2000 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class power

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.

Towing the Vehicle






Warning!
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, make
certain that the electronic key is in steering lock position 2.
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, the steering is locked. To unlock, remove
electronic key from steering lock and reinsert.


Important !
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the electronic key inn steering lock position 2, the vehicle
doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the right rear wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph (15
km/h) or more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking, deactivate the automatic central locking.


All except C 43 AMG
The rear towing eye is located at the right, below the bumper. The front towing eye is located on the passenger side
behind a cover in the bumper panel.

Models C 230 Kompressor and C 280:
Cover removal:
Insert finger in recess on left end of cover and pull cover out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at top right and press cover in securely.



C 43 AMG

Model C 43 AMG
Cover removal:
Hold left and right end of cover and pull out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at bottom and press in top securely.

We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other types of
towing. The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground and the selector lever in position "N" for distances up
to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). The electronic key must be in steering lock
position 2. To positively avoid a possibility of damage to the transmission, however, we recommend to disconnect the
drive shaft at the rear axle drive flange on any towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage. Do not tow with sling-
type equipment. Towing with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage radiator and supports. Use wheel
lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with electronic key in steering lock turned to position 0.


Warning !
With the engine not running, there Is no power assistance for the braking and steering systems.
In this case, it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary
to brake and steer the vehicle.


Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning flasher in use, turn electronic key in steering lock
to position 2 and activate combination switch for left or right turn signal in usual manner - only the
selected turn signal will operate. Upon cancelling the turn signal, the hazard warning flasher will operate again.

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.

Layout of Poly-V-belt Drive

The engine is equipped with two poly-V-belts.
For dimensions of the poly-V-belts, see Technical Data in Index.






C 230 Kompressor
Routing, Belt I


1. Crankshaft
2. Air conditioner compressor
3. Power steering pump
4. Coolant pump
5. Idler pulley


C 230 Kompressor
Routing, Belt II


6. Generator (alternator)
7. Idler pulley
8. Idler pulley
9. Supercharger


C 230 Kompressor
Routings combined, Belts I and II

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.

Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. - Capacities

Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match Therefore use only brands tested and
recommended by us. Please refer to the Factory Approv ed Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Model Capacity Fuels, coolants,
lubricants etc
Engine with
oil filter C 230
Konpressor 6.1US qt (5.8 l)
C 280 8.5US qt 8.0 l)
C 43 AMG 7.9US qt 7.5 l)
Recommended
engine oils
Automatic transmission C 230
Kompressor 8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
C 280 8.5 US qt (7.5 l)
C 43 AMG 9.6 US qt (9.1 l)
Automatic
transmission fluid
Rear axle C 230
Kompressor
C 280
1.2 US qt (1.1 l)
C 43 AMG 1.4 US qt(1.3 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAL
90, 85 W 90
Power steering approx 1.1 US qt (1.0 l) MB Power steering
fluid
Front wheel hubs

approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature
roller bearing grease

Accelerator
control linkage



Hydraulic fluid
Brake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 I) MB Brake fluid (DOT
4)
Windshield washer

and headlamp
cleaning system


approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 I)
MB Windshield
washer
concentrate "S"
1
Cooling system C 230 approx. 9.6 US qt (9.5 I
C 280
C 43 AMG
approx. 10.6 US qt 10.0 I)
approx. 11.8 US qt (11.2 I
MB
Anticorrosion/antifreez
Fuel tank including
a reserve of

approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 I)
approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 I) Premium unleaded
gasoline:
Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86
MON)
Air conditioner system

R-134a refrigerant
and special
lubricant (Never R-12)

Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer
Concentrate "S" and commercially available premixed windsh ield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below
freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios, see Windshield/Headlamp Washer System in Index.

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Caution !
To maintain the engine's durability and performance, premium unleaded gasoline must be used. If
premium unleaded is not available and low octane fuel is used, follow these precautions:
• have the fuel tank filled only partially with unleaded regular and fill up with premium unleaded
as soon as possible,
• avoid full throttle driving and abrupt acceleration,
• do not exceed an engine speed of 3000 rpm, if the vehicle is loaded with a light load such as two
persons and no luggage,
• do not exceed 2/3 of maximum accelerator pedal positi on, if the vehicle is fully loaded or operating
in mountainous terrain.


Fuel Requirements
Use only Premium unleaded meeting ASTM standar d D 439: The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be 91 min. It is an average of both the Research (R) octane number and the Motor (M)
octane number: [(R+M)/2]. This is also k nown as ANTI-KNOCK INDEX. Unleaded gasoline
containing oxygenates such as Ethanol, I PA, IBA and TBA can be used provided the ratio of any
one of these oxygenates to gasoline does not exce ed 10%, MTBE not to exceed 15%. The ratio of
Methanol to gasoline must not exceed 3% plus additional components. Using mixtures of Ethanol
and Methanol is not allowed. Gasohol, which c ontains 10% Ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can
be used. These blends must also meet all other fuel requirements such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure etc..


Gasoline Additives
A major concern among engine manufacturers is carbon build up caused by gasoline. Mercedes-
Benz recommends the use of only quality gasoline cont aining additives that prevent the build up of
carbon deposits. After an extended period of using fu els without such additives, carbon deposits can
build up especially on the intake valves and in the combustion area, leading to engine performance
problems such as:
• warm-up hesitation,
• unstable idle,
• knocking/pinging,
• misfire,
• power loss.
Do not blend other specific fuel additives with fuel. They only result in unnecessary cost, and may be
harmful to the engine operation. Damage or malfunct ions resulting from poor fuel quality or from
blending specific fuel additives are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.