2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C320S traction control

277 Practical hints
What to do if …
Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
v
The yellow ESP warning lamp
comes on while driving.
The ESP is deactivated.
Risk of accident!
Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road, weather and traffic
conditions.

Switch the ESP back on (
page 74).
If the ESP cannot be switched back on,
have the system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.
The yellow ESP warning lamp
flashes while driving.
The ESP or traction control has come into
operation because of detected traction loss
in at least one tire.

When driving off, apply as little
throttle as possible.

While driving, ease up on the
accelerator.

Adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road and weather
conditions.

Do not deactivate the ESP.
Exceptions: (
page 74).
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.

359 Technical data
Consumer information
Consumer information
The following text is published as required
of all manufacturers of passenger cars
under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety
Act of 1966”.Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found, where
applicable, on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.Tread Wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions
of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices
and differences in road characteristics and
climate.Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades
represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Tread wear
Traction
Temperature
200
AA
A
Warning!
G
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.

365 Technical terms
Tele Aid* System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and
manual emergency, roadside assis-
tance and information. Tele Aid is
initially activated by completing a
subscriber agreement and placing an
acquaintance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational
provided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not
damaged and cellular and GPS
coverage is available.Telematics*
A combination of the terms “tele-
communications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is
approved.Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio
systems (radio, CD, etc.).

376 IndexE
Easy-entry/exit feature* 92
Activating 134
Interrupting movement 92, 134
Electrical fuses 332
Electrical system
Technical data 346
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call system* 223
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 226
Telephone* 198
With Tele Aid* 224
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 147
Emergency operations
Closing sliding/pop-up roof* 309
Locking the vehicle 306
Opening sliding/pop-up roof* 309
Releasing trunk lid from inside 88
Remote door unlock 230
Unlocking the vehicle 305Emergency Tensioning Device see ETD
Emission control 247
Emission control label 338
Ending
A call (telephone*) 139
Engine
Compartment 252
Starting with
automatic transmission* 44
Starting with
manual transmission 43
Starting with the SmartKey
Automatic transmission* 44
Manual transmission 43
Technical data 340
Turning off with the SmartKey 52
Engine cleaning 269
Engine compartment 252
Fuse box in 333
Hood 252
Engine malfunction
indicator lamp 23, 276Engine number 338, 362
Engine oil 253, 352
Adding 255
Additives 352
Checking level 251, 254
Consumption 253
Display messages 254, 291–292
Filler neck
C 230 Kompressor Sport 256
C 240, C 320, and C 32 AMG 256
Messages in display 254, 291–292
Viscosity 362
Engine oil level
Checking 251, 254
ESP 23, 74, 362
Four wheel electronic
traction system with ESP 77
Messages in display 282–283
Switching off 75
Switching on 76
Synchronizing 282
Warning lamp 277

377 Index
ETD 63, 362
Safety guidelines 58
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 249
Requirements 354
Switching fuels 354
Exterior lamp switch 46, 102
Exterior lamps
Delayed shut-off 131
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 38
Parking position* for 136
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 127
Fastening the seat belts 40
Filler neck
C 230 Kompressor Sport 256
C 240, C 320, and C 32 AMG 256Fine adjustment
Cruise control 208
First aid kit 300
Flat tire 317
Lowering the vehicle 321
Minispare wheel 302
Mounting the Minispare wheel 317
Preparing the vehicle 317
Flexible fuel vehicles 354
At the gas station 249
Switching fuels 354
Flexible Service System see FSS
Fog lamp, rear
Message in display 294
Replacing bulb 311
Switching on 105
Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 294
Replacing bulbs 310
Switching on 105Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with ESP 77
4MATIC 77
Front airbags 59
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon* type 313
Halogen-type 312
Messages in display 293–296
Replacing bulbs 310, 312
Switching on 102
Front seat head restraints
Installing
Manual seat 93
Power seat* 94
Manual seat 93
Power seat* 94
Removing
Manual seat 93
Power seat* 94
Front seats
Heating* 98