2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C230 COUPE fuel pressure

ContentsTires and wheels ................................ 233
Important guidelines .................... 233
Life of tire ..................................... 234
Direction of rotation ..................... 234
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 234
Rotating wheels ............................ 235
Winter driving..................................... 236
Winter tires ................................... 236
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 237
Snow chains ................................. 237
Maintenance ...................................... 238
Clearing the service indicator....... 238
Service term exceeded ................. 238
Calling up the service indicator .... 239
Resetting the service indicator ..... 239
Vehicle care ....................................... 240
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 240
Practical hints.................................. 245
What to do if … .................................. 246
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 246
Lamp in center console ................ 251
Messages in the display ............... 252
Where will I find ... ............................. 271
First aid kit ................................... 271
Spare wheel ................................. 271
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 272
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 274
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 274
Locking the vehicle ...................... 275
Changing batteries ....................... 276
Fuel filler flap ............................... 277
Manually unlocking the
transmission selector lever .......... 277
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 278
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof ..... 278
Replacing bulbs ................................. 280
Bulbs ............................................ 280
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 282
Side marker lamp bulb ................. 285
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 285Replacing wiper blades ...................... 287
Removing ..................................... 287
Installing ...................................... 287
Flat tire .............................................. 288
Preparing the vehicle ................... 288
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 288
Battery ............................................... 294
Disconnecting the battery ............ 295
Removing the batteries ................ 295
Charging and reinstalling
batteries ...................................... 295
Reconnecting the batteries .......... 295
Jump starting ..................................... 297
Towing the vehicle ............................. 299
Installing towing eye bolt ............. 302
Fuses ................................................. 303
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ............................... 303
Fuse box in engine compartment . 303
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk ............ 304

215 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures


Remove unnecessary loads


Remove roof rack when not in use


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration


Have all maintenance work performed
at regular intervals by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center
Fuel consumption is also increased by driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips and in hilly country.
Drinking and driving
Pedals
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgement.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident is sharply increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Please don’t drink or take drugs and drive or
allow anyone to drive after drinking or taking
drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.

224 OperationAt the gas station
At the gas station
The fuel filler flap is located on the
right-hand side of the vehicle towards the
rear. Locking/unlocking the vehicle with
the remote control automatically
locks/unlocks the fuel filler flap.
Remove the key from the starter
switch.

Open the fuel filler flap by pushing at
the point indicated by the arrow.
The fuel filler flap springs open.

Turn the fuel cap to the left and hold on
to it until possible pressure is released.

Take off the cap and set it in the recess
on the fuel filler flap.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.

Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or overfill.

Replace the fuel cap by turning it to the
right.
You will hear when the fuel cap is tight-
ened.

Close the fuel filler flap.
Warning!
G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious inju-
ry. Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish
all smoking materials. Never allow sparks,
flame or smoking materials near gasoline!
Warning!
G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create pres-
sure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge. This could cause the gas to spray
back out when removing the fuel pump noz-
zle, which could cause personal injury.

225 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant level
More information on the coolant level
can be found in the “Operation” section
(
page 229).
2Brake fluid (fuse box cover removed)
More information on brake fluid can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(page 317).
Removing fuse box cover see page
(page 303).
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system
For more information on refilling the
reservoir, see the “Operation” section
(page 232).Engine oil level
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Operation” section
(
page 227).
Opening hood see (
page 226).
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). More information on
coolant can be found in the“Operation”
section (
page 229).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
the “Practical hints” section (
page 280).
Exterior lamp switch (
page 96).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
can be found in the “Operation” section
(
page 234).
iUse only premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
More information on gasoline can be
found in the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet.iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the
?
lamp to
illuminate.
More information can be found in the
“Practical hints” section (
page 250).

234 OperationTires and wheelsLife of tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better aquaplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
ensure that the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of tire rotation.Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.
Regularly check your tire pressure at inter-
vals of no more than 14 days. If the tires are warm you should only cor-
rect the tire pressure if it is too low for cur-
rent operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the spec-
ified tire inflation pressures for warm and
cold tires as well as for various operating
conditions.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Warning!
G
If the tire pressure repeatedly drops

check the tires for punctures from for-
eign objects


check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim
iThe pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.
Increased inflation pressures listed for
heavier loads may also be used for light
loads. These higher pressures produce
favorable handling characteristics. The
ride of the vehicle, however, will be
somewhat harder. Never exceed the
max. values or inflate tires below the
min. values listed in the fuel filler flap.

235 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire pressure changes by approximately
1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure where the
temperature is different from the outside
temperature.
Tire temperature and tire pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the
driving speed and the tire load.Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tires will age and
become worn over time even if never used,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.
Rotating wheels
On vehicles with the same wheel size all
around, wheels can be rotated every 3000
to 6000 miles (5 000 to 10 000 km), or sooner if necessary, according to the de-
gree of tire wear. The same direction of tire
rotation must be retained.
Rotate the wheels before the characteris-
tic tire wear pattern becomes visible
(shoulder wear on front wheels and tread
center wear on rear wheels).
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the
wheels after each rotation. Check and en-
sure proper tire inflation pressure.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicat-
ed by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are
of the same size.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

293 Practical hints
Flat tire

To switch off the air pump turn the key
in the starter switch to position0
(page 31).

If the tire pressure is above 36 psi (2.5
bar), release excess tire pressure using
the vent screw.

Detach the electric air pump.

Store the electrical plug and the air
hose behind the flap and place the air
pump back in the trunk.
!Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than six minutes without inter-
ruption. Otherwise it may overheat.
You may operate the air pump again af-
ter it has cooled off.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinfalted tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicat-
ed by the label on the driver’s door latch
post). Overloading the tires can overheat
them, possibly causing a blowout.

311 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Rims and Tires
Use only tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
Same size tires
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load, ex-
hibit dimensional variations and differ-
ent tire deformation characteristics
that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the vehi-
cle can be the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. A tire inflation pressure
table is located on the fuel filler cap of
the vehicle. The tire pressure should be
checked regularly and should only be
adjusted on cold tires. Follow tire man-
ufacturer’s maintenance recommenda-
tion included with vehicle.
C230Kompressor
C320
C230Kompressor*
C320*
C230Kompressor
C320
Evolution Package*
Rims (light alloy)
7J x16 H2
7 1/2J x17
7 1/2J x17
Wheel offset
1.46 in (37 mm)
1.46 in (37 mm)
1.46 in (37 mm)
Summer tires (radial-ply tires)
All season tires (radial-ply tires)
205/55 R16 91 H
225/45 R17 91 W
1
225/45 R17 91 W
1
1Must not be used with snow chainsWinter tires (radial-ply tires)
205/55 R16 91 H M+S
225/45 R17 91 H M+S
1
225/45 R17 91 H M+S
1