Contents
Practical hints................................ 255
What to do if … .................................. 256
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 256
Lamp in center console................ 260
Messages in the display ............... 261
Where will I find ...? ........................... 279
First aid kit ................................... 279
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 279
Spare wheel ................................. 281
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 285
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 285
Locking the vehicle ...................... 286
Changing batteries ....................... 286
Fuel filler flap ............................... 287
Manually unlocking the
transmission selector lever .......... 288
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 289
Sliding/pop-up roof* ................... 289
Replacing bulbs ................................. 290
Bulbs ............................................ 290
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 292
Side marker lamp bulb ................. 294
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps..... 295Replacing wiper blades....................... 296
Removing ...................................... 296
Installing ....................................... 296
Flat tire ............................................... 297
Preparing the vehicle .................... 297
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 297
Battery................................................ 303
Disconnecting the battery............. 304
Removing the battery.................... 304
Charging and reinstalling
the battery .................................... 304
Reconnecting the battery.............. 305
Jump starting ...................................... 306
Towing the vehicle .............................. 308
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 311
Fuses .................................................. 312
Fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 312
Fuse box in engine
compartment ................................ 312
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk............. 313
Technical data.................................. 315
Spare parts service ............................ 316
Warranty coverage ............................. 317
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet ...................... 317
Identification labels ............................ 318
Layout of poly-V-belt drive.................. 319
C 230 Kompressor Sport .............. 319
C 240 / C 320 (all models)........... 319
C 32 AMG ..................................... 319
Engine ................................................ 320
Rims and Tires.................................... 322
Same size tires ............................. 323
Mixed size tires ............................. 324
Spare wheel .................................. 325
Electrical system ................................ 326
Main dimensions ................................ 327
Weights .............................................. 328
234 OperationAt 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 238).
2Brake fluid (fuse box cover removed)
More information on brake fluid can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(page 332).
Removing fuse box cover
(page 312).
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*
For more information on refilling the
reservoir, see the “Operation” section
(page 241).Engine oil level
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Operation” section
(
page 236).
Opening hood (
page 235).
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). More information on
coolant can be found in the “Operation”
section (
page 238).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
the “Practical hints” section (
page 290).
Exterior lamp switch (
page 101).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
can be found in the “Operation” section
(
page 243).
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.
Flexible Fuel Vehicles (MY 2003
Mercedes-Benz C 320 models, except
those equipped with manual transmis-
sion or 4MATIC*):
More information on Flexible Fuel Vehi-
cles can be found in the “Technical da-
ta” section (
page 334).
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the
?
lamp to
illuminate.
See also “Practical hints” section
(
page 259).
255 Practical hints
What to do if …
Where will I find ...?
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
Opening/closing in an emergency
Replacing bulbs
Replacing wiper blades
Flat tire
Battery
Jump starting
Towing the vehicle
Fuses
256 Practical hintsWhat to do if …
What to do if …Lamps in instrument clusterGeneral information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to
light up during the bulb self-check when turning the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position2, have it checked and replaced
if necessary.Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
v
The yellow ESP warning lamp
lights up while driving.
The ESP is deactivated. Risk of accident!
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions.
Turn the ESP back on (
page 75).
If the ESP cannot be turned back on, have
the system checked at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possi-
ble.
v
The yellow ESP warning lamp
flashes while driving.
The ESP or traction control has come into
operation because of detected traction loss
in at least one tire.
When driving off apply as little throttle
as possible.
While driving ease up on the accelera-
tor.
Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road and weather condi-
tions.
Do not deactivate the ESP.
Exceptions: (
page 75).
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of accidents.
273 Practical hints
What to do if …
.
TURN SIGNAL, LR
CHECK LAMPS!
The left rear turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
TURN SIGNAL, RR
CHECK LAMPS!
The right rear turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
TURN SIG. IN MIRROR L
CHECK LAMPS!
The left turn signal in the side mirror is
malfunctioning. This message will only
appear if all light emitting diodes have
stopped working.
Have the LEDs replaced as soon as
possible.
TURN SIG. IN MIRROR R
CHECK LAMPS!
The right turn signal in the side mirror is
malfunctioning. This message will only
appear if all light emitting diodes have
stopped working.
Have the LEDs replaced as soon as
possible.
TURN SIGNAL, LF
CHECK LAMPS!
The left front turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
TURN SIGNAL, RF
CHECK LAMPS!
The right front turn signal lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
BRAKE LAMP
VISIT WORKSHOP!
Brake lamp illumination is delayed or
lamp is permanently on.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
BRAKE LAMP, L
CHECK LAMPS!
The left brake lamp is malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
BRAKE LAMP, R
CHECK LAMPS!
The right brake lamp is malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
274 Practical hintsWhat to do if ….
3RD BRAKE LAMP
CHECK LAMPS!
The high mounted brake lamp is
malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
HIGH BEAM, L
CHECK LAMPS!
The left high beam lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
HIGH BEAM, R
CHECK LAMPS!
The right high beam lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
LICENSE PLATE LAMP, L
CHECK LAMPS!
The left license plate lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
LICENSE PLATE LAMP, R
CHECK LAMPS!
The right license plate lamp is
malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
FRONT FOGLAMP, L
CHECK LAMPS!
The left front fog lamp is malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
FRONT FOGLAMP, R
CHECK LAMPS!
The right front fog lamp is malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
REAR FOGLAMP
CHECK LAMPS!
The rear fog lamp is malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
REVERSE LAMP, L
CHECK LAMPS!
The left backup lamp is malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
REVERSE LAMP, R
CHECK LAMPS!
The right backup lamp is malfunctioning.
Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
275 Practical hints
What to do if …
.
TAIL LAMP, L
CHECK LAMPS!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
The left tail lamp is malfunctioning.
A backup bulb is being used.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
TAIL LAMP, R
CHECK LAMPS!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
The right tail lamp is malfunctioning.
A backup bulb is being used.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
SIDE MARKER LAMP, LF
CHECK LAMPS!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
The left parking lamps are
malfunctioning. A backup bulb is being
used.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
SIDE MARKER LAMP, RF
CHECK LAMPS!
SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
The right parking lamps are
malfunctioning. A backup bulb is being
used.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
AUTOM. LIGHT ON
REMOVE KEY!
Key in the starter switch position1 or2.
Remove key from the starter switch.
LIGHTS
TURN OFF LAMPS!
This display appears if the driver’s door is
opened with the engine shut off and no
key in the starter switch.
Insert key in the starter switch.
Switch off lights.
<
SEAT BELT SYSTEM
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The seat belt system is malfunctioning.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
DRIVER’S SEAT BELT
FASTEN SEAT BELT!
The display reminds you and your
passengers to fasten seat belts.
Fasten the seat belts.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
290 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs
Replacing bulbsSafe vehicle operation depends on proper
exterior lighting and signaling. It is there-
fore essential that all bulbs and lamp as-
semblies are in good working order at all
times.
Correct headlamp adjustment is extremely
important. Have headlamps checked and
readjusted at regular intervals and when a
bulb has been replaced. See your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for headlamp
adjustment.
Bulbs Front lamps
iBackup bulbs will be brought into use
when the following lamps malfunction:
Standing lamps
Tail lamps
Rear fog lamp
Lamp
Type
1
Additional turn
signal lamps
LED
2
Turn signal lamp
Halogen
Turn signal lamp
Bi-Xenon*
1156 A
2357 A
3
Low beam Halogen
Low and high beam
H7 (55 W)
Bi-Xenon*
4
High beam
H7 (55 W)
Parking and
standing lamps
W5W
5
Fog lamp
HB4/9006
(55 W)
6
Side marker lamp
W5W