2004 Mercedes-benz C Class Owners Manual

Maintenance 12, 265

Vehicles with E85 fuel 355

Malfunction

Displaying 122

Malfunction memory 122

Calling up 122
Clearing 122

Manual headlamp mode 103
Manual operations

Fuel filler flap 308
Interior lighting control 107
Locking the trunk 89
Locking the vehicle 306
Sliding/pop-up roof* 309
Unlocking the driver’s door 305
Unlocking the trunk 90, 306
Unlocking transmission

gear selector lever 308

382

Index

Manual seat

Menus 114

Mirrors

Adjusting 33
Adjusting backrest tilt 33
Adjusting head restraint height 34
Adjusting head restraint tilt 34
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 33
Adjusting seat height 33
Front seat head restraints 93
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33

Manual transmission 141

Gearshift lever 43
Shifting into reverse 141
Starting with 43

MAXCOOL Maximum cooling 167
MB Tex upholstery Cleaning 272

Mechanical key 305
Memory function* 99, 363
Recalling positions from

memory 100

Storing exterior rear view mirror

parking position 101

Storing key dependent settings 100

AUDIO 118
Control system 363
In control system 116, 117
Malfunction memory 122
NAVI* 121
Settings menu 123
Standard display 118
Submenus 115
TEL* 138
Trip computer 136

Microphone

Hands-free microphone 27
Miles/kilometers in speedometer

Setting 128

Minispare wheel 302

Bolts 304
Mounting 317
Removing 302

Activating exterior rear view mirror

parking position* 150

Adjusting 38
Automatic antiglare* for

interior mirror 149

Automatic antiglare* for rear view mirror 149

Exterior rear view mirror 38
Exterior rear view mirror parking position* 136

Interior rear view mirror 38
Storing exterior rear view mirror

parking position* 101

MON 250, 363
Motor Octane Number see MON Mph or km/h in speedometer 128
Multicontour seat* 97
Multifunction display 113, 363
Displaying gear range 144
Selecting language 128
Standard display 117

383

Index

Multifunction display messages

ABS 284
BAS 281
Battery, vehicle 285
Brake fluid 286
Brake pads 286
Coolant 287–289
Cruise control 290
Display 290
Doors 290
Engine oil 291–292
ESP 282–283
Fuel cap 293
Fuel reserve tank 293
Hood 293
Key, SmartKey 293
Lamps, exterior 293–296
Oil 291–292
Parking brake 286
Restraint system 297

384

Seat belts 297
Sliding/pop-up roof* 299
SRS 297
Steering column not

properly locked 298

Steering gear oil level 298
Tele Aid* 299
Telephone* 299
Trunk lid 299
Windshield washer fluid 299

Multifunction steering wheel 24, 114, 363
Buttons 114

Navigation system* Operating 121
See separate COMAND* operating instructions

Night security illumination 104

Setting 131

Occupant safety 54

Airbags 55
Children and airbags 56
Children in the vehicle 63
Fastening the seat belt 40
Infant and child restraint systems 63
LATCH-type child seat anchors 69
Seat belts 40, 58
Odometer, main 23
Oil level see Engine oil level Oil see Engine oil One-touch gearshifting 143

Canceling gear range limit 143
Downshifting 143
Upshifting 143

Opening

Ashtray, center console 220
Ashtray, rear seat 221
Cup holder, in front of seat armrest 217

Index

Cup holder, in rear seat armrest 218
Doors from the inside 85
Fuel filler flap 250
Fuel filler flap manually 308
Glove box 216
Hood 252
Side windows 200
Sliding/pop-up roof* 203, 309
Sliding/pop-up roof*

in an emergency 309

Sliding/pop-up roof*

with SmartKey 204

Trunk 84
Trunk from the inside 87
Windows 200
Windows with SmartKey 202

Operating

Audio system 173
Cassette player 121
CD player* 120
COMAND*

see separate operating instructions

Navigation system* 121
Radio 119
Radio transmitters 246
Satellite radio* 119
Telephone* 138, 173, 193
Vehicle outside

the USA and Canada 13

Operating safety

Audio system 173
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings 269
Outer seats

Rear seat head restraints 94, 96
Outside temperature indicator 111
Overdue service 265
Overhead control panel 27
Overspeed range 363

Paintwork 268
Panic alarm* 71

Panic button on SmartKey 71

Parcel net

In front passenger footwell 220

Parking 50, 241
Parking brake 45, 50

Engaging 50
Message in display 286
Releasing 45

Parking lamps

Replacing bulbs 310, 311, 313, 314
Switching on 102

Parking position*

Exterior rear view

mirrors 101, 136, 150
Parts see Spare parts service PASS. AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 279
Passenger compartment 246

Fuse box in 332
Interior lighting 107
Interior rear view mirror 38
Parcel net in front

passenger footwell 220

Passenger safety see Occupant safety

385

Index

Pedals 239
Performance

In cold weather 355
In hot weather 355

Phone book*

Loading 140
Quick search 140

Phone number* Dialing 140
Redialing 140

Plastic and rubber parts

Cleaning 272

Playing

CDs 191

Poly-V-belt drive 363

Layout 339

Positions (Memory function*)

Recalling from memory 100
Storing into memory 100

Power assistance 239

386

Power seat*

Adjusting backrest tilt 35
Adjusting head restraint height 35
Adjusting head restraint tilt 36
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 35
Adjusting seat height 35
Memory function* 99
Removing/installing front

head restraints 94

Seat fore and aft adjustment 35

Power train 364
Power washer 268
Power windows 200

Blocking of

rear door window operation 70

Side windows 200
Synchronizing 202

Practical hints

First aid kit 300
Fuses 332
Lamp in center console 279

Lamps in instrument cluster 274
Messages in the display 280
Minispare wheel 302
Minispare wheel bolts 304
Symbol messages 284
Text messages 281
Towing the vehicle 328
Vehicle jack 301
Vehicle tool kit 300

Premium unleaded gasoline 353
Problems

While driving 49
With vehicle 17

Product information 9
Program mode selector switch 364

Automatic transmission* 146

Quick search

Phone book* 140

Index

Radio

Selecting stations 119
Station search 119
Station selection setting 132

Radio operation 179
Radio see Radio operation Radio transmitters,

control and operation 246

Range (distance to empty)

Calling up 138
Rapid seat heating*

Switching off 98
Switching on 98

Reading lamp 27
Rear bench seat

Foldable* 212

Rear door window

Blocking operation 70

Rear fog lamp 311

Bulb 311
Switching on 105

Rear lamp bulbs

Replacing 315

Rear lamps

Messages in display 293–296

Rear lamps see Tail lamps Rear outer seats

Adjusting head restraint height 94

Rear passenger compartment,

adjustable air vents

Automatic climate control* 172
Climate control 161

Rear seat head restraints 94

Adjusting 94
Adjusting tilt 96
Folding back 95
Folding back with

switch in center console 95

Installing 97
Outer seats 96
Placing upright 95
Removing 96

Rear view mirrors see Mirrors

Rear window defroster 153
Rear window sunshade* 152
Reconnecting

Vehicle battery 325

Refrigerant

Air conditioning 352

Refueling 249
Regular checks 251
Reinstalling vehicle battery 324
Remote control

SmartKey 82

Remote door unlock

With Tele Aid* 230

Remote Vehicle Diagnostics 364
Removing

Minispare wheel 302
Ski sack* 212
Vehicle battery 324
Vehicle tool kit 300
Wheel 319
Wiper blades 316

387

Index

Replacing

Backup lamp bulbs 315
Brake lamp bulbs 315
Bulbs 310
Front lamp bulbs 310, 312
Front turn signal bulbs 312, 314
Fuses 334
High beam bulbs 312
High beam bulbs

(xenon-type* headlamps) 313

License plate lamp bulbs 315
Low beam bulbs 312
Parking lamp bulbs 313, 314
Rear fog lamp bulb 315
Rear lamp bulbs 311, 315
Rear turn signal bulbs 315
Side marker lamp bulbs 314
Standing lamp bulbs 313, 314
Wiper blades 316

Reporting

Safety defects 18

388

Research Octane Number see RON Reset button in the

instrument cluster 23, 123, 124

Resetting

All functions (control system) 123
All functions of a submenu 124
Fuel consumption 137
Service indicator (FSS) 266
Trip odometer 111

Residual heat utilization 171
Residual ventilation 171
REST 171, 364
Restraint system

Message in display 297

Restraint system see

Infant and child restraint systems

Reverse (manual transmission)

Shifting into 141

Rims 342
Roadside Assistance 12
RON 250, 364
Roof rack* 209

Rotating wheels 262
Rubber parts

Cleaning 272

Safety

Occupant 54

Safety belts see Seat belts Safety defects

Reporting 18

Safety systems Driving 72

Searching

Radio station 119

Seat belt force limiter 63
Seat belt height adjustment 42
Seat belts 60

Cleaning 271
Fastening 40
Height adjustment 42
Messages in display 297
Proper use of 42, 62
Safety guidelines 58
Warning lamp 278

Seat cushion depth Adjusting 97

Seat heating*

Switching off 98
Switching on 98

Seats 92

Adjusting 32
Easy entry/exit feature* 92
Heating* 98
Manual seat 33
Multicontour seat* 97
Power seat* 35
Split rear bench seat* 212

Selecting

Display 129

Selector lever see gear selector lever Self-test

BabySmartTM

airbag deactivation system 66

Tele Aid* 224

Service

Setting

Index

Calling up the service indicator 266
Major service (Service B) 265
Minor service (Service A) 265
Overdue 265
Spare parts 336
Types 265
When due 265

Service and Warranty Booklet

Loss of 337

Service and warranty information 10
Service indicator 265

Calling up 266
Clearing 265, 266
Service life (tires) 261
Service see Maintenance Service System see FSS

Convenience functions 125, 133
Cruise control 207
Daytime running lamp mode 129
Higher speed in cruise control 208
Hours (clock) 126
Individual vehicle settings 123
Instrument lighting 109
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 132
Key dependent memory 135
Lamps and lighting

(control system) 129

Language, multifunction display 128
Locator lighting 130
Lower speed in cruise control 208
Miles/kilometers in

speedometer 128
Minutes (clock) 126
Night security illumination 131
Parking position* for exterior

rear view mirrors 136

Speed in cruise control 208

389

Index

Speedometer display mode 128
Station selection mode 132
Temperature (Interior)

Automatic climate control* 165
Climate control 156

Temperature indicator 127
Time display mode (Clock) 127
Units

Speedometer 128
Temperature 127

Setting current speed 207
Settings

Convenience functions 133
Factory, SmartKey 83
Individual, SmartKey 135
Lighting (control system) 129
Menus and submenus 115
Resetting all (control system) 123
Resetting in the submenu 124
Selective, SmartKey 83

390

Settings menu

Side windows

Functions in 123
Individual vehicle settings 123
Submenus 124

Shift lock 364
Shifting

Gear selector lever 44
Gear selector lever positions 145
Gearshift lever 43
Into optimal gear range

(Automatic transmission*) 143

Into reverse

(Manual transmission) 141

Side impact airbags 60
Side marker lamps

Replacing bulbs 310, 311, 314

Side markers

Cleaning 269

Automatic opening 201
Cleaning 270
Closing 200, 201, 202
Closing fully 201
Closing with SmartKey 202
Opening 200, 201, 202
Opening fully 201
Opening with SmartKey 202
Stopping 201
Synchronizing power windows 202

Signal strength (telephone*) 139
Simultaneous wiping and washing

Windshield wipers 48

Single wipe 48
Ski sack* 209

Installing 212
Removing 212
Unfolding and loading 209
Unloading and folding 211

Index

Sliding/pop-up roof* 203

Speed

Closing 203, 309
Closing with SmartKey 204
Messages in display 299
Opening 203, 309
Opening with SmartKey 204
Stopping 204
Synchronizing 205

SmartKey 82

Changing batteries 307
Locking and unlocking 82
Opening and closing the

Setting current 207

Speed settings

Cruise control 208

Speedometer 23

Settings units 128

Speedometer display mode

Selecting 128

Split rear bench seat* 212
SRS 62, 364

Indicator lamp 278
Message in display 297

Station (radio)

Search 119
Station selection Setting 132

Steel rims

Technical data 343

Steering column

Height adjustment, electrical* 38
Height adjustment, manual 37
Length adjustment, electrical* 38
Length adjustment, manual 37
Message in display 298

sliding/pop-up roof* with 204

Standing lamps 102

Steering gear oil

Opening and closing windows with 202

Unlocking with 30

Snow chains 264
Soft keys

Audio system 176

Spare fuses 334
Spare parts service 336

Replacing bulbs 310, 311, 313, 314

Message in display 298

Standing water

Driving instructions 245

Starter switch 21, 31

Positions 31

Starting difficulties 44
Starting position 31
Starting the engine 43

Steering wheel

Adjusting 36
Buttons 24
Cleaning 271
Electrical adjustment* 37
Manual adjustment 37

Stolen vehicle

Tracking services 230

391

Index

Stopping

Sliding/pop-up roof* 204
Windows 201

Storage compartments

Armrest 218
Glove box 216
Ventilated compartment 160

Storage spaces

Cup holder in front

of seat armrest 217

Cup holder in rear seat armrest 218

Storing (Memory function*)

Positions into memory 100

Submenus

Convenience 133
For settings 115
In control system 117
Instrument cluster 126
Lighting 129
Resetting functions in Control system 124

Selecting 124
Settings menu 124
Vehicle 132

392

Sun visors 151
Sunshade* 152
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS Switching

Fuel (Flexible fuel vehicle) 354

Switching off

Audio system 176
Automatic central locking (control system) 133

Delayed (exterior lamps) 131
Engine 52
ESP 75
Hazard warning flasher 106
Headlamps 51
Rapid seat heating* 98
Seat heating* 98

Switching on

Audio system 176
Automatic central locking (control system) 133

ESP 76
Front fog lamps 105

Hazard warning flasher 106
Headlamps 46
High beams 106
Rapid seat heating* 98
Rear fog lamp 105
Seat heating* 98
Windshield wipers 48

Symbols 15
Synchronizing ESP 282
Power windows 202
Sliding/pop-up roof* 205

Tachometer 23, 111

Displaying gear range 144
Overspeed range 111

Tail lamps

Cleaning 269
Replacing bulbs 311, 315

Tar stains 268

Index

Technical data

Tele Aid* 223

Air conditioning refrigerant 352
Brake fluid 352
Coolant 350
Coolants 356
Electrical system 346
Engine oil additives 352
Engine oils 352
Flexible fuel vehicles 354
Fuel requirements 353
Fuels 350
Gasoline additives 354
Lubricants 349
Main dimensions 347
Premium unleaded gasoline 353
Rims and tires 342
Weights 348
Windshield washer 351
Windshield washer and headlamp

cleaning* system 351, 358

Emergency calls 224
Information 227
Initiating an emergency call

manually 226

Message in display 299
Remote door unlock 230
Roadside assistance 226
SOS button 226
Stolen vehicle tracking services 230
System self-check 224
Tele Aid System 223, 365
Upgrade signals 229

Telematics* 365
Telephone* 24, 222

Answering a call 139
Dialing a number from the phone book 140

Emergency call 198
Ending a call 139
Hands-free microphone 27

Loading phone book 140
Message in display 299
Operation 138, 193
Redialing 140
Signal strength 139

Temperature

Display mode 127
Grades of tires 360
Setting interior temperature

Automatic climate control* 165
Climate control 156

Setting units in display 127
Tires 262

Tightening torque

(Wheel bolts) 321, 365

Tilt

Head restraint

Manual seat 34
Power seat* 36

Time

Setting hours 126
Setting minutes 126

393

Index

Time display

Setting 127

Tire inflation pressure

Checking 251, 261

Tire speed rating 243, 365
Tire traction 243
Tires 260, 342

Consumer information 359
Direction of rotation 261
Driving instructions 242
Retreads 260
Rims and tires 342
Service life 261
Temperature 262
Temperature grades 360
Tread depth 263
Wear pattern 262
Winter 263

Tools 300

394

Tow-away alarm* 25, 79

Arming 80
Disarming 80
Disarming for transport 80
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)

Installing 331

Towing the vehicle 328
Tracking services

For stolen vehicle 230

Traction 147, 359, 365
Transmission gear selector lever

Unlocking manually 308

Transmission see

Trunk

Auxiliary fuse box 334
Closing the lid 87
Lamp 108
Opening 84
Opening from inside vehicle 87
Separately locking 89
Separately unlocking 90
Trunk lid emergency release 88

Trunk lid

Closing 87
Emergency release 88
Message in display 299

Automatic* or Manual transmission

Turn signal lamps

Tread depth (tires) 263
Tread Wear 359
Trip computer 136
Trip odometer

Resetting 111

Replacing bulbs 310, 311

Turn signals 47

Additional in mirrors 310
Cleaning lenses 269
Front bulbs 310, 312, 314
Indicator lamps 23
Rear bulbs 311, 315

Turning off

Engine 52

U Units

Setting speedometer units 128
Setting temperature units 127

Unlocking 30, 82

Centrally from inside 91
Driver’s door in an emergency 305
Fuel filler flap 249
Global 83
In an emergency 305
Selective settings 83
Separately the trunk 90
Transmission gear selector

lever manually 308

Trunk in an emergency 306
Vehicle in an emergency 230
With the SmartKey 30

Upgrade signals

Tele Aid* 229

Uphill driving

Cruise control 207

Upholstery

Cleaning 271

Upshifting 143
Useful features 216

Ashtrays 220
Cigarette lighter 221
Tele Aid* 223
Telephone* 222

Vehicle

Individual settings 123, 125
Locking 25
Locking in an emergency 306
Lowering 321
Performance in cold weather 355
Performance in hot weather 355
Service battery 323
Towing 328
Unlocking 25
Unlocking in an emergency 305
With flexible fuel 354

Vehicle battery 323
Vehicle care 267

Cloth upholstery 272
Cup holder 271
Engine cleaning 269
Gear selector lever 271
Hard plastic trim items 271
Headlamps 269
Instrument cluster 270
Leather upholstery 271
Light alloy wheels 270
MB Tex upholstery 272
Ornamental moldings 269
Paintwork 268
Plastic and rubber parts 272
Power washer 268
Seat belts 271
Side markers 269
Steering wheel 271
Tail lamps 269
Tar stains 268
Turn signals 269

Index

395

Index

Upholstery 271
Vehicle washing 269
Window cleaning 270
Wiper blades 270
Wood trims 272

Vehicle Identification Number see VIN Vehicle jack 301
Vehicle lighting

Checking 251

Vehicle tool kit 300

Alignment bolt 300
Removing 300
Spare fuses 300
Special fuse puller 300
Towing eye bolt 300
Vehicle jack 300
Wheel bolts 300
Wheel wrench 300

Vehicle washing 269

Ventilated storage compartment 160
Ventilation

Storage compartment 160

VIN 338, 365
Voice control system* 365

Hands-free microphone 27

Warning lamps

see Lamps, indicator and warning

Warning sounds

Drivers seat belts 60
Parking brake 45

Warranty coverage 337
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid Washing the vehicle 267
Wear pattern (tires) 262
Weights 348
Wheel change

Tightening torque 321

Wheels

Rotating 262
Tires and wheels 260

Window curtain airbags 60
Windows see Side windows Windshield

Defogging

Automatic climate control* 166
Climate control 157

Refilling washer fluid 259
Replacing wiper blades 316
Washer fluid 259, 358
Washer system 358

Windshield washer fluid 358
Message in display 299
Mixing ratio 358
Refilling 259
Wiping with 48

Windshield washer system 358

396

Windshield wipers 47, 148

Wiping

Interval 48
With windshield washer fluid 48

Wood trims

Cleaning 272

Xenon headlamps

Bi-Xenon* 361

Fast wiper speed 48
Replacing wiper blades 316
Single wipe 48
Switching on 48
Wiping with

windshield washer fluid 48

Winter driving 263

Block heater 264
Snow chains 264
Tires 263

Winter driving instructions 244
Winter tires 263
Wiper blades

Cleaning 270
Installing 316
Removing 316
Replacing 316

Index

397

398

Service and Literature

Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center has trained technicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to service your vehicle properly.

For expert advice and quality service, see your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If you are interested in obtaining service literature for your vehicle, please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

We consider this the best way for you to obtain accurate information for your vehicle.

For further information you can find us on the Mercedes-Benz web-site www.mbusa.com or www.mercedes-benz.ca.

Warning!

To help avoid personal injury, be extremely careful when performing any service work or repairs. Improper or incomplete service or the use of incorrect or inappropriate parts or materials may damage the vehicle or its equipment, which may in turn result in personal injury.

If you have questions about carrying out any type of service, turn to the advice of an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of this Operator’s Manual.

Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our prior authorization in writing.

Title illustration no. P00.01-2283-31

Press time 08/14/03

GSP/TIP

Printed in Germany