2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 COUPE tire pressure

246 OperationTires and wheelsTire pressure changes by approximately
1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air
temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure where the
temperature is different from the outside
temperature.
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
b e c o m e w o r n o v e r t i m e e v e n i f n e v e r u s e d ,
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 3000
to 6000 miles (5 000 to 10 000 km), or sooner if necessary, according to the de-
gree 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 en-
sure proper tire inflation pressure.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflating tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured 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 indicat-
ed 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).
Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

301 Practical hints
Flat tire
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
moving traffic on a hard surface.

Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

Engage the steering wheel lock in the
straight ahead position and set the
parking brake.

Move the gear selector lever toP (man-
ual transmission to 1st or reverse
gear).

Have any passenger exit the vehicle at
a safe distance from the roadway.
Mounting the spare wheel Preparing the vehicle
Prepare the vehicle as described under
“Preparing the vehicle” on this page.

Take the wheel wrench and the jack
out of wheel well below the trunk floor
(page 285).

Take the spare wheel out of the trunk
(page 285).
Lifting the vehicle

Prevent the vehicle from rolling away
by blocking wheels with wheel chocks
(not included) or other sizable objects.
When changing wheel on a level surface:

Place one chock in front of and one be-
hind the wheel that is diagonally oppo-
site to the wheel being changed.
Warning!
G
The dimensions of the spare wheel are dif-
ferent from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style accord-
ingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with spare wheel mounted, en-
sure proper tire pressure and do not exceed
vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Drive to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible to have the spare wheel
replaced with a regular road wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than
one spare wheel mounted.

304 Practical hintsFlat tire

Unscrew the alignment bolt, install last
wheel bolt and tighten slightly.Inflating the spare tire

Take the electric air pump out of the
trunk.
1Flap
2Air hose with pressure gauge and vent
screw
3Union nut
4Electrical plug
Please exercise appropriate caution
!To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while in-
stalling first wheel bolt.Warning!
G
Always replace wheel bolts that are dam-
aged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be re-
paired immediately. Do not continue to drive
under these circumstances! Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tight-
ened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to
come off. This could cause an accident.
Make sure to use the correct mounting
bolts.
Warning!
G
Use only genuine equipment
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. Other wheel
bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the ve-
hicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle could
tip over.
Warning!
G
Observe instructions on air pump label.

305 Practical hints
Flat tire

Open flap1 on air pump.

Pull out electrical plug4 and air hose
with the pressure gauge2.
Observe instructions on air pump label.

Remove the valve cap from valve.

Screw the air hose2 on to the tire
valve.

Insert electrical plug4 into vehicle
cigarette lighter socket.

To switch on the air pump turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch to
position1 (
page 31).

Operate air pump until the pressure
gauge displays 36 psi (2.5 bar)
This takes about five minutes for the
space tire. The air hose2 and the
union nut3 can become hot during in-
flation.

To switch off the air pump turn the
SmartKey in the starter switch to
position0 (
page 31).

If the tire pressure is above 36 psi
(2.5 bar), release excess tire pressure
using the vent screw.

Detach the electric air pump.

Store the electrical plug and the air
hose behind the flap and place the air
pump back in the trunk.
!Do not operate the electric air pump
longer than eight minutes without in-
terruption. Otherwise it may overheat.
You may operate the air pump again af-
ter it has cooled off.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes,
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinfalted 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 indicat-
ed by the label on the driver’s door latch
post). Overloading the tires can overheat
them, possibly causing a blowout.

325 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Rims and Tires
Use only 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, ex-
hibit dimensional variations and differ-
ent tire deformation characteristics
that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. This may result in damage to the
tires or the vehicle.
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 flap of
the vehicle. The tire pressure should be
checked regularly and should only be
adjusted on cold tires. Follow tire man-
ufacturer’s maintenance recommenda-
tion included with vehicle.

348 IndexAir distribution
Adjusting 153
Air outlets
Rear passenger compartment 158
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 245
Air recirculation mode 154
Activating 154
Deactivating 155
Air volume
Adjusting 153
Airbags 57
BabySmartTM
airbag deactivation system 67, 341
Children 58
Front 61
PASS.AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp 67, 263
Passenger 61
Safety guidelines 60
Side impact 61
Window curtain 61
Alarm
Audible 72, 79Canceling 79
Visual 78
Alarm system
Anti-theft 78
Alignment bolt 303
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 341
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 337
Antiglare
Automatic 146
Antilock brake system (ABS) 341
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 78
Canceling alarm 79
Disarming 79
Anti-theft systems 78
Anti-theft alarm system 78
Immobilizer 78
Tow-away alarm 79
Aquaplaning 227
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 201
Storage spaces 202Ashtray 203
ATF (automatic transmission fluid) 241
AUDIO menu 114
Selecting radio station 115
Audio system 159
Audio and telephone, operation 159
Button and soft key operation 162
Cassette operation 172
CD operation 175
Operating and display elements 160
Operating safety 159
Operation 162
Radio operation 165
Switching off 162
Switching on 162
Telephone operation 179
Automatic antiglare for
rear view mirror 146
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating
(control system) 129

351 Index
Checking
Coolant level 235, 241
Oil level 235, 237
Tire inflate pressure 235
Vehicle lighting 235
Child safety 65
Airbags 58
Infant and child
restraint systems 62, 65
LATCH child seat mounts 70
Child seat mounts see LATCH child seat
mounts 70
Cigarette lighter 204
Cleaning
Cup holder 255
Gear selector lever 255
Hard plastic trim items 255
Headlamps 148
Headliner and shelf
below rear window 255
Instrument cluster 255
Leather upholstery 256
Light alloy wheels 254MB Tex upholstery 256
Plastic and rubber parts 256
Seat belts 255
Steering wheel 255
Upholstery 256
Windows 254
Windshield 50
Wiper blades 254
Wood trims 256
Climate control 150
Adjusting 153
Defogging windshield 153
Defrosting 154
Rear window defroster 149
Setting the temperature 153
Clock 23, 122
Closing
Glove box 200
Hood 237
power window with SmartKey 188Roller sunblind for the
sliding/pop-up roof 189
Side windows 187
Sliding/pop-up roof 190, 292
Trunk lid 86
Windows 186
Windows with SmartKey 188
Closing sliding/pop-up roof
In an emergency 292
Cockpit 20, 341
Cockpit management and data system
(COMAND*) 342
Collapsible tire 342
COMAND* 342
COMAND* see separate operating instruc-
tions
Combination switch 102
High beam flasher 102
Turn signals 48
Windshield wipers 49
Consumer information 339
Control and operation of radio
transmitters 230
Control system 109, 342

371 Index
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 235, 245
Tire speed rating 228, 345
Tire traction 227
Tires 244, 325
Collapsible 342
Consumer information 339
Direction of rotation 245
Driving instructions 226
Retreads 244
Rims and tires 325
Service life 245
Temperature 246
Temperature grades 340
Tread depth 247
Wear pattern 246
Winter 247
Tools 285
Tow-away alarm 25, 79Arming 79
Disarming 79
Disarming for transport 79
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 316
Towing the vehicle 313
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 214
Traction 144, 339, 345
Transmission see
Automatic transmission 241
Tread depth (tires) 247
Treadwear 339
Trim panel
Opening 318
Trip computer 132
Trip odometer
Resetting 107
Trunk
Auxiliary fuse box 318
Lighting 104Opening 85
Trunk lid
Closing 86
Emergency release 86
Message in display 283
Turn signal lamps
Replacing bulbs 293, 294
Turn signals 48
Additional in mirrors 293
Cleaning lenses 253
Front bulbs 293, 295, 297
Indicator lamps 23
Rear bulbs 294, 299
Turning off
Engine 53
U
Units
Setting speedometer units 124
Setting temperature units 123
Unlocking 30, 82