2000 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class trunk release

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index.
For adjustments of air outlets, refer to Automatic
Climate Control (see Index).
1. Side air outlet, adjustable
2. Air volume control for side air outlet
3. Exterior lamp switch
4. Parking brake release
5. Hood lock release
6. Parking brake pedal
7. Steering wheel adjustment lever
8. Combination switch
9. Cruise control switch
10. Horn, airbag
11. Instrument cluster
12. Steering lock with ignition/starter switch
13. Center air outlets, adjustable
14. Air volume control for center air outlets
15. Glove box (illuminated with electronic
key in steering lock position 1 or 2)
16. Left front seat heater switch

17. ASR or ESP control switch
18. Switch for rear seat head restraints
19. Hazard warning flasher switch
20. Central locking switch,
21. Switch for Tow-Away Protection
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system
22. Right front seat heater switch
23. Climate control (C 230)
Automatic climate control (C 280,
C43 AMG)
Rear window defroster switch
24. Audio system
25. Open storage compartment
26. Ashtray with lighter
27. Storage/eyeglasses compartment
28. Power window switches, front doors
29. Power window safety switch, rear doors
30. Airbag off indicator lamp
31. Power window switches, rear doors
32. Trunk lid release switch
33. Mirror adjustment switch

Tire Speed Rating

Model C 43 AMG only: This vehicle is factory equipped with "Z"-rated tires. All other models: These vehicles are factory
equipped with "H"-rated tires, which have a European spee d rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). An electronic speed limiter
prevents your vehicle from exceeding the speed rating. Despit e the tire rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use
prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions.

Warning !

Even when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the
tires. Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in personal injury and possible death.



Parking

Warning !
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off the engine
and leaving the vehicle always:

1. Keep right foot on brake pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to position "P".
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering lock position 0 and remove.
7. Take the electronic key and lock vehicle when leaving.

Important !

It is advisable to set the parking brake whenever parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move selector lever
to position "P". When parking on hills, always set the parking brake.



Winter Driving Instructions

The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to driv e sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions.

When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move selector le ver to position "N". Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action. Road salts and chem icals can adversely affect braking efficiency.

Increased pedal force may become necessary to produce t he normal brake effect. We therefore recommend depressing
the brake pedal periodically when travelling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can bring road salt impaired
braking efficiency back to normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this is done without endangering other drivers on the
road. If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed while observi ng the safety rules in the previous paragraph.


Warning !
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around the vehicle with engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter
vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death. To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the car that is out of the wind.



Deep Water

Caution !
Do riot drive through flooded areas or water of unknown dept h. If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or being ingested by the air intake, possibly causing damage to
electrical components or wiring, to engine or transmission t hat is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Passenger Compartment


Warning !
Always fasten items being carried as securely as possible. In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occupants unless
the items are securely fastened in the vehicle. The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.

Central Locking System

Radio Frequency and Infrared Remote Control
The electronic main key has an integrated radio and infrared remote control. Due to the extended operational range
of
the remote control, it could be possible to unintentionally lock or unlock the vehicle by pressing the transmit button.
A command received by the central locking system is acknowledged by the function control lamp blinking once. The
vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler flap can be centrally locked and unlocked via remote control. Opening and closing
the windows and sliding/pop-up roof can only be done with the infrared portion of the remote control. Aim transmitter
eye (5) at a receiver (6 or 7) press and press transmit button. With vehicle centrally locked, the trunk can also be
opened
by using the remote control. If the electronic key is inserted in steering lock, the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked
with the remote control.




1. Transmit button
Locking
Unlocking
Opening trunk (if not key locked)
2. PANIC button
3. Release button for mechanical key
4. Lamp for battery check and function control
5. Transmitter eye
6. Infrared receiver in driver's door handle

Opening the Trunk

A minimum height clearance of 5.9 ft ( 1.8 m) is required to open the trunk lid.
Press transmit button until trunk lid is open.

Important !
Do not place remote control in trunk since trunk is locked again when closing the lid.

Note:
If the trunk was previously locked separately, it will remain locked (see Index).

Opening and Closing Windows and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof from Outside
Aim transmitter eye (5) of remote control at door receivers (6 or 7).
To open:
Continue to press transmit button after unlocking car
The windows and sliding/pop-up roof begin to open after approx. 1 second. To interrupt opening
procedure, release button.
To close:
Continue to press transmit button after locking car

The windows and sliding/pop-up roof begin to close after approx. 1 second. To interrupt closing
procedure, release button.

Warning !
Never operate the windows or sliding/pop-up roof if there is the possibility of anyone being
harmed by the opening or closing procedure.
In case the procedure causes potential danger, the procedure can be immediately halted by
releasing the remote control button. To reverse direction of movement press for opening
or for closing.

Note:
If the windows and sliding/ pop-up roof cannot be operated automatically by pressing the transmit
button of the remote control then it may be necessary to change the batteries in the transmitter
(if ok, battery check lamp in transmitter will light briefly when transmitting), or to synchronize the
electronic main key, see Synchronizing remote Control in Index.

Panic Button

To activate press and hold button (1) for at least one second.
The alarm will last for approximately 3 minutes in form of blinking
exterior lamps, and an alarm will sound
To deactivate press button (1) again, or insert electronic key in
steering lock.


Note:
For operation in the USA only: This devise complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Any unauthorized modification to
this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.



Mechanical Keys
The entire vehicle may be locked or unlocked by using either the mechanical key in driver's door or trunk lock, or
central locking switch located in center console. The central locking system also locks or unlocks the fuel filler flap.

Note:
If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual Release (see Index).

Trunk

0. Neutral position - push to open
1. Unlocking
2. Locking (detent)
3. Separate locking of trunk - remove mechanical key in this position.

When the trunk is separately locked, it remains locked when centrally unlocking
the vehicle. To deny any unauthorized person access to the trunk, lock it
separately. Leave only the electronic main key less its mechanical key with the
vehicle.
Notes:
In case of a malfunction in the central locking system the trunk can be locked and unlocked individually. To lock, turn
mechanical key to position 2 or 3. To unlock and open the trunk lid, turn mechanical key to position 1, hold and push
to open. If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, refer to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual Release (see Index).

Important !
Do not place mechanical key inside trunk, since trunk is locked again when closing the
lid. Lower trunk lid using handle (4) and close it with hands placed flat on trunk lid.

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.

Power Windows
on center console, front

Switches for:

1. left, front
2. left, rear
3. right, front
4. right, rear
5. switch for rear door window
override
6. individual switches (rear doors)
in rear doors


in rear doors


Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2.
Press switch in to resistance point:
to open
to close
Release switch when window is in desired position.



Express Opening and Closing

Press switch or past resistance point and release - window opens or closes completely. To interrupt
procedure, briefly press or If the upward movement of the window is blocked during the closing procedure,
the window will stop during the last few inches before closure and open slightly. When pressing and holding the
switch to close the window, and upward movement of the window is blocked during the last few inches before
closure, it will stop but not open slightly.


Blocking of Rear Door Window Operation
If no operation of the rear windows by switch (6) located in rear doors (for instance by children) is desired, slide
override switch (5) to right, symbol becomes visible.


Warning !
When closing the windows, be sure that there is no danger of anyone being harmed by the closing
procedure. In case of obstruction, the automatic reversal will not operate if a window is being closed
by pressing the switch to its resistance point and holding it there, or when using a mechanical key or
the remote control.The closing procedure can be immediately reversed by either pressing the switch ,
turning the mechanical key to the unlocking position, or pressing button on the remote control,
and holding it.


Note:
The power windows can also be closed with the mechanical key or infrared remote control while locking the vehicle
doors or trunk (see Central Locking System in Index).


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 can cause serious personal injury.


Synchronizing Power Windows
If the power supply was interrupted (battery disconnected or empty), the windows cannot be opened or closed by
the Express feature. To resynchronize the Express feature, press side of power window switch until the
window is completely closed and hold for additional 2 seconds. Repeat procedure for each window. The automatic
full opening and closing procedure of the windows should now be restored.