2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C240 4MATIC WAGON brake pads

240 OperationDriving instructionsBrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only
subjected to moderate loads, you should
occasionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument
cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the
reservoir is too low.Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the
reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected
immediately. Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by qualified
technicians only. Contact your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 75).
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.

286 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
!
(Canada only)
;
(USA only)
PARK. BRAKE
RELEASE BRAKE!
You are driving with the parking brake
set.

Release the parking brake
(page 44).
2
BRAKE WEAR
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The brake pads have reached their wear
limit.

Have the brake pads replaced as soon
as possible.
3
BRAKE FLUID
VISIT WORKSHOP!
There is insufficient brake fluid in the
reservoir.

Risk of accident! Stop the vehicle and
notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Do not add brake fluid! This
will not solve the problem.
Warning!
G
Driving with this message displayed can
result in an accident. Have your brake
system checked immediately. Do not add
brake fluid before checking the brake
system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir
can result in spilling brake fluid on hot
engine parts and the brake fluid catching
fire. You can be seriously burned.
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the
intervals specified in the Service
booklet.

366 IndexBattery discharged
Jump starting 327
Battery, vehicle 258, 324
Charging 325
Disconnecting 325
Messages in display 285
Reconnecting 326
Reinstalling 325
Removing 325
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 357
Bi-Xenon type
Front lamp bulbs 313
Block heater 264
Blocking
Rear door window operation 72
Bolts
For Minispare wheel 304
Brake assist system (BAS) 357
Brake fluid 251, 348Brake lamp bulbs 311
Brake lamp, high mounted 311
Brake pads
Message in display 286
Brakes 240
Warning lamp 275
Break-in period 238
Bulbs, replacing 310
Additional turn signals 310
Backup lamps 311
Brake lamps 311
Fog lamps 310
Front lamps 310
High beam 310
High mounted brake lamp 311
License plate lamps 311, 316
Low beam 310
Parking lamps 310, 311, 313, 314
Rear fog lamp 311
Rear fog lamps 315Side marker lamps 310, 315
Standing lamps 310, 311, 313, 314
Tail lamp assemblies 311, 315
Turn signal lamps 310, 311
Button
Audio system 172
C
CAC (Customer assistance center) 357
California
Important notice 11
Calling up
Range (distance to empty) 136
Service indicator 266
CAN system 357
Capacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. 346
Cargo area see Cargo compartment
Cargo compartment
Auxiliary fuse box 334
Lighting 106
Parcel net 208

378 IndexMenus 112
AUDIO 116
In control system 114, 115
Malfunction memory 120
NAVI 119
Settings menu 121
Standard display 116
Submenus 113
TEL* 136
Trip computer 134
Microphone
Hands-free microphone 27
Miles/kilometers in speedometer
Setting 126
Minispare wheel 302, 342
Bolts 304
Mounting 318
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position 147
Adjusting 38
Automatic antiglare for
rear view mirror 146Exterior rear view mirror 38
Exterior rear view mirror parking
positions 134
Interior rear view mirror 38
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position 99
MON 250
MON (Motor Octane Number) 359
Mph or km/h in speedometer 126
Multicontour seat* 95
Multifunction display 111, 359
Selecting language 126
Standard display 115
Multifunction display messages
ABS 284
BAS 281
Battery 285
Brake fluid 286
Brake pads 286
Check engine 276
Coolant 288
Coolant level 287Cruise control 290
Display 290
Doors 290
Engine 276
Engine oil level 291
ESP 282
Fuel reserve tank 293
Hood 293
Key 293
Lamps 293, 296
Parking brake 286
Sliding/pop-up roof 299
Steering column not
properly locked 298
Steering gear oil level 298
Tele Aid* 299
Telephone* 299
Trunk lid 299
Washer fluid 299
Multifunction
steering wheel 24, 112, 359
Buttons 112