Mercedes C280 owner's manual

Figure from the manual

Operator’s Manual C-Class Sedan

Mercedes-Benz

2035845771 Order No. 6515 0160 13 Part No. 203 584 57 71 USA Edition A 2006

Figure from the manual

C 230 C 230 Sport C 280 C 280 4MATIC C 350 C 350 4MATIC C 350 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

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 ........ 40
Mirrors ........ 43
Driving ........ 45
Fastening the seat belt ........ 45
Starting the engine ........ 48
Parking brake ........ 50
Driving ........ 51
Switching on headlamps ........ 52
Turn signals ........ 53
Windshield wipers ........ 53
Problems while driving ........ 56
Parking and locking ........ 57
Parking brake ........ 58
Switching off headlamps ........ 59
Turning off engine ........ 59
Releasing seat belts ........ 59
Locking ........ 60

Safety and Security ........ 61
Occupant safety ........ 62
Air bags ........ 63
Seat belts ........ 69
Active head restraint ........ 73
Children in the vehicle ........ 74
Blocking of rear door window operation ........ 85
Panic alarm* ........ 86
Activating ........ 86
Deactivating ........ 86
Driving safety systems ........ 87
ABS ........ 87
BAS ........ 88
ESP® ........ 89
Four wheel electronic traction system (4MATIC) with the ESP® ........ 92
Anti-theft systems ........ 93
Immobilizer ........ 93
Anti-theft alarm system* ........ 93
Tow-away alarm* ........ 95
Controls in detail ........ 97
Locking and unlocking ........ 98
SmartKey ........ 98
Opening the doors from the inside ........ 102
Opening the trunk ........ 103
Closing the trunk ........ 104
Trunk emergency release ........ 105
Valet locking ........ 106
Automatic central locking ........ 107
Locking and unlocking from the inside ........ 107
Seats ........ 109
Front seat active head restraints . ........ 109
Rear seat head restraints ........ 109
Lumbar support* ........ 112
Multicontour seats* (Canada only) ........ 113
Seat heating* ........ 113
Memory function* ........ 115
Storing positions into memory ........ 116
Recalling positions from memory ........ 116
Storing exterior rear view mirror parking position ........ 117
Lighting ........ 118
Exterior lamp switch ........ 118
Combination switch ........ 122
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* (C 280, C 350 4MATIC: with Bi-Xenon* headlamps) ........ 123
Hazard warning flasher ........ 124
Interior lighting ........ 125
Door entry lamps ........ 126
Trunk lamp ........ 126
Instrument cluster ........ 127
Instrument cluster illumination ........ 127
Coolant temperature gauge ........ 128
Trip odometer ........ 128
Tachometer ........ 129
Outside temperature indicator ........ 129
Control system ........ 130
Multifunction display ........ 130
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 131
Menus ........ 133
Standard display menu ........ 135
AUDIO menu ........ 136
NAV* menu ........ 138
Vehicle status message memory menu ........ 138
Settings menu ........ 140

Trip computer menu ........ 155
TEL menu* ........ 157
Manual transmission ........ 160
Shifting into reverse ........ 161
Automatic transmission* ........ 162
Gear selector lever position ........ 164
Driving tips ........ 165
Gear ranges ........ 166
Automatic shift program ........ 167
One-touch gearshifting ........ 168 Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ........ 169
Good visibility ........ 170
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 170
Rear view mirrors ........ 170
Sun visors ........ 173
Rear window sunshade* ........ 174
Rear window defroster ........ 175
Climate control ........ 176 Deactivating the climate control
system ........ 179 Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode ........ 179
Setting the temperature ........ 180 Adjusting air distribution and
volume ........ 180
Adjusting air volume ........ 181
Front defroster ........ 181
Air recirculation mode ........ 182
Air conditioning ........ 183 Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents ........ 184 Automatic climate control*
(Canada only) ........ 186 Deactivating the automatic climate
control system ........ 189 Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode ........ 189
Setting the temperature ........ 190
Adjusting air distribution ........ 190
Adjusting air volume ........ 191
Front defroster ........ 191
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 192
Air recirculation mode ........ 192
Charcoal filter ........ 194
Air conditioning ........ 196
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 197 Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents ........ 197
Audio system ........ 199
Audio and telephone, operation ........ 199
Operating safety ........ 199 Operating and display elements ... 200
Button and soft key operation ........ 202
Operation ........ 202
Radio operation ........ 207 Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only) ........ 211
CD mode ........ 216
GSM network phones ........ 225 TDMA or CDMA network phones .. 231
Emergency calls "911" ........ 237
Power windows ........ 240
Opening and closing the windows ........ 240
Synchronizing power windows ........ 242
Summer opening feature ........ 243
Convenience closing feature ........ 243
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........ 244 Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof ........ 244 Synchronizing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof ........ 246
Driving systems ........ 247
Cruise control ........ 247

Loading ........ 250
Roof rack* ........ 250
Ski sack* (Canada only) ........ 250
Split rear bench seat* ........ 253
Loading instructions ........ 255
Cargo tie-down rings* ........ 256
Useful features ........ 257
Storage compartments ........ 257
Cup holders ........ 259
Ashtrays ........ 261
Cigarette lighter ........ 262
Power outlet ........ 263
Telephone* ........ 264
Tele Aid* ........ 265
Garage door opener* ........ 273

Operation

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 ........ 287
Tire traction ........ 287
Tire speed rating ........ 288
Winter driving instructions ........ 289
Standing water ........ 290
Passenger compartment ........ 290
Driving abroad ........ 290 Control and operation of radio
transmitters ........ 291
Catalytic converter ........ 291
Emission control ........ 292
Coolant temperature ........ 293
At the gas station ........ 294
Refueling ........ 294 Check regularly and before
a long trip ........ 295
Engine compartment ........ 297
Hood ........ 297
Engine oil ........ 298
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 ........ 314 Checking tire inflation pressure .. 316 MOExtended system*
(Canada only) ........ 320
Tire labeling ........ 321
Load identification ........ 325 DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ........ 326

Maximum tire load ........ 327 Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 328 Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ........ 328
Tire ply material ........ 330
Tire and loading terminology ........ 331
Rotating tires ........ 335
Winter driving ........ 336
Winter tires ........ 336
Block heater (Canada only) ........ 337
Snow chains ........ 337
Maintenance ........ 338 Maintenance service indicator
message ........ 338 Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display ........ 339 Resetting the maintenance
service indicator ........ 340
Vehicle care ........ 341 Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 341
Practical hints ........ 349
What to do if ... ........ 350
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 350
Lamp in center console ........ 356 Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display ........ 358
Where will I find ...? ........ 383
First aid kit ........ 383
Vehicle tool kit ........ 383
Minispare wheel ........ 386
Spare wheel bolts ........ 388 Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 389
Unlocking the vehicle ........ 389
Locking the vehicle ........ 390
Fuel filler flap ........ 391 Manually unlocking the transmission gear selector lever... 392
Opening/closing in an emergency ........ 393
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........ 393
Resetting activated head restraints ........ 394 Resetting activated head
restraints ........ 394
Replacing SmartKey batteries ........ 395
SmartKey ........ 396
Replacing bulbs ........ 397
Bulbs ........ 398
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ........ 400
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ........ 403
Replacing wiper blades ........ 405
Removing wiper blades ........ 405
Installing wiper blades ........ 405
Flat tire ........ 406
Preparing the vehicle ........ 406
Mounting the Minispare wheel ........ 406
MOExtended system* ........ 411
Battery ........ 412
Disconnecting the battery ........ 413
Removing the battery ........ 413 Charging and reinstalling the
battery ........ 414
Reconnecting the battery ........ 414
Jump starting ........ 415
Towing the vehicle ........ 417
Installing towing eye bolt ........ 420
Fuses ........ 421
Aids for replacing fuses ........ 421 Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ........ 422 Fuse box in engine compartment . 422
Fuse box in trunk ........ 423

Technical data ........ 425
Parts service ........ 426
Warranty coverage ........ 427 Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ........ 427
Identification labels ........ 428
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ........ 429
Engine ........ 430
Rims and Tires ........ 432
Same size tires ........ 434
Mixed size tires ........ 435
Minispare wheel ........ 436
Electrical system ........ 437
Main dimensions ........ 438
Weights ........ 439
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ........ 440
Capacities ........ 440
Engine oils ........ 442
Engine oil additives ........ 442
Air conditioning refrigerant ........ 442
Brake fluid ........ 442
Premium unleaded gasoline ........ 443
Gasoline additives ........ 443
Fuel requirements ........ 444
Coolants ........ 444 Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system* ........ 448
Technical terms ........ 449
Index ........ 455

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.

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)

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 (approximately 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 calendar 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.

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.

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

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.

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 and security 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.

Introduction

Symbols

Symbols

Trademarks:

ESP® is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler.
HomeLink® is a registered trademark of Prince, a Johnson Controls Company.
SIRIUS and related marks are trademarks of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Text converted from the manufacturer's document. A □ marks a character that could not be read in the original. Back to the Mercedes C280 discussions

Contents

Contents

Contents

Contents

Operation

Contents

Contents

Introduction

Product information

Introduction

Operator's Manual

Service and warranty information

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Introduction

Operator's Manual

Maintenance

Roadside Assistance

Change of address or ownership

Introduction

Operator’s Manual

Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada

Introduction

Where to find it

At a glance

Getting started

Safety and Security

Controls in detail

Operation

Practical hints

Technical data

Indexes

Introduction

Symbols

Introduction

Operating safety

Proper use of the vehicle

Introduction

Problems with your vehicle

Introduction

Reporting safety defects

Reporting Safety Defects

Introduction

Vehicle data recording