2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C230 COUPE coolant

320 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel requirements
Use only premium unleaded meeting
ASTM standard D 439:

The octane number (posted at the
pu mp ) m us t b e 91 mi n. It is an a ve ra ge
of both the Research (R) octane num-
ber and the Motor (M) octane number:
(R+M) / 2). This is also known as the
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not exceed
10%; MTBE not to exceed 15%.The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains 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.
!To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gaso-
line must be used. If premium unleaded
is not available and low octane fuel is
used, follow these precautions:

Have the fuel tank only partially
filled 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 per-
sons and no luggage.


Do not exceed
2/3 of maximum ac-
celerator pedal position if the vehi-
cle is fully loaded or operating in
mountainous terrain.

321 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz recommends only the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build up of carbon depos-
its.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to en-
gine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation


Unstable idle


Knocking/pinging


Misfire


Power lossDo not blend any specific fuel additives
with fuel. This only results in unnecessary
cost and may be harmful to engine opera-
tion.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending specific
fuel additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which pro-
vides:

Corrosion protection


Freeze protection


Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).
The coolant solution must be used
year-round to provide the necessary corro-
sion protection and increase boil over pro-
tection. You should have it replaced every
15 years or 150 000 miles (250 000 km),
whichever comes first.

322 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Coolant system design and coolant used
stipulate the replacement interval. The
above replacement interval is only applica-
ble if MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze
solution or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification (see Facto-
ry Approved Service Products pamphlet)
are used to renew the coolant concentra-
tion or bring it back up to the proper level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approx. - 22°F [-30°C]). If
you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approx. - 49°F [-45°C]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
Therefore, do not use more than this
amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze should
be used to bring it up to the proper level
(have cooling system checked for signs of
leakage). Please make sure that the mix-
ture is in accordance with label instruc-
tions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality, con-
sult your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of alumi-
num parts. The use of aluminum compo-
nents in motor vehicle engines
necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze
coolant used in such engines be specifical-
ly formulated to protect the aluminum
parts. (Failure to use such anticorro-
sion/antifreeze coolant will result in a sig-
nificantly shortened service life.)
Therefore, the following product is strongly
recommended for use in your vehicle:
Mercedes-Benz 325.0 Anticorrosion/Anti-
freeze agent.
Before the start of the winter season (or
once a year in hot southern regions), you
should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze
concentration checked. The coolant is also
regularly checked each time you bring your
vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for service.

323 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantityModel
Approx. freeze protection– 35°F (– 37°C)
– 49°F (– 45°C)
C230Kompressor
4.2 US qt (4.0 l)
4.7 US qt (4.4 l)
C320
4.8 US qt (4.5 l)
5.3 US qt (5.0 l)

324 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Windshield and headlamp washer system
Both the windshield and headlamp washer
systems are supplied from the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
The washer fluid reservoir has a capacity of
approx.

6.4 US qt (6.0 l) in vehicles with head-
lamp cleaning system*


3.2 US qt (3.0 l) in vehicles without
headlamp cleaning system

Refill the reservoir with MB Windshield
Washer Concentrate and water (or con-
centrate and commercially available
premixed windshield washer sol-
vent/antifreeze, depending on ambient
temperatures).Windshield and headlamp washer fluid
mixing ratio
For temperatures above freezing use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and water:


1 part “S” to 100 parts water
[40 ml “S” to 1 gallon (4 liters) water]
For temperatures below freezing use
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S”
and commercially available premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze:


1 part “S” to 100 parts solvent
[40 ml “S” to 1 gallon (4 liters) solvent].
Warning!
G
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly flamma-
ble. Do not spill washer solvent/antifreeze
on hot engine parts, because it may burn.
You can be seriously burned.

333 Index
A
ABS 23, 73, 327
ABS control 74
Malfunction indicator lamp 247
Messages in display 253
Warning lamp 247
Accelerator position, automatic transmis-
sion 137
Accident
In case of 50
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 148, 157
Air recirculation mode 146, 154
Anti-theft alarm system 78
Automatic climate control 151
Central locking (control system) 122
Climate control 143
Defrost 146, 154
Easy-entry/exit feature 123
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 97
Hazard warning flasher 99
Headlamps 47
High beams 99
Ignition 31Immobilizer 53, 78
Rear fog lamp 97
Rear window defroster 147, 156
Residual heat 158
Seat heater* 92
Tow-away alarm 79
Windshield wipers 48
Adding
Coolant 230
Engine oil 228
Additional turn signals 280
Adjustable air outlets, rear passenger com-
partment 149, 158
Adjusting 32
Air distribution 145, 153
Air volume 145, 153
Backrest tilt 33, 35
Exterior rear view mirror 40
Head restraint height 33, 35, 37
Head restraint tilt 34, 35
Head restraints 37
Inside rear view mirror 39
Instrument cluster illumination 102
Manual seat 33
Mirrors 39
Rear seat head restraints 36Seat cushion tilt 33, 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33, 34
Seat height 33, 35
Seats 32
Steering column height 39
Steering column length 39
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 148, 157
Turning on 148, 157
Air conditioner refrigerant 319
Air distribution
Adjusting 145, 153
Air outlets, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 149, 158
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure 234
Air recirculation mode 146, 154
Activating 146, 154
Deactivating 147, 155
Air volume
Adjusting 145, 153
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 251
Airbags 57
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 327
BabySmartTM deactivation system 67

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 297Battery, 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 280Front 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

336 IndexCassette player
Operating 112
Catalytic converter 222
CD changer* 172
CD mode 172
CD player
Operating 111
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 251
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 117
Central locking
From inside 87
Switch 87
Switching on/off (control system) 122
Unlocking from inside 87
Central locking switch 87
Certification label 308
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 276
Key setting 123
Changing CDs 172
Charcoal filter 156
Charging
Vehicle battery 295CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 250
Checking
Coolant level 225, 229
Oil level 225, 227
Tire inflate pressure 225
Vehicle lighting 225
Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint systems 62,
65
LATCH child seat mounts 70
Child seat mounts see LATCH child seat
mounts 70
Cigarette lighter 199
Cleaning
Cup holder 243
Gear selector lever 243
Hard plastic trim items 244
Headlamps 140
Headliner 244
Instrument cluster 243
Leather upholstery 244
Light alloy wheels 243
MB Tex upholstery 244
Plastic and rubber parts 244Seat belts 244
Steering wheel 243
Windows 243
Windshield 49
Wiper blades 243
Climate control 142
Adjusting 145
Defogging windshield 145
Defrosting 146
Rear window defroster 147
Setting the temperature 145
Clock 23, 116
Closing
Glove box 195
Hood 227
Side windows 182
Sliding/pop-up roof 186, 278
Sliding/pop-up roof with SmartKey
187
Sunshades for the
sliding/pop-up roof 185
Trunk lid 86
Windows 182
Windows with SmartKey 183
Closing sliding/pop-up roof
In an emergency 278