2003 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 4MATIC WAGON winter tires

73 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)


4MATIC* (Four Wheel Electronic Trac-
tion System)
ABS
The ABS regulates the brake pressure so
that the wheels do not lock during braking.
This allows you to maintain the ability to
steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady
pressure on the brake pedal while experi-
encing the pulsation.
iIn winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP and
4MATIC* is only achieved with winter
tires (M + S tires), or snow chains as re-
quired.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of ac-
cidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
ABS, BAS, ESP and 4MATIC* cannot reduce
this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use
firm, steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping
the brake pedal defeats the purpose for ABS
and significantly reduces braking effective-
ness.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 73 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

221 Operation
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care
S203 MY03_A.book Page 221 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

227 Operation
Driving instructions
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or
icy road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends M+S rated
radial-ply tires for the winter season for all
four wheels to insure normal balanced
handling characteristics. On packed snow,
they can reduce your stopping distance
compared to summer tires. Stopping dis-
tance, however, is still considerably great-
er than when the road is not covered with
snow or ice. Exercise appropriate caution.
Tire speed rating
Additional information on winter tires can
be found under see “Winter tires”
(page 244).
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“H”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding the tire speed rat-
ing.
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru-
dent driving speeds appropriate to prevail-
ing conditions.
Warning!
G
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
iInformation on tire speed rating for
winter tires, see “Winter tires”
(page 244).
Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 227 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

241 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tires and wheels
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase.
Retread tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation.
Important guidelines

Use only sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 241 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

244 OperationWinter driving
Winter drivingBefore the onset of winter have your vehi-
cle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service in-
cludes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a pre-mixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze which is formulated
for below freezing temperatures
(page 336).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started even at
low ambient temperatures.


Tire change. We recommend M+S rat-
ed radial-ply tires on all four wheels for
the winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 39°F (4°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP and 4MATIC*
in winter operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.
Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your ve-
hicle, you must place a notice to this effect
where it will be seen by the driver. Such no-tices are available from your tire dealer or
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under 0.16 in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no long-
er suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 244 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

323 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Rims and Tires
Use only tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
Same size tires
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load, ex-
hibit dimensional variations and differ-
ent tire deformation characteristics
under load that could cause them to
come into contact with the vehicle
body or axle parts. Damage to the tires
or the vehicle may be the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A tire inflation
pressure table is located on the fuel fill-
er cap of the vehicle. The tire pressure
should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.
C 240
C 320
C 240 4MATIC
C 320 4MATIC
Rims (light alloy*)
7J x16 H2
7J x16 H2
Rims (steel – Canada only)
7J x16 H2
Wheel offset
1.46 in (37 mm)
1.46 in (37 mm)
All season tires (radial-ply tires)
205/55 R16 91 H
205/55 R16 91 H
Winter tires (radial-ply tires)
205/55 R16 91 H M+S
205/55 R16 91 H M+S
S203 MY03_A.book Page 323 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

366 IndexTilt
Backrest 33
Head restraint 34
Seat cushion 33
Time
Setting hours 118
Setting minutes 118
Time display
Setting 119
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 233, 242
Tire speed rating 227
Tire traction 227
Tires 241, 323
Consumer information 337
Direction of rotation 242
Driving instructions 226
Retreads 241
Rims and tires 323
Service life 242
Temperature 243
Temperature grades 338
Traction 337
Tread depth 244
Wear pattern 243
Winter 244Tools 279
Tow-away alarm 25
Arming 80
Disarming 80
Disarming for transport 80
Tow-away alarm* 80
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 313
Towing the vehicle 310
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 217
Traction 139, 343
Traction (Tires) 337
Transmission see Automatic
transmission 237
Transmission selector lever 289
Unlocking manually 289
Traveling abroad 229
Tread depth (tires) 244
Tread wear 337
Trim panel
Opening 315
Trip computer 128
Trip odometer
Resetting 105Trunk
Closing the lid 87
Trunk see Cargo compartment 87
Turn signal lamps
Replacing bulbs 292, 293
Turn signals 47
Additional in mirrors 292
Cleaning lenses 250
Front bulbs 292, 294, 296
Indicator lamps 23
Rear bulbs 293, 298
Turning off
Engine 52
Twin-reel roller blind
Installing 199
Luggage cover and partition net 197
Removing 198
U
Units
Setting speedometer units 119
Setting temperature units 119
Unlocking 30, 84
Centrally from inside 89
Driver’s door in an emergency 285
Fuel filler flap 232
Global 85S203 MY03_A.book Page 366 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

368 IndexW
Warning sounds
Drivers seat belts 61
Parking brake 46
Warranty coverage 319
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washing the vehicle 248
Wear pattern (tires) 243
Weights 327
Wheel change
Tightening torque 304
Wheels
Rotating 243
Tires and wheels 241
Window curtain airbags 61
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Defogging 147, 155
Refilling washer fluid 240
Replacing wiper blades 299
Washer fluid 240, 336
Washer system 336
Windshield washer fluid 336
Message in display 278
Mixing ratio 336
Refilling 240Wiping with 49
Windshield washer system 336
Windshield wipers 48
Fast wiper speed 48
Interval wiping 50
Rear window wiper/washer 49
Replacing wiper blades 299
Simultaneous wiping and washing 50
Single wipe 49
Switching on 48
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid 49
Winter driving 244
Block heater 245
Snow chains 245
Tires 244
Transmission program mode 139
Winter driving instructions 228
Winter tires 244
Wiper blades
Cleaning 251
Installing 299
Removing 299
Removing insert 299
Replacing 299
Wiper/washerRear window 49
Wiping
And washing simultaneously 49, 50
Interval 48, 50
With windshield washer fluid 49S203 MY03_A.book Page 368 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM