2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS COUPE brake pads

216 OperationDriving instructionsPower assistanceBrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads. If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, the brake fluid level in the res-
ervoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center immedi-
ately.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.Warning!
G
When the engine is not running, the brake
and steering systems are without power as-
sistance. Under these circumstances, a
much greater effort is necessary to stop or
steer the vehicleWarning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased
pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 74).

217
Operation
Driving instructions
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
parking, so that the air stream will cool
down the brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do
not allow one wheel to spin for an extend-
ed period with the ESP switched off. Doing
so may cause serious damage to the drive
train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Parking
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear
!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
!Set the parking brake whenever park-
ing or leaving the vehicle. In addition,
move selector lever to position
P (man-
ual transmission: first or reverse gear).
In addition, when parking on hills, turn
front wheel towards the curbWarning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

256 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
3
(Canada only)
;
(USA only)
BRAKE WEAR
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The brake pads have reached their wear
limit.

Have the brake pads replaced as
soon as possible.
BRAKE FLUID
VISIT WORKSHOP!
There is insufficient brake fluid in the
reservoir.

Risk of accident! Stop the vehicle and
notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Do not add brake fluid! This
will not solve the problem.
Warning!
G
Driving with this message displayed can re-
sult in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately. Don’t add brake fluid
before checking the brake system. Overfill-
ing the brake fluid reservoir can result in
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and
the brake fluid catching fire. You can be se-
riously burned.
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.!Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the
intervals specified in the service book-
let.

335
Index
Program mode selector switch 136
Selector lever position 132
Starting with 45
Transmission fluid 229
Winter program mode 136
Auxiliary fuse box 304
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 67
Compatible child seats 67, 327
Self-test 68
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system
327
Backrest Folding forward 193
Folding rearward 193
BAS 74, 327 Messages in display 254
Batteries, SmartKey Changing 276
Check lamp 83
Checking 84
Battery discharged Jump starting 297 Battery, vehicle 231, 294
Charging 295
Disconnecting 295
Messages in display 270
Reconnecting 295
Reinstalling 295
Removing 295
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 327
Bi-Xenon type Front lamp bulbs 283
Block heater 237
Bolts For spare wheel 273
Brake assist system (BAS) 327
Brake fluid 225, 319
Brake lamp bulbs 281
Brake lamp, high mounted 281
Brake pads Message in display 256
Brakes 216 Warning lamp 249
Break-in period 214
Bulbs, replacing 280 Additional turn signals 280
Brake lamps 281
Fog lamps 280 Front lamps 280
High beam 280
High mounted brake lamp 281
License plate lamps 281, 286
Low beam 280
Parking lamps 280, 281, 283, 284
Rear fog lamp 281
Rear fog lamps 285
Side marker lamps 280, 285
Standing lamps 280, 281, 283, 284
Tail lamp assemblies 281, 285
Turn signal lamps 280, 281
Button Audio system 162
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 327
Calling up Range (distance to empty) 126
Service indicator 239
CAN system 327
Capacities Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 317
Cargo compartment Lighting 101
Casette mode Playing cassettes 168

344 IndexMalfunctionDisplaying 113
Malfunction memory 112 Calling up 112
Manual headlamp mode 97
Manual operations Fuel filler flap 277
Interior lighting control 100
Locking the vehicle 275
Sliding/pop-up roof 278
Unlocking the driver’s door 274
Unlocking the trunk lid 275
Unlocking transmission selector lever 277
Manual seat Adjusting 33
Adjusting backrest tilt 33
Adjusting head restraint height 33
Adjusting head restraint tilt 34
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 33
Adjusting seat height 33
Front seat head restraints 90
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33
Manual transmission 130 Shifting into reverse 131
Starting with 44 MAXCOOL maximum cooling 154
MB Tex upholstery
Cleaning 244
Mechanical key 274, 275
Memory function 93, 329 Recalling positions from memory 94
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-ing positions 95
Storing key dependent settings 94
Menus 106 AUDIO 110
Control system 329
In control system 108, 109
Malfunction memory 112
NAV 112
Settings menu 114
Standard display 110
Submenus 107
TEL* 126
Trip computer 125
Microphone Hands-free microphone 26
Miles/kilometers in speedometer Setting 117 Mirrors
Adjusting 39
Automatic antiglare for rear view mirror 138
Exterior rear view mirror 40
Exterior rear view mirror parking posi- tions 124
Inside rear view mirror 39
Storing exterior rear view mirror park- ing position 95
MON 225
MON (Motor Octane Number) 329
Mph or km/h in speedometer 117
Multifunction display 105, 329 Selecting language 118
Standard display 109
Multifunction display messages ABS 253
BAS 254
Battery 270
Brake fluid 256
Brake pads 256
Check engine 250
Coolant 258
Coolant level 257
Display 270