2000 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Service

Low Engine Coolant Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on.
It should go out when the engine is running. If the warning la mp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it
comes on while driving, then the coolant level has dropped below the required level. If no leaks are noticeable and
the engine temperature does not increase, continue to driv e to the nearest service station and have coolant added to
the coolant system (see Index).
The low engine coolant level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated may
cause serious engine damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
In cases of major or frequent minor coolant loss, have t he cooling system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer as soon as possible.

Note:
Do not drive without coolant in the cooling system. T he engine will overheat causing major engine damage. Monitor
the coolant temperature gauge while driving.

Warning !
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which may burn if it comes into contact
with hot engine parts. You can be seriously burned.


Low Windshield and Headlamp Washer System Fluid Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on. It should go out when the engine is
running. If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, the level of the
reservoir has dropped to approx.1/4 of the total volume. T he reservoir should be refilled with MB Windshield Washer
Concentrate "S" and water (or commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze, depending on
ambient temperature - see Index) at the next opportunity. The reservoir fo r the windshield and headlamp washer
systems is located in the engine compartment.

Flexible Service System (FSS)





The FSS permits a flexible service schedule that is directly related to the operating conditions of the vehicle.
The symbol or appears in the main odometer field prior to the next suggested service. Depending on operating
conditions throughout the year, the next service is calculated and displayed in days or distance remaining.
The message is displayed for approx. 10 seconds when turning the electronic key in steering lock to position 2, or
while driving when reaching the service warning threshold. It can be cancelled manually by pressing button 0.
Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus symbol or , preceded by a - (minus symbol) blinks for
approx 20 seconds and a signal sounds every time when turning the electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The
FSS display
can also be called up for approx.10 seconds with display illuminated by pressing button 0 twice within 1 second.
Following a completed service the Mercedes-Benz dealer sets the counter to 10.000 miles (Canada: 15.000 km) and
365 days.

The counter can also be set by any individual. To do so:
1. Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
2. Within 4 seconds press button 0 twice.
3. The present status for days or distance is displayed. Within 10 seconds turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 0.
4. Press and hold button 0, while turning electronic key in steering lock to position 2 again. The present status for
days
or distance is displayed once more. Continue to hold button 0 After approx. 10 seconds a signal sounds, and the
display shows 10 000 miles (Canada: 15000 km) for approx. 10 seconds.
5. Release button 0. If the FSS counter was inadvertently reset, have a Mercedes -Benz dealer correct it.

Notes:
When disconnecting vehicle battery for one or more days at a time, such days will not be counted. Any such days not
counted by the FSS can be added by your Mercedes-Benz dealer. The interval between services is determined by
the kind of vehicle operation. Driving at extreme speeds, and cold starts combined with short distance driving in which
the engine does not reach normal operating temperature, reduce the interval between services.

Model C 230 Kompressor:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles (Canada: 16 000 krn) and 15 000 miles (Canada: 25 000 km), or
from 365 to 730 days between services.

Models C 280 and C 43 AMG:
The FSS allows for distances between 10 000 miles (Canada: 15 000 km) and 20 000 miles (Canada: 30 000 km), or
from 365 to 730 days between services. However you choose to set your reference numbers, the scheduled services
as posted in the Service Booklet must be followed to properly care for your vehicle.

Emission Control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic components of the exhaust gases within permissible limits
required by law. These systems, of course, will function properly only when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should, ther efore, be carried out only by qualified Mercedes-Benz
authorized dealer technicians. Engine adjustments should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the specified service
jobs must be carried out regularly according to Mercedes -Benz servicing requirements. For details refer to the
Service Booklet.

Warning !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, and
inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause determined and
corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with at least one window fully
open.


On-Board Diagnostic System
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) control module monitors emission control components that either provide
input signals to or receive output sign als from the control module. Malfunctions resulting from interruptions or failure
of any of these components are indica ted by the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster and are simultaneously stored in the SFI control module. If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp
comes on, have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With some
exceptions the control module switches off the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator lamp if the condition, causing the lamp to
come on, no longer exists during three consecutive cycles. An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the
passenger compartment near to the parking brake pedal, allowi ng the accurate identification of system malfunctions
through the readout of diagnostic trouble codes.

Winter Driving
Have your car winterized at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before the onset of winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil which is not approved for winter operation.
For viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, see Capacities: Fuels, Coolants,
Lubricants etc. in Index.
• Check engine coolant anticorr osion/antifreeze concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headl amp cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate "S"
to a premixed windshield washer solvent/ant ifreeze which is formulated for below freezing
temperatures (see Index).
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with dec reasing ambient temperature. A well charged
battery helps to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on all four wheels for the winter season.
Observe permissible maximum speed for M+S rated radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.

Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the Antilock Brake System (ABS), Acceleration Slip Regulation
(ASR) or the Electronic Stab ility Program (ESP) can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow
chains recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.


Snow Chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer will be glad to advise you on this subject. Ch ains should only be used on the rear wheels.
Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions. Snow ch ains should only be driven on snow covered roads at
speeds not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow.
For tips on driving on slippery winter roads, refer to In dex. Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) or
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): When driving with snow chains, press the ASR or ESP control switch, refer to
Index.


Model C 43 AMG

Important !
Use of snow chains is permissible only on winter tire size 215/45 R 17 H M+S. Refer to "Rims - Tires" in section
"Technical Data" (see Index).


Travelling Abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas
which are not listed in the index of your dealer directory, you should request pertinent information from your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

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. Rims and tires must be of the correct size and type. For dimensions, see
"Technical Data". We recommend that you break in new ti res 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 rirns, use only genuine Mercedes-Benz w heel 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 deteriorate.

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 wheels 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 charac teristics and safety of the
vehicle. Dented or bent rims can caus e tire pressure loss and damage to the tire beads. For this reason, check rims
for damage at regular intervals. The rim flanges must be checked for wear before a tire is mounted. Remove burrs, if
any. Check and ensure proper tire inflation pressure after rotating the wheels. For Tire Inflation Pressure refer to
Index.


Spare Wheel (except C 43 AMG)

Important !
The spare wheel rim is mounted with a full size tire of the same type as on the vehicle, and is fully functional.
However, that spare wheel rim is weight optimized an d has a limited service life of 12 000 miles (20 000 km) use
before a standard wheel rim must replace it. In the case of a flat tire, you may temporarily use the spare wheel. Do
not operate vehicle with more than one spare wheel mounted.
Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward
movement. If the arrow on tire side wall does not point in direction of vehicle forward movement when using the spare
wheel, observe the following restrictions:

• Drive to the nearest tire repair facility as soon as possible.

For rim and tire specifications, refer to "Technical Data".

Warning !
The spare wheel rim is for temporary use only. Use for over a total of 12 000 miles
(20 000 km) may cause wheel rim failure leading to an accident and possible injuries.

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 also resynchronize the Express feature of the power windows, the
sliding/pop-up roof, and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (see Power seats, front, Head
restraints, Power windows, Sliding/pop-up roof, and Electronic stability program 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.

Spare Parts Service


C 280, C 43 AMG
1. Automatic belt tensioner
2. Crankshaft:
3. Air conditioner 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 distribution 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 subjected 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.

Warranty Coverage

Your car is covered under the terms of the "warranties" printed in the Owner's Service and
Warranty Information booklet and your authoriz ed Mercedes-Benz dealer will exchange or
repair any defective parts in accordance wi th the terms of the following warranties:

1. New vehicle limited warranty
2. Emission systems warranty
3. Emission performance warranty
4. California and Massachusetts emission control systems warranty.

Loss of Owner's Service and Warranty Information Booklet
Should you lose your Owner's Service and Warr anty Information booklet, have your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer arrange for a replacement. It will be mailed to you.