Page 243 of 376

243 Operation
Tires and wheels
Life 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
Regularly check your tire pressure at inter-
vals of no more than 14 days.
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.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.
Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi
(0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air tempera-
ture change.
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.
Page 252 of 376

252 OperationVehicle careLight alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care,
using a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Plastic and rubber parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.
Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Use only clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.
iUse only acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid could lead to corrosion.
Warning!
G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Page 333 of 376

333 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel requirements
Use only premium unleaded meeting
ASTM standard D 439:
The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be 91 min. It is an average
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
3 000 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
accelerator pedal position if the
vehicle is fully loaded or operating
in mountainous terrain.
iFlexible Fuel Vehicles (MY 2003
Mercedes-Benz C 320 models, except
those equipped with manual transmis-
sion or 4 - MATIC system*) are
designed to operate on premium
unleaded gasoline or Ethanol fuel (E85)
or any mixture of these two.
See notes on Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(page 334).
Page 350 of 376

350 IndexButton
Audio system 168
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 341
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Range (distance to empty) 133
Service indicator 248
CAN system 341
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 329
Cargo area see Trunk 86
Casette mode
Playing cassettes 174
Cassette player
Operating 118
Catalytic converter 231
CD changer* 178
CD mode 178
CD player*
Operating 117
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 260
Lower part 26
Upper part 25Centigrade
Setting temperature units 123
Central locking
Automatic 91
From inside 92
Switch 92
Switching on/off
(control system) 129
Unlocking from inside 92
Central locking switch 92
Certification label 318
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 287
Key setting 129
Changing CDs 178
Charcoal filter 161
Charging
Vehicle battery 304
CHECK ENGINE malfunction
indicator lamp 259
Checking
Brake fluid 234
Coolant level 234, 238
Oil level 234, 236
Tire inflate pressure 234
Vehicle lighting 234Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint
systems 62, 65
LATCH child seat anchors 69
Child safety switch see Blocking of
rear door window operation 71
Child seat anchors
see LATCH child seat anchors 70
Cigarette lighter 208
Cleaning
Cup holder 252
Gear selector lever 252
Hard plastic trim items 252
Headlamps 146
Headliner 252
Instrument cluster 252
Leather upholstery 253
Light alloy wheels 252
MB Tex upholstery 253
Plastic and rubber parts 252
Seat belts 252
Steering wheel 252
Windows 251
Windshield 49
Wiper blades 251