2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C320 COUPE brake pads

224 OperationDriving instructionsBrakes
To 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 sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally 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 clus-
ter stays on, the brake fluid level in the res-
ervoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected by quali-
fied technicians 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.
Install only 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 74).

225 Operation
Driving instructions
After hard braking, it is advisable to drive
on for some time, rather than immediately
parking, so that the air stream will cool
down the brakes faster.
Driving off
Apply the brakes to test them briefly after
driving off. Perform this procedure only
when the road is clear of other traffic.
Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not
place full load on the engine until the oper-
ating temperature has been reached.
When starting off on a slippery surface, do
not allow a wheel to spin for an extended
period with the ESP switched off. Doing so
may cause serious damage to the drive
train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Parking
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.!When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the brakes
by shifting into a lower gear to use the
engine’s braking power. This helps pre-
vent overheating of the brakes and re-
duces brake pad wear
!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
!Set the parking brake whenever park-
ing or leaving the vehicle. In addition,
move gear selector lever to positionP
(manual transmission: first or reverse
gear).
When parking on hills, always turn front
wheel towards the curb.Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.


270 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display symbol
Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
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 technican at the
intervals specified in the Service
booklet.

349 Index
Automatic climate control
Deactivating 156
Automatic headlamp mode 99
Automatic lighting control
Activating 103
Deactivating 103
Automatic locking when driving 87
Automatic transmission 139
Accelerator position 145
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 145
Fluid level 241
Gear ranges 141
Gear selector lever position 142
Gear shifting malfunctions 145
Kickdown 145
Manual shifting 140
One-touch gearshifting 140
Program mode selector switch 144
Selector lever position 139Starting with 45
Transmission fluid 241
Winter program mode 144
Auxiliary fuse box 318
B
BabySmartTM
Airbag deactivation system 67, 341
Compatible child seats 67, 341
Self-test 68
Backrest
Folding forward 198
Folding rearward 198
BAS 74, 341
Messages in display 265
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 290
Check lamp 83
Checking 84
Battery discharged
Jump starting 310Battery, vehicle 242, 307
Charging 308
Disconnecting 308
Messages in display 269
Reconnecting 308
Reinstalling 308
Removing 308
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 341
Bi-Xenon type
Front lamp bulbs 296
Block heater 248
Bolts
For spare wheel 287
Brake assist system (BAS) 341
Brake fluid 234, 332
Brake lamp bulbs 294
Brake lamp, high mounted 294
Brake pads
Message in display 270
Brakes 224

361 Index
Mechanical key 288, 289
Memory function 95, 343
Recalling positions from memory 96
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking positions 97
Storing key dependent settings 96
Menus 110
AUDIO 114
Control system 343
In control system 112, 113
Malfunction memory 117
NAV 117
Settings menu 118
Standard display 114
Submenus 111
TEL* 134
Trip computer 132
Microphone
Hands-free microphone 27
Miles/kilometers in speedometer
Setting 124Mirrors
Adjusting 39
Automatic antiglare for
rear view mirror 146
Exterior rear view mirror 40
Exterior rear view mirror
parking positions 132
Interior rear view mirror 39
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position 97
MON 234
MON (Motor Octane Number) 343
Mph or km/h in speedometer 124
Multifunction display 109, 343
Displaying gear range 141
Selecting language 124
Standard display 113
Multifunction display messages
ABS 268
BAS 265
Battery 269
Brake fluid 270
Brake pads 270Check engine 260
Check gas cap 277
Coolant 272
Coolant level 271
Cruise control 274
Display 274
Doors 274
Engine 260
Engine oil 276
ESP 266
Fuel reserve tank 277
Hood 277
Key 277
Lamps 277, 279–??
Parking brake 269
Steering column
not properly locked 282
Steering gear oil level 282
Tele Aid* 283
Telephone* 283
Trunk lid 283