2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 4MATIC WAGON ESP

332 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants etc.Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine manufac-
turers is carbon build-up caused by gaso-
line. Mercedes-Benz recommends only the
use of quality gasoline containing additives
that prevent the build up of carbon depos-
its.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to en-
gine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation


Unstable idle


Knocking/pinging


Misfire


Power loss
Do not blend any specific fuel additives
with fuel. This only results in unnecessary
cost and may be harmful to engine opera-
tion.Damage or malfunctions resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending specific
fuel additives are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
MY 2003 Mercedes-Benz C 320 models,
except those equipped with manual trans-
mission or 4MATIC*, are Flexible Fuel Ve-
hicles.
These vehicles are designed to operate on
premium unleaded gasoline or Ethanol fuel
(E85), or on any mixture of these two.
Ethanol fuel (E85) is a mixture of approxi-
mately 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded gas-
oline.Switching fuels
For best performance and driveability it is
recommended to use either one or the oth-
er fuel. A refueling pattern that alternates
between the two different fuels should be
avoided if possible.
When switching fuels, make sure that:


Fuel level is below half full.


Fuel level is above reserve (reserve
warning lamp is not lit).


Amount of added fuel is more than
5 gallons (20 liters).Warning!
G
Ethanol fuel (E85) and its fumes are highly
flammable, poisonous and burn easily. Etha-
nol fuel can cause serious injuries if ignited
or if you come into contact with it or inhale
fumes of it. Avoid inhalation of ethanol
fumes and skin contact with ethanol. Extin-
guish all open flames before fueling. Never
smoke or create sparks close to ethanol.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 332 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

338 Technical dataConsumer informationTemperature
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
Warning!
G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 338 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

340 Technical termsCOMAND*
(Cockpit Management and Data Sys-
tem)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and navi-
gation system, as well as for other op-
tional equipment (CD changer*,
telephone*, etc.).
Control system
The control system is used to call up vehi-
cle information and to change component
settings. Information and messages ap-
pear in the multifunction display. The driv-
er uses the buttons on the multifunction
steering wheel to navigate through the sys-
tem and to adjust settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for automati-
cally maintaining the vehicle speed set by
the driver.Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer and
placed on the cylinder block to uniquely
identify each engine produced.
Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction (viscos-
ity) of the oil at different temperatures. The
higher the temperature an oil can tolerate
without becoming thin, or the lower the
temperature it can tolerate without be-
coming viscous, the better the viscosity.
ESP
(Electronic Stability Program)
Improves vehicle handling and direc-
tional stability.
ETD
(Emergency Tensioning Device)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the sys-
tem's threshold to tighten the seat
belts.
->SRSFSS
(Flexible Service System)
Service indicator in the multifunction
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service is
due.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to the
automatic transmission for shifting. The
automatic gear shifting process can be
adapted to specific operating conditions
using the selector lever.
GPS
(Global Positioning System)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.S203 MY03_A.book Page 340 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

343 Technical terms
Tele Aid* System
(Telematic Alarm Identification on De-
mand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecommuni-
cations” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug wrench)
with which threaded fasteners such as
wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is approved.Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the road
via the tires.
VIN
(Vehicle Identification Number)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones, por-
table cell phones and audio systems (ra-
dio, CD, etc.).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 343 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

350 Index
Driving uphill 191
Fine adjustment 192
Saving current speed 191
Setting speeds 192
Cruise control lever 190
Cruising range, fuel 333
Cup holder
Cleaning 251
In front seat armrest 204
In rear seat armrest 205
Customer assistance system (CAC) 339
D
Daytime running lamp mode 100
Setting 121
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 150
Air recirculation mode 148, 157, 158
Alarm 80
Anti-theft alarm system 80
Automatic climate control 153
Central locking (control system) 125
Climate control 145
Cruise control 191
Defrost 148, 156
Engine with the key 52
ESP 77Exterior lamps 99
Exterior lamps delayed shut-off 122
Front fog lamps 122
Hazard warning flasher 101
Headlamps 52
Immobilizer 79
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 124
Rear window defroster 149, 158
Residual heat 159
Seat heater 94
Tow-away alarm 81
Deep water see Standing water 229
Defogging
Windshield 147, 155
Defrosting 147, 156
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 122
Interior lighting 124
Dialing
A number (telephone) 132
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving 50
With starting 45
Digital clock 23
Digital speedometer 112Direction of rotation (tires) 242
Discharged battery
Jump starting 308
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 306
Display
Selecting 120
Display elements
Audio system 162
Displays
Digital speedometer 112
Messages 237, 260
Selecting 120
Service indicator 246
Showing malfunctions 115
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 128
Door control panel 28
Door entry lamps 103
Door handle 28
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 217
Doors
Message in display 268
Opening from inside vehicle 88
Opening from outside 85
S203 MY03_A.book Page 350 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

351 Index
Downhill driving
Cruise control 191
Downshifting 134, 136
Drink holder see Cup holder 204
Drinking and driving 223
Driving
General instructions 40, 223
Hydroplaning 226
In winter 228
Problems 50
Safety systems 73
Through standing water 229
Traveling abroad 229
Driving instructions 223
Driving off 225
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 78
ABS 73
BAS 75
ESP 75
Driving systems 190
Cruise control 190
Driving safety systems 73E
Easy-entry/exit feature 90
Activating 126
Interrupting movement 126
Electrical fuses 314
Electrical outlet 208
Electrical system
Technical data 325
Electronic stability program (ESP) 340
Electronic Stability Program see ESP 23,
75
Emergency call
Telephone 181
Emergency call system* 210
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 213
With Tele Aid* 211
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 140
Emergency operations
Closing sliding/pop-up roof 290
Locking the vehicle 286
Opening sliding/pop-up roof 290
Remote door unlock 217
Unlocking the vehicle 285
Emergency tensioning device (ETD) 340Emergency tensioning device see
ETD 64
Emission control 231
Emission control label 320
Ending
A call (telephone) 132
Engine
Compartment 234
Message in display 258
Starting with automatic
transmission 44
Starting with manual
transmission 44
Starting with the key 44, 45
Technical data 322
Turning off with the key 52
Engine cleaning 250
Engine compartment 234
Fuse box in 314
Hood 234
Engine malfunction indicator lamp 23,
258
Engine number 340
Engine oil 235, 330
Adding 236
Additives 330
S203 MY03_A.book Page 351 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

352 Index
Checking level 235
Consumption 235
Display messages 270
Filler neck 236
Messages in display 237, 270
Viscosity 340
Engine oil level see Oil level 233
ESP 23, 75, 340
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP 78
Messages in display 268
Switching off 77
Switching on 77
Warning lamp 254
ETD 340
Safety guidelines 59
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 64
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 232
Switching fuels 332
Exterior lamp switch 98
Exterior lamps
Delayed shut-off 122
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 39
Parking position for 128F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 119
Fastening the seat belts 40
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 192
First aid kit 279
Flat tire 300
Lowering the vehicle 304
Mounting the spare wheel 300
Preparing the vehicle 300
Spare wheel 281
Flexible fuel vehicles 329, 332
At the gas station 232
Switching fuels 332
Flexible Service System (FSS) 246
Flexible service system (FSS) 340
Fog lamp, rear 100, 293
Fog lamps
Replacing bulbs 292
Fog lamps, front 100
Messages in display 274
Replacing bulbs 293
Switching on 100
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC) with ESP 784MATIC 78
Front airbags 60
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon type 295
Halogen-type 294
Messages in display 272–275
Replacing bulbs 292, 294
Switching on 98
Front seat head restraints
Installing 91
Manual seat 91
Power seat* 91
Removing 91
Front seats
Heater 94
FSS 340
FSS (Flexible Service System) 246
Fuel 233
Additives 332
Cruising range 333
E85 (Ethanol fuel) 333
Fuel reserve warning lamp 258
Gasoline additives 332
Premium unleaded gasoline 233,
329, 331
Requirements 331
S203 MY03_A.book Page 352 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM