1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-280 window

Loading instructions
(Vehicles with enlarged cargo area)

The total load weight including vehicle occupants and luggage/ cargo should not exceed the vehicle capacity weight
indicated on the certification tag which can be found on t he left door pillar. The handling characteristics of a fully
loaded vehicle depend greatly on the load distribution. It is therefore recommended to load the vehicle according to
the illustrations shown, with the heavie st items being placed towards the front of the vehicle. Always place items
being carried against front or rear seat backrests, and fast en them as securely as possible. The heaviest portion of
the cargo should always be kept as low as possible since it influences the handling characteristics of the vehicle.

Notes:
The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects. T he enlarged cargo area should only be used for items which
do not fit in the trunk alone.

Warning !
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the
vehicle, and can cause injury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing things.
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs.
Do not place anything on the shelf below the rear window. Never drive vehicle with trunk lid open while
pass-through is not closed and seat backrest not locked in its upright position. Deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.


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Cargo Tie-Down Rings
(Vehicles with enlarged cargo area)

1. Ring
Carefully secure cargo by applying even load on all four rings
with rope of sufficient strength to hold down the cargo.


Shelf below Rear Window

Warning!
The shelf below the rear window should not be used to carry objects. This will avoid such
objects from being thrown about and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident or
sudden maneuver.

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Steering Lock

0 - The electronic key can be withdrawn in this position only. The steering is locked with the electronic key removed
from the steering lock. The electronic key an be removed only with the selector lever in position "P" and the foot
off the brake pedal. After removing the electronic key or with the electronic key in steering lock position 0, the
selector lever is locked in position "P".
1 - Steering is unlocked. (If necessary, move steering wheel s lightly to allow the electronic key to be turned clockwise
to position 1.) Most electrical consumers can be operated. For detailed information see respective subjects.
2 - Driving position.
3 - Starting position.
Refer to Index for Starting and turning off the engine.


Warning !

When leaving the vehicle always remove the electroni c key from the steering lock, 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 serious personal injury.


Important !
If the electronic key is left in the steering lock position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in
the lock. In this case, remove electron ic key from steering lock and reinsert.

Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver's door is opened with the el ectronic key in steering lock position 1 or 0. With the
engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the alternator (output) is limited. It is therefore recommended to turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of the
battery. Unnecessary strain on the batte ry and charging system may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the automatic climate air volume control
should be set to the lowest position. The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle battery properly
connected.

Caution !
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
steering lock. Do not leave the electronic key in steering lock position 0.


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Lighter

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2.
Push in lighter (1); it will pop out automatically when hot.


Warning !
Never touch the heating element or sides of the lighter, they are extremely hot, hold at knob only.

Note:
The lighter socket can be used to accommodate electrical accessories up to maximum 85 W


Sun Visors



Swing sun visors down to protect against sun glare.
If sunlight enters through a side window, disengage visor from inner mounting and pivot to the side.



Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
With the visor engaged in its inner mounting, the lamp can be switched on by opening the cover.

Warning !
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.

The lamp goes out automatically after approximately 5 minutes.


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Power Windows

on center console, front

Switches for:

1.
left, front
2. left, rear
3. right, front
4. right, rear
5. Switch for rear door window override
6. individual switches (rear doors)
in rear doors

in rear doors


Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2.
Press switch in to resistance point:
to open
to close
Release switch when window is in desired position.



Express Opening and Closing

Press switch or past resistance point and release - window opens or closes completely. To interrupt
procedure, briefly press
or If the upward movement of the window is blocked during the closing procedure,
the window will stop during the last few inches before closure and open slightly. When pressing and holding the
switch
to close the window, and upward movement of the wi ndow is blocked during the last few inches before
closure, it will stop but not
open slightly.


Blocking of Rear Door Window Operation
If no operation of the rear windows by switch (6) (for instance by children) is desired, slide override switch (5) to right,
symbol
becomes visible.


Warning !
When closing the windows, be sure that there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing
procedure. In case of obstruction, the automatic rever sal will not operate if a window is being closed
by pressing the switch to its resistance point and holdi ng it there, or when using a mechanical key or
the remote control. The closing procedure can be immediately reversed by either pressing the switch
,
turning the mechanical key to the unlocking position, or pressing button
on the remote control,
and holding it.


Note:
The power windows can also be closed with the mechanical ke y or infrared remote control while locking the vehicle
doors or trunk (see Central Locking System in Index).


Warning !
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the el ectronic key from the steering lock, and lock the
vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment can cause serious personal injury.


Synchronizing Power Windows
If the power supply was interrupted (battery disconnected or empty), the wi ndows cannot be opened or closed by
the Express feature. To resynchronize the Ex press feature, press
side of power window switch until the
window is completely closed and hold for additional 2 seconds. Repeat procedure for each window.
The automatic full opening and closing procedure of the windows should now be restored.


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Emission Control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic components of the exhaust gases within
permissible limits required by law. These syst ems, of course, will function properly only when
maintained strictly according to factory spec ifications. Any adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by qualified Merc edes-Benz authorized dealer technicians. Engine
adjustments should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the specified service jobs must be carried
out regularly according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements. For details refer to the Service
Booklet.

Warning !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a 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.


On-Board Diagnostic System
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) c ontrol module monitors emission control components
that either provide input signals to or receive output signals from the control module. Malfunctions
resulting from interruptions or failure of any of these components are indicated by the "CHECK
ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and are simultaneously stored in the
diagnostic module. If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunc tion indicator lamp comes on, have the system
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz deal er as soon as possible. The control module
switches off the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator lamp if the condition, causing the lamp to come on, no
longer exists. An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the passenger compartment near to the
parking brake pedal, allowing the accurate identificat ion of system malfunctions through the readout
of diagnostic trouble codes.


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Trunk Lamp
If the trunk is to remain open for a long period of time, the
trunk lamp can be switched off by pulling out the plunger
in the switch (arrow). This prevents t he vehicle battery from being discharged. When the trunk lid is closed, the switch
will reset and turn on the lamp next time the lid is opened.


Stowing Things in the Vehicle

Warning !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing things.
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs.
Do not place anything on the shelf below the rear window.


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First Aid Kit

1. Opening lid
The first aid kit is stored in the shelf below the rear window.


Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, Storage Compartment

1. Trunk floor
2. Handle
3. Luggage bowl
4. Vehicle tools
5. Tab

Lift trunk floor and engage handle in upper edge of the trunk. To remove spare tire: Turn luggage bowl
counterclockwise and remove. To store spare tire: Place spare tire in wheel well and secure it with
luggage bowl. Turn luggage bowl clockwise to its stop . The tab must point toward front of vehicle.

Note:
Always lower trunk floor before closing trunk lid
.

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