2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 4MATIC WAGON window

231 Operation
Driving instructions
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly ac-
cording to factory specifications. Any ad-
justments on the engine should, therefore,
be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized techni-
cians. Engine adjustments should not be
altered in any way. Moreover, the specified
service jobs must be carried out regularly according to Mercedes-Benz servicing re-
quirements. For details refer to the Service
Booklet.
Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant tem-
perature may rise close to 248°F (120°C).The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature above 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious en-
gine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or op-
erate this vehicle in areas where combusti-
ble materials such as grass, hay or leaves
can come into contact with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials could be ignited
and cause a vehicle fire.
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive with at least one window
fully open at all times.
Warning!
G


Driving when your engine is badly over-
heated can cause some fluids which
may have leaked into the engine com-
partment to catch fire. You could be se-
riously burned


Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the engine hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam
coming from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until it
cools down.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 231 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

248 OperationVehicle care
Vehicle careCleaning and care of the vehicle
While in operation, even while parked, your
vehicle is subjected to varying external in-
fluences which, if gone unchecked, can at-
tack the paintwork as well as the
underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by ex-
treme and varying climatic conditions, but
also by:

Air pollution


Road salt


Tar, gravel and stone chippingTo avoid paint damage, you should imme-
diately remove:


Grease and oil


Fuel


Coolant


Brake fluid


Bird droppings


Insects


Tree resins etc.
Frequent washing reduces and/or elimi-
nates the aggressiveness and potency of
the above adverse influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to
deal with unfavorable conditions:


Near the ocean


In industrial areas (smoke, exhaust
emissions)


During winter operationYou should check your vehicle from time to
time for stone chipping or other damage.
Any damage should be repaired as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underbody
of the vehicle. A prerequisite for a thor-
ough check is a washing of the underbody
followed by a thorough inspection. Dam-
aged areas need to be re-undercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the facto-
ry with a wax-base rustproofing in the body
cavities which will last for the lifetime of
the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by
Mercedes-Benz because of the possibility
of incompatibility between materials used
in the production process and others ap-
plied later.
We have selected car-care products and
compiled recommendations which are
specially matched to our vehicles and
which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved
car-care products at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Many cleaning products can be hazardous.
Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the partic-
ular container. Always open your vehicle’s
doors or windows when cleaning the inside.
Never use fluids or solvents that are not de-
signed for cleaning your vehicle.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 248 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

251 Operation
Vehicle care
Wiper blades
Clean the wiper blade inserts with a clean
cloth and detergent solution.
Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass
surfaces. An automotive glass cleaner is
recommended.Light 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, us-
ing 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.
iFor safety reasons, remove key from
starter switch before cleaning the wip-
er blades, otherwise the wiper motor
can suddenly turn on and cause injury.iFor safety reasons, switch off wipers
and remove key from starter switch be-
fore cleaning the windshield, otherwise
the wiper motor can suddenly turn on
and cause injury.
iUse only acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid could lead to corrosion.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 251 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

307 Practical hints
Battery
Reconnecting the batteries
Turn off all electrical consumers.

Connect the positive lead and fasten its
cover2.

Connect the negative lead1.

Reinstall the filter box.Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Large 12-volt storage batteries contain
lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.!NEVER invert the terminal connections.!The battery, its filler caps and the vent
tube must always be securely installed
when the vehicle is in operation.
iThe following procedures must be car-
ried out following any interruption of
battery power (e.g. due to reconnec-
tion):

Set the clock (
page 118) (vehi-
cles with COMAND*: see COMAND
operator’s manual).


Resynchronize the ESP
(page 268).


Resynchronize side windows
(page 186).


Resynchronize sliding/pop-up roof
(page 189).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 307 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

345 Index
A
ABS 23, 73, 339
ABS control 74
Malfunction indicator lamp 255
Messages in display 261
Warning lamp 255
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 140
Accident
In case of 50
Activating
Air circulation mode 148
Air conditioning (cooling) 150, 159
Air recirculation mode 148, 156
Anti-theft alarm system 79
Automatic climate control 153
Central locking (control system) 125
Climate control 145
Defrost 147, 156
Easy-entry/exit feature 126
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 99
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 142
Hazard warning flasher 101Headlamps 47
High beams 101
Ignition 31
Immobilizer 52, 79
Rear fog lamp 99
Rear window defroster 149, 158
Residual heat 159
Seat heater 94
Tow-away alarm 80
Windshield wipers 48
Adding
Coolant 238
Engine oil 236
Additional turn signals 292
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 151, 160
Adjusting 32
Air distribution 147, 155
Air volume 147, 155
Backrest tilt 33, 35
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 33, 35, 36
Head restraint tilt 34, 35, 36
Head restraints 36
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 104Manual seat 33
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 93
Power seat 34
Rear seat head restraints 35
Seat cushion depth 93
Seat cushion tilt 33, 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33, 34
Seat height 33, 35
Seats 32
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 150, 159
Turning on 150, 159
Air conditioning refrigerant 330
Air distribution
Adjusting 147, 155
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 242
Air recirculation mode 148, 156
Activating 148, 156
Deactivating 148, 157
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 151, 160
S203 MY03_A.book Page 345 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

346 IndexAir volume
Adjusting 147, 155
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 259
Airbags 57
BabySmart
TM deactivation
system 67
Children 58
Front 60
Passenger 60
Safety guidelines 59
Side impact 61
Window curtain 61
Alarm
Audible 72, 80
Canceling 80
Visual 79
Alarm system
Anti-theft 79
Alignment bolt 302, 339
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 335
Antiglare
Automatic 141
Antilock brake system (ABS) 339
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 79
Canceling alarm 80Disarming 80
Anti-theft systems 79
Anti-theft alarm system* 79
Immobilizer 79
Tow-away alarm 80
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning 226
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 205
Storage spaces 206
Ashtray 207
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 237
AUDIO menu 112
Selecting radio station 113
Audio system
Audio and telephone, operation 161
Button and soft key operation 164
Cassette mode 170
CD mode 174
Operating and display elements 162
Operating safety 161
Operation 164
Radio mode 167
Switching off 164
Switching on 164
Telephone operation 178
Audio systems 161Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 141
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 125
Automatic climate control 152
Adjusting air distribution 155
Air recirculation mode 156
Deactivating 150
Defrosting 156
Rear window defroster 158
Residual heat utilization 159
Residual ventilation 159
Setting the temperature 154
Automatic headlamp mode 99
Automatic lighting control
Activating 102
Deactivating 102
Automatic locking when driving 88
Automatic transmission 135
Accelerator position 140
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 140
Fluid level 237
Gear ranges 137
Gear selector lever position 138
S203 MY03_A.book Page 346 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

347 Index
Gear shifting malfunctions 140
Kickdown 140
Manual shifting 136
One-touch gearshifting 136
Program mode selector switch 139
Selector lever position 135
Starting with 44
Transmission fluid 237
Winter program mode 139
Auxiliary fuse box 315
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 67
Compatible child seats 67
Self-test 67
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 339
BabySmartTM compatible child
seats 339
Backrest
Folding forward 199
Folding rearward 200
Backrest tilt 33
Backup lamps 293, 298
Bulbs 293BAS 75, 339
Messages in display 262
Batteries, electronic key
Checking 86
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 287
Check lamp 85
Checking 86
Battery discharged
Jump starting 308
Battery, vehicle 239, 305
Charging 306
Disconnecting 306
Messages in display 278
Reconnecting 307
Reinstalling 306
Removing 306
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 339
Bi-Xenon type
Front lamp bulbs 295
Block heater 245
Blocking
Rear door window operation 71
Bolts
For Minispare wheel 284
For spare wheel 282Brake assist system (BAS) 339
Brake fluid 233, 330
Brake lamp bulbs 293
Brake lamp, high mounted 293
Brake pads
Message in display 263
Brakes 224
Break-in period 222
Bulbs, replacing 292
Additional turn signals 292
Backup lamps 293
Brake lamps 293
Fog lamps 292
Front lamps 292
High beam 292
High mounted brake lamp 293
License plate lamps 293, 298
Low beam 292
Parking lamps 292, 293, 295, 296
Rear fog lamp 293
Rear fog lamps 297
Side marker lamps 292, 297
Standing lamps 292, 293, 295, 296
Tail lamp assemblies 293, 297
Turn signal lamps 292, 293
S203 MY03_A.book Page 347 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

348 IndexButton
Audio system 164
C
CAC (Customer assistance center) 339
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Range (distance to empty) 130
Service indicator 247
CAN system 339
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 328
Cargo area see Cargo compartment 87
Cargo compartment
Auxiliary fuse box 315
Lighting 103
Parcel net 196
Storage compartment inside 197
Tailgate 87
Tie-down rings 202
Cargo tie-down rings 202
Casette mode
Playing cassettes 170
Cassette player
Operating 114
Catalytic converter 230CD changer* 174
CD mode 174
CD player
Operating 113
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 259
Lower part 26
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 119
Central locking
Automatic 88
From inside 89
Switch 89
Switching on/off (control
system) 125
Unlocking from inside 89
Central locking switch 89
Certification label 320
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 287
Key setting 126
Changing CDs 174
Charcoal filter 157
Charging
Vehicle battery 306CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 23, 258
Checking
Coolant level 233, 238
Oil level 233, 235
Tire inflate pressure 233
Vehicle lighting 233
Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint systems 62,
65
LATCH child seat anchors 70
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 251
Gear selector lever 251
Hard plastic trim items 252
Headlamps 143
Headliner 252
Instrument cluster 251
Leather upholstery 252
Light alloy wheels 251S203 MY03_A.book Page 348 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM