233 Operation
At 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 330).
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system
For more information on refilling the
reservoir, see the “Operation” section
(page 240).Engine oil level
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Operation” section
(
page 235).
Opening hood (
page 234).
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 292).
Exterior lamp switch (
page 98).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
can be found in the “Operation” section
(
page 242).
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 C320 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 332).
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the
?
lamp to
illuminate.
See also “Practical hints” section
(
page 258).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 233 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
242 OperationTires and wheelsLife of tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
Driving style
Tire pressure
Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better aquaplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure that the tires rotate in the direc-
tion specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of tire rotation.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.
Regularly check your tire pressure at inter-
vals of no more than 14 days.
If the tires are warm you should only cor-
rect the tire pressure if it is too low for cur-
rent operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the spec-
ified tire inflation pressures for warm and
cold tires as well as for various operating
conditions.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Warning!
G
If the tire pressure repeatedly drops
check the tires for punctures from for-
eign objects
check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim
S203 MY03_A.book Page 242 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM
243 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire pressure changes by approximately
1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure where the
temperature is different from the outside
temperature.
The tire temperature and with it the tire
pressure is increased also while driving,
depending on the driving speed and the
tire load.Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tire will age and
become worn over time even if never used,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.
Rotating wheels
The wheels can be rotated every 3 000 to
6 000 miles (5 000 to 10 000 km), or soon-
er if necessary, according to the degree of
tire wear. The same direction of tire rota-
tion must be retained.
Rotate the wheels before the characteris-
tic tire wear pattern becomes visible
(shoulder wear on front wheels and tread
center wear on rear wheels).
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the
wheels after each rotation. Check and en-
sure proper tire inflation pressure.
iThe pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.
Increased inflation pressures listed for
heavier loads may also be used for light
loads. These higher pressures produce
favorable handling characteristics. The
ride of the vehicle, however, will be
somewhat harder. Never exceed the
max. values or inflate tires below the
min. values listed in the fuel filler flap.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicat-
ed by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 243 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
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
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