1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS torque

Important !
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in "N" can result in transmission damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


D - The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th gear . Position "D" provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions.
4 - Upshift through 4th gear only.
Suitable for performance driving. To shift from position "D" to "4", push selector lever to the left.
3 - Upshift through 3rd gear only.
Suitable for moderately steep hill s. Since the transmission does not shift hi gher than 3rd gear, this gear selection
will allow use of the engine's braking power downhill.
2 - Upshift through 2nd gear only.
For driving in mountainous regions or under extreme operating conditions. This gear selection will allow use of the
engine's braking power when descending steep grades.
1 - In this position, the engine's
braking effect is utilized by shifting into 1 st gea r. Use this position while descending very steep or lengthy
downgrades and only at speeds below 40 mph (60 km/h).


Important !
With selector lever in position "D", "4" or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed depending on vehicle
speed and engine temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperatures.
During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift and increased engine noise might be perceived as a malfunction.
However, neither the engine nor transmission are negatively affected by this mode of operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To avoid overrevving the engi ne when the selector lever is moved to a lower driving
range, the transmission will not shift to a lower gear as l ong as the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit of that gear.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPMs, do not allow the engine speed to drop too low on uphill gradients.
Depending on the degree of the incline, shift selector feve r to a lower gear range early enough to maintain engine
RPM within the best torque range.

Warning!

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in rear wheel
slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's AB S will not prevent this type of loss of control.

Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a parki ng space, control the car speed by gradually releasing the
brakes. Accelerate gently and never abr uptly step on the accelerator. To rock a car out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying slight partial throttle. Rocking a car free in this manner may
cause the ABS malfunction indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction
indication.

Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service brake. For longer
stops with the engine idling, shift into "N" or "P" and hold t he vehicle with the service brake. When stopping the car on
an uphill incline, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat build
up.

Warning !

Getting out of your car with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. Also, when
parked on an incline, position "P" alone may not pr event your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people
or objects. Always set the parking brake in addition to sh ifting to position "P". When parked on an incline,
also turn front wheel against curb.

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Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
The acceleration slip regulation will engage at all vehicle s peeds, if one or both drive wheels begin to lose traction
and spin in acceleration. While engaged, the yellow warni ng lamp in the speedometer dial flashes. With the
acceleration slip regulation engaged, the brake is applied to the spinning drive wheel until slip is brought under
control. If both drive wheels spin, the brake is applied to both drive wheels and simultaneously, engine torque is
limited, to improve the vehicle's driving stability. As traction on the road surface increases, thus allowing
acceleration without slip, the allowable engine torque also increases again and the brake is no longer applied to
drive wheels.

Important !
If the ASR warning lamp flashes, adapt your spee d and driving to the prevailing road conditions.

Caution !
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index), t he engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steer ing lock position 0 or 1). Othe rwise, the acceleration slip regulation will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.

Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ASR is combined with that of the BAS The yellow BAS/ASR malfunction indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster and the yellow ASR warning lamp in the speedometer dial come on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2. They should go out with the engine running. If the BAS/ASR malfunction
indicator lamp comes on with the engine running, a malfunc tion has been detected in either system. Pressing the
accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS. Have the BAS or ASR
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With the ABS malfunctioning, the ASR
is also switched off. Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the wheels to ro tate at different speeds,
therefore the acceleration slip regulation may activate (ye llow ASR warning lamp in speedometer dial comes on).
For this reason, all wheels, including the spare wheel, mu st have the same tire size. When testing the parking
brake on a brake test dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, t he acceleration slip regulation will
immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes . In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of
the acceleration slip regulation is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S rated radialply tires
and/or snow chains.

ASR Control Switch



ASR control switch located in center console To improve
the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press the upper half of the ASR switch. The ASR warning lamp, located
in the speedometer dial, is cont inuously illuminated. With the ASR system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ASR is unavailable. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. A por tion of the ASR system remains active, even with the
switch in the OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction a nd begins to spin, the brake is applied until the wheel
regains sufficient traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 rnph (40 km/h),
and switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. Doing so may cause seriou s damage to the drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The ASR warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, star ts to flash at any vehicle speed as soon as the tires
lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ASR: press lower
half of the switch (the ASR warning lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).

Important!
If the ASR warning lamp flashes:
• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.


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Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (optional)

The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving wheel spin of the vehicle under any driving condition.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
counterpointing vehicle movement. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash.

Important !
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.

Caution !
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index), t he engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steer ing lock position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the el ectronic stability program will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.

Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ESP is combined with that of the BAS. The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning lamp in the speedometer di al come on with the electronic key
in steering lock position 2. They should go out with th e engine running. If the BAS/ESP multifunction indicator lamp
comes on permanently with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either system.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine output will be available. If the BAS
malfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS. Have the BAS or ESP checked at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off. Driving the vehicle with varied size ti res will cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the electronic
stability program may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer dial comes on).
For this reason, all wheels, including the spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking brake
on a brake test dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, t he electronic stability program will
immediately
be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the electronic
stability program is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz reco mmended M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.

ESP Control Switch



ESP control switch located on center co
nsole To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press the upper half of the ESP switch. The ESP warning lamp, located in
the speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditio ns. A portion of the ESP system remains ac tive, even with the switch in the OFF
position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin , the brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at 50
mph (80 km/h).

Note:
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. Doing so may cause seriou s damage to the drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedome ter dial, starts to flash at any
vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. To return to the enhanced vehicle
stability
offered by ESP: press lower half of the switch (the ESP warning lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).

Important !
If the ESP warning lamp flashes:
• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.


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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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Changing Wheels

Move vehicle to a level area which is a safe distance from the road way.
1 . Set parking brake and turn on hazard warning flasher.
2 . Move selector lever to position "P" and turn off engine.
3 . Prevent vehicle from rolling away by blocking wheels with wheel chocks
(not supplied with vehicle) or sizable wood block or stone. When changing a wheel
on a hill, place chocks on the downhill side blocking both wheels of the other axle.
On a level road, place one chock in front of and one behind the wheel that is
diagonally opposite to the wheel being changed.
4 . Using the wrench, loosen but do not yet remove the wheel bolts.




5
. Remove the protective cover from the jack support tube opening by inserting the
screwdriver (supplied in the tool kit) in the opening and prying it out. The tube
openings are located directly behind the front wheel housings and in front of the
rear wheel housings.


6
. Insert jack arm fully into the tube hole up to the stop.
Place jack on firm ground. Position the jack so that it is always vertical (plumb-line)
as seen from the side (see arrow), even if the vehicle is parked on an incline.

7. Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground.
Never start engine while vehicle is raised.

8 . Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt and install alignment bolt (1) supplied in the
tool kit. Remove the remaining bolts. Keep bolt threads protected from dirt and
sand.



9. Remove wheel. Grip wheel from the sides. Keep hands from beneath the wheels.
10. Clean contact surfaces of wheel and wheel hub. Install spare wheel on wheel
hub.
Insert wheel bolts and tighten them slightly. To avoid paint damage, place wheel
flat
against hub and hold it there while installing first wheel bolt.


Unscrew the alignment bolt (1) to install the last wheel bolt.
11. Lower car. Remove jack and insert jack tube cover. Before storing the jack,
the jack arm must be lowered almost to the base of the jack.



Warning !
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts. Damaged wheel hub threads should
be repaired immediately.
Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tightened mounting bolts can cause the
wheel to come off. This could cause an accident. Be sure to use the correct
mounting bolts.


12.
Using the wrench, tighten the five bolts evenly, following the sequence illustrated
above, until all bolts are tight. Obse rve a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
13. Ensure proper tire pressure.


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Technical Data C 230
Model C 230 (202 023)1 Rims - Tires
Engine 111 Rims (light alloy rims) 7J x 15 H 2
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection

Wheel offset 1.46 in (37 mm)
No. of cylinders
4 All season;Radial-ply tires 205/60 R 15 91 H
Bore 3.58 in (90.90 mm) Winter tires;Radial-ply tires 205/60 R 15 91 T M+S
Stroke 3.48 in (88.40 mm) Model C 230- Canada only
Total piston displacement 140.1 cu.in. (2295 cm3) Rims (steel rims) 61/2J x 15 H 2
Compression ratio 10,4:1 Wheel offset 1.46 in (37 mm)
Output acc. to SAE J 1349 148 hp/5500 rpm
(110 kW/5500 rpm)

All season;Radial-ply tires 195/65 R 15 91 H
Maximum torque acc. to SAE
J 1349

162 ft.lb./4000 rpm
(220 Nm/40OOrpm)

Winter tires;Radial-ply tires
195/65 R 15 91 T M+S
Maximum engine speed 6000 rpm Electrical System
Firing order 1-3-4-2 Generator (alternator) 14 V/90 A
Poly-V-belt 2155 mm Starter motor 12 V/1.4KW
Main Dimensions Battery 12 V/100 Ah
Overall vehicle length 177.4 in (4507 mm) Spark plugs Bosch F 9 DCO
Overall vehicle width 67.7 in (1720mm) Beru 14 F-9 DUO
Overall height 56.1 in (1424 mm)
Champion C 12 YCC
Wheel base 105.9 in (2690 mm) Electrode gap 0.032 in (0,8 mm)
Track, front 59.0 in (1499 mm) Tightening torque 15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)
Track, rear 57.6 in (1464mm)

Weights See certification tag
Roof load max. 220 lb(100 kg)

Trunk load max 220 lb(100 kg)
1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer for the correspon-ding data of ali special bodies and special equipment,

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Technical Data C 280
Model C 280 (202 029)1 Rims - Tires
Engine 112 Rims (light
alloy rims)
7J x 15 H 2
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection
Wheel
offset

1.46 in (37 mm)
No. of cylinders 6
Summer
tires;
Radial-ply
tires

205/60R 15 91 H
Bore 3.54 in (89.90 mm)

Winter
tires;
Radial-ply
tires


205/60 R 15 91 T M+S

Stroke 2.89 in (73.50 mm)
Rims and All season Tires ( Sport Package)
Rims (light alloy rims) 7J x 16 H 2
Wheel offset 1.46 in (37 mm)
Summer tires;
Radial-ply tires

205/55 R 16 91 H
Electrical System
Total piston displacement 170.8 cu.in. (2799 cm3) Generator
(alternator) 14 V/90 A
Compression ratio 10:1
Starter
motor
12 V/1.7KW
Output acc. to SAE J
1349
195 hp/5800 rpm
(145 kW/5800 rpm)
Battery 12 V/100 Ah
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349


195 ft.lb./3000 rpm
(265 Nm/3000rpm)

Spark
plugs
Electrode
gap
Tightening
torque
Bosch F 9 DPER
0.032 in (0,8 mm)
15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)
Maximum engine speed 6000 rpm Main Dimensions
Firing order 1-4-3-6-2-5 Overall
vehicle
length
177.4 in (4507 mm)
Poly-V-belt 2390 mm

Overall
vehicle
width

67.7 in (1720mm)
Weights: See certification tag
Overall
height
56.1 in (1424 mm)
Roof load max. 220 lb(100 kg) Wheel
base

105.9 in (2690 mm)
Trunk load max. 220 lb(100 kg) Track,
front
59.0 in (1499 mm)
Track, rear57.6 in (1464mm)


1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
for the correspon-ding data of ali special bodies and special equipment,

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Technical Data C 43 AMG
Model C 43 AMG (202 033)1 Rims and All season Tires
Engine 113 Rims2
Front axle
AMG light
alloy rims
Wheel
offset


71/2J x 17 H 2
1.38 in (35 mm)
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection

Rear axle
AMG light
alloy rims
Wheel
offset

8
1/2J x 17 H 2
1.18 in (30 mm)

No. of cylinders 8
Radial-ply
tires
Front axle
Rear axe

225/45 ZR 173
245/40 ZR 173
Bore 3.54 in 89.90 mm)

Rims and
Winter
Tires

Stroke
3.31 in (84.00 mm)
Rims2
AMG light alloy rims 71/2J x 17 H 2
Wheel offset 1.38 in (35 mm)
Radial-ply tires
or
215/45 R 17 H M + S
225/45 R 17 H M + S 3
Spare Wheel
Rims2
AMG light alloy rims 71/2J x 17 H 2
Wheel offset 1.38 in (35 mm)
All season tire:
Radial-ply tire

225/45 ZR 173
Electrical System
Total piston displacement 260.0 cu.in. (4265 cm3) Generator
(alternator)14 V/150 A
Compression ratio 10:1
Starter
motor
12 V/1.7KW
Output acc. to SAE J
1349
302 hp/5850 rpm
(225 kW/5850 rpm)
Battery 12 V/100 Ah
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349

302ft.lb./3250 rpm
(410 Nm/3250rpm)


Spark
plugs
Electrode
gap
Tightening
torque
Bosch F 8 DEPER
0.032 in (0,8 mm)
15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)
Maximum engine speed 6300 rpm
Main Dimensions
Firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8

Overall
vehicle
length
177.4 in (4507 mm)
Poly-V-belt 2390 mm
Overall
vehicle
width 67.7 in (1720mm)

Overall
height
56.1 in (1424 mm)
Wheel
base 105.9 in (2690 mm)

Track,
front
59.2 in (1503 mm)
Weights See certification tag Tra ck, rear 58.2 in (1478mm)
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