stringent quality inspections. Each part has been specifically developed, manufactured or selected for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz original spare parts should be installed.

Important !

The use of non-genuine parts and accessories not authorized by Mercedes-Benz could damage the vehicle or compromise its durability or safety.

Identification Labels

When ordering spare parts, please specify vehicle identification and engine numbers. 1 Certification Label 2 Vehicle Identification No. 3 Identification Label lower edge of windshield) 4 Engine No. C 230, rear left, C 280, rear right, C 43 AMG, rear right 5 Body No. and Paintwork No. 6 Emission Control Label 7 Information Label California version Vacuum line routing for emission control system

Warranty Coverage

Your car is covered under the terms of the "warranties" printed in the Owner's Service and Warranty Information booklet and your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will exchange or repair any defective parts in accordance with the terms of the following warranties:

1. New vehicle limited warranty 2. Emission systems warranty 3. Emission performance warranty 4. California emission control systems warranty.

Loss of Owner's Service and Warranty Information Booklet Should you lose your Owner's Service and Warranty Information booklet, have your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer arrange for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.

Technical Data C 230 Model Engine Mode of operation

No. of cylinders Bore Stroke Total piston displacement Compression ratio Output acc. to SAE J 1349

Maximum torque acc. to SAE J 1349 Maximum engine speed Firing order Poly-V-belt Main Dimensions Overall vehicle length Overall vehicle width Overall height Wheel base Track, front Track, rear Weights Roof load max. Trunk load max

C 230 (202 023)1 111 4-stroke engine, gasoline injection 3.58 in (90.90 mm) 3.48 in (88.40 mm) 140.1 cu.in. (2295 cm3) 10,4:1 148 hp/5500 rpm (110 kW/5500 rpm) 162 ft.lb./4000 rpm (220 Nm/40OOrpm) 6000 rpm 1-3-4-2 2155 mm

177.4 in (4507 mm) 67.7 in (1720mm) 56.1 in (1424 mm) 105.9 in (2690 mm) 59.0 in (1499 mm) 57.6 in (1464mm) See certification tag 220 lb(100 kg) 220 lb(100 kg)

7J x 15 H 2 1.46 in (37 mm)

205/60 R 15 91 H 205/60 R 15 91 T M+S

61/2J x 15 H 2 1.46 in (37 mm) 195/65 R 15 91 H

Rims - Tires Rims (light alloy rims) Wheel offset All season;Radial-ply tires Winter tires;Radial-ply tires Model C 230- Canada only Rims (steel rims) Wheel offset All season;Radial-ply tires Winter tires;Radial-ply tires 195/65 R 15 91 T M+S Electrical System Generator (alternator) Starter motor Battery Spark plugs

Electrode gap Tightening torque

14 V/90 A 12 V/1.4KW 12 V/100 Ah Bosch F 9 DCO Beru 14 F-9 DUO

Champion C 12 YCC 0.032 in (0,8 mm) 15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)

1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for the correspon-ding data of ali special bodies and special equipment,

Technical Data C 280 Model Engine

Mode of operation

No. of cylinders

Bore

Stroke

C 280 (202 029)1 112

4-stroke engine, gasoline injection

3.54 in (89.90 mm)

2.89 in (73.50 mm)

Total piston displacement 170.8 cu.in. (2799 cm3)

Compression ratio

10:1

Output acc. to SAE J 1349 Maximum torque acc. to SAE J 1349

195 hp/5800 rpm (145 kW/5800 rpm) 195 ft.lb./3000 rpm (265 Nm/3000rpm)

Maximum engine speed 6000 rpm Firing order 1-4-3-6-2-5

Poly-V-belt

2390 mm

Weights: See certification tag

220 lb(100 kg)

220 lb(100 kg)

Roof load max.

Trunk load max.

14 V/90 A

7J x 15 H 2

12 V/1.7KW

1.46 in (37 mm)

205/60R 15 91 H

205/60 R 15 91 T M+S

7J x 16 H 2 1.46 in (37 mm)

205/55 R 16 91 H

Rims - Tires Rims (light alloy rims) Wheel offset Summer tires; Radial-ply tires Winter tires; Radial-ply tires Rims and All season Tires ( Sport Package) Rims (light alloy rims) Wheel offset Summer tires; Radial-ply tires Electrical System Generator (alternator) Starter motor Battery Spark plugs Electrode gap Tightening torque Main Dimensions Overall vehicle length Overall vehicle width Overall height Wheel base Track, front Track, rear 57.6 in (1464mm) 1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer

for the correspon-ding data of ali special bodies and special equipment,

Bosch F 9 DPER 0.032 in (0,8 mm) 15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)

105.9 in (2690 mm)

177.4 in (4507 mm)

59.0 in (1499 mm)

56.1 in (1424 mm)

67.7 in (1720mm)

12 V/100 Ah

Technical Data C 43 AMG Model Engine

C 43 AMG (202 033)1 113

Mode of operation

4-stroke engine, gasoline injection

No. of cylinders

Bore

Stroke

3.54 in 89.90 mm)

3.31 in (84.00 mm)

Total piston displacement 260.0 cu.in. (4265 cm3) Compression ratio

10:1

Output acc. to SAE J 1349 Maximum torque acc. to SAE J 1349

302 hp/5850 rpm (225 kW/5850 rpm) 302ft.lb./3250 rpm (410 Nm/3250rpm)

Maximum engine speed Firing order

6300 rpm 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Poly-V-belt

2390 mm

Weights

See certification tag

71/2J x 17 H 2 1.38 in (35 mm) 215/45 R 17 H M + S 225/45 R 17 H M + S 3

71/2J x 17 H 2 1.38 in (35 mm)

225/45 ZR 173

225/45 ZR 173 245/40 ZR 173

81/2J x 17 H 2 1.18 in (30 mm)

71/2J x 17 H 2 1.38 in (35 mm)

Rims and All season Tires Rims2 Front axle AMG light alloy rims Wheel offset Rear axle AMG light alloy rims Wheel offset Radial-ply tires Front axle Rear axe Rims and Winter Tires Rims2 AMG light alloy rims Wheel offset Radial-ply tires or Spare Wheel Rims2 AMG light alloy rims Wheel offset All season tire: Radial-ply tire Electrical System Generator (alternator) Starter motor Battery Spark plugs Electrode gap Tightening torque

12 V/100 Ah

12 V/1.7KW

14 V/150 A

Main Dimensions

177.4 in (4507 mm)

67.7 in (1720mm)

Overall vehicle length Overall vehicle width Overall height Wheel base Track, front Track, rear 58.2 in (1478mm)

56.1 in (1424 mm)

59.2 in (1503 mm)

105.9 in (2690 mm)

Bosch F 8 DEPER 0.032 in (0,8 mm) 15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)

Roof load max. Trunk load max.

220 lb(100 kg) 220 lb(100 kg)

1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for the correspon-ding data of ali special bodies and special equipment, 2 Use correct wheel bolts. 3. Must not be used with snow chains.

Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. - Capacities

Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match Therefore use only brands tested and recommended by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Engine with oil filter

Automatic transmission

Rear axle

Power steering

Front wheel hubs

Accelerator control linkage

Brake system

Windshield washer

and headlamp cleaning system

Cooling system

Fuel tank including a reserve of

Air conditioner system

Model

Capacity

6.5 US qt (6.2 l) 8.5US qt 8.0 l) 7.9US qt 7.5 l) 7.9 US qt (7.5 l) 7.9 US qt (7.5 l) 9.9 US qt (9.4 l)

1.2 US qt (1.1 l)

1.4 US qt(1.3 l)

approx 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)

approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each

approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 I)

approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 I)

approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5 I approx. 10.6 US qt 10.0 I) approx. 11.8 US qt (11.2 I approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 I) approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 I)

C 230 C 280 C 43 AMG

C 230 C 280 C 43 AMG

C 230 C 280 C 43 AMG

C 220 C 280 C 36 AMG

Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc

Recommended engine oils

Automatic transmission fluid

Hypoid gear oil SAL 90, 85 W 90

MB Power steering fluid High temperature roller bearing grease

Hydraulic fluid

MB Brake fluid (DOT 4)

MB Windshield washer concentrate "S"1

MB Anticorrosion/antifreez

Premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane 91 (Avg. of 96 RON/86 MON) R-134a refrigerant and special lubricant (Never R-12)

Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios, see Windshield/Headlamp Washer System in Index.

Engine Oils Engine oils are specifically tested for their suitability in our engines. Therefore, use only engine oils recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Information on recommended brands is available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Please follow service Booklet recommendations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to do so could result in engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Engine Oil Additives Do not blend oil additives with engine oil. They may be harmful to the engine operation. Damage or malfunctions resulting from blending oil additives are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Air Conditioner Refrigerant R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG lubricating oil is used in the air conditioner system. Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral based lubricating oil, otherwise damage to the system will occur.

Brake Fluid During vehicle operation, the boiling point of the brake fluid is continuously reduced through the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere. Under extremely hard operating conditions, this moisture content can lead to the formation of bubbles in the system thus reducing the system's efficiency. The brake fluid must therefore be replaced every two years, preferably in the spring. It is recommended to use only brake fluid approved by Mercedes- Benz. Your authorized Mercedes Benz dealer will provide you with additional information.

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Caution ! To maintain the engine's durability and performance, premium unleaded gasoline must be used. If premium unleaded is not available and low octane fuel is used, follow these precautions: • have the fuel tank filled only partially with unleaded regular and fill up with premium unleaded as soon as possible, • avoid full throttle driving and abrupt acceleration, • do not exceed an engine speed of 3000 rpm, if the vehicle is loaded with a light load such as two persons and no luggage, • do not exceed 2/3 of maximum accelerator pedal position, if the vehicle is fully loaded or operating in mountainous terrain.

Fuel Requirements Use only Premium unleaded meeting ASTM standard D 439: The octane number (posted at the pump) must be 91 min. It is an average of both the Research (R) octane number and the Motor (M) octane number: [(R+M)/2]. This is also known as ANTI-KNOCK INDEX. Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates such as Ethanol, I PA, IBA and TBA can be used provided the ratio of any one of these oxygenates to gasoline does not exceed 10%, MTBE not to exceed 15%. The ratio of Methanol to gasoline must not exceed 3% plus additional components. Using mixtures of Ethanol and Methanol is not allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10% Ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used. These blends must also meet all other fuel requirements such as resistance to spark knock, boiling range, vapor pressure etc..

Gasoline Additives A major concern among engine manufacturers is carbon build up caused by gasoline. Mercedes- Benz recommends the use of only quality gasoline containing additives that prevent the build up of carbon deposits. After an extended period of using fuels without such additives, carbon deposits can build up especially on the intake valves and in the combustion area, leading to engine performance problems such as: • warm-up hesitation, • unstable idle, • knocking/pinging, • misfire, • power loss. Do not blend other specific fuel additives with fuel. They only result in unnecessary cost, and may be harmful to the engine operation. Damage or malfunctions resulting from poor fuel quality or from blending specific fuel additives are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Coolants

The engine coolant is a mixture of water and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides: • corrosion protection, • freeze protection, • boiling protection (by increasing the boiling point). The cooling system was filled at the factory with a coolant providing freeze protection to approx. -22°F (-30°C) and corrosion protection. The coolant solution must be used year round to provide the necessary corrosion protection and increase in the boil-over protection. You should have it replaced every 3 years. To provide the important corrosion protection, the solution must be at least 45% anticorrosion/antifreeze (equals a freeze protection to approx. -22°F [-30°C]). If you use a solution that is more than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection to approx. -49°F [-45°C]), the engine temperature will increase due to the lower heat transfer capability of the solution. Therefore, do not use more than this amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze. If the coolant level 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 requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal drinking water. If you are not sure about the water quality, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Anticorrosion/antifreeze Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in such engines be specifically formulated to protect the aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will result in a significantly shortened service life.) Therefore the following product is strongly recommended for use in your car: Mercedes-Benz Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent. Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in the hot southern regions), you should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration checked. The coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring your vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for service.

Model

C 230

C 280

C 43 AMG

Approx.freeze Protection -35°F (~37°C)

-49°F (-45°C)

5.0 US qt (4.75 I)

5.3 US qt (5.0 I)

5.9US qt (5.6 I)

5.5 US qt (5.25 I)

5.8 US qt (5.5 I)

6.6 US qt (6.2 I)

Consumer Information This has been prepared as required of all manufacturers of passenger cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".

Uniform Tire Quality Grading Refer to the tire sidewall for the specific tire grades for the tires with which this vehicle is equipped. All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Treadwear

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (11/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction "A", "B", "C" The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are "A", "B", 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 traction performance.

Warning ! The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.

Temperature "A", "B", "C". The temperature grades are "A" (the highest), "B", and "C", representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade "C" corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades "B" and "A" represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Warning ! The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause excessive heat build up and possible tire failure.

Problems with your Vehicle

If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the dealership management, or if necessary contact us at the following addresses:

In the U.S.A.: Customer Assistance Center Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc. One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

In Canada: Customer Relations Department Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5

For the U.S.A. only. The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".

Reporting Safety Defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc.. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc.. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Service and Literature

Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer has trained technicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to service your vehicle properly. For expert advice and quality service, see your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. If you are interested in obtaining service literature for your vehicle, please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. We consider this to be the best way for you to obtain accurate information for your vehicle.

Warning ! To help avoid personal injury, be extremely careful when performing any service work or repairs. Improper or incomplete service or the use of incorrect or inappropriate parts or materials may damage the vehicle or its equipment, which may in turn result in personal injury. If you have any question about carrying out some service, turn to the advice of an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

The engine compartment of model C 230 is illustrated. 1. Fuel Supply Open flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank has been released, then remove cap. Failure to remove slowly could result in personal injury. 2. Tire Inflation Pressure Check at least every two weeks. For details see Index. 3. Coolant Level See Adding coolant in Index. 4. Windshield Washer System, Headlamp Cleaning System For refilling reservoir see Index. 5. Engine Oil Level See Index. 6. Brake Fluid See Index.

Vehicle Lighting: Check function and cleanliness. For replacement of light bulbs, see Index.