2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 4MATIC WAGON warning

202 Controls in detailDriving systems
Driving systemsThe driving system of your vehicle is
described on the following pages:

Cruise control, with which the vehicle
can maintain a preset speed
For information on the BAS, ABS and ESP
driving systems, see “Driving safety sys-
tems” (
page 74).
Cruise control
Cruise control automatically maintains the
speed you set for your vehicle.
Use of cruise control is recommended for
driving at a constant speed for extended
periods of time. You can set or resume
cruise control at any speed over 20 mph
(30 km/h).
The cruise control function is operated by
means of the cruise control lever.
The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever found on the left-hand side of the
steering column (
page 20).
Warning!
G
Cruise control is a convenience system de-
signed to assist the driver during vehicle op-
eration. The driver is and must remain at all
times responsible for the vehicle speed and
for safe brake operation.
Only use cruise control if the road, traffic
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a steady speed.

The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a steady speed.


The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in
tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.


Deactivate cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be oper-
ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ-
ously set speed and wishes to resume this
particular preset speed.

204 Controls in detailDriving systemsSetting a higher speed
Lift cruise control lever to position1
and hold it up until the desired speed is
reached.

Release cruise control lever.
The new speed is set.
Setting a lower speed

Depress cruise control lever to
position2 and hold it down until the
desired speed is reached.

Release cruise control lever.
The new speed is set.Fine adjustment in 1 mph
(Canada: 1 km/h) increments
Faster

Briefly tip cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow1.
Slower

Briefly tip cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow2.Setting to last stored speed (“Resume”
function)

Briefly push cruise control lever to
position4.
The cruise control will resume the last
set speed.

Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
iDepressing the accelerator pedal does
not deactivate cruise control. After
brief acceleration (e.g. for passing),
cruise control will resume the last
speed set.
iWhen you use the cruise control lever
to decelerate, the transmission will
automatically downshift if the engine’s
braking power does not brake the
vehicle sufficiently.
Warning!
G
The speed stored in memory should only be
set again if prevailing road conditions per-
mit. Possible acceleration or deceleration
differences arising from returning to preset
speed could cause an accident and/or seri-
ous injury to you and others.

205 Controls in detail
Loading
Loading
Roof rack*
Attach the roof rack only to the roof
rails.

Secure the roof rack according to
manufacturer’s instructions for
installation.
Ski sack*
1Handle
2Cover
3Armrest
Unfolding and loading
Fold armrest3 down (arrow).

Pull handle1 and swing cover2
down.4Velcro strap

Unfasten velcro strap4.

Pull ski sack into passenger compart-
ment and unfold.
Warning!
G
Only use roof racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to
avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manu-
facturer’s installation instructions.!Load the roof rack in such a way that
the vehicle cannot be damaged while
driving.
Make sure

you can fully raise the
sliding/pop-up roof*.


you can fully open the tailgate.


206 Controls in detailLoading5Button
Open tailgate.

Press button5.
The flap opens downward.

From cargo compartment, slide skis
into ski sack.6Strap

Tighten strap6 by pulling at the loose
end (arrow) until the skis in the ski sack
are tightly secured.
Warning!
G
The ski sack is designed for up to four pairs
of skis. Do not load the ski sack with other
objects.
Always fasten the ski sack securely. In an
accident, an unfastened ski sack can cause
injury to vehicle occupants.


208 Controls in detailLoadingInstalling the ski sack
Install the ski sack in the reverse order.
Push ski sack frame2 with ski sack
inward until the ski sack frame snaps
into place.

Close flap3.

Close tailgate.
Parcel net in cargo compartment
There is a parcel net located on left side of
the cargo compartment. Dependent on the
equipment of your vehicle, there is another
parcel net located on right side of the car-
go compartment.
Removal of parcel net

Slide rails1 upward and remove.
Installation of parcel net

Place mounting lugs2 in opening.

Slide rails1 down as far as they can
go.
Warning!
G
Never drive vehicle with tailgate open while
the ski sack is removed. Deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior, resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
Warning!
G
T he p ar c el n e t i s de s ign e d on l y t o ca r ry li gh t
loads.
Do not place heavy or fragile objects, or ob-
jects having sharp edges, in the parcel net.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, they could be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants.

209 Controls in detail
Loading
Storage compartment under cargo compartment floor
To open cargo compartment floor
Press handle1 on the recess.

Lift compartment cover.To close cargo compartment floor

Lower the cover and lock by applying
light pressure to handle1.
Retractable luggage cover and
partition net
The twin-reel roller blind comprises a lug-
gage cover and a partition net. It is mount-
ed on the backrest of the rear seat and can
also be used with backrest folded down.Partition net
Partition net with rear seats folded up
1Tab
2Eyelets on roof

Pull out upper blind (safety net) by
tabs1.

Engage it into eyelets on the roof2.
iThe compartment can be used to store
small, light or flat objects.
Warning!
G
If items are stored in the compartment,
make sure compartment is securely closed.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, they could be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants.
Warning!
G
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, always use parti-
tion net when transporting cargo.

211 Controls in detail
Loading
Installing
Fold split rear bench seat forward.

Place twin-reel roller blind1 into right
and left guide rails2.

Slide towards right to the end stop.
Split rear bench seat
To expand the cargo compartment, you
can fold down the left and right rear seat
backrests.
The two sections can be folded down
separately.Folding the backrest forward

Pull release handle1.

Fold seat cushion2 forward.
Warning!
G
When expanding the luggage compartment,
always fold the seat cushions fully forward
and always use the partition net when trans-
porting cargo.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the back-
rests must remain properly locked in the up-
right position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie down rings
(page 214).

213 Controls in detail
Loading
If the backrest is not locked into position,
a red indicator6 will be visible.
Check for secure locking by pushing
and pulling on the backrest.
Loading instructions
The total load weight including vehicle oc-
cupants and luggage/cargo should not ex-
ceed the vehicle capacity weight indicated
on the certification tag which can be found
on the left door pillar.
Warning!
G
If a red indicator is visible with the backrest
up, then the backrest is not properly locked
into position.
Always lock backrest in its upright position
when rear seat bench is occupied, or the ex-
tended cargo compartment is not in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the backrest.
In an accident, during hard braking or sud-
den maneuvers, loose items will be thrown
around inside the vehicle, and cause injury
to vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a colli-
sion or sudden maneuver, exercise care
when transporting cargo.