2003 Mercedes-benz C Class Owners Manual

C 230 Kompressor Sport C 240
C 240 4MATIC C 320
C 320 4MATIC C 320 Sport C 320 4MATIC Sport C 32 AMG

앫 Please pay attention to the warnings

and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety of the vehicle operator and oc- cupants.

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC A DaimlerChrysler Company

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz. Your selection of our product is a demon- stration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service. Your Mercedes-Benz represents the ef- forts of many skilled engineers and crafts- men. To help assure your driving pleasure, and also the safety of you and your passen- gers, we ask you to make a small invest- ment of time: 앫 Please read this manual carefully be- fore putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.

앫 Please follow the recommendations

contained in this manual. They are de- signed to acquaint you with the opera- tion of your Mercedes-Benz.

At a glance .......................................... 19
Cockpit................................................. 20
Instrument cluster ................................ 22
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 24
Center console ..................................... 25
Upper part ...................................... 25
Lower part ...................................... 26
Overhead control panel ........................ 27
Door control panel................................ 28

Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information................................ 9
Operator’s Manual............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada......................... 13
Where to find it.................................... 14
Symbols............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle.................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting Safety Defects ............... 18

Contents

Getting started................................... 29
Unlocking ............................................. 30
Unlocking with SmartKey................ 30
Adjusting .............................................. 32
Seats .............................................. 32
Steering wheel................................ 37
Mirrors............................................ 39
Driving.................................................. 41
Fastening the seat belt ................... 41
Starting the engine ......................... 44
Switching on headlamps................. 47
Turn signals and high beam ............ 47
Windshield wipers........................... 48
Problems while driving.................... 49
Parking and locking.............................. 51
Parking brake ................................. 51
Switching off headlamps................. 52
Turning off engine........................... 53

Contents

Safety and Security ........................... 55
Occupant safety................................... 56
Airbags ........................................... 57
Seat belts ....................................... 61
Children in the vehicle.................... 65
Blocking of rear door window operation........................................ 71
Panic alarm* .................................. 72
Activating ....................................... 72
Deactivating ................................... 72
Driving safety systems......................... 73
ABS ................................................ 73
BAS ................................................ 74
ESP................................................. 75
Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC*) with the ESP ..... 78
Anti-theft systems................................ 79
Immobilizer..................................... 79
Anti-theft alarm system.................. 79
Tow-away alarm ............................. 80

Controls in detail............................... 83
Locking and unlocking......................... 84
Keys ............................................... 84
Opening the doors from the inside. 87
Opening the trunk from the inside . 88
Opening the trunk .......................... 88
Closing the trunk............................ 89
Trunk lid emergency release .......... 89
Separately locking the trunk .......... 90
Separately unlocking the trunk ...... 91
Automatic central locking .............. 91
Locking and unlocking from the inside............................... 92
Seats ................................................... 93
Easy-entry/exit feature* ................ 93
Head restraints .............................. 94
Multicontour seat*......................... 96
Heated seats*................................ 97
Memory function* ............................... 98
Storing positions into memory ....... 99
Recalling positions from memory... 99
Storing exterior rear view mirror parking position ........................... 100

Lighting ............................................. 101
Exterior lamp switch .................... 101
Combination switch ..................... 104
Hazard warning flasher ................ 104
Interior lighting ............................ 105
Door entry lamps ......................... 106
Trunk lamp................................... 106
Instrument cluster ............................. 107
Instrument cluster illumination .... 107
Coolant temperature display........ 108
Trip odometer .............................. 109
Tachometer.................................. 109
Outside temperature indicator..... 110
Control system .................................. 111
Multifunction display.................... 111
Multifunction steering wheel........ 112
Menus.......................................... 114
Standard display menu ................ 116
AUDIO menu ................................ 116
NAVI menu................................... 118
Malfunction memory menu .......... 118
Settings menu.............................. 119
Trip computer menu..................... 132
TEL menu* ................................... 134
Manual transmission ......................... 137
Shifting into reverse..................... 137

Contents

Automatic transmission*................... 138
One-touch gearshifting................. 139
Gear ranges ................................. 140
Gear selector lever position ......... 141
Program mode selector switch..... 142
Accelerator position..................... 143
Emergency operation (Limp Home Mode) ...................... 143
Good visibility .................................... 144
Rear view mirror........................... 144
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 146
Sun visors .................................... 146
Rear window sunshade* .............. 147
Climate control.................................. 148
Setting the temperature............... 150
Adjusting air distribution and volume ......................................... 151
Defrosting .................................... 151
Air recirculation mode.................. 152
Rear window defroster................. 153
Deactivating the climate control system ......................................... 153
Air conditioning............................ 154
Ventilated storage compartment . 155
Rear passenger compartment adjustable air vents...................... 155

Automatic climate control* ................ 156
Setting the temperature................ 158
Adjusting air distribution............... 159
Adjusting air volume ..................... 159
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 160
Defrosting ..................................... 160
Air recirculation mode .................. 160
Charcoal filter ............................... 161
Rear window defroster.................. 162
Air conditioning............................. 163
Residual heat and ventilation*...... 163
Rear passenger compartment adjustable air vents....................... 164
Audio system...................................... 165
Audio and telephone, operation.... 165
Operating safety ........................... 165
Operating and display elements.... 166
Button and soft key operation....... 168
Operation...................................... 168
Radio mode................................... 171
Cassette mode.............................. 174
CD changer* operating mode ....... 178
Telephone* operation ................... 182

Power windows .................................. 187
Opening and closing the windows 187
Synchronizing power windows...... 189
Sliding/pop-up roof*.......................... 190

Opening and closing the sliding/pop-up roof....................... 190
Synchronizing the sliding/pop-up roof...................... 192
Driving systems.................................. 193
Cruise control ............................... 193
Loading .............................................. 196
Roof rack* .................................... 196
Ski sack* ...................................... 196
Split rear bench seat*................... 199
Loading instructions ..................... 202
Useful features................................... 203
Interior storage spaces................. 203
Ashtrays........................................ 207
Cigarette lighter............................ 208
Telephone* ................................... 208
Tele Aid*....................................... 209
Garage door opener...................... 217

Maintenance...................................... 247
Clearing the service indicator ...... 247
Service term exceeded ................ 247
Calling up the service indicator.... 248
Resetting the service indicator .... 248
Vehicle care....................................... 249
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 249

Contents

Operation ......................................... 221
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)......... 222
Driving instructions............................ 223
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 223
Drinking and driving ..................... 223
Pedals .......................................... 223
Power assistance ......................... 224
Brakes .......................................... 224
Driving off..................................... 225
Parking ......................................... 225
Tires ............................................. 226
Hydroplaning ................................ 227
Tire traction.................................. 227
Tire speed rating .......................... 227
Winter driving instructions ........... 228
Standing water ............................. 229
Passenger compartment .............. 230
Driving abroad.............................. 230
Control and operation of radio transmitter .......................... 230
Catalytic converter ....................... 231
Emission control........................... 231
Coolant temperature .................... 232

At the gas station .............................. 233

Check regularly and before a long trip..................................... 234
Engine compartment ......................... 235
Hood ............................................ 235
Engine oil ..................................... 236
Transmission fluid level................ 238
Coolant level ................................ 238
Battery ......................................... 240
Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning* system......... 241
Tires and wheels................................ 242
Important guidelines .................... 242
Life of tire..................................... 243
Direction of rotation..................... 243
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 243
Rotating wheels ........................... 244
Winter driving .................................... 245
Winter tires .................................. 245
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 246
Snow chains................................. 246

Contents

Practical hints ................................ 255
What to do if … .................................. 256
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 256
Lamp in center console................ 260
Messages in the display............... 261
Where will I find ...? ........................... 279
First aid kit................................... 279
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 279
Spare wheel ................................. 281
Unlocking/locking in an emergency.. 285
Unlocking the vehicle................... 285
Locking the vehicle ...................... 286
Changing batteries....................... 286
Fuel filler flap ............................... 287
Manually unlocking the transmission selector lever .......... 288
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 289
Sliding/pop-up roof* ................... 289
Replacing bulbs ................................. 290
Bulbs............................................ 290
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 292
Side marker lamp bulb ................. 294
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 295

Replacing wiper blades....................... 296
Removing...................................... 296
Installing ....................................... 296
Flat tire............................................... 297
Preparing the vehicle .................... 297
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 297
Battery................................................ 303
Disconnecting the battery............. 304
Removing the battery.................... 304
Charging and reinstalling the battery .................................... 304
Reconnecting the battery.............. 305
Jump starting...................................... 306
Towing the vehicle.............................. 308
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 311
Fuses.................................................. 312

Fuse box in passenger compartment ................................ 312
Fuse box in engine compartment ................................ 312
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk............. 313

Technical data .................................. 315
Spare parts service ............................ 316
Warranty coverage ............................. 317

Loss of Service and Warranty Information Booklet ...................... 317
Identification labels ............................ 318
Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 319
C 230 Kompressor Sport .............. 319
C 240 / C 320 (all models)........... 319
C 32 AMG ..................................... 319
Engine ................................................ 320
Rims and Tires.................................... 322
Same size tires ............................. 323
Mixed size tires............................. 324
Spare wheel.................................. 325
Electrical system ................................ 326
Main dimensions ................................ 327
Weights .............................................. 328

Contents

Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. .......... 329
Capacities .................................... 329
Engine oils.................................... 332
Engine oil additives ...................... 332
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 332
Brake fluid .................................... 332
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 333
Fuel requirements ........................ 333
Gasoline additives ........................ 334
Flexible Fuel Vehicles ................... 334
Coolants....................................... 336
Windshield washer and headlamp cleaning* system ......... 338
Consumer information ....................... 339
Uniform tire quality grading.......... 339

Technical terms............................... 341

Index................................................. 347

Introduction Product information

Product information Please observe the following in your own best interest: We recommend using Mercedes-Benz orig- inal parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model. We have tested these parts to determine their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

We are unable to make an assessment for other products and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in indi- vidual cases an official approval or authori- zation by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and acces- sories could adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.

Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories ap- proved by us are available at your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be per- formed.

Introduction Operator’s Manual Operator’s Manual This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving. For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the in- structions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in dam- age to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by fail- ure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper proce- dures.

10

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, infor- mation, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual might differ from your vehicle. Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instruc- tions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle. If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures. The Operator’s Manual and Service Book- let are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.

Service and warranty information

The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including: 앫 New Car Limited Warranty 앫 Emission System Warranty 앫 Emission Performance Warranty 앫 California, Maine, Massachusetts, and

Vermont Emission Control System Warranty (California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont only)

앫 State Warranty Enforcement Laws

(Lemon Laws)

(1) the same substantial defect or mal-

function results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, that de- fect or malfunction has been subject to repair two or more times, and you have directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in writing of the need for its repair,

(2) the same substantial defect or mal-

function of a less serious nature than category (1) has been subject to repair four or more times and you have direct- ly notified us in writing of the need for its repair, or

Important notice for California retail buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price or lease price, if Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its au- thorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one or more substantial defects or mal- functions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts. During the pe- riod of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles (approx. 29 000 km) on the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair at- tempts is presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or more of the following oc- curs:

Introduction Operator’s Manual

(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of the same or different sub- stantial defects or malfunctions for a cumulative total of more than 30 calender days. Written notification should be sent to us, not a dealer, at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Customer Assistance Center, One Mercedes Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.

11

Introduction Operator’s Manual

Maintenance

Roadside Assistance

Change of address or ownership

The Service Booklet describes all the nec- essary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals. Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your autho- rized Mercedes-Benz Center for service. The service advisor will record each ser- vice in the booklet for you.

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory-trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside Assistance number 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the USA) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada) will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Cus- tomer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Pro- gram brochure in your glove box.

If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise. If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all literature with the vehicle to make it avail- able to the next operator. If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Service and Warranty In- formation Booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Cen- ter (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.

12

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in for- eign countries, please be aware that 앫 service facilities or replacement parts

may not be readily available.

앫 unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat- alytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts.

앫 gasoline may have a considerably low- er octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail- able for delivery in Europe under our Euro- pean Delivery Program. For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to: 앫 in the USA:

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350

앫 in Canada:

Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

Introduction Operator’s Manual

13

Introduction Where to find it Where to find it This Operator’s Manual is designed to pro- vide comprehensive support information for you, the vehicle operator. For you to find information quickly each section has its own reference color:

At a glance Here you will find an overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.

Getting started Here you will find all the information you need for your first drive. You should read this section first if this is your first Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are rent- ing or borrowing this vehicle.

Safety and Security Here you will find descriptions of the safety features of your vehicle.

14

Controls in detail Here you will find detailed information about the equipment installed in your vehi- cle. This section expands on the “Getting started” section and also describes techni- cal innovations. If you are already familiar with the basic functions of your vehicle, this section will be of particular interest to you.

Operation Here you will find all the information you need for the proper operation of your vehi- cle.

Practical hints This section provides fast assistance for dealing with problems you may encounter.

Technical data All important technical data for your vehi- cle can be found in this section.

Indexes The glossary provides explanations of the most important technical terms. The table of contents and the index are de- signed to help you find information quickly and easily. The following publications are part of your vehicle documentation: 앫 this Operator’s Manual 앫 the Service Booklet Separate operating instructions will be provided as required depending on the equipment options installed in your vehi- cle.

Symbols The following symbols are found in this Operator’s Manual:

Optional equipment is identified with an asterisk. Since standard equipment varies between models, the descriptions and illustrations in this manual may differ slightly from the actual equipment of your vehi- cle.

Warning!

Warning notices draw your attention to haz- ards that may endanger your health or life, or the health or life of others.

Highlights hazards that may result in damage to your vehicle.

Helpful hints or further information you may find useful.

->

Introduction Symbols

왘 This symbol points to instructions for

you to follow.

왘 A number of these symbols appearing in succession indicates a multiple-step procedure.

컄 Page

컄컄

This symbol tells you where to look for further information on a topic. This continuation symbol marks an interrupted procedure which will be continued on the next page. In the glossary of technical terms, this symbol is used to cross-reference term defini- tions.

Display Words appearing in the multi- function display are printed in the type shown here.

15

Introduction Operating safety Operating safety

Warning!

Proper use of the vehicle

Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are familiar with the following information and rules: 앫 the safety precautions in this manual 앫 the “Technical data” section in this

manual

앫 traffic rules and regulations 앫 motor vehicle laws and safety stan-

dards

Work improperly carried out on electronic components and associated software could cause them to cease functioning. Because the vehicle’s electronic components are in- terconnected, any modification made may produce an undesired effect on other sys- tems.

Electronic system malfunctions could seri- ously impair the operating safety of your ve- hicle.

Ensure that any repairs or modifications to electronic components are carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Other improper work or modifications on the vehicle could also have a negative impact on the operating safety of the vehicle.

Some safety systems only function while the engine is running. You should therefore nev- er turn off the engine while driving.

16

Introduction Problems with your vehicle

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 Center to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if necessary contact us at one of the following addresses: In the USA: Customer Assistance Center Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada: Customer Relations Department Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc. 849 Eglinton Avenue East Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5

17

Introduction Reporting safety defects Reporting safety defects For the USA 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 USA, LLC. 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 USA, LLC. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (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 ve- hicle safety from the Hotline.

18

At a glance Cockpit

Instrument cluster

Multifunction steering wheel

Center console

Overhead control panel

Door control panel

19

At a glance Cockpit Cockpit

20

At a glance Cockpit

Item

Page

Item

1 Combination switch

앫 Turn signals 앫 Windshield wipers 앫 High beam

2 Cruise control lever 3 Instrument cluster

4 Multifunction steering

wheel

5 Lever for voice control system*, see separate operating instructions

47
48
47
193
22, 107
24, 112

6 Overhead control panel 7 Glove box lid release, glove

box lock 8 Glove box 9 Center console 10 Starter switch 11 Horn 12 Steering wheel adjustment

handle (manual)

13 Steering wheel adjustment

stalk (electrical)*

Page 27
203

203
25
31

37

38

Item

14 Hood lock release 15 Parking brake pedal 16 Trunk lid release switch 17 Door control panel 18 Parking brake release 19 Exterior lamp switch 20 Exterior rear view mirror

adjustment

Page 235
45, 51
88
28
45
101
39

21 Headlamp washer switch*

146

21

At a glance Instrument cluster Instrument cluster

22

At a glance Instrument cluster

Item

1 Turn signal indicator lamp,

left

2 Speedometer 3 Turn signal indicator lamp,

right

4 Fuel gauge with:

Fuel reserve warning lamp 5 < Seat belt nonusage

warning lamp 1 Supplemental

restraint system indicator lamp

6 Multifunction display

with: Trip odometer Main odometer

Page 47

Item Selector lever position

47

259
61, 259
56, 257

111

109
111

Program mode Outside temperature dis- play Digital clock

7 ? Engine malfunction

indicator lamp

v Electronic Stability

Program (ESP) warning lamp

A High beam head-

lamp indicator

E Indicator lamp with-

out function1

DTR Indicator lamp with-

out function1

Page 140, 141
142
110

111
259

75, 256

47, 104

Item

8 - Antilock Brake Sys- tem (ABS) malfunc- tion indicator lamp

; Brake warning lamp, USA only

3 Brake warning

lamp, Canada only

9 Tachometer 10 Reset knob for:

앫 Resetting trip odome-

ter

앫 Resetting individual

settings

앫 Instrument cluster illu-

mination

Page 73, 257

45, 51, 258
45, 51, 258
109

109

120

107

1 The indicator lamp illuminates briefly when you

turn the key in the starter switch to position 2.

23

Page 111

111

Item

1 Multifunction display in

speedometer Operating control sys- tem

2 Selecting the submenu or

setting the volume ç down/to decrease æ up/to increase

3 Telephone*: Press button

í to take a call ì to end a call

Item

Page

4 Menu systems: Press but-

ton è for next system ÿ for previous system

5 Moving within a menu:

Press button j for next display k for previous display

At a glance Multifunction steering wheel Multifunction steering wheel

24

Center console Upper part

At a glance Center console

Item

1 Seat heater*, driver’s side 2 Rear window sunshade

switch

3 ESP control switch 4 Hazard warning flasher

switch – switching on/off

5 Central locking switch 6 Rear seat head restraints

switch

7 Anti-theft alarm system in-

dicator lamp Tow-away alarm switch

Page 97
147

75
104

92
36

79

80

Item

8 Seat heater*, passenger

side

9 Indicator lamp 7

10 Audio system, or

COMAND* (see separate operating instructions)

11 Climate control

Automatic climate control* Rear window defroster

Page 97

67, 260
165

148
156
153, 162

25

Item

1 Ashtray 2 Selector lever for

automatic transmission* Gearshift lever for manual transmission

3 Storage compartment

Cup holder Cigarette lighter

4 Armrest 5 Program mode selector for

automatic transmission

Page 207
44, 138
44, 137
205
204
208
206
142

At a glance Center console

Lower part

26

Overhead control panel

At a glance Overhead control panel

Item

1 Rear interior lighting

on/off

2 Sliding/pop-up roof* 3 Right reading lamp on/off 4 Interior lighting control 5 Hands-free microphone for Tele Aid* (emergency call system), telephone* and voice control system* (see separate operating instruc- tions)

6 Rear view mirror

7 Garage door opener 8 Left reading lamp on/off 9 Tele Aid* (emergency call

system) button

Page 105

190
106
105
134, 182, 209

39, 144
217
106
209

27

Item

1 Door handle 2 Memory function (for stor- ing seat, mirror and steer- ing wheel settings) 3 Seat adjustment*

4 Switches for opening/clos-

ing front door windows

Page 87
98

32, 34, 93
187

5 Switch for rear door win-

71

dow override

6 Switches for opening/clos-

187

ing rear door windows

7 Remote trunk lid release

88

switch

At a glance Door control panel Door control panel

28

Getting started Unlocking

Adjusting

Driving

Parking and locking

29

Unlocking Unlocking with SmartKey

Getting started Unlocking

The “Getting started” section provides an overview of the vehicle’s most basic func- tions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners should pay special attention to the infor- mation given here. If you are already familiar with the basic functions described here, the “Controls in detail” section will help you with further in- formation. The corresponding page refer- ences are at the end of each segment.

SmartKey with remote control 1 ‹ Lock button 2 Š Opening button for trunk 3 Œ Unlock button for doors 4  Panic button* (컄 page 72)

왘 Press unlock button Œ on the key. All turn signal lamps blink once. The locking knobs in the doors move up.

왘 Get in the vehicle and insert the key in

the starter switch.

Canada only: Only vehicles equipped with an anti-theft alarm system* have SmartKeys with integrated panic button* 4.

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 84).

30

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend- ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un- locked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Vehicles with automatic transmission: The SmartKey can only be removed from the starter switch with the gear selector lever in position P.

Starter switch positions

Starter switch 0 For removing key

The steering is locked when the key is removed from the starter switch. If necessary, move steering wheel slight- ly to allow the locking mechanism to engage.

1 Power supply to some electrical

consumers, such as seat adjustment

2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical

consumers) and driving position

3 Starting position

Getting started Unlocking

If the key is left in starter switch position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in the starter switch. 앫 Remove the key from the starter

switch and reinsert.

If the key can still not be turned, the battery may not be sufficiently charged. 앫 Check the battery and charge it if

necessary (컄 page 240).

앫 Get a jump start (컄 page 306). To prevent accelerated battery dis- charge and a possible dead battery, al- ways remove the key from the starter switch.

31

Getting started Adjusting Adjusting

Warning!

All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fas- tening of seat belts, must be done before the vehicle is put into motion.

Seats

The seats can be adjusted either manually or electrically, depending on the vehicle’s equipment.

Warning!

Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving. Adjusting the seat while driving could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat back reclined. Sitting in an excessively re- clined position can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck.

32

That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The seat back and seat belts provide the best restraint when the wearer is in an up- right position and belts are properly posi- tioned on the body. Your seat must be adjusted so that you can correctly fasten your seat belt (컄 page 41). Never place hands under the seat or near any moving parts while a seat is being ad- justed.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch, and lock your vehicle.

The power seats* can also be operated with the driver’s or front passenger door open. Do not leave children unattended in the ve- hicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the ve- hicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly installed. Other- wise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt and top tether strap, or secured via lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufactur- er’s instructions.

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Manual seat

1 Seat fore and aft adjustment 2 Seat cushion tilt 3 Backrest tilt 4 Seat height

Seat fore and aft adjustment 왘 Lift handle 1. 왘 Slide seat to the desired position. 왘 Allow handle 1 to reengage. 왘 Check for proper engagement before

driving.

Adjust to a comfortable seating position that still allows you to reach the accelera- tor/brake pedal safely. The position should be as far rearward as possible, consistent with ability to properly operate controls.

When moving the seat, be sure that there are no items in the footwell or be- hind the seats. Otherwise you could damage the seats.

Seat cushion tilt 왘 Turn handwheel 2 forward or backward

until your upper legs are lightly sup- ported

Getting started Adjusting

Backrest tilt 왘 Press switch 3 in direction of arrow un- til your arms are slightly angled when holding the steering wheel.

Seat height 왘 Press switch 4 in direction of arrow un-

til your legs are lightly supported.

Head restraint height

Warning!

For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level.

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intend- ed to help reduce injuries during an acci- dent.

33

Getting started Adjusting

1 Release knob 왘 Manually adjust the height of the head restraint by pulling it upward. To lower the head restraint, push release knob 1 and push down on the head restraint.

Head restraint tilt 왘 Manually adjust the angle of the head

restraint. Push or pull on the lower edge of the head restraint cushion. More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 93).

34

Power seat* 왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to

Seat fore and aft adjustment 왘 Press the switch forward or backward

position 1 or 2 . or

왘 Open the driver’s or front passenger

door.

The seat adjustment switches are located in each front door.

1 Head restraint height 2 Seat height 3 Seat cushion tilt 4 Seat fore and aft adjustment 5 Backrest tilt

in the direction of arrow 4. Adjust to a comfortable seating posi- tion that still allows you to reach the accelerator/brake pedal safely. The position should be as far rearward as possible, consistent with ability to properly operate controls.

When moving the seat, be sure that there are no items in the footwell or be- hind the seat. Otherwise you could damage the seat. With the memory function* (컄 page 98), you can store seat positions together with settings for the steering wheel and the exterior rear view mirrors.

Seat height 왘 Press the switch up or down in the di-

rection of arrow 2.

Seat cushion tilt 왘 Press the switch up or down in the di- rection of arrow 3 until your upper legs are lightly supported.

Backrest tilt 왘 Press the switch forward or back in

direction of arrow 5 until your arms are slightly angled when holding the steer- ing wheel.

Head restraint height 왘 Press the switch up or down in the

direction of arrow 1.

Warning!

For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level.

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intend- ed to help reduce injuries during an acci- dent.

Head restraint tilt 왘 Manually adjust the angle of the head

restraint. Push or pull on the lower edge of the head restraint cushion. More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 93).

Getting started Adjusting

Rear seat head restraints The rear seat head restraints can be folded backward for increased visibility.

Warning!

For safety reasons, always drive with the rear head restraints in the upright position when the rear seats are occupied.

Keep the area around head restraints clear of articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the folding operation of the head restraints.

The center rear seat head restraint can- not be adjusted.

35

Getting started Adjusting

Folding head restraints back in the rear passenger compartment

Folding head restraints back with switch in the center console

Placing head restraints upright

1 Lock button 왘 Push lock button 1.

The head restraints will fold backward.

You can also fold the head restraints back using the switch in the center console (컄 page 36).

1 Releasing head restraints 왘 Turn the key in starter switch to

position 1 or 2.

왘 Press the symbol-side on the rocker

switch 1 to release the head restraints. The head restraints will fold backward.

왘 Pull the head restraint forward until it

locks into position.

Head restraint tilt Two different head restraint angle posi- tions are available.

36

Head restraint height (rear outer seats)

Steering wheel

Steering wheel adjustment, manual

Getting started Adjusting

Warning!

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driv- ing. Adjusting the steering wheel while driv- ing, or driving without the adjustment locked could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

When leaving the vehicle always remove the key from the starter switch and lock your ve- hicle.

The electrical steering wheel adjustment feature* can also be operated with the driv- er’s door open. Do not leave children unat- tended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

Raising: 왘 Pull up on head restraint. Lowering: 왘 Push button 1. 왘 Push down on head restraint.

Warning!

For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints.

Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level.

1 Release lever 2 Steering column, lengthen or shorten 3 Steering column, height 왘 To unlock the steering column, pull

lever 1 out until its stop limit.

왘 Adjust the steering wheel to the de-

sired position.

왘 To lock, press lever 1 all the way in un-

til it engages. The steering wheel is once again locked into position.

37

Getting started Adjusting

Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked the steering column. If the warning message STEERING WHEEL ADJUST - LOCK ! is displayed while the engine is running, the steer- ing column is not locked properly (컄 page 276).

38

Steering wheel adjustment, electrical* The stalk is located on the steering column (lower left).

1 Steering column, lengthen or shorten 2 Steering column, height 왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to

position 1 or 2. or

왘 Open the driver’s door.

Steering column, lengthen or shorten 왘 Move stalk forward or backward in the direction of arrow 1 until a comfortable steering wheel position is reached with your arms slightly bent at the elbow.

Steering column, height 왘 Move stalk up or down in the direction

of arrow 2. Make sure that your legs can move freely and that all the dis- plays (including malfunction and indi- cator lamps) on the instrument cluster are clearly visible.

With the memory function* (컄 page 98), you can store steering wheel positions together with settings for the seats and the exterior rear view mirrors.

Mirrors

Adjust the inside and exterior rear view mirrors before driving so that you have a good view of the road and traffic condi- tions.

Inside rear view mirror 왘 Manually adjust the inside rear view

The buttons are located above the exterior lamp switch.

mirror.

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 144).

Getting started Adjusting

Warning!

Exterior rear view mirror

Warning!

In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may escape the mirror housing if the mirror glass breaks.

Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al- low the liquid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary.

Exercise care when using the passenger side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface is convex (outwardly curved surface for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. Check your in- side rear view mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

Electrolyte drops coming into contact with the vehicle paint finish can only be completely removed while in their liq- uid state by applying plenty of water.

1 Driver’s side mirror 2 Adjustment button 3 Passenger side mirror 왘 Make sure that the ignition is switched

on. All the lights in the instrument cluster light up.

컄컄

39

Getting started Adjusting

왘 Press button 1 for the left mirror or

button 3 for the right mirror.

왘 Push adjustment button 2 up, down,

left or right according to the setting de- sired.

If an exterior rear view mirror housing is forcibly pushed forward or backward, reposition it by applying firm pressure until it snaps into place. The mirror housing is now properly positioned and you can adjust the mirror normally.

With the memory function* (컄 page 98), you can store exterior rear view mirror positions together with settings for the seats and the steering wheel.

More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 144).

40

Driving

Warning!

Do not lay any objects in the driver’s foot- well. Be careful that floor mats or carpets in the driver’s footwell have sufficient clear- ance for the pedals.

During sudden driving or braking maneuvers the objects could get caught between the pedals. You could then no longer brake or accelerate.

Fastening the seat belt

Warning!

Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure your passengers are properly restrained, even those sitting in the rear and pregnant women.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and po- sition your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passenger should al- ways wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are wearing your seat belt. The airbags can only protect as ex- pected if the occupants are using their seat belts (컄 page 61).

Getting started Driving

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the ve- hicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly installed. Other- wise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat- ing positions. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle’s seat belt and top tether strap, or secured via lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in accordance with the child seat manufactur- er’s instructions.

A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is

41

Warning!

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly re- strained with a separate seat belt - even those in the rear.

Warning!

Read and observe the additional warning no- tices printed in the “Safety and Security” section (컄 page 61).

Getting started Driving

significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Warning!

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belt provide the best re- straint when the wearer is in an upright po- sition and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

42

1 Latch plate 2 Buckle 3 Release button 왘 With a smooth motion, pull the belt

from the belt outlet.

왘 Place the belt over your shoulder. 왘 Push latch plate 1 into buckle 2 until it

clicks.

컄컄

왘 If necessary, tighten the lap portion to

a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

Seat belt height adjustment Adjust seat belt so that shoulder portion is located as close as possible to the middle of your shoulder (it should not touch the neck).

Front seats

4 Button for belt outlet height adjust-

ment

왘 Press button 4 and slide belt outlet up-

ward or downward.

Proper use of seat belts 앫 Do not twist the belt when fastening. 앫 Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder

portion is located as close as possible to the middle of the shoulder (it should not touch the neck or pass under the arm). For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the belt outlet.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible

on your hips (over hip joint) and not across the abdomen.

앫 Place the seat backrest in a nearly up-

right position.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time.

앫 Do not fasten a seat belt around a per-

son and another object at the same time.

앫 Check your seat belt during travel to ensure that it is properly positioned.

Getting started Driving

앫 Ensure that the seat belt is always fit- ted snugly. You should avoid wearing bulky clothing, such as winter coats, when traveling in the vehicle.

Warning!

Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They could tear.

Do not allow the belt to get caught in the door or in the seat adjustment mechanism. This could damage the belt.

Never attempt to make modifications to seat belts. This could impair the effective- ness of the belts.

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

43

Getting started Driving

Starting the engine

Manual transmission

Automatic transmission*

Warning!

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon- sciousness and lead to death.

Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as garage) which are not properly ven- tilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and corrected imme- diately. If you must drive under these condi- tions, drive only with at least one window fully open.

44

Gearshift pattern for manual transmission 왘 Make sure that the gearshift lever is in

Neutral position.

왘 Do not depress accelerator. 왘 Fully depress clutch pedal.

Otherwise the engine cannot be start- ed due to the integrated safety inter- lock.

왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to position 3. Release only when the en- gine is firing regularly (컄 page 31). More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 137).

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission P Park position with selector lever lock R Reverse gear N Neutral D Drive position 왘 Make sure that the gear selector lever

is set to P .

왘 Do not depress accelerator. 왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to position 3. Release only when the en- gine is firing regularly (컄 page 31).

컄컄

i You can also use the “touch-start” function. Turn the key to position 3 and release it again immediately. The en- gine then starts automatically.

왘 Depress the brake pedal.

The selector lever lock is released. More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 138). For information on turning off the engine, see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 53).

Starting difficulties If the engine does not start as described, carry out the following steps: 왘 Turn key in starter to position 0 and re-

peat starting procedure (컄 page 44). 왘 Remember that extended starting at-

tempts can drain the battery. 왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 306). If the engine does not start after several starting attempts, there could be a mal- function in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system. 왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

Getting started Driving

Parking brake

1 Release handle 2 Parking brake

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key from the starter switch and lock the ve- hicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake, which could result in an accident and/or serious injury.

45

Getting started Driving

왘 Release the parking brake by pulling on

handle 2. The indicator lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instru- ment cluster goes out.

Driving 왘 Depress the brake pedal. 왘 Move selector lever to position D or R (manual transmission: first or reverse gear).

Vehicles with automatic transmission: Wait for the gear selection process to complete before setting the vehicle in motion.

왘 Release the brake pedal. 왘 Carefully depress the accelerator.

Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto- matic central locking system engages and the locking knobs drop down.

46

You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so.

Simultaneously depressing the accelerator pedal and applying the brake reduces engine performance and causes premature brake and drivetrain wear.

If you hear a warning signal when driv- ing off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake. Release the parking brake.

After a cold start, the automatic transmis- sion engages at a higher revolution. This al- lows the catalytic converter to reach its operating temperature earlier.

Warning!

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi- cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre- vent this type of loss of control.

Warning!

Vehicles with automatic transmission: It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of P or N if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the en- gine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

More information on driving can be found in the “Operation” section (컄 page 223).

Switching on headlamps

Turn signals and high beam

The combination switch is on the left of the steering column.

Exterior lamp switch 1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on 왘 Turn the switch to B. More information can be found in the “Controls in detail” section (컄 page 101).

Combination switch 1 Turn signals, right 2 Turn signals, left 왘 Press the combination switch up 1 or

down 2.

Getting started Driving

To signal minor directional changes, move combination switch to point of resistance only and release. The turn signal blinks three times.