2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C240 4MATIC WAGON inflation pressure

ContentsOperation......................................... 237
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ......... 238
Driving instructions ............................ 239
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 239
Drinking and driving ..................... 239
Pedals .......................................... 239
Power assistance ......................... 239
Brakes .......................................... 240
Driving off..................................... 241
Parking ......................................... 241
Tires ............................................. 242
Hydroplaning ................................ 242
Tire traction .................................. 243
Tire speed rating .......................... 243
Winter driving instructions ........... 244
Standing water ............................. 245
Passenger compartment .............. 245
Driving abroad .............................. 245
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 246
Catalytic converter ....................... 246
Emission control........................... 247
Coolant temperature .................... 248At the gas station .............................. 249
Refueling ...................................... 249
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 251
Engine compartment ......................... 252
Hood ............................................ 252
Engine oil ..................................... 254
Transmission fluid level ................ 256
Coolant level ................................ 257
Battery ......................................... 258
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 259
Tires and wheels ................................ 260
Important guidelines .................... 260
Life of tire..................................... 261
Direction of rotation ..................... 261
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 261
Rotating wheels ........................... 262Winter driving .................................... 263
Winter tires .................................. 263
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 264
Snow chains................................. 264
Maintenance...................................... 265
Clearing the service indicator ...... 265
Service term exceeded ................ 265
Calling up the service indicator .... 266
Resetting the service indicator .... 266
Vehicle care....................................... 267
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 267

251 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant level
For more information on coolant, see
“Coolant level” (
page 257).
2Brake fluid (fuse box cover removed)
Removing fuse box cover
(
page 333).
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*
For more information on filling up the
washer reservoir, see “Windshield
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system*” (
page 259).Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level,
see “Engine oil” (
page 254).
Opening hood (
page 252).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (page 310).
Exterior lamp switch (page 100).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
(
page 261).
!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 immediately.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately. Do not add brake
fluid as this will not solve the problem.
For more information, see “Practical
hints” (
page 275).

261 Operation
Tires and wheels
Life 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 advan-
tages, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of tire rotation.Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.
Regularly check your tire pressure at
intervals of no more than 14 days. If the tires are warm you should only
correct the tire pressure if it is too low for
current operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the
specified 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 drops repeatedly:

Check the tires for punctures from
foreign objects.


Check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim.
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.

262 OperationTires and wheelsTire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi
(0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air tempera-
ture change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure where the tempera-
ture is different from the outside tempera-
ture.
Tire temperature and tire pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the
driving speed and the tire load.
Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tires will age and
become worn over time even if never used,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.
Rotating wheels
On vehicles with the same wheel size all
around, wheels can be rotated every 3 000
to 6 000 miles (5 000 to 10 000 km), or
sooner if necessary, according to the
degree of tire wear. The same direction of
tire rotation 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
ensure proper tire inflation pressure.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured 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 indi-
cated by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are
of the same size.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

341 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Rims and Tires
Only use 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
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and
different tire deformation characteris-
tics 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
filler cap of the vehicle. The tire pres-
sure should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.

364 Index
Seats 32, 33
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 36
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 156, 166
Turning on 156, 166
Air conditioning refrigerant 348
Air distribution
Adjusting 153, 162
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 154, 163
Activating 154, 163
Deactivating 155, 164
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 157, 168
Air volume
Adjusting 153, 162Airbags 57
BabySmart
TM deactivation
system 68
Children 58
Front 61
Passenger 61
Side impact 62
Window curtain 62
Alarm
Audible 73, 81
Canceling 81
Visual 80
Alarm system
Anti-theft 80
Alignment bolt 357
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 320
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 353
Antiglare
Automatic 146
Manual 146
Antilock brake system (ABS) 357Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 80
Canceling alarm 81
Disarming 81
Anti-theft systems 80
Anti-theft alarm system* 80
Immobilizer 80
Tow-away alarm 81
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 217
Storage spaces 218
Ashtray 219
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 256
AUDIO menu 116
Selecting radio station 117
Audio system 169
Audio and telephone, operation 169
Button and soft key operation 172
Cassette operation 182
CD operation 185
Operating and display elements 170

388 Index
Messages in display 299
Operating 136
Operation 189
Redialing 138
Signal strength 137
Temperature
Display mode 125
Grades of tires 356
Setting interior temperature 152
Setting units in display 125
Tires 262
Tie-down rings
(Cargo compartment) 214
Tightening torque (Wheel bolts) 322
Tilt
Head restraint 34
Time
Setting hours 124
Setting minutes 124Time display
Setting 125
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 251, 261
Tire speed rating 243
Tire traction 243
Tires 260, 341
Consumer information 355
Direction of rotation 261
Driving instructions 242
Retreads 260
Rims and tires 341
Service life 261
Temperature 262
Temperature grades 356
Traction 355
Tread depth 263
Wear pattern 262
Winter 263
Tools 300Tow-away alarm 25
Arming 81
Disarming 81
Disarming for transport 81
Tow-away alarm* 81
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 332
Towing the vehicle 329
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 230
Traction 144, 361
Traction (Tires) 355
Transmission gear selector lever 308
Unlocking manually 308
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Traveling abroad 245
Tread depth (tires) 263
Tread wear 355
Trim panel
Opening 334