1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS maintenance

Drive Sensibly - Save Fuel


Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving habits and operating conditions. To save fuel you should:
• keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures,
• remove unnecessary loads,
• remove roof rack when not in use,
• allow engine to warm up under low load use,
• avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration,
• have all maintenance work performed at regular intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold weat her, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly country.





MERCEDES-BENZ
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
1-800-FOR MERCEDES (in the USA.)
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)






What You Should Know
at the Gas Station


• Fuel:
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, fully inse rt filler nozzle unit. Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzl e
unit cuts out - do not overfill. Leaving the engine running and t he fuel cap open can cause the "Check Engine" lamp to
illuminate. Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane Index 91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 I).
This includes approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 I) reserve.

Warning !
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous, it burns violently and can cause serious injury. Whenever you
are around gasoline, avoid inhaling fumes and skin cont act, extinguish all smoking materials. Never allow
sparks, flame or smoking materials near gasoline!


• Engine Oil:
Engine oil level check, see Index.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 I).
Recommended engine oils, see Index.

• Spark Plugs:
Approved spark plugs, refer to "Technical Data".


• Coolant:
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water quality).
For further information (e.g. anticor rosion/antifreeze), refer to Index.









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Catalytic Converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type catalytic converters, an important element in
conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicl e in proper operating condition by following our recommended
maintenance instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.


Caution!
To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation shou ld be repaired promptly. Otherwise, excessive
unburned fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to overheat, which could start a fire.



Warning!
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or operate 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.

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Driving Instructions
Warning !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage
to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the hazard flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with

caution to an area which is a safe distance from the roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible dama ge. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz or tire dealer for repairs.


Power Assistance
Warning !
When the engine is not running, the brake and steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effo rt is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.



Brakes
Warning !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to
wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front.

Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating th ereby significantly reducing their effectiveness.
It may not be possible to stop the car in sufficient time to avoid an accident.


The condition of the parking brake system is checked eac h time the car is in the shop for the required service.

If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low. Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.

Have the brake system inspected at an aut horized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake system s hould be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz.


Warning !
If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the
braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired.

This could result in an accident.


Caution !
When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces brak e pad wear. After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some time, rather
than immediately parking, so the air stream will cool down the brakes faster.



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Battery

Warning !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while
connecting, you might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary. A battery will also produ ce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid im proper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..

Important !
Battery maintenance information:
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor. The fluid level must be checked at every A and B service.
Always insure that the fluid level is at the specified maximum level and that only distilled water is used. Failure to
maintain proper fluid level may result in cell deterioration and possible battery rupture. The service life of the battery is
dependent on its condition of charge. The battery should alwa ys be kept sufficiently charged, in order to last an
optimum length of time.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month, mostly for
short distance trips, or if it is not used for long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the battery has been disconnected from the vehicle electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and connect last. When removing and connecting the battery,
always make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery
and its vent tube must always be securely installed when the car is in operation. While the engine is running the
battery terminal clamps must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the generator and other electronic components
would be damaged.

Note:
After reconnecting the battery al so resynchronize the Express feature of the power windows
(see Power Windows in Index).

Battery Recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment with improper disposal. Large 12 Volt storage batteries
contain lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to
accept old batteries for recycling.


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C230

C 280, C 43 AMG



Layout of Poly-V-belt Drive

1. Automatic belt tensioner
2. Crankshaft
3. Air conditioning compressor
4. Generator (alternator)

5. Idler pulley
6. Power steering pump
7. Coolant pump, fan

For dimensions of the poly-V-belt, see Technical Data in Index.

Spare Parts Service

All authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers maintain a stock of original spare parts required for maintenance and repair
work.
In addition, strategically located parts distributi on centers provide quick and reliable parts service.
More than 300,000 different spare parts, for other Mercedes-Benz models, are available.
Mercedes-Benz original spare parts are subjecte d to the most stringent quality inspections.
Each part has been specifically developed, manufactured or selected for and adapted to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Therefore, Mercedes-Benz original spare parts should be installed.

Important !

The use of non-genuine parts and accessories not authorized by Mercedes-Benz could damage the vehicle or
compromise its durability or safety.


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