1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS steering wheel

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index.
For adjustments of air outlets, refer to Automatic
Climate Control (see Index).

1. Side air outlet, adjustable
2. Air volume control for side air outlet
3. Exterior lamp switch
4. Parking brake release
5. Hood lock release
6. Parking brake pedal
7. Steering wheel adjustment lever
8. Combination switch
9. Cruise control switch
10. Horn, airbag
11. Instrument cluster
12. Steering lock with ignition/starter switch
13. Center air outlets, adjustable
14. Air volume control for center air outlets
15. Glove box (illuminated with electronic
key in steering lock position 1 or 2)


16. Left front seat heater switch
17. ASR or ESP control switch
18. Switch for rear seat head restraints
19. Hazard warning flasher switch
20. Central locking switch,
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system

21. Right front seat heater switch
22. Automatic climate control
Rear win dow defroster switch
23. Audio system
24. Open storage compartment
25. Ashtray with lighter
26 .Storage/eyeglasses compartment
27. Power window switches, front doors

28. Power window safety switch, rear doors
29. Airbag off indicator lamp
30. Power window switches, rear doors
31. Trunk lid release switch
32. Mirror adjustment switch


ProCarManuals.com

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.


ProCarManuals.com

Special Settings
(use only for short duration)
Defogging Windows
Switch off
button.
Press
. button.
Press
button repeatedly until
air is directed upward.

Turn wheels (2) to position

to open left and right air outlets (4).
Adjust air outlets upward.

Defrosting
Turn wheels (2) to position to

open left and right air outlets (4).
Adjust air outlets upward.
Press
button. Maximum heat-
ed and automatically controlled
amount of air is directed to the
windshield and side windows.

Press button once again to
return to previous setting. Rear Window Defroster

Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
To select, press
button.
To cancel, press
button again.
Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and
ice should be removed before
activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster uses a
large amount of power. To keep
the battery drain to a minimum, turn
off the defroster as soon
as the window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned
off after a maximum of
12 minutes of operation.
If several power consumers are
turned on simultaneously, or the
battery is only partially charged, it
is possible that the defroster will
automatically turn itself off. When
this happens, the indicator lamp
inside the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has
sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns
itself back on. Air Distribution


Press
button repeatedly until
the requested symbol is displayed.

Air Volume
Press - or + side of rocker switch
until the requested blower
speed is attained.
A choice of 7 blower speeds is
available. To switch the
automatic climate control off,
press - side of rocker switch
until symbol OFF is displayed.

The fresh air supply to the car interior
is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only
temporarily, otherwise the
windshield could fog up.
To switch the automatic climate
control on again, press

or + side of

ProCarManuals.com

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.


ProCarManuals.com

Airbags

1. Driver airbag
2. Front passenger airbag
3. Side impact airbag




The most effective occupant restraint system yet developed fo
r use in production vehicles is the seat belt. In some
cases, however, the protective effect of a seat belt can be further enhanced by an airbag. The driver airbag is located
in the steering wheel hub. The passenger airbag is located in the dashboard ahead of the passenger.
The side impact airbags are located in the front doors. In conjunction with wearing the seat belts with emergency
tensioning retractors, the airbags can provide increased protection for the driver and passenger in certain major
frontal or rear impacts (for front airbags) and side impacts (for side impact airbags). The operational readiness of the
airbag system is verified by the indicator lamp "SRS" in the instrument cluster. If no fault is detected, the lamp will go
out after approximately 4 seconds; after the lamp goes out, the system continues to monitor the components and
circuitry of the airbag system and will indicate a malfunction by coming on again.
The following system components are monitored or undergo a self-check: crash-sensor(s), airbag ignition circuits,
front seat belt buckles, emergency tensioning retractors, seat sensor (when present). Initially, when the electronic key
is turned from steering lock position 0 to positions 1 or 2, malfunctions in the crash-sensor are detected and indicated
(the "SRS" indicator lamp stays on longer than 4 seconds). In the operational mode, after the indicator lamp has gone
out following the initial check, interruptions or short circ uits in the airbag ignition circuit and in the driver and
passenger seat belt buckle harnesses, and low voltage in the entire system are detected and indicated.

Warning !
In the event a malfunction of the "SRS" is indicated as outlined above, the "SRS" may not be operational. For
your safety, we strongly recommend that you visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately to have
the system checked; otherwise the "SRS" may not be activated when needed in an accident, which could
result in serious or fatal injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and unneccesarily which could also result in
injury.


Front Airbags
The driver and passenger front "SRS" airbags are designed to activate only in certain frontal or rear impacts.
The front passenger airbag deploys only if the passenger seat is occupied.

Note:

Heavy objects on passenger seat can cause the front airbag to deploy in a crash.


Side Impact Airbags
The side impact "SRS" airbags are designed to activate onl y in certain side impacts. Only the side airbag on the
impacted side of the vehicle deploys. The side impact ai rbag for the front passenger deploys only if the seat is
occupied. Side impact airbags operate best in conjunct ion with a properly positioned and fastened seat belt.
Note:
Heavy objects on passenger seat can cause the side impact airbag to deploy in a crash









ProCarManuals.com

Important !
The "SRS" airbags are designed to activate only in certain frontal or rear (front airbags) impacts, or side (side
airbags) impacts. Only during these types of impacts, if of sufficient severity to meet the deployment
thresholds, will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passenger should always wear the
seat belts, otherwise it is not possible for the airbags to provide their intended supplemental protection. In
cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll-overs, other side impacts, rear collisions, or other
accidents without sufficient forces, the airbag will not be activated. The driver and passengers will then be
protected by the fastened seat belts. We caution you not to rely on the presence of an airbag in order to
avoid wearing your seat belt. The "SRS" is designed to reduce the potential of injury in certain frontal and
rear (front airbags) impacts, and side (side airbags) impacts which may cause significant injuries, however,
no system available today can totall y eliminate injuries and fatalities.
The activation of the "SRS" temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the airbags. This dust,
however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The service life of the
airbags extends to the date indicated on the label located on the driverside door latch post. To provide
continued reliability after that date, they should be inspected by an authorized Mer cedes-Benz dealer at that
time and replaced when necessary.


Warning!
It is very important for your safety to always be in a properly seated position and to wear your seat belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back
against
the seat back. Fasten your seat belt and ensure that it is properly positioned on the body. Since the airbag
inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help
to keep you in a safe distance from the airbag:
• Sit properly belted in an upright position with your back against the seat back.
• Adjust the driver seat as far as possible rearward , still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls.
• Do not lean with your head or chest close to the steering wheel or dashboard.
• Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the
risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when airbag inflates.
• Adjust the front passenger seat rearward as far as possible from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.
• 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 . Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe
injuries to you or other occupants.

Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt, Emergency Tensioning Retractor and Airbag


Warning !

• Damaged belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring
points must also be checked. Use only belts installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
• Do not pass belts over sharp edges.
• Do not make any modification that could change the effectiveness of the belts.
• The "SRS" is designed to function on a one-time-only b asis. An airbag or emergency tensioning retractor
(ETR) that was activated must be replaced.
• No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the "SRS". This includes
the installation of additional trim material, ba dges etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger
airbag cover, or front door trim panels, and in stallation of additional electrical/electronic equipment on
or near "SRS" components and wiring.
• An airbag system component within the steering wheel gets hot
after the airbag has inflated.
• Improper work on the system, including incorrect
installation and removal, can lead to possible injury
through an uncontrolled activation of the "SRS".
• In addition, through improper work there is the risk of rendering the "SRS" inoperative. Work on the
"SRS" must therefore only be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer

When you sell the vehicle we strongly urge you to give notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with an
"SRS" by alerting him to the applicable section in the Owner's Manual.



ProCarManuals.com

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.


ProCarManuals.com

Combination Switch

1. Low beam (exterior lamp switch position
)
2. High beam (exterior lamp switch position
)
3. High beam flasher (high beam available independent of exterior lamp switch position)
4. Turn signals, right
5. Turn signals, left
To signal minor directional changes, such as changing lanes on a highway, move combination switch to
the point of resistance only and hold it there. To operate the turn signals continuously, move the combination
switch past the point of resistance (up or down). The switch is automatically canceled when the steering wheel
is turned to a large enough degree.

6. Control for windshield wiper/washer system:
Push briefly for a single wipe without adding washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet)
Push past detent point:
• windshield washer system
• optional headlamp cleaning system (only in exterior lamp positions
or ).
When the washer system is activated, the wipers also operate for a limited time.
7. Windshield wiper
0 Wiper off
I Intermittent wiping (optional rain sensor:
One initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by a rain sensor
monitoring the wetness of the windshield.)
II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed

Note:
The windshield washer reservoir, hoses and nozzles are automatically heated.


ProCarManuals.com