Mercedes C280 owner's manual: At a glance

At a glance

Cockpit Instrument cluster Multifunction steering wheel Center console Overhead control panel Door control panel

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At a glance

Cockpit

22

At a glance

Cockpit

23

At a glance

Instrument cluster

P54.32-3565-31

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At a glance

Instrument cluster

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At a glance

Multifunction steering wheel

i
C 230 Sport and C 350 Sport:
Steering wheel in these vehicles will vary from steering wheel shown.
However, multifunction steering wheel symbols and feature description apply to Sport models as well.

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Center console

Upper part

At a glance

Center console

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At a glance

Center console

Lower part

P68.20-3001-31

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At a glance

Overhead control panel

Overhead control panel

P82.00-2354-31

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At a glance

Door control panel

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Getting started

Unlocking Adjusting Driving Parking and locking

31

Getting started

Unlocking

The “Getting started” section provides an overview of the vehicle’s most basic functions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners should pay special attention to the information given here.

If you are already familiar with the basic functions described here, the “Controls in detail” section (▷ page 98) will provide you with further information. The corresponding page references are located at the end of each segment.

Unlocking with the SmartKey

P80.35-2086-31

SmartKey with remote control ① Lock button ② Opening button for trunk ③ Unlock button ④ Panic button* (▷ page 86)

▶ Press unlock button on the SmartKey.

All turn signal lamps flash once. The locking knobs in the doors move up. The anti-theft alarm system* is disarmed.

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

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (▷ page 98).

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

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Getting started

Unlocking

Starter switch positions

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. 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.

SmartKey

P82.00-2292-21

Starter switch

0 For removing SmartKey The steering is locked when the SmartKey is removed from the starter switch.

1 Power supply for some electrical consumers, such as seat adjustment

2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical consumers) and driving position. All lamps (except low beam headlamp indicator lamp, high beam headlamp indicator lamp, and turn signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come on. If a lamp in the instrument cluster fails to come on when the ignition is switched on, have it checked and replaced if necessary. If a lamp in the instrument cluster remains on after starting the engine or comes on while driving, see “Lamps in instrument cluster” (▷ page 350).

3 Starting position

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Getting started

Unlocking

/> When you switch on ignition, the indicator and warning lamps (except low beam headlamp indicator lamp, high beam headlamp indicator lamp, and turn signal indicator lamps unless activated) in the instrument cluster come on. The indicator and warning lamps (except low beam headlamp indicator lamp, high beam headlamp indicator lamp, and turn signal indicator lamps if activated) will go out when the engine is running. This indicates that the respective systems are operational.

• Check the battery and charge it if necessary (\triangleright page 412).

• Get a jump start (\triangleright page 415).

To prevent accelerated vehicle battery discharge or a completely discharged battery, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch when the engine is not in operation.

Getting started

Adjusting

▼ Adjusting

Warning!

All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fastening 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.

For more information, see “Seats” (▷ page 109).

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 in an excessively reclined position as this 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 fatal injuries. The seat back and seat belts provide the best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and belts are properly positioned on the body. Your seat must be adjusted so that you can correctly fasten your seat belt (▷ page 45).

Never place hands under the seat or near any moving parts while a seat is being adjusted.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle.

Even with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch, the power seats* can be operated when the respective door is open. Therefore, 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.

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Getting started

Adjusting

Warning! According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats whenever possible. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant, or toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle” (▷ page 74).

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

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

Manual seat adjustment

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

Seat fore and aft adjustment

▶ Lift handle ①. ▶ Slide seat to the desired position.

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

▶ Allow handle ① to reengage with an audible click. ▶ Check for proper engagement before driving.

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Getting started

Adjusting

Seat cushion tilt ► Turn handwheel ② forward or backward until your upper legs are lightly supported.

Seat backrest tilt ► Switch on the ignition (▷ page 33). ► Press switch ③ in direction of arrow until your arms are slightly angled when holding the steering wheel.

Seat height ► Switch on the ignition (▷ page 33). ► Press switch ④ in direction of arrow until your legs are lightly supported.

Head restraint height

① Release button

Raising: ► Manually adjust the height of the head restraint by pulling it upward.

Lowering: ► To lower head the restraint, push release button ① and push down on the head restraint.

Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it is as close to the head as possible.

Warning!

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.

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Getting started

Adjusting

Head restraint tilt

P91.16-2355-31

Manually adjust the angle of the head restraint.

► Push or pull on the lower edge of the head restraint cushion.

For more information, see “Seats” (▷ page 109).

Power seat* adjustment

The seat adjustment switches are located on the respective front door.

P54.25-2949-31

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

► Switch on the ignition (▷ page 33). or ► Open the respective door.

The memory function* (▷ page 115) lets you store the settings for the power seat*, the steering wheel adjustment (electrical*) and the exterior rear view mirrors.

Seat fore and aft adjustment

► Press switch forward or backward in direction of arrow ④.

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

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Getting started

Adjusting

Seat cushion tilt ► Press switch up or down in direction of arrow ③ until your upper legs are lightly supported.

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

Seat height ► Press switch up or down in direction of arrow ②.

Head restraint height ► Press switch up or down in direction of arrow ①.

i Adjust the head restraint in such a way that it is as close to the head as possible.

Warning!

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.

Head restraint tilt P91.16-2355-31 Manually adjust the angle of the head restraint.

► Push or pull on the lower edge of the head restraint cushion.

For more information, see “Seats” (▷ page 109).

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Getting started

Adjusting

Steering wheel

Warning!

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

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle.

Even with the SmartKey removed from the starter switch, the electrical steering wheel adjustment feature* can be operated when the driver's door is open. Therefore, 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.

Steering wheel adjustment, manual

Warning!

Only adjust the steering wheel with the vehicle at a standstill and make sure the steering column is securely locked in place before driving off.

Driving without the steering column locked may cause an unexpected steering wheel movement which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Make sure the steering column is securely locked by trying to move it up and down, and in and out before driving off.

The handle for steering wheel adjustment is located on the lower left of the steering column.

① Handle

• To unlock the steering column, pull handle ① out to its stop limit.
• Move steering wheel to the desired position.

Make sure your legs can move freely and that all the displays (including malfunction and indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster are clearly visible.

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Getting started

Adjusting

► To lock the steering column, push handle ① all the way in until it engages.

The steering wheel is locked into position again.

► Make sure the steering wheel is securely locked by trying to move it up and down, and in and out before driving off.

! Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked the steering column.

Steering wheel adjustment, electrical*

The lever for the electrical steering wheel adjustment is located on the lower left of the steering column.

① Adjusting steering column, in or out ② Adjusting steering column, up or down

► Switch on the ignition (▷ page 33). or ► Open the driver's door.

The memory function* (▷ page 115) lets you store the settings for the power seat*, the steering wheel adjustment (electrical*) and the exterior rear view mirrors.

Adjusting steering column in or out

► Move the lever in direction of arrows ① until a comfortable steering wheel position is reached with your arms slightly bent at the elbow.

Adjusting steering column up or down

► Move the lever in direction of arrows ②.

Make sure your legs can move freely and that all the displays (including malfunction and indicator lamps) on the instrument cluster are clearly visible.

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Getting started

Adjusting

Easy-entry/exit feature*

This feature allows for easier entry into and exit from the vehicle. When entering and exiting the vehicle, the steering wheel is in its uppermost position.

The easy-entry/exit feature can be activated or deactivated in the Convenience submenu of the control system (▷ page 153).

Warning!

You must make sure no one can become trapped or injured by the moving steering wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.

To cancel steering wheel movement, do one of the following:

• Move steering column stalk* (▷ page 41).
• Press memory position switch* (▷ page 116).

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.

Children could open the driver's door and unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit feature, which could result in an accident and/or serious personal injury.

With the easy-entry/exit feature activated, the steering wheel will return to its last set position when you:

• close the driver's door with the ignition switched on, or
• insert the SmartKey into the starter switch with the driver's door closed.

The last set steering wheel position is stored when

• the ignition is switched off
• the position is stored in memory (▷ page 115)

With the easy-entry/exit feature activated, the steering wheel tilts upwards when you:

• remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, or
• open the driver's door with the SmartKey in starter switch position 0 or 1.

If the current position for the steering wheel is in the uppermost tilt position, the steering wheel will no longer be able to move upward when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.

The adjustment procedure is briefly interrupted when the engine is started.

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Getting started

Adjusting

Warning!

Let the system complete the adjustment procedure before setting the vehicle in motion. All steering wheel adjustments must be completed before setting the vehicle in motion. Driving off with the steering wheel still adjusting could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Mirrors

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

Warning!

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

Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow 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.

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

Interior rear view mirror

• Manually adjust the interior rear view mirror.

For more information, see “Rear view mirrors” ( page 170).

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 interior rear view mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.

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Getting started

Adjusting

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

The memory function* (\triangleright page 115) lets you store the settings for the power seat*, the steering wheel adjustment (electrical*) and the exterior rear view mirrors.

The buttons are located above the exterior lamp switch.

① Adjustment button ② Passenger-side exterior rear view mirror button ③ Driver's side exterior rear view mirror button

\blacktriangleright Switch on the ignition (\triangleright page 33).

\blacktriangleright Press button ③ for the driver's side exterior rear view mirror or button ② for passenger-side exterior rear view mirror.

\blacktriangleright Press adjustment button ① up, down, left, or right according to the desired setting.

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

For more information, see "Rear view mirrors" (\triangleright page 170).

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Getting started

Driving

▼ Driving

Warning!

Do not lay any objects in the driver’s footwell. Be careful that floor mats or carpets in the driver’s footwell have sufficient clearance for the pedals.

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

Fastening the seat belt

Warning!

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

Failure to wear and properly fasten and position 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 air bags can only provide the protection they were designed to afford if the occupants are using their seat belts (▷ page 69).

Warning!

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Thus, we strongly recommend that children be placed in the rear seats. Regardless of seating position, children 12 years old and under must be seated and properly secured in an appropriate infant or toddler restraint, or booster seat recommended for the size and weight of the child. For additional information, see “Children in the vehicle” (▷ page 74).

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

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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. Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.

Warning! Read and observe the additional warning notices printed in the “Safety and Security” section (▷ page 66) and (▷ page 69).

Warning! Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat backrest in an excessively reclined position as this 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 restraint when the wearer is in a nearly upright position and the belt is properly positioned on the body.

① Latch plate ② Release button ③ Buckle

• With a smooth motion, pull the belt from the belt outlet.
• Place the shoulder portion of the belt across the top of your shoulder and the lap portion across your hips.
• Push latch plate ① into buckle ③ until it engages.
• If necessary, tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up.

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Getting started

Driving

Belt outlet 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 or pass under the arm).

P91.40-2351-31

Belt outlet, front seats ④ Release button

Raising ► Slide belt outlet upward.

Lowering ► Press button ④ and slide belt outlet downward.

For more information, see “Safety guidelines for the seat belt, emergency tensioning device and air bag” (▷ page 66).

Proper use of seat belts

• Do not twist the seat belt when fastening.
• 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). Never pass the shoulder portion of the belt under your arm. For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the belt outlet.
• Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips (over hip joint) and not across the abdomen.
• Place the seat backrest in a nearly upright position.
• Never use a seat belt for more than one person at a time.
• Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and another object at the same time.
• When using a seat belt to secure infant or toddler restraints or children in booster seats, always follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check your seat belt during travel to make sure that it is properly positioned.
• Make sure that the seat belt is always fitted snugly. Take special care of this when wearing loose clothing.

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Getting started

Driving

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 effectiveness of the belts.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash, they may not be able to provide adequate protection.

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

Starting the engine

Warning!

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death.

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

Manual transmission

Gearshift pattern for manual transmission For more information, see “Manual transmission” (▷ page 160).

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Getting started

Driving

Starting

• Depress brake pedal.
• Make sure the gearshift lever is in neutral position (no gear selected).
• Fully depress clutch pedal. Otherwise the engine cannot be started due to the integrated safety interlock.
• Do not depress the accelerator.
• Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 (▷ page 33) and hold until the engine starts.

For information on turning off the engine, see "Turning off engine" (▷ page 59).

Automatic transmission*

Gearshift pattern for automatic transmission

• P Park position with gear selector lever lock
• R Reverse gear
• N Neutral position
• D Drive position

For more information, see "Automatic transmission*" (▷ page 162).

Starting

• Place the gear selector lever in position P.
• Do not depress the accelerator.
• Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 3 (▷ page 33) and release it again immediately. The engine then starts automatically.

For information on turning off the engine, see "Turning off engine" (▷ page 59).

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Getting started

Driving

Starting difficulties

If the engine does not start as described, carry out the following steps:

• Turn the SmartKey in starter switch to position 0 and repeat the starting procedure (▷ page 48).

Remember that extended starting attempts can drain the vehicle battery.

• Get a jump start (▷ page 415).

If the engine does not start after several starting attempts, there could be a malfunction in the engine electronics or in the fuel supply system.

• Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Parking brake

Warning!

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

① Release handle ② Parking brake pedal

• Release parking brake by pulling on handle ①.

The warning lamp BRAKE (USA only) or (Canada only) in the instrument cluster goes out.

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Getting started

Driving

Driving

Warning!

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

! If you hear a warning signal and the message Release parking brake appears in the multifunction display when driving off, you have forgotten to release the parking brake.

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

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

For more information, see “Automatic central locking” ( page 107).

! 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.

Manual transmission

▶ Depress the brake pedal.

▶ Fully depress the clutch pedal.

▶ Move gearshift lever to first gear to drive forward, or to reverse gear to drive rearward.

▶ Simultaneously release the brake pedal and slowly the clutch pedal.

▶ Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.

Automatic transmission*

! Wait for the gear selection process to complete before setting the vehicle in motion.

▶ Depress the brake pedal.

▶ Move gear selector lever to position D to drive forward, or to position R to drive rearward.

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

▶ Release the brake pedal.

▶ Carefully depress the accelerator pedal.

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Getting started

Driving

Warning!

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

Switching on headlamps

Low beam headlamps

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

► Turn exterior lamp switch to position .

The low beam headlamp indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on (▷ page 24).

High beam

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

Combination switch ① High beam ② High beam flasher

► Push combination switch in direction of arrow ①.

The high beam headlamp indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on (▷ page 24).

For more information on headlamps, see "Lighting" (▷ page 118).

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Getting started

Driving

Turn signals

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

Combination switch ① Turn signals, right ② Turn signals, left

▶ Press combination switch in direction of arrow ① or ②. The corresponding turn signal indicator lamp or in the instrument cluster flashes (▷ page 24). The combination switch resets automatically after major directional changes.

ℹ To signal minor directional changes, press combination switch only to point of resistance and release. The corresponding turn signals will flash three times.

Windshield wipers

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

Combination switch ① Single wipe Wiping with windshield washer fluid ② Switching on windshield wipers ▶ Switch on the ignition (▷ page 33).

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Getting started

Driving

! Do not operate the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on a windshield might scratch the glass and/or damage the wiper blades when wiping occurs on a dry windshield. If it is necessary to operate the windshield wipers in dry weather conditions, always operate the windshield wipers with windshield washer fluid ( page 55).

Switching on windshield wipers

• Turn the combination switch to the desired position depending on the intensity of the rain.

0 Windshield wipers off I Intermittent wiping II Normal wiper speed III Fast wiper speed

Intermittent wiping

! Vehicles with rain sensor*: Do not leave windshield wipers in intermittent setting when the vehicle is taken to an automatic car wash or during windshield cleaning. Windshield wipers will operate in the presence of water sprayed on the windshield, and windshield wipers may be damaged as a result.

Vehicles with rain sensor*: Intermittent wiping interval is dependent on wetness of windshield.

• Turn the combination switch to position I.

Vehicles with rain sensor*: After the initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by the rain sensor.

i Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is opened. This protects persons getting into or out of the vehicle from being sprayed.

Intermittent wiping will be continued when

• all doors are closed

and

• the clutch pedal is depressed (vehicles with manual transmission)

or

• the gear selector lever is in position D or R (vehicles with automatic transmission*)

or

• the wiper setting is changed using the combination switch

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Getting started

Driving

Single wipe

► Press the combination switch briefly in direction of arrow ① to the resistance point.

The windshield wipers wipe one time without washer fluid.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid

► Press the combination switch in direction of arrow ① past the resistance point.

The windshield wipers operate with washer fluid.

To prevent smears on the windshield, wipe with windshield washer fluid every now and then even when it is raining.

For information on filling up the washer reservoir, see “Windshield washer system and headlamp cleaning system*” (> page 303).

❗ If anything blocks the windshield wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off immediately.

• For safety reasons, stop the vehicle in a safe location and remove SmartKey from starter switch before attempting to remove any blockage.

• Remove blockage.

• Turn the windshield wipers on again.

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

• set the combination switch to the next higher wiper speed

• have the windshield wipers checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

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Getting started

Driving

Problems while driving

The engine runs erratically and misfires

• An ignition cable may be damaged.
• The engine electronics may not be operating properly.
• Unburned gasoline may have entered the catalytic converter and damaged it.

Give very little gas.

Have the problem repaired by an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.

The coolant temperature is above 248°F (120°C)

The coolant is too hot and is no longer cooling the engine.

Stop the vehicle in a safe location as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Allow engine and coolant to cool.

Check the coolant level and add coolant if necessary (▷ page 301).

In case of accident

If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:

Do not start the engine under any circumstances.

Notify local fire and/or police authorities.

If the extent of the damage cannot be determined:

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

If no damage can be determined on the

• Major assemblies
• Fuel system
• Engine mount

Start the engine in the usual manner.

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Getting started

Parking and locking

▼ Parking and locking

You have now completed your first drive. You have properly stopped and parked your vehicle. End your drive as follows.

Warning!

Vehicles with manual transmission: 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.

Warning!

Do not park this vehicle in areas where combustible 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 result of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

• Keep right foot on brake pedal.

• Manual transmission: Move the gear-shift lever to neutral position (no gear is selected).

• Firmly depress parking brake pedal.

• Automatic transmission*: Move the gear selector lever to position P.

• Slowly release brake pedal.

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

• Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0 and remove the SmartKey from the starter switch.

• Take the SmartKey and lock the vehicle when leaving.

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Getting started

Parking and locking

Parking brake

① Release handle ② Parking brake pedal

• Step firmly on parking brake pedal ②.

When the engine is running, the brake warning lamp BRAKE (USA only) or ⓟ (Canada only) in the instrument cluster comes on.

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Children could release the parking brake and/or move the gear selector lever* from position P, either of which could result in an accident and/or serious injury.

Warning!

Getting out of your vehicle with the gear selector lever* not fully engaged in position P is dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline, position P alone may not prevent your vehicle 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.

58

Getting started

Parking and locking

Switching off headlamps

► Turn exterior lamp switch to 0 (▷ page 52).

For more information, see “Lighting” (▷ page 118).

Turning off engine

► Manual transmission: Move the gear-shift lever into first or reverse gear.

► Automatic transmission*: Place the gear selector lever in position P.

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

On slopes, turn the front wheels towards the road curb.

► Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 0.

► Remove the SmartKey from the starter switch. 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.

Releasing seat belts

► Press the seat belt release button (▷ page 46).

Allow the retractor to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate.

Make sure the seat belt retracts fully so that the seat belt and/or latch plate cannot get caught or pinched in the door or in the seat mechanism. This can damage the seat belt and impair the effectiveness of the seat belt, and/or cause damage to the door and/or door trim panel. Such damage is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Damaged seat belts must be replaced. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

59

Getting started

Parking and locking

Locking

Warning!

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

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

Warning!

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the starter switch, take it with you, and lock the vehicle. 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.

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

The message Switch off lights appears in the multifunction display.

► Exit the vehicle and close all doors.

► Press the lock button [icon] on the SmartKey (▷ page 32).

With the hood, trunk and all doors closed, all turn signal lamps flash three times. The locking knobs in the doors move down.

The anti-theft alarm system* is armed.

For more information, see “Locking and unlocking” (▷ page 98).

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