Mercedes C240 owner's manual

Operator’s Manual C-Class Sedan

Mercedes-Benz

2035842071 Order No. 6515 0142 13 Part No. 203 584 20 71 USA Edition B 2005

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

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.

Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Furthermore, 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 efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To help assure your driving pleasure, and also the safety of you and your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of time:

• Please read this manual carefully, then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for your reference.
• Please follow the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
• 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 occupants.

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC A DaimlerChrysler Company

Contents

• 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

• Vehicle data recording ........ 19 Information regarding electronic

• recording devices ........ 19

• At a glance ........ 21

• Cockpit ........ 22

• Instrument cluster ........ 24

• Multifunction steering wheel ........ 26

• Center console ........ 27

• Upper part ........ 27

• Lower part ........ 28

• Overhead control panel ........ 29

• Door control panel ........ 30

• Getting started ........ 31

• Unlocking ........ 32

• Unlocking with the SmartKey ........ 32

• Starter switch positions ........ 33

• Adjusting ........ 35

• Seats ........ 35

• Steering wheel ........ 39

• Mirrors ........ 41

• Driving ........ 43

• Fastening the seat belt ........ 43

• Starting the engine ........ 46

• Switching on headlamps ........ 49

• Turn signals ........ 50

• Windshield wipers ........ 51

• Problems while driving ........ 53

• Parking and locking ........ 54

• Parking brake ........ 54

• Switching off headlamps ........ 55

• Turning off engine ........ 56

Contents

• Safety and Security ........ 57
• Occupant safety ........ 58
• Air bags ........ 59
• Seat belts ........ 64 Children in the vehicle

Contents

• Vehicle status message memory menu ........ 138
• Settings menu ........ 140
• Trip computer menu ........ 156
• TEL menu* ........ 158
• Manual transmission ........ 162
• Shifting into reverse ........ 163
• Automatic transmission* ........ 164
• One-touch gearshifting ........ 166
• Gear ranges ........ 167
• Gear selector lever position ........ 168
• Automatic shift program ........ 169
• Driving tips ........ 170
• Emergency operation (Limp Home Mode) ........ 171
• Good visibility ........ 172
• Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 172
• Rear view mirrors ........ 172
• Sun visors ........ 175
• Rear window sunshade* ........ 176
• Rear window defroster ........ 177
• Climate control ........ 178
• Deactivating the climate control system ........ 181
• Setting the temperature ........ 181
• Adjusting air distribution and volume ........ 182
• Defrosting ........ 183
• Air recirculation mode ........ 184
• Air conditioning ........ 185
• Rear passenger compartment adjustable air vents ........ 187
• Automatic climate control* ........ 188
• Deactivating the automatic climate control system ........ 191
• Setting the temperature ........ 191
• Adjusting air distribution ........ 192
• Adjusting air volume ........ 193
• Defrosting ........ 194
• Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 194
• Air recirculation mode ........ 195
• Charcoal filter ........ 196
• Air conditioning ........ 198
• Residual heat and ventilation (available on automatic climate control panel design A only) ........ 199
• Rear passenger compartment adjustable air vents ........ 200
• Audio system ........ 201
• Audio and telephone, operation ........ 201
• Operating safety ........ 201
• Operating and display elements ........ 202
• Button and soft key operation ........ 204
• Operation ........ 204
• Radio operation ........ 209
• Introduction to satellite radio* (USA only) ........ 214
• CD mode ........ 219
• GSM network phones ........ 226
• TDMA or CDMA network phones ........ 232
• Emergency calls “911” ........ 239
• Power windows ........ 241
• Opening and closing the windows ........ 241
• Synchronizing power windows ........ 244
• Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........ 245
• Opening and closing the power tilt/sliding sunroof ........ 245
• Synchronizing the power tilt/sliding sunroof ........ 248

Contents

• Driving systems ........ 249

• Cruise control ........ 249

• Loading ........ 252

• Roof rack* ........ 252

• Ski sack* (Canada only) ........ 252

• Split rear bench seat* ........ 255

• Loading instructions ........ 257

• Cargo tie-down rings* ........ 258

• Useful features ........ 259

• Storage compartments ........ 259

• Ashtrays ........ 263

• Cigarette lighter ........ 265 Electrical outlet in the rear

• passenger compartment ........ 265

• Telephone* ........ 266

• Tele Aid* ........ 267

• Garage door opener* ........ 274

• Operation ........ 281

• The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ........ 282

• Driving instructions ........ 283

• Drive sensibly – save fuel ........ 283

• Drinking and driving ........ 283

• Pedals ........ 283

• Power assistance ........ 283

• Brakes ........ 284

• Driving off ........ 285

• Parking ........ 285

• Tires ........ 286

• Hydroplaning ........ 286

• Tire traction ........ 287

• Tire speed rating ........ 287

• Winter driving instructions ........ 288

• Standing water ........ 289

• Passenger compartment ........ 290

• Driving abroad ........ 290 Control and operation of radio

• transmitters ........ 290

• Catalytic converter ........ 291

• Emission control ........ 291

• Coolant temperature ........ 292

• At the gas station ........ 293

• Refueling ........ 293 Check regularly and before

• a long trip ........ 295

• Engine compartment ........ 296

• Hood ........ 296

• Engine oil ........ 297

• Transmission fluid level ........ 300

• Coolant level ........ 301

• Battery ........ 302 Windshield washer system and

• headlamp cleaning system* ........ 303

• Tires and wheels ........ 304

• Important guidelines ........ 304

• Tire care and maintenance ........ 305

• Direction of rotation ........ 307

• Loading the vehicle ........ 307 Recommended tire inflation

• pressure ........ 313 Checking tire inflation pressure .. 315

• Tire labeling ........ 317

• Load identification ........ 321 DOT, Tire Identification Number

• (TIN) ........ 322

Contents

• Maximum tire load ........ 323 Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 324 Uniform Tire Quality Grading

• Standards (U.S. vehicles) ........ 325

• Tire ply material ........ 327

• Tire and loading terminology ........ 327

• Rotating tires ........ 331

• Winter driving ........ 332

• Winter tires ........ 332

• Block heater (Canada only) ........ 333

• Snow chains ........ 333

• Maintenance ........ 334 Clearing the maintenance

• service indicator ........ 335 Maintenance service term

• exceeded ........ 335 Calling up the maintenance

• service indicator ........ 335 Resetting the maintenance

• service indicator ........ 336

• Vehicle care ........ 337 Cleaning and care of the vehicle.. 337

• Practical hints ........ 343

• What to do if ........ 344

• Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 344

• Lamp in center console ........ 350 Vehicle status messages in the

• multifunction display ........ 352

• Where will I find ...? ........ 377

• First aid kit ........ 377

• Vehicle tool kit ........ 377

• Minispare wheel ........ 380

• Spare wheel bolts ........ 382 Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 383

• Unlocking the vehicle ........ 383

• Locking the vehicle ........ 384

• Fuel filler flap ........ 385 Manually unlocking the transmission gear selector lever ... 386

• Opening/closing in an emergency ........ 387

• Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........ 387

• Replacing SmartKey batteries ........ 388

• SmartKey ........ 389

• Replacing bulbs ........ 390

• Bulbs ........ 390

• Replacing bulbs for front lamps ........ 393

• Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ........ 397

• Replacing wiper blades ........ 398

• Removing wiper blades ........ 398

• Installing wiper blades ........ 398

• Flat tire ........ 399

• Preparing the vehicle ........ 399

• Mounting the Minispare wheel ........ 399

• Battery ........ 404

• Disconnecting the battery ........ 405

• Removing the battery ........ 405 Charging and reinstalling

• the battery ........ 405

• Reconnecting the battery ........ 406

• Jump starting ........ 407

• Towing the vehicle ........ 409

• Installing towing eye bolt ........ 412

• Fuses ........ 413

• Aids for changing fuses ........ 413 Main fuse box in passenger

• compartment ........ 414 Fuse box in engine

• compartment ........ 414

• Fuse box in trunk ........ 416

Contents

• Technical data ........ 417

• Parts service ........ 418

• Warranty coverage ........ 419 Loss of Service and Warranty

• Information Booklet ........ 419

• Identification labels ........ 420

• Layout of poly-V-belt drive ........ 421

• C 230 Kompressor (all models) ........ 421 C 240 (all models)/

• C 320 (all models) ........ 421

• Engine ........ 422

• Rims and Tires ........ 424

• Same size tires ........ 425

• Mixed size tires ........ 426

• Minispare wheel ........ 427

• Electrical system ........ 428

• Main dimensions ........ 429

• Weights ........ 430

• Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ........ 431

• Capacities ........ 431

• Engine oils ........ 433

• Engine oil additives ........ 433

• Air conditioning refrigerant ........ 433

• Brake fluid ........ 433

• Premium unleaded gasoline ........ 434

• Fuel requirements ........ 434

• Gasoline additives ........ 435

• Flexible Fuel Vehicles ........ 435

• Coolants ........ 437 Windshield washer and

• headlamp cleaning system* ........ 439

• Technical terms ........ 441

• Index ........ 447

Introduction

Product information

▼ Product information

Please observe the following in your own best interest:

We recommend using genuine Mercedes-Benz 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 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 individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or other agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety, performance or reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use them.

Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will receive comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

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Introduction

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 instructions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by failure 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 authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.

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, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Operator’s Manual might differ from your vehicle.

Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions 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 Maintenance Booklet 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:

• New Car Limited Warranty
• Emission System Warranty
• Emission Performance Warranty
• California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty (California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont only)
• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws)

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Introduction

Operator’s Manual

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 authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix one or more substantial defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by its express warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts. During the period of 18 months from original delivery of the vehicle or the accumulation of 18000 miles (approx. 29000 km) on the odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or more of the following occurs:

(1) the same substantial defect or malfunction results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect 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 malfunction of a less serious nature than category (1) has been subject to repair four or more times and you have directly notified us in writing of the need for its repair, or

(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of the same or different substantial 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.

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Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Maintenance

The Maintenance Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.

Always have the Maintenance Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

Roadside Assistance

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 vehicle literature portfolio.

Change of address or ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Service and Warranty Information 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 available 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 Information Booklet, or 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.

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Introduction

Operator's Manual

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that

• service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,
• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,
• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult an 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 98 Vanderhoof Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9

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Introduction

Where to find it

This Operator’s Manual is designed to provide 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 renting or borrowing this vehicle.

Safety and Security

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

Controls in detail

Here you will find detailed information about the equipment installed in your vehicle. This section expands on the “Getting started” section and also describes technical 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 vehicle.

Practical hints

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

Technical data

All important technical data for your vehicle 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 designed to help you find information quickly and easily.

The following publications are part of your vehicle documentation:

• this Operator’s Manual
• the Maintenance Booklet

Separate operating instructions will be provided as required depending on the equipment options installed in your vehicle.

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Introduction

Symbols

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 vehicle.

Warning! Warning notices draw your attention to hazards that may endanger your health or life, or the health or life of others.

! Highlights hazards that may result in damage to your vehicle.

i Helpful hints or further information you may find useful.

► This symbol points to instructions for you to follow.

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

▷ Page 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.

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Introduction

Operating safety

Warning!

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 an 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.

Warning!

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 disturbance, 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

Proper use of the vehicle requires that you are familiar with the following information and rules:

• the safety precautions in this manual
• the “Technical data” section in this manual
• traffic rules and regulations
• 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.

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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 an 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.

98 Vanderhoof Avenue

Toronto, Ontario, M4G 4C9

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Introduction

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 vehicle safety from the Hotline.

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Introduction

Vehicle data recording

▼ Vehicle data recording

Information regarding electronic recording devices

(Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951)

Please note that your vehicle is equipped with devices that can record vehicle systems data and, if equipped with the Tele Aid system, may transmit some data in certain accidents.

This information helps, for example, to diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and to continuously improve vehicle safety. DaimlerChrysler may access the information and share it with others

• for safety research or vehicle diagnosis purposes
• with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee
• in response to an official request by law enforcement or other government agency
• for use in dispute resolution involving DaimlerChrysler, its affiliates or sales/service organization and/or
• as otherwise required or permitted by law.

Please check the Tele Aid subscription service agreement for details regarding the information that may be recorded or transmitted via that system.

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