Page 76 of 406

73 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Airbags
Front airbags1Driver airbag
2Front passenger airbag
The most effective occupant restraint system yet
developed for use in production vehicles is the seat belt.
In some cases, however, the protective effect of a seat
belt can be further enhanced by an airbag.
In conjunction with wearing the seat belts, the driver
and front passenger airbags can provide increased
protection for the driver and front passenger in certain
frontal impacts exceeding preset thresholds.
Sid e imp act an d head pro tec ti on win d ow curtai n air bags
can provide increased protection to belted occupants on
the impacted side of the vehicle in side impacts
exceeding its preset threshold.
The operational readiness of the airbag system is
verified by the indicator lamp “SRS” in the instrument
cluster when turning the electronic key in starter switch
to position 1. When turning the electronic key in starter
switch to position 2 the indicator lamp “SRS” in the
instrument cluster comes on. If no fault is detected, the
lamp will go out when the engine is running. After the
lamp goes out, the system continues to monitor the
components and circuitry of the airbag system and will
indicate a malfunction by coming on again.
P 91.60-2294-27
OM_203.book Seite 73 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
Page 92 of 406

89 Steering wheel adjustment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Steering wheel adjustment (electrical)
(optional on model C 240)
To adjust the steering wheel position, turn the electronic
key in starter switch to position 1 or 2. With the driver’s
door open, the steering wheel can also be operated with
the electronic key removed or in starter switch
position 0.The switch is located on the driver’s door.
1Steering column, lengthen or shorten column
Move the switch to the front or rear.
2Steering column, height
Move the switch up or down.
Note:
The steering wheel adjustment can be stored together
with the seat and exterior mirror adjustment.
See page 95 for notes on the memory function.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving could
cause the driver to lose the control of the vehicle.When leaving the vehicle always remove the
electroni c key f rom t he sta rter s wi tch a nd lock your
vehicle.The steering wheel adjustment feature can also be
operated with the driver’s door open. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with access
to a n un locked vehi cle. Un supervi sed use of vehicl e
equipment may cause serious personal injury.
OM_203.book Seite 89 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
Page 93 of 406

90 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rear view mirrors
Inside rear view mirror
Manually adjust the inside rear view mirror.
Inside rear view mirror, automatic antiglare
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, the
mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in
light sensitivity.
With the gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior light switched on, the mirror brightness does
not respond to changes in light sensitivity.Note:
The automatic antiglare function does not react, if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the
mirror.
The automatic antiglare function will not react for
example, if the rear window sun shade is in the raised
position.
Wa r n i n g !
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass
breaks.Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the
liquid to come into contact with eyes, skin,
clothing, or respiratory system. In cases it does,
immediately flush affected area with water, and
seek medical help if necessary.
OM_203.book Seite 90 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
Page 94 of 406

91 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Exterior rear view mirrors
The buttons are located above the exterior lamp switch.
The memory button (4) is located on the driver’s door.Exterior rear view mirror adjustment
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to position 1
or 2.
Push button to select mirror to be adjusted:
Driver’s side – Push button (1).
Passenger side – Push button (2).
Push the adjustment button (3) up, down, left or right
according to the setting desired.
Notes:
The exterior rear view mirrors have electrically heated
glass. The heater switches on automatically, depending
on outside temperature.
If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly pivoted from its
normal position, it must be repositioned by applying
firm pressure until it snaps into place.
Storing exterior rear view mirror positions
(only vehicles with memory function)
The exterior rear view mirror positions are stored in
memory with the seat / steering wheel adjustment and
can be recalled when necessary. See page 95 for notes
on the memory function.
Wa r n i n g !
Exercise care when using the passenger side
exterior mirror. The mirror surface is convex
(outwardly curved surface for a wider field of
view). Objects in mirror are closer than they
appear. Check your inside rear view mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
0
PAuto
OM_203.book Seite 91 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
Page 95 of 406

92 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Parking position exterior rear view mirror
(only vehicles with memory function)
The passenger side exterior mirror can be adjusted and
programmed to assist the driver during parking
maneuvers (e.g. to observe the curb or other objects
close to the vehicle).
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, and
the exterior rear view mirror switch in the passenger
side position, the passenger side mirror will be turned
downward when placing the gear selector lever in “R”
reverse.Note:
For activating the mirror adjustment, see under
individual setting menu “CONVENIENCE” – “MIRROR
SETTING WHEN PARKING”, on page 134.
The mirror position can now be adjusted as desired.
The passenger side mirror will return to its previous
position:
•immediately at speeds above approx. 6 mph
(10km/h)–independent of the engaged gear,
•after 10 seconds when shifting gear selector lever
from “R” Reverse,
•by pressing the driver’s side mirror button%.
OM_203.book Seite 92 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
Page 96 of 406
93 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index To store passenger mirror parking position:
1. The vehicle must be stationary.
Turn the electronic key in starter switch to
position 1 or 2.
2. Select passenger side mirror& and adjust the
mirror to view the curb.
3. Push the memory button “M” (4).
4. Within 3 seconds push bottom of adjustment
button (3).
The mirror should not move.
Repeat the memory procedure if the mirror moves.Note:
One stored parking position is available for each of the
two electronic keys.
This is only possible if you select “ON” in the menu
“SETTINGS KEY-DEPENDENT”. Refer to individual
setting menu “CONVENIENCE” – “SETTINGS KEY-
DEPENDENT”, see page 134.
OM_203.book Seite 93 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
Page 97 of 406

94 Rear view mirrors
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror,
antiglare mode
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, the
mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in
light sensitivity.
With the gear selector lever in position “R”, or with the
interior light switched on, the mirror brightness does
not respond to changes in light sensitivity.
Note:
The automatic antiglare function does not react, if
incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the
inside rear view mirror.
The automatic antiglare function will not react for
example, if the rear window sun shade is in the raised
position.Important!
Electrolyte drops coming into contact with the vehicle
paint finish can only be completely removed while in
their liquid state, by applying plenty of water.
Wa r n i n g !
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing when the mirror glass
breaks.Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not allow the
liquid to come into contact with eyes, skin,
clothing, or respiratory system. In cases it does,
immediately flush affected area with water, and
seek medical help if necessary.
OM_203.book Seite 94 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11
Page 98 of 406

95 Memory function
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Memory function
(model C 320 only, optional on model C 240)
The memory and stored position buttons are located on
the doors.
1Memory button, used to store selected positions
which can be retrieved by pressing
2Stored position button
Turn to position “1”, “2”, or “3”Together with the driver’s seat position you can store
the positions for steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirrors.
For the front passenger seat you can store the seat
position.
Three stored positions for the driver’s seat are available
for each of the two electronic keys.
This is only possible if you select “ON” in the menu
“SETTINGS KEY-DEPENDENT”. Refer to individual
setting menu “CONVENIENCE” – “SETTINGS KEY-
DEPENDENT”, see page 134.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not activate the memory function while driving.
Activating the memory function while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
OM_203.book Seite 95 Donnerstag, 31. Mai 2001 11:57 11