2000 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class seats

Infant and Child Restraint Systems
We recommend that all infants and children be properly restrained at all times while the vehicle is in
motion. All lap-shoulder belts except driver seat have special seat belt retractors for secure fastening
of child restraints. To fasten a child restraint, use th is seat belt: Follow child restraint instructions for
routing. Then pull shoulder belt out completely and let it retract. During the seat belt retraction a
ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate that the spec ial seat belt retractor is activated. The belt is
now locked. Push down on child restraint to take up any slack. To deactivate, release seat belt
buckle and let seat belt retract completely. The seat belt can again be used in the usual manner.

Warning !
Never release the seat belt buckle while vehicle is in motion, since the special seat belt
retractor will be deactivated.

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 approp riate 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. A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with this standard ca n be found on the instruction label on the restraint
and in the instruction manual provided with the re straint. When using any infant or child restraint
system, be sure to carefully read and follow all manu facturer's instructions for installation and use.
Please read and observe warning labels affixed to inside of vehicle.


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.
According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating positions. 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 accordan ce 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 installa tion of these anchorages. In compliance with
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 210.1, ch ild restraint tether anchorage hardware is
attached to the tool kit located in the trunk.

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 slightly 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 electronic 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 electronic key from steering lock and reinsert.

Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver's door is opened with the electronic 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 battery 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.

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.

Upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g.
when wet etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently discolored. By lining the seats with
a proper intermediate cover, contac t-discoloration will be prevented.


Leather Upholstery
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care. Exercise particular care when cleaning perforated leather as its underside should not
become wet. MB Tex Upholstery Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto soft lint-free cloth
and apply with light pressure.


Instrument Cluster
Use a gentle dish-washing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use scouring agents.

Front Head Restraints




Warning !
For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Adjust head restraint to support the
back of the head approximately at ear level. Do not drive the vehicle without the seat head restraints.
Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.

For positioning of head restraints refer to sections Manual Seats, Power Seats, and Head Restraints, Rear in Index.

Power seats
Removal:
Push button (1) up to bring the head restraint to its highest position. Pull out head restraint completely with both
hands. Installation: Push button (1) up for approximately 5 seconds. Insert head restraint and push it down to the
stop. Adjust
head restraint, see Index.

Manual seat
Removal:
Pull head restraint up to the stop. Push button (1) and pull head restraint out. Installation: Insert the head restraint and
push it down to the stop. Adjust head restraint, see Index.