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.
Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip
The engine compartment of model C 230 is illustrated.
1. Fuel Supply
Open flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap
to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank
has been released, then remove cap.
Failure to remove slowly could result in personal injury.
2. Tire Inflation Pressure
Check at least every two weeks.
For details see Index.
3. Coolant Level
See Adding coolant in Index.
4. Windshield Washer System,
Headlamp Cleaning System
For refilling reservoir see Index.
5. Engine Oil Level
See Engine oil level, checking in Index.
6. Brake Fluid
See Brake fluid in Index.
Vehicle Lighting: Check function and cleanliness.
For replacement of light bulbs, see Lamps, exterior in Index.
