2004 Mercedes-benz C Class Owners Manual

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 Customer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For additional information refer to the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program 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: In the USA: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
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 왔 Where to find it This Operator’s Manual is designed to pro- vide comprehensive support information for you, the vehicle operator. Each section has its own reference color so you can find information quickly.

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.

왔 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.

Introduction Symbols

Warning!

왘 This symbol points to instructions for

you to follow.

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

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

컄 Page

Highlights hazards that may result in damage to your vehicle.

컄컄

Helpful hints or further information you may find useful.

->

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 indicate cross-references to term definitions.

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

15

Introduction Operating safety 왔 Operating safety

Warning!

Warning!

Proper use of the vehicle

Work improperly carried out on electronic components and associated software could cause them to cease functioning. Because the vehicle’s electronic components are interconnected, any modifications made may produce an undesired effect on other systems. Electronic malfunctions could seriously impair the operating safety of your vehicle.

See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for repairs or modifications to electronic components.

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 never turn off the engine while driving.

Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or tires/wheels, for example when running over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole, may cause serious damage and impair the operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride distur- bance, or you suspect that damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe distance from the road.

Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other qualified maintenance or repair facility for further inspection or repairs.

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

standards

Warning!

Various warning labels are attached to your vehicle. These warning labels are intended to make you and others aware of various risks. You should not remove any of these warning labels unless explicitly instructed to do so by information on the label itself. Removal of any of these labels may cause you and others to be unaware of certain risks which may result in an accident and/or personal injury.

16

Introduction Problems with your vehicle

왔 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 왔 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 왔 Cockpit

20

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
47
47
206
22, 109
24, 114

6 Overhead control panel 7 Glove box lid release, glove

box lock 8 Glove box 9 Center console a Starter switch b Horn c Steering wheel adjustment

handle (manual)

d Steering wheel adjustment

stalk (electrical)*

At a glance Cockpit

Page 27
216

216
25
31

37

37

Item

e Hood lock release f Parking brake pedal g Trunk lid release switch h Door control panel j Parking brake release k Exterior lamp switch l Exterior rear view mirror

adjustment

Page 252
45, 50
86
28
45
102
38

m Headlamp washer switch*

148

21

At a glance Instrument cluster 왔 Instrument cluster

22

At a glance Instrument cluster

Item

1 Left turn signal indicator

lamp

2 Speedometer 3 Right turn signal indicator

lamp

4 Fuel gauge with:

Fuel reserve warning lamp 5 < Seat belt non-usage

warning lamp 1 Supplemental

restraint system indicator lamp

6 Multifunction display

with: Trip odometer Main odometer

Page 47

47

278
60, 278
54, 278

113

111
113

Page 44, 145
146
111

113
276

74, 277

47, 106

Item Gear selector lever position Program mode Outside temperature indicator Digital clock

7 ? Engine malfunction

indicator lamp

v Electronic Stability

Program (ESP) warning lamp

A High beam head-

lamp indicator E Indicator lamp

without function1

DTR Indicator lamp

without function1

1 The indicator lamp illuminates with SmartKey in starter switch position 2. It should go out when the engine is running.

Item

8 - Antilock Brake System (ABS) indicator lamp ; Brake warning lamp, USA only

3 Brake warning

lamp, Canada only

9 Tachometer a Reset button for: 앫 Resetting trip

odometer

앫 Resetting individual

settings

앫 Instrument cluster

illumination

Page 72, 274

45, 50, 275
45, 50, 275
111

111

124

109

23

At a glance Multifunction steering wheel 왔 Multifunction steering wheel

Item

1 Multifunction display in

speedometer Operating control system

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

Page 113

113

Item

Page

4 Menu systems: Press

button è for next system ÿ for previous system

5 Moving within a menu:

Press button j for next display k for previous display

24

왔 Center console Upper part

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

indicator lamp Tow-away alarm switch

Page 98
152

74
106

91
95

78

79

At a glance Center console

Item

8 Seat heater*, passenger

side

9 PASS. AIRBAG OFF

indicator lamp a Audio system,

or COMAND* (see separate operating instructions)

b Climate control

Automatic climate control* Rear window defroster

Page 98

66, 279
173

154
162
153

25

Item

1 Ashtray 2 Gear 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 220
44, 145
43, 141
218
217
221
219
146

At a glance Center console

Lower part

26

왔 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 instructions)

6 Interior rear view mirror

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

system) button

Page 108

203
108
107
138, 193, 223

38, 149
231
108
223

27

At a glance Door control panel 왔 Door control panel

28

Item

1 Door handle 2 Memory function* (for storing seat, exterior mirror and steering wheel settings)

3 Seat adjustment 4 Switches for

opening/closing front door windows

5 Switch for rear door

window override

6 Switches for

opening/closing rear door windows

7 Remote trunk lid switch

Page 85
99

32, 92
200

70

200

87

Getting started Unlocking

Adjusting

Driving

Parking and locking

29

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 provide you with further information. The corresponding page references are located at the end of each segment.

Unlocking

왔 Unlocking with the SmartKey

SmartKey with remote control 1 ‹ Lock button 2 Š Opening button for the trunk lid 3 Œ Unlock button 4  Panic button* (컄 page 71)

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

왘 Press unlock button Œ on the

SmartKey. All turn signal lamps flash once. The locking knobs in the doors move up.

왘 Get in the vehicle and insert the SmartKey in the starter switch.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (컄 page 82).

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 SmartKey

The steering is locked when the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch. If necessary, move steering wheel slightly 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 SmartKey cannot be turned in the starter switch, the battery may not be sufficiently charged. 앫 Check the battery and charge it if

necessary (컄 page 323).

앫 Get a jump start (컄 page 326). To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible dead battery, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch when the engine is not in operation.

31

Getting started Adjusting 왔 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 40). 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 SmartKey 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 BabySmartTM1 compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the ve- hicle to deactivate the passenger front air- bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it in- flates 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.

1 BabySmartTM is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

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 adjustment

Getting started Adjusting

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

Seat cushion tilt 왘 Turn handwheel 2 forward or back- ward until your upper legs are lightly supported

Seat backrest tilt 왘 Press switch 3 in direction of arrow

until your arms are slightly angled when holding the steering wheel.

Seat height 왘 Press switch 4 in direction of arrow until your legs are lightly supported.

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

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

33

Getting started Adjusting

Head restraint height

Warning!

Head restraint tilt

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

Adjust head restraint so that the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the potential for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.

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

Manually adjust the angle of the head restraint. 왘 Push or pull on the lower edge of the

head restraint cushion.

For more information, see “Seats” (컄 page 92).

1 Release button Raising: 왘 Manually adjust the height of the head

restraint by pulling it upward.

Lowering: 왘 To lower head the restraint, push

release button 1 and push down on the head restraint.

34

Getting started Adjusting

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

Seat cushion tilt 왘 Press switch up or down in direction of

direction of arrow 4.

Adjust seat to a comfortable seating position that still allows you to reach the accelerator/brake pedal safely. The posi- tion 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 behind the seat. Otherwise you could damage the seat. The memory function* (컄 page 99) lets you store the setting for the seat posi- tion together with the settings for the steering wheel and exterior rear view mirrors.

arrow 3 until your upper legs are lightly supported.

Seat backrest tilt 왘 Press switch forward or backward in direction of arrow 5 until your arms are slightly angled when holding the steering wheel.

Seat height 왘 Press switch up or down in direction of

arrow 2.

Head restraint height 왘 Press switch up or down in direction of

arrow 1.

Power seat* adjustment 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 Seat backrest tilt 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 1 or 2 (컄 page 31).

or 왘 Open the driver’s or front passenger

door.

35

Getting started Adjusting

Warning!

Head restraint tilt

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

Adjust head restraint so that the head restraint supports the back of the head at eye level. This will reduce the potential for injury to the head and neck in the event of an accident or similar situation.

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.

Manually adjust the angle of the head restraint. 왘 Push or pull on the lower edge of the

head restraint cushion.

For more information, see “Seats” (컄 page 92).

Steering wheel

Warning!

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

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

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

36

Steering wheel adjustment, manual

Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked the steering column. If the warning message STEERING WHEEL ADJ. - LOCK! (컄 page 298) is displayed while the engine is running, the steering column is not locked.

1 Handle 왘 To unlock the steering column, pull

handle 1 out to its stop limit.

왘 Move steering wheel to the desired

position.

왘 To lock the steering column, push

handle 1 all the way in until it engages. The steering wheel is once again locked into position.

Getting started Adjusting

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

1 Adjusting steering column, in or out 2 Adjusting steering column, up or down 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 1 or 2 (컄 page 31). or

왘 Open the driver’s door.

37

Getting started Adjusting

Adjusting steering column in or out 왘 Move stalk forward or back in the

direction of arrow 1 until a comfort- able steering wheel position is reached with your arms slightly bent at the elbow.

Adjusting steering column up or down 왘 Move stalk up or down in the direction

of arrow 2. Make sure your legs can move freely and that all the displays (incl. malfunc- tion and indicator lamps) on the instru- ment cluster are clearly visible.

The memory function* (컄 page 99) lets you store the setting for the steering wheel together with the settings for the seat position and exterior rear view mirrors.

38

Mirrors

Exterior rear view mirrors

Warning!

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- terior 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 liquid state by applying plenty of water.

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

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.

Interior rear view mirror 왘 Manually adjust the interior rear view

mirror.

For more information, see “Rear view mir- rors” (컄 page 149).

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 desired setting.

If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the front), 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.

The memory function* (컄 page 99) lets you store the setting for the exterior rear view mirrors together with the set- tings for the steering wheel and seat position.

At low ambient temperatures, the mirrors will be heated automatically.

For more information, see “Activating exte- rior rear view mirror parking position*” (컄 page 150).

The buttons are located above the exterior lamp switch.

1 Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror

button

2 Adjustment button 3 Passenger-side exterior rear view

mirror button

왘 Make sure the ignition is switched on.

All lamps in the instrument cluster come on.

39

Getting started Driving 왔 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.

40

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 passengers should always 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 60).

Warning!

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmartTM1 compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmartTM system installed in the ve- hicle to deactivate the passenger front air- bag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it in- flates 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.

1 BabySmartTM is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

Getting started Driving

Warning!

Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there are seat belts available. Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a separate seat belt.

Warning!

Read and observe the additional warning no- tices printed in the “Safety and Security” section (컄 page 58) and (컄 page 60).

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.

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.

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

41

Getting started Driving

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

upward or downward.

42

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.

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. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Starting the engine

Manual 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.

Gearshift pattern for manual transmission For more information, see “Manual trans- mission” (컄 page 141).

Getting started Driving

Starting 왘 Depress brake pedal. 왘 Make sure the gearshift lever is in neutral position (no gear selected).

왘 Fully depress clutch pedal.

Otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the integrated safety interlock.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 and hold until the engine starts (컄 page 31).

For information on turning off the engine, see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 52).

43

Getting started Driving

Automatic transmission*

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission P Park position with gear selector lever

lock

R Reverse gear N Neutral D Drive position For more information, see “Automatic transmission*” (컄 page 142).

44

Starting 왘 Make sure the gear selector lever is set

to P.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator. 왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 and hold until the engine starts (컄 page 31).

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

왘 Depress the brake pedal.

The gear selector lever lock is released. For information on turning off the engine, see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 52).

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

and repeat starting procedure (컄 page 43).

왘 Remember that extended starting at-

tempts can drain the battery. 왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 326). 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.

Parking brake

1 Release handle 2 Parking brake

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. Children could release the parking brake, which could result in an acci- dent and/or serious injury.

왘 Release parking brake by pulling on

handle 1. The warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out.

Driving 왘 Depress the brake pedal. 왘 Move gear 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.

Getting started Driving

You can open a locked door from the inside. Open door only when conditions are safe to do so. You can deactivate the automatic locking using the control system (컄 page 133).

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.

45

Getting started Driving

After a cold start, the automatic transmis- sion shifts at a higher engine revolution. This allows 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.

Place the gear selector lever in position R only when the vehicle is stopped in order to avoid damaging the transmission.

Do not run cold engine at high engine speeds. Running a cold engine at high engine speeds may shorten the service life of the engine.

46

Warning!

Switching on headlamps

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

For more information on driving, see “Driv- ing instructions” (컄 page 239).

The exterior lamp switch is located on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

Exterior lamp switch 1 Off 2 Low beam headlamps on 왘 Turn switch to B. For more information on headlamps, see “Lighting” (컄 page 102).

Getting started Driving

Windshield wipers

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

Turn signals and high beam

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

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

High beam 왘 Push combination switch forward. The high beam symbol A in the instrument cluster comes on.

For more information on high beam, see “Combination switch” (컄 page 105).

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

down 2.

Combination switch 1 Single wipe 2 Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Make sure the ignition is switched on.

47

! Vehicles with rain sensor*: Do not leave windshield wipers in inter- mittent setting when the vehicle is tak- en to an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Wipers will oper- ate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and wipers may be damaged as a result. The switch should not be left in inter- mittent setting as the wipers will wipe the windshield once every time the en- gine is started. Dust that accumulates on the windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry wind- shield.

Single wipe 왘 Press combination switch briefly in

direction of arrow 1. The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid 왘 Push combination switch in direction of

arrow 1 past the resistance point. The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*” (컄 page 259).

Getting started Driving

Switching on windshield wipers 왘 Turn the combination switch to the desired position depending on the intensity of the rain. 0 Windshield wipers off Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III Fast wiper speed

Vehicles without rain sensor*: Fast wiper speed III goes to setting II when the vehicle is standing still. Vehicles with rain sensor*: Intermittent wiping interval is depen- dent on wetness of windshield. Wiping will not occur with a front door open.

48

! If anything blocks the windshield wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediately. 앫 For safety reasons, withdraw SmartKey from starter switch before attempting to remove any blockage.

앫 Remove blockage. 앫 Turn the windshield wipers on

again.

If windshield wipers fail to function at all in switch position I, 앫 set the combination switch to the

next highest wiper speed

앫 have the windshield wipers

checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

Problems while driving

The engine runs erratically and misfires 앫 An ignition cable may be damaged. 앫 The engine electronics may not be op-

erating properly.

앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it.

왘 Give very little gas. 왘 Have the problem repaired by an au- thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

The coolant temperature is over 248°F (120°C) The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine. 왘 Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Allow engine and coolant to cool.

왘 Check the coolant level and add cool-

ant if necessary (컄 page 257).

Getting started Driving

In case of accident If the vehicle is leaking gasoline: 왘 Do not start the engine under any cir-

cumstances.

왘 Notify local fire and/or police authori-

ties.

If the extent of the damage cannot be de- termined: 왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

If no damage can be determined on the 앫 major assemblies 앫 fuel system 앫 engine mount: 왘 Start the engine in the usual manner.

49

Getting started Parking and locking 왔 Parking and locking You have now completed your first drive. You have properly stopped and parked your vehicle. End your drive as follows.

Warning!

Wait until the vehicle is stationary before removing the SmartKey from the starter switch. The vehicle cannot be steered when the SmartKey is removed.

Warning!

With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the brake and steering system. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.

50

Warning!

Parking brake

Do not park this vehicle in areas where com- bustible materials such as grass, hay or leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re- sult of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always: 앫 Keep right foot on brake pedal. 앫 Firmly depress parking brake pedal. 앫 Move the gear selector lever to

position P (manual transmission: first or reverse gear).

앫 Slowly release brake pedal. 앫 When parked on an incline, turn front

wheels towards the road curb.

앫 Turn the SmartKey to starter switch

position 0 and remove.

앫 Take the SmartKey and lock vehicle

when leaving.

1 Release handle 2 Parking brake 왘 Step firmly on parking brake 2. When the engine is running, the warning lamp ; (USA only) or 3 (Canada only) in the instrument cluster will be illuminated.

Warning!

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. Children could release the parking brake and/or move the gear selec- tor lever from position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious injury.

Getting out of your vehicle with the gear se- lector lever not fully engaged in position P is dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position P alone may not prevent your vehi- cle from moving, possibly hitting people or objects.

Always set the parking brake in addition to shifting to position P (manual transmission: first or reverse gear).

When parked on an incline, turn front wheel towards the road curb.

Getting started Parking and locking

Switching off headlamps

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch

to M (컄 page 46).

For more information on headlamps, see “Lighting” (컄 page 102).

51

Getting started Parking and locking

Turning off engine

왘 Place the gear selector lever in

position P (manual transmission: first or reverse gear).

Always set the parking brake in addi- tion to shifting to position P (manual transmission: first or reverse gear). On steep slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb.

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(컄 page 41). Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

With the SmartKey removed and the driver’s door open, a warning sounds if the vehicle’s exterior lamps are not switched off.

왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

Warning!

to position 0 and remove it. The immobilizer is activated.

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

To prevent possible personal injury, always keep hands and fingers away from the door openings when closing the doors. Be espe- cially careful when small children are around.

Before closing doors, make sure there is no possibility of someone getting caught in a door during closing.

왘 After exiting the vehicle, press the lock

button ‹ on the SmartKey (컄 page 30). All turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs in the doors move down.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, and lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unat- tended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi- cle equipment may cause an accident and/or serious personal injury.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (컄 page 82).

52

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Panic alarm*

Driving safety systems

Anti-theft systems

53

The 1 indicator lamp in the instrument cluster (컄 page 22) comes on: 앫 for about four seconds when you turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1.

앫 for about four seconds when you start

the engine by turning the SmartKey.

The 1 indicator lamp remains lit if the SmartKey is turned to position 2 and left there. The indicator lamp will go out when you start the engine.

The 1 indicator lamp goes out shortly after you start the engine. This shows that the restraint systems are operational. A malfunction in the system has been detected if the 1 indicator lamp: 앫 fails to extinguish after approximately

four seconds.

앫 does not come on at all. 앫 comes on after the engine was started

or while driving.

For safety reasons, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked. For more information, see “Practical hints” (컄 page 278).

Safety and Security Occupant safety 왔 Occupant safety In this section you will learn the most im- portant facts about the restraint systems of the vehicle. The restraint systems are 앫 Seat belts 앫 Emergency tensioning device 앫 Airbags 앫 Child seats 앫 Child seat recognition 앫 Lower anchors and tethers for children

(LATCH)

As independent systems, their protective effects work in conjunction with each other.

For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see “Children in the vehicle” (컄 page 63).

54

Warning!

Airbags

In the event that the SRS malfunction indica- tor lamp comes on during driving or does not come on at all, the SRS may not be op- erational. For your safety, we strongly rec- ommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have the system checked; otherwise the SRS may not be activated when needed in an acci- dent, which could result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could also result in injury.

Improper work on the restraint systems, including incorrect installation and removal, can lead to possible injury through an unin- tended activation of the SRS.

In addition, through improper work there is a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or causing unintended airbag deployment. Work on the SRS must therefore only be performed by qualified technicians. Contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Warning!

Airbags are designed to reduce the potential of injury and fatality in certain frontal impacts (front airbags), or side impacts (side impact airbags and head protection window curtain airbags). However, no system avail- able today can totally eliminate injuries and fatalities.

The activation of the SRS temporarily releas- es a small amount of dust from the airbags. This dust, however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause some tempo- rary breathing difficulty for people with asth- ma or other breathing trouble. To avoid this, you may wish to get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you have any breathing difficulty but cannot get out of the vehicle after the airbag inflates, then get fresh air by opening a window or door.

Safety and Security Occupant safety

Warning!

To reduce the risk of injury when the front airbags inflate, it is very important for the driver and front passenger to always be in a properly seated position and to wear your seat belts.

For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and ensure that it is properly positioned on your body.

Since the airbag inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help to keep you at a safe distance from the airbag. Oc- cupants who are unbelted, out of position or too close to the airbag can be seriously in- jured by an airbag as it inflates with great force in the blink of an eye: 앫 Sit properly belted in an upright position