1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS ECO mode

Program Mode Selector Switch
The transmission is provided with a selector switch for Standard "S" and Winter/Wet
(snow and ice) "W" program modes.



Important !
Always be certain of the program mode se lected since the vehicle driving characteristics change with the selection of
the program mode.


S Standard mode
Press switch on symbol "S". Use this mode for a ll regular driving. The vehicle starts out in 1st gear.
W Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode Press switch on symbol "W". The vehicle starts out in 2nd gear, except
lever in 1st gear, or with accelerator pedal in kick-dow n position. The "W" mode helps to imp upshifts occur at lower
vehicle and engine speeds than in the "S" program mode.


Caution !
Never change the program mode? when the selector lever is out of position "P". It could result in a change of driving
characteristics for which you may not be prepared.

Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no longe r shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in Limp
Home Mode which engages when there is a malfunction at the transmission. This condition may be accompanied by
the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be activated.

To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1 . Stop the vehicle.
2 . Move selector lever to position "P".
3 . Turn off the engine.
4 . Wait 10 seconds.
5 . Restart the engine.
6 . Move selector lever to position "D" (for 2nd gear), or move selector lever to position "R" (for reverse gear).

Have the transmission checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.


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Flexible Service System (FSS)




The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is dire
ctly related to the operating conditions of the vehicle.
The symbol
or appears in the main odometer field prior to the next suggested service. Depending on operating
conditions throughout the year, the nex t service is calculated and displayed in days or distance remaining. The
message is displayed for approx. 10 seconds when turning the electronic key in steering lock to position 2, or it can
be canceled manually by pressing button 0. Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus symbol
or
, preceded by a - (minus symbol) blinks, when turning t he electronic key to position 2. The FSS display can also
be called up for approx.10 seconds with display illuminated by pressing button 0 twice. Following a completed service
the Mercedes-Benz dealer sets the counter to 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and 365 days.

The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1 . Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
2 . Within 4 seconds press button 0 twice.
3 . The present status for days or distance is displayed. Within 10 seconds turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 0.
4 . Press and hold button 0, while turning electronic key in steering lock to position 2 again. The present status for
days or distance is displayed once more. Continue to hold button 0 After approx. 10 seconds a signal sounds, and the
display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15000 km).
5 . Release button 0. If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have a Mercedes -Benz dealer correct it.

Notes:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such days not
counted by the FSS can be added by your Mercedes-Benz de aler. The interval between services is determined by
the kind of vehicle operation. Driving at extreme speeds, and cold starts combined with short distance driving in which
the engine does not reach normal operating temperat ure, reduce the interval between services.

Model C 230:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and 15 000 miles (Canada: 22 500 km),
or from 365 to 730 days between services.

Models C 280 and C 43 AMG:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and 20 000 miles (Canada: 30 000 km),
or from 365 to 730 days between services. However you choose to set your reference numbers, the scheduled
services as posted in the Service Booklet must be followed to properly care for your vehicle.


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Winter Driving
Have your car winterized at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before the onset of winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil which is not approved for winter operation.
For viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, see Capacities: Fuels, Coolants,
Lubricants etc. in Index.
• Check engine coolant anticorr osion/antifreeze concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp cleani ng system: Add MB Concentrate "S" to a premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze which is form ulated for below freezing temperatures (see Index).
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with dec reasing ambient temperature. A well charged
battery helps to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.

Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effect iveness of the acceleration slip regulation or of the electronic traction system
can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Snow
chains maximize performance.


Snow Chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
will be glad to advise you on this subject. Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer's
mounting instructions. Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow. For tips on driving on slippery
winter roads, refer to Index. Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP):
When driving with snow chai ns, press the ASR or ESP control switch, refer to Index.


Model C 43 AMG

Important!
Use of snow chains is permissible only on winter tire size 215/45 R 17 H M+S. Refer to "Rims - Tires" in section
"Technical Data" (see Index).


Travelling Abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas
which are not listed in the index of your dealer directory, you should request pertinent information from your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.



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Odometer Display Field
(Models C 280 and C 43 AMG)

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until the symbols
and appears in the
odometer display field. Within 1 second press button 0 twice.


The following messages are available:
"OK"
"-1.0 Q" (Canada: -1.0 L)
"-1.5 Q" (Canada: -1.5L)
"-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L)
Add oil to upper (max) mark of the dipstick."HI"

Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could caus e damage to engine and catalytic converter not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limi ted Warranty. The symbol
flashes in the odometer field if a proper oil level check
cannot be performed. The oil level check
can be repeated after a short while. Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot be completed via the
odometer display field. In this case we recommend that you have the system checked at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.


Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic tran smission fluid. Regular automatic transmission fluid
level checks and changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted. If you notice fluid leaks or
gear shifting malfunctions, have your authorized Mercede s-Benz dealer check the transmission fluid level.


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Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. See your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for further information. See your authorized Mercedes- Benz dealer for information
on tested and recommended rims and tires for summer and wi nter operation. They can also offer advice concerning
tire service and purchase.


Tire Replacement
Front tires should be replaced in sets. Furthermore - in the event of tire replacement - the spare wheel (except model
C 43 AMG), if possible, should be used on the rear axle. Ri ms and tires must be of the correct size and type. For
dimensions, see "Technical Data". We recommend that y ou break in new tires for approx. 60 miles (100 km) at
moderate speed. It is imperative that the wheel mounting bolts be fastened to a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm)
whenever wheels are mounted. For rim and tire specifications, refer to "Technical Data".

Warning !
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained damage,
replace them. When replacing rims, use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the particular
rim type. Failure to do so can result in the bolts loosening and possibly an accident.


Rotating Wheels
Rotation of wheels with summer tires does not apply to m odel C 43 AMG. The wheels can be rotated according to the
degree of tire wear while retaining the same direction of travel. Rotating, however, should be carried out at the
scheduled service intervals, before the characteristic tire wear pattern (shoulder wear on front wheels and tread
center wear on rear wheels) becomes visible, as otherwise the driving properties

Important !
Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward
movement. Notes: Thoroughly clean the inner side of the w heels any time you rotate the wheels or wash the vehicle
underside. The use of retread tires is not recommended. Retread tires may adversely affect the handling
characteristics and safety of the vehicle. Dented or bent rims can cause tire pressure loss and damage to the tire
beads. For this reason, check rims for damage at regular in tervals. The rim flanges must be checked for wear before
a tire is mounted. Remove burrs, if any. Check and correct ti re inflation pressure after rotating the wheels. For Tire
Inflation Pressure refer to Index.


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All except C 43 AMG

C 43 AMG



Towing the Vehicle

The rear towing eye is located at the right, below the bumper.
The front towing eye is located on the passenger side behind a cover in the bumper panel.

Models C 230 and C 280:
Cover removal:
Insert finger in recess on left end of cover and pull cover out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at top right and press cover in securely
.

Model C 43 AMG:
Cover removal:
Hold left and right end of grille and pull out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at bottom and press in top securely.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing. The vehicle may be towed with all wheel s on the ground and the selector lever in position "N"
for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). The electronic key must
be in steering lock position 2. To positively avoid a possibility of damage to the transmission, however, we
recommend to disconnect the drive shaft at the rear axle drive flange on any towing beyond a short tow to a nearby
garage. Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports. Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with electronic key in steering lock turned to
position 0.


Warning !
With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the braking and steering systems, 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.

Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning flas her in use, turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or right turn signal in usual manner - only the selected turn
signal will operate. Upon cancelling the turn signal, the hazard warning flasher will operate again.

Caution !
Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the engi ne must be shut off (electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ASR will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.


Caution !
Vehicles with Electronic Stability System (ESP)
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the engine must be shut off (electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.


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Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. - Capacities

Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match Therefore use only brands tested and
recommended by us. Please refer to the Factory Approv ed Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Model Capacity Fuels, coolan ts,
lubricants etc
Engine with
oil filter C 230 6.5 US qt (6.2 l)
C 280 8.5US qt 8.0 l)
C 43 AMG 7.9US qt 7.5 l)
Recommended
engine oils
Automatic transmission C 230 7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
C 280 7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
C 43 AMG 9.9 US qt (9.4 l)
Automatic
transmissio
n fluid
Rear axle C 230
C 280 1.2 US qt (1.1 l)
C 43 AMG 1.4 US qt(1.3 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAL
90, 85 W 90
Power steering approx 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power steering
fluid
Front wheel hubs

approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature
roller bearing grease

Accelerator
control linkage


Hydraulic fluid
Brake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 I) MB Brake fluid (DOT
4)
Windshield washer

and headlamp
cleaning system
approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 I)
MB Windshield
washe

r
concentrate "S"
1
Cooling system C 220 approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5 I
C 280
C 36 AMG
approx. 10.6 US qt 10.0 I)
approx. 11.8 US qt (11.2 I
MB
Anticorrosion/antifreez
Fuel tank including
a reserve of
approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 I)
approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 I)
Premium unleaded
gasoline:
Posted O
c

tane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86
MON)
Air conditioner system

R-134a refrigerant
and special
lubricant (Never R-12)

Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer
Con c

entrate "S" and commercially available premixed windsh ield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below
freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios, see Windshield/Headlamp Washer System in Index.


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Coolants

The engine coolant is a mixture of water and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
• corrosion protection,
• freeze protection,
• boiling protection (by increasing the boiling point).
The cooling system was filled at the factory with a coolant providing freeze protection to approx. -22°F
(-30°C) and corrosion protection. The coolant solution mu st be used year round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase in the boil-over protection. You should have it replaced every 3 years. To provide the
important corrosion protection, the solution must be at leas t 45% anticorrosion/antifreeze (equals a freeze protection
to approx. -22°F [-30°C]). If you use a solution that is mo re than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection to
approx. -49°F
[-45°C]), the engine temperature will increase due to the lo wer heat transfer capability of the solution. Therefore, do
not use more than this amount of anticorrosion/ant ifreeze. If the coolant level is low, water and MB
anticorrosion/antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper level (have cooling system checked for signs of
leakage). The water in the cooling system must meet mi nimum requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal
drinking water. If you are not sure about the water qua lity, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. T he use of aluminum components in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in such engines be specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/antifr eeze coolant will result in a significantly shortened service
life.)
Therefore the following product is strongly recommended for use in your car: Mercedes-Benz Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
Agent. Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in the hot southern regions), you should have the
anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration c hecked. The coolant is also regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to your authorized Merc edes-Benz dealer for service.

Model
Approx.freeze Protection
-35°F
(~37°C)

-49°F
(-45°C)


C 230 5.0 US qt
(4.75 I)

5.5 US qt
(5.25 I)

C 280 5.3 US qt
(5.0 I)

5.8 US qt
(5.5 I)

C 43 AMG 5.9US qt
(5.6 I)

6.6 US qt
(6.2 I)




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