1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS engine

Air Recirculation
This mode can be selected to prevent annoying odours or dust from entering the car's interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the car's interior.
To select, press
button.
To cancel, press
button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated air to fresh air
• after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures below approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside tem peratures above approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 5 minutes, if button
is pressed.
Notes:
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically engages the re circulated air mode thereby
increasing the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially fresh air within 20 minutes.

Dust Filter
Dust particles (down to a certain size) and pollen are filtered out before outside air enters the
passenger compartment through the air distribution system.
Notes:
Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air flow-thr ough exhaust slots below the rear
window.
Also keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of snow and debris.

Residual Engine Heat Utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to c ontinue heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically
To select:
Turn key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or remove key. Close air outlet in rear passenger
compartment.
Press
button.
This function selection will not activate if the battery charge level is insufficient.
To cancel:
Press
button.
The system will automatically shut off
• if you turn key in steering lock to position 2,
• after approx. 30 minutes,
• if the battery voltage drops.


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Start Lock-Out

Important !
Removing the electronic key from the steering lock activates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
Inserting the electronic key in the steerin g lock deactivates the start lock-out.

Note:
In case the engine cannot be started, the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.


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Multicontour Seat (optional)

1. Seat cushion depth
2. Backrest bottom
3. Backrest center
4. Side bolster adjustment


Some models may be equipped with multicontour seats. These seats have movable seat cushions,
and inflatable air cushions built into the backrest to provide additional lumbar and side support.
The seat cushion movement and amount of backrest cushion height and curvature can be
continuously varied with regulators (1, 2 and 3) after turning the electronic key in steering lock to
position 2.

The side bolsters of the backrest can be adjusted with rocker switch (4):
• press down forward end-increase side support,
• press down rearward end-decrease side support.
If the engine is turned off, the last cushion setting is retained in memory, and automatically adjusts
the cushion to this setting when the engine is restarted.


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Armrest (Rear Bench Seat)

Pull down the armrest. For removal of rear seat cushion, see Index.


Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest

Briefly press drawer and pull out to its detent.

Caution!
Keep cup holder closed while travelling. Place only containers
that fit into the cup holder to prevent spills.
Do not fill containers to a height where the contents could spill
during vehicle maneuvers, especially hot liquids.


Adjusting Telescoping Steering Column (optional)


Warning!

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

Unlocking:
Pull handle (1) out to its stop. The indicator lamp comes on.
Adjusting:
To lengthen or shorten the steering column, pull out or push in steering wheel.
Locking:
Push handle (1) in until it engages.
The indicator lamp goes out.

Important!
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the engine, the adjustable steering
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehi cle until you have properly locked the steering column.


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Head Restraints, Rear

Folding head restraints backward (with engine running): Press symbol-side of rocker switch to release the head
restraints.
The head restraints will then fold backward for increased visibility.

Placing head restraints upright:
Pull head restraint forward until it locks in position.
Angle of head restraints:
The head restraint angle can be adjusted manually.

Important !
For safety reasons, always drive with the rear head rest raints in the upright position when the rear seats are
occupied.
Keep area around head restraints clear of articles (e.g. cl othing) to not obstruct the folding operation of the head
restraints.


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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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Exterior Lamp Switch
Off
Parking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low beam is additionally switched on.

Parking lamps plus low beam or high beam headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
Standing lamps, right (turn left one stop).
Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops).
Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking and/or head lamps on.
Rear fog lamp (pull out to 2nd detent) in addition to fog lamps Indicator lamp in lamp switch comes on.



Standing Lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the stre et the standing lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned on,
making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles The standing lamps cannot be operated with the key in
steering lock position 2

Note:
With the key removed and a front door open, a warnin g sounds if the vehicle's exterior lamps (except
standing lamps) are not switched off. Fog lamps will oper ate with the parking lamps and the low or high
beam headlamps Fog lamps should only be used in conjunction with low beam headlamps
Consult your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulati ons regarding allowable lamp operation. Fog lamps are
automatically switched off when the exte rior lamp switch is turned to position



Daytime Running Lamps
Canada only

When the engine is running and the selector lever is in a driving position, the low beam (includes parking lamps, side
marker lamps, taillamps and licen se plate lamps) are automatically switched on. When shifting from a driving position
to position "N" or "P", the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay)
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should be turned to position
to permit activation of the high beam
headlamps


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Ashtrays

Center Console, Front


To remove ashtray:
Push sliding knob (1) toward the right to eject the insert.
To install ashtray:
Install insert into ashtray frame and push down to engage.

By touching the top of the cover light ly, the ashtray opens automatically.
Prior to removing the ashtray insert, move the gear selector lever to position "N".

Warning!
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing still. Wi th the gear selector lever in position "N", turn
off the engine and set the parking brake. Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of unintended
contact with the gear selector lever.



Center Console, Rear

To remove ashtray:
Push center bar down and pull out the ashtray.
To install ashtray:
Install bottom of ashtray, push center bar down, and close ashtray.


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