Page 224 of 376

224 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 
subject to moderate loads, you should 
occasionally 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.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid 
recommended 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). 
     
        
        Page 276 of 376
276 Practical hintsWhat to do if …<
PASSENGER SEAT BELT
FASTEN SEAT BELT!
The display reminds you and your 
passengers to fasten seat belts.
Fasten the seat belts.
_
STEERING WHEEL ADJUST
LOCK!
The steering column is not properly 
locked .
Lock steering column (
page 37).
POWER STEERING FLUID
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The steering gear oil level is too low. 
There is a danger of steering gear 
damage.
Have the system checked by an 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
Warning!
G
If the level of steering gear oil in reservoir is 
too low, the steering power assistance could 
fail. Much greater effort will then be needed 
to turn the steering wheel.
Do not add steering oil without checking the 
steering system.
Do not drive the vehicle. Have the system 
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz 
Center as soon as possible. 
     
        
        Page 330 of 376

330 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Front axle
C2404MATIC
C3204MATIC
C3204MATICSport
0.5 US qt (0.46 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Transfer case
C2404MATIC
C3204MATIC
C3204MATICSport
approx. 0.62 US qt (0.59 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Oil
1
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 2.1oz (60g) each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
0.5 US qt (0.5 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling system
C 230 Kompressor Sport
C240 (all models)
C320 (all models)
C32AMG
approx. 8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
approx. 6.8 US qt (6.4 l)
approx. 6.8 US qt (6.4 l)
approx. 15.3 US qt (14.5 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion / antifreeze agent
Fuel tank
including a reserve of
16.4 US gal (62.0 l)
2.1 US gal (8.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Posted Octane 91 (Avg. of 96 RON / 86 MON)Flexible Fuel Vehicle (MY 2003 Mercedes-Benz 
C 320 models, except those equipped with 
manual transmission or 4MATIC*):
Alternative fuel -- Ethanol fuel (E85)
1MB part no. 001 989 21 03 10 
     
        
        Page 369 of 376

369 Index
Service battery 303
Towing 308
Unlocking 25
Unlocking in an emergency 285
With flexible fuel 334
Vehicle battery 303
Vehicle care 249
Cup holder 252
Engine cleaning 250
Gear selector lever 252
Hard plastic trim items 252
Headlamps 251
Instrument cluster 252
Leather upholstery 253
Light alloy wheels 252
MB Tex upholstery 253
Ornamental moldings 251
Paintwork 250
Plastic and rubber parts 252
Power washer 250
Seat belts 252
Steering wheel 252
Tail lamps 251
Tar stains 250
Turn signals 251Vehicle washing 251
Window cleaning 251
Wiper blades 251
Vehicle identification number (VIN) 318
Vehicle jack 280
Vehicle lighting
Checking 234
Vehicle tool kit 279
Alignment bolt 279
Removing 279
Spare fuses 279
Special fuse puller 279
Towing eye bolt 279
Vehicle jack 279
Wheel bolts 279
Wheel wrench 279
Vehicle washing 251
Ventilated storage compartment 155
Ventilation
Storage compartment 155
VIN (Vehicle Identification 
Number) 318, 345
Voice control system* 345
Hands-free microphone 27W
Warning lamps 
see Lamps, indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Drivers seat belts 61
Parking brake 46
Warranty coverage 317
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washing the vehicle 249
Wear pattern (tires) 244
Weights 328
Wheel change
Tightening torque 301
Wheels
Rotating 244
Tires and wheels 242
Window curtain airbags 61
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Defogging 151, 159
Refilling washer fluid 241
Replacing wiper blades 296
Washer fluid 241, 338
Washer system 338