Page 166 of 400

166 Controls in detailAutomatic climate control*Air conditioning
The air conditioning is operational while
the engine is running and cools the interior
air to the temperature set by the operator.Deactivating
It is possible to deactivate the air condi-
tioning (cooling) function of the automatic
climate control system. The air in the
vehicle will then no longer be cooled or
dehumidified.
Press button° (
page 159).
The indicator lamp on the button
comes on.Activating
Moist air can fog up the windows. You can
dehumidify the air with the air condi-
tioning.
Press button° (
page 159).
The indicator lamp on the button goes
out.
The air conditioning uses the
refrigerant R134a. This refrigerant is free
of CFCs which are harmful to the ozone
layer.
iCondensation may drip out from under-
neath the vehicle. This is normal and
not an indication of a malfunction.
!If the air conditioning cannot be turned
on again, this indicates that the air
conditioning is losing refrigerant. The
compressor has turned itself off.
Have the air conditioning checked at
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Page 257 of 400

257 Operation
Engine compartment
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine compart-
ment.
1Coolant expansion tank
Using a rag, turn cap slowly approxi-
mately one half turn to the left to
release any excess pressure.
Continue turning the cap to the left and
remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level
for cold coolant: reaches the black
top part of the reservoir
for warm coolant: is approx. 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Replace and tighten cap.
For more information on coolant, see
“Coolants” (
page 352).
Warning!
G
In order to avoid any possibly serious burns:
Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.
Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if engine temperature is
above 194°F (90°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.
Using a rag, slowly open the cap
approximately
1/2turn to relieve ex-
cess pressure. If opened immediately,
scalding hot fluid and steam will be
blown out under pressure.
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene
glycol which may burn if it comes into
contact with hot engine parts.
Page 287 of 400
287 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
B
COOLANT
CHECK LEVEL!
The coolant level is too low.
Add coolant (
page 257).
If you have to add coolant frequently,
have the cooling system checked by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. You can be seriously burned.
!Do not ignore the low engine coolant
level warning. Extended driving with
the message and symbol displayed
may cause serious engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Do not drive without sufficient amount
of coolant in the cooling system. The
engine will overheat causing major
engine damage.
Page 289 of 400
289 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
Ï
COOLANT
STOP, ENGINE OFF!
The poly-V-belt could be broken.
Stop immediately and check the
poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:
Do not continue to drive. Otherwise
the engine will overheat due to an
inoperative water pump which may
result in damage to the engine. Notify
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is intact:
Do not continue to drive the vehicle
with this message displayed. Doing so
could result in serious engine damage
that is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
COOLANT
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The cooling fan for the coolant is
malfunctioning.
Observe the coolant temperature
display.
Have the fan replaced as soon as
possible.
Page 346 of 400

346 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Capacities
Vehicle components and their respectivelubricants must match. Therefore only use
brands tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.Please refer to the Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at
your Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter
C240
C320
C2404MATIC
C3204MATIC
7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
7.4 US qt (7.0 l)
7.4 US qt (7.0 l)
Approved engine oils
Automatic transmission
8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Oil
Rear axle
1.2 US qt (1.1 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Front axle
C2404MATIC
C3204MATIC
0.5 US qt (0.46 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Transfer case
C2404MATIC
C3204MATIC
approx. 0.62 US qt (0.59 l)
MB Transfer case fluid
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
0.5 US qt (0.5 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling system
approx. 6.8 US qt (6.4 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent
Page 352 of 400

352 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which
provides:
Corrosion protection
Freeze protection
Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and
corrosion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective
to -22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressurized cooling system
is reached at approx. 266°F (130°C).The coolant solution must be used
year-round to provide the necessary corro-
sion protection and increase boil-over
protection. Refer to Service Booklet for
replacement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
stipulate the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the Ser-
vice Booklet is only applicable if MB 325.0
anticorrosion/antifreeze solution or other
Mercedes-Benz approved products of
equal specification (see Factory Approved
Service Products pamphlet) are used to re-
new the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 45%
anticorrosion/antifreeze [equivalent to
freeze protection to approx. - 22°F
(-30°C)]. If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze [freeze
protection to approx. - 49°F (-45°C)], the
engine temperature will increase due to
the lower heat transfer capability of the
solution. Therefore, do not use more than
this amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze should
be used to bring it up to the proper level
(have cooling system checked for signs of
leakage). Please make sure the mixture is
in accordance with label instructions.
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality,
consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
Page 363 of 400

363 Index
A
ABS 23, 74, 357
Indicator lamp 274
Malfunction indicator lamp 274
Messages in display 284
ABS control 74
Accelerator position,
automatic transmission 144
Accident
In case of 50
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 156, 166
Air recirculation mode 154, 163
Anti-theft alarm system 80
Automatic climate control* 159
Central locking (control system) 131
Charcoal filter 165
Climate control 151
Climate control system 155
Defrosting 154, 163
Easy-entry/exit feature 132ESP 78
Exterior headlamps 46
Exterior lamps 101
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 147
Hazard warning flasher 104
Headlamps 46
High beams 104
Ignition 31
Immobilizer 80
Rapid seat heater* 96
Rear fog lamp 102, 103
Rear window defroster 149
Residual heat 167
Seat heater* 96
Tow-away alarm 82
Windshield wipers 47
Adding
Coolant 257
Engine oil 256
Additional turn signals 310Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 157, 168
Adjusting 32
Air distribution 153, 162
Air volume 153, 162
Backrest tilt 33, 35
Exterior rear view mirror 38
Head restraint height 34, 35, 92
Head restraint tilt 34, 36, 93
Head restraints 93
Instrument cluster illumination 107
Interior rear view mirror 38
Manual seat 33
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 95
Power seat* 35
Rear seat head restraints 92
Seat cushion depth 95
Seat cushion tilt 33, 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33, 35
Seat height 33, 35
Page 364 of 400

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