2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS COUPE snow chains

Contents
Opening and closing the roller sun-
blinds for the
panorama sliding/pop-up roof ..... 189
Opening and closing the
panorama sliding/pop-up roof ..... 190
Synchronizing the
panorama sliding / pop-up roof
and the roller sunblinds ............... 193
Driving systems ................................. 194 Cruise control .............................. 194
Loading.............................................. 197 Roof rack*.................................... 197
Luggage cover.............................. 197
Split rear bench seat .................... 197
Loading instructions..................... 199
Useful features .................................. 200 Interior storage spaces ................ 200
Ashtrays ....................................... 203
Cigarette lighter ........................... 204
Telephone* .................................. 205
Tele Aid* ...................................... 206
Garage door opener ..................... 214
Operation ......................................... 221
The first 1000 miles (1500km) .......... 222 Driving instructions ............................ 223
Drive sensibly – save fuel.............. 223
Drinking and driving ...................... 223
Pedals ........................................... 223
Power assistance .......................... 223
Brakes........................................... 224
Driving off ..................................... 225
Parking.......................................... 225
Tires .............................................. 226
Hydroplaning................................. 227
Tire traction .................................. 227
Tire speed rating ........................... 228
Winter driving instructions ............ 228
Standing water.............................. 229
Passenger compartment ............... 230
Driving abroad .............................. 230
Control and operation of
radio transmitter ........................... 230
Catalytic converter........................ 231
Emission control ........................... 231
Coolant temperature..................... 232
At the gas station ............................... 233 Refueling....................................... 233
Check regularly and
before a long trip .......................... 234
Engine compartment .......................... 236 Hood ............................................. 236
Engine oil ...................................... 237
Transmission fluid level ................ 241
Coolant level ................................. 241
Battery .......................................... 242
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 243
Tires and wheels ................................ 244 Important guidelines ..................... 244
Life of tire ..................................... 245
Direction of rotation ..................... 245
Checking tire inflation pressure .... 245
Rotating wheels ............................ 246
Winter driving ..................................... 247 Winter tires ................................... 247
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 248
Snow chains ................................. 248
Maintenance ...................................... 249 Clearing the service indicator ....... 249
Service term exceeded ................. 249
Calling up the service indicator .... 250
Resetting the service indicator ..... 250
Vehicle care ....................................... 251 Cleaning and care of the vehicle ... 251

73
Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
 Driving safety systems
In this section you will find informations 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)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (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.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even with light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 22) comes on when you
turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position 2. It goes out when the engine is
running. Braking
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 experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
iIn winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS, ESP is only
achieved with winter tires (M + S tires),
or snow chains as required.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
The ABS, BAS, ESP 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. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

76 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsFor more information, see “Practical hints”
(page 261).Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have drive wheels spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
such as:


starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains


sand or gravelThe switch is located on the center con-
sole.
1 ESP off
2 ESP on

Press upper half 1 of the ESP switch
until the ESP warning lamp v in the
speedometer comes on.
The ESP is deactivated.
!Because of the ESP’s automatic opera-
tion, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position 0
or 1) when

the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer


the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the
rear axle brake system.
The ESP will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size.
Warning!
G
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.

228 OperationDriving instructionsTire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru-
dent driving speeds appropriate to prevail-
ing conditions.C 230 Kompressor (standard in U.S.A.;
optional in Canada), C 320
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“W”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 168 mph (270 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
C 230 Kompressor (standard in canada;
Canada only)
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 a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to position
N or,
in case of manual transmission declutch.
Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action.
Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at greater than the maximum
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.
iFor information on tire speed rating for
winter tires, see “Winter driving”
(page 247).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 248).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.

248 OperationWinter drivingBlock heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heat-
er.
The electrical cable may be installed at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations.


Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer's mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
be glad to advise you on this subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
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.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(page 75) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the vehi-
cle‘s traction.
!Use of snow chains is not permissible
with tire sizes:

225/45 R17

326 Technical dataRims and TiresSame size tiresSpare wheelModel
C 230 Kompressor (standard in U.S.A.;
optional in Canada)
Evolution Package
C320
Evolution Package
C 230 Kompressor (standard in Canada;
Canada only)
Rims (light alloy)
7 1/2J x17
7J x 16 H2
Wheel offset
1.46 in (37 mm)
1.46 in (37 mm)
Summer tires (radial-ply tires)
All season tires (radial-ply tires)
225/45 R17 91 W
1
1Must not be used with snow chains
205/55 R16 91 H
Winter tires (radial-ply tires)
225/45 R17 91 H M+S
1
205/55R16 91 H M+S
C230Kompressor
C320
Rim (light alloy)
4.5 B x 15 H2
4.5 B x 16 H2
Wheel offset
0.47 in (12 mm)
0.47 in (12 mm)
Collapsible Tire
165 - 15 89P
1
165/70 - 16 92P
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.

368 IndexSignal strength (telephone*) 135
Simultaneous wiping and washingWindshield wipers 50
Single wipe 50
Sliding/pop-up roof Closing 190, 292
Opening 190, 292
Opening with SmartKey 192
Stopping 191
SmartKey 82 Locking and unlocking 82
Opening and closing power window with 188
Opening and closing windows 188
Opening the sliding/pop-up roof with 192
Unlocking with 30
Snow chains 248
Soft keys Audio system 162
Spare parts service 320 Spare tire
Inflating 304
Spare wheel* 285 Bolts 287
Mounting 301
Speed Saving current 195
Speed settings Cruise control 196
Speedometer 23 Settings units 124
Speedometer display mode Selecting 124
Split rear bench seat 197
SRS 63, 345 Indicator lamp 262
Standing lamps 98 Replacing bulbs 293, 294, 296, 297
Standing water Driving instructions 229
Starter switch 21, 31 Positions 31
Starting difficulties 46
Starting position 31
Starting the engine 44
Station (radio) Search 115
Station selection Setting 128
Steering column Height adjustment 38
Length adjustment 38
Messages in display 282
Steering gear oil Message in display 282
Steering wheel Adjusting 37
Buttons 24
Cleaning 255
Electrical adjustment 38
Height adjustment 38

373
Index
Wood trims 256
Vehicle jack 286
Vehicle lighting Checking 235
Vehicle tool kit 285 Alignment bolt 285
Spare fuses 285
Special fuse puller 285
Towing eye bolt 285
Vehicle jack 285
Wheel bolts 285
Wheel wrench 285
Vehicle washing 253
Ventilated storage compartment 157
Ventilation Storage compartment 157
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 345
Voice control system* 345
Voice recognition system* Hands-free microphone 27 W
Warning sounds
Drivers seat belts 62
Parking brake 47
Warranty coverage 321
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washing the vehicle 251
Wear pattern (tires) 246
Weights 329
Wheel change Tightening torque 306
Wheels Rotating 246
Tires and wheels 244
Window curtain airbags 61
Windows see Side windows
Windshield Defogging 153
Refilling washer fluid 243
Replacing wiper blades 300 Washer fluid 243, 338
Washer system 338
Windshield washer fluid 338 Message in display 283
Mixing ratio 338
Refilling 243
Wiping with 50
Windshield washer system 338
Windshield wipers 49 Fast wiper speed 49
Replacing wiper blades 300
Single wipe 50
Switching on 49
Wiping with windshield washer fluid 50
Winter driving 247 Block heater 248
Snow chains 248
Tires 247
Transmission program mode 144
Winter driving instructions 228