1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS ECU

Warning !
Ev en

when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the
tires. Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in personal injury and possible death.

Parking


Warning !
To reduc e th

e risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before
turning off the engine
and leaving the vehicle always:
1. Keep right foot on brake pedal
2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to position "P".
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering lock position 0 and remove.

7. Take your key and lock vehicle when leaving


Important !
It is advisable to set the parking b

rake whenever parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move selector lever to
position "P". When parking on hills , always set the parking brake.


Winter Driving Instructions
The mo st imp

ortant rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move selector le ver to position "N". Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action. Road salts and chem icals can adversely affect braking efficiency.
Increased pedal force may become necessary to pro duce the normal brake effect. We therefore recommend
depressing
the brake pedal periodically when travelling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can bring road salt impaired
braking efficiency back to normal. A pr erequisite is, however, that this is done without endangering other drivers on
the road. If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as
soon as possible after driving is resumed while observing the safety rules in the previous paragraph.



Warning !
If the v e

hicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around the vehicle with engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter
vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death. To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the car that is out of the wind.


Deep Water
Caution !
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown depth. If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or being ingested by the air intake, possibly causing damage to
electrical components or wiring, to engine or transmis sion that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.


Passenger Compartment

Warning !
Always fasten items being carried as securely as possible. In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occupants
unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.


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Car Keys

Included with your vehicle are:
• 2 electronic main keys with integrated radio frequency and infrared remote controls plus slide out and removable
mechanical key.
• 1 electronic reserve key without remote control functions, plus removable mechanical key.

Warning !

When leaving the vehicle always remove the electronic key from the steering lock, and lock your 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. Electronic main key with integrated radio frequency
and infrared remote control, plus slide out and removable mechanical key


The remote control (1) operates all locks on the car. The mechanical keys (2) work only
in the driver's door, trunk, and storage comp artment locks. The mechanical key can be
used by sliding it out of the remote control. Move lock (3) in direction of arrow and slide
the mechanical key (2, right arrow) until it locks in place. Move lock (3) in direction of
arrow and slide the mechanical key (2, left arrow) to remove. The remote control
transmitter is located in the electronic ma in key holder. The infrared receivers are
located in the front door handles.


Electronic reserve key without remote control functions, plus removable mechanical key.

The electronic reserve key (1) works only in the steering lock. The mechanical key (2)
works only in the driver's door, trunk, an d storage compartment locks. To use the
mechanical key (2), remove it from its electronic reserve key (1).


Notes:
We recommend that you carry the electronic reserve key wi th mechanical key with you and keep it in a safe place
(e.g. your wallet) so that it is always handy. Never le ave the electronic reserve key in the vehicle. Remove the
mechanical key from the electronic main key when using va let parking service. To prevent access to trunk or storage
compartments lock them separ
ately.

Obtaining replacement Keys

Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking system requiring a special key manufacturing process. For
security reasons, replacement keys can only be obtained from your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.


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Seats, Front

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 reclined. Sitting in an excessively
reclined position 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 an upright position and the belt is property positioned on the body.
Never place hands under seat or near any moving parts while a seat is being adjusted


A - Seat, fore/aft
B - Seat, up/down
C - Seat tilt
D - Backrest tilt
E - Head restraint


Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approximately at ear level.
The head restraint angle can also be adjusted manually.
Note:
Your car is equipped with power head restraints , do not try to raise or lower them manually.


Power Seat
The slide switches are located in each front door. Turn elec tronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2 (with a front
door open, the power seats can also be operated with the electronic key removed or in steering lock position 0).

Warning !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the electronic key from the steering lock. The power seats can also
be operated with the driver's or passenger door open. 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.

Caution !
Do not remove head restraints except when mounting seat co vers. For removal refer to Head Restraints, Front, see
Index. Whenever restraints have been removed be sure to reinstall them
before driving.

Important !
Prior to operating the vehicle, the driv er should adjust the seat height for proper vision as well as fore/aft placement
and seat back angle to insure adequate control, reach, operation, and comfort. The head restraint should also be
adjusted for proper height. See also airbag section for prope r seat positioning. Both the inside and outside rear view
mirrors should be adjusted for adequate rearward vision. Fasten seat belts. Infants and small children should be
seated in a properly secured restraint system that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1. All seat, head restraint, and rear view mirror adjustments as well as
fastening of seat belts should be done before the vehicle is put into motion.

Warning !
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle to
deactivate the passenger side airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag
when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result. The back seat is the safest place
for children. Infants and small children must ride in the back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or
child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, fully in accordance with the seat
manufacturer's instructions. A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significantly increased if the child
restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.


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Seat Belts
Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts for all seats, emergency tensioning retractors for the front
seats, as well as front and side impact airbags and knee bolsters for driver and front passenger.


Important !
Laws in most states and all Canadian provinces require seat belt use. All states and provinces
require use of child restraints that comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1.
For your safety and that of your pass engers we strongly recommend their use.

Warning !

Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz
authorized BabySmart? compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart? system
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly
installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this
happens, serious or fatal injury will result. The back seat is the safest place for children.
Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant or
child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, fully in
accordance with the seat manufacturer's instructions. A child's risk of serious or fatal
injuries is significantly increased if the child restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle
and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint.

Warning !

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat back reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined
position 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 back and seat belts provide the best restraint when the wearer is in an
upright position and belts are properly positioned on the body.

Seat Belt Warning System
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, a warning sounds for a short time if the driver's
seat belt is not fastened.


Warning !

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 for injury or death is lessened with your seat belt
buckled.


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Warning !

USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY.
• Each occu pant sh

ould wear their seat belt at a ll times, because seat belts help reduce the likelihood of
and potential severity of injuries in accidents, including rollovers. "SRS" (driver airbag, front passenger
airbag, front door side impact airbags), "ETR" (seat belt emergency tensioning retractors), and knee
bolsters are impacts which exceed preset deployment thresholds.
• Improperly positioned seat belts do not provide maximum protection and may
cause serious injuries in case of an accident.
• Never wear the shoulder belt under your arm, against your neck or off your shoulder. In a crash, your body
would move too far forward. That would increase the chance of head and neck injuries. The belt would
also apply too much force to the ribs or abdomen, which could severely injure infernal organs such as
your liver or spleen.

• Position the lap belt as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen.
If the belt is positioned across your abdomen, it could cause serious injuries in a crash.
• Each seat belt should never be used for more than one person at a time.
Do not fasten a seat belt around a person and objects.
• Belts should not be worn twisted. In a crash, you wouldn't have the full width of the belt to
manage impact forces. The twisted belt against your body could cause injuries.
• Pregnant women should also use a lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion should be positioned
as low as possible on the hips to avoid any possible pressure on the abdomen.

Warning !

USE CHILD RESTRA INTS PROPERLY.
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
Baby Smart™ compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle to
deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the
airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result. The back seat is the safest
place for children. Infants and small children must ride in back seats and be seated in an appropriate infant
or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, fully in accordance with the
seat manufacturer's instructions.
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is significant ly increased if the child restraints are not properly
secured in the vehicle and the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Children too big for child
restraint systems must ride in back seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and
shoulder, not face or neck. A booster seat may be necessary to achieve proper belt positioning.


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Emergency Tensioning Retractor (ETR)

The seat belts for the front seats are equipped with emergency tensioning retractors. These tensioning retractors are
located in each belt's inertia reel and become operationally ready with the electronic key in steering lock position 1 or
2. The emergency tensioning retractors are designed to acti vate only when the seat belts are fastened during frontal
impacts exceeding the first threshold of the SRS and in rear impacts exceeding a preset security level. They remove
slack from the belts in such a way that the seat belts fit more snugly against the body restricting its forward movement
as much as possible.
In cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll-overs, certain side impacts, or other accidents without sufficient
frontal or rear impact forces, the emergency tensioning re tractors will not be activated. The driver and passengers will
then be protected by the fastened seat belts and inertia reel in the usual manner. For seat belt and emergency
tensioning retractor safety guidelines see Safety Guidelines in Index.


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Infant and Child Restraint Systems

We recommend that all infants and children be properly restra ined at all times while the vehicle is in motion. All lap-
shoulder belts except driver seat have special seat belt re tractors for secure fastening of child restraints. To fasten a
child restraint, use this seat belt: Follow child restraint in structions for routing. Then pull shoulder belt out completely
and let it retract. The belt is now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack.

Important !
The use of infant or child restraints is required by law in all 50 states and all Canadian provinces. Infants and small
children should be seated in an appropriate infant or child restraint system properly secured by a lap-shoulder belt,
and that complies with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
213.1. A statement by the child rest raint manufacturer of compliance with this standard can be found on the
instruction label on the restraint and in the instruction manual provided with the restraint. When using any infant or
child restraint system, be sure to carefully read and follow all manufacturer's instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside of vehicle.

Warning !
Children 12 years old and under must never ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized
BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which operates with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle to
deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the
airbag when it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result.
The back seat is the safest place for children, infants and small children must ride in back seats and be
seated in an infant or child restraint system, which is properly secured with the vehicle's seat belt, fully in
accordance with the seat manufacturer's instructions.
Infants and small children should never share a seat belt with another occupant. During an accident, they
could be crushed between the occupant and seat belt. Children too big for child restraint systems must ride
in back seats using regular seat belts. Position shoulder belt across chest and shoulder, not face or neck. A
booster seat is necessary to achieve proper belt positioning for children from 41 Ibs. to the point where a
lap/shoulder belt fits properly without one.
When the child restraint is not in use, remove it from the car or secure it with the seat belt to prevent the
child restraint from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

U.S.A. Models only:
Since 1986 all U.S. child restraints comply with U.S. regulations without the use of a tether strap. Canada Models
only: This vehicle is provided with tether anchorages for a top tether strap. Consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer for installation of these anchorages. In compliance with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 210.1, child
restraint tether anchorage hardware is attached to the tool kit located in the trunk.


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1. Locking handle, left backrest
2. Locking handle, right backrest
3. Pass-through
4. Indicator, right backrest lock,
visible in unlocked position
5. Indicator, left backrest lock,
not visible in locked position


Enlarged Cargo Area .
Split Folding Rear Seat Backrest

On vehicles with optional split folding rear seat back rest you can fold down the two sections separately
to enlarge the cargo area.


Fold down:
Pull locking handle and fold backrest forward.
Set up:
Pull backrest up until it locks in its upright position. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on
the backrest.


Warning !
Always lock backrest in its upright position when rear seat bench is occupied by passengers,
cargo is being carried in the trunk, or the extended cargo area is not in use.

Note:
To prevent unauthorized persons from access to the trunk, always lock backrest in its upright position.


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