ContentsPanorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel* .............................. 241Opening and closing the roller
sunblinds for the panorama roof
with power tilt/sliding panel ........ 241
Opening and closing the panorama
roof with power tilt/sliding panel . 242
Synchronizing the panorama roof
with power tilt/sliding panel and
the roller sunblinds....................... 246
Driving systems ................................. 247 Cruise control............................... 247
Loading .............................................. 250 Roof rack* .................................... 250
Split rear bench seat .................... 250
Luggage cover .............................. 252
Loading instructions ..................... 252
Cargo tie-down rings .................... 253
Useful features .................................. 254 Storage compartments................. 254
Ashtrays ....................................... 257
Cigarette lighter ........................... 259
Electrical outlet ............................ 260
Telephone*................................... 260
Tele Aid* ...................................... 261
Garage door opener* ................... 269
Operation ......................................... 275
The first 1000 miles (1500km) .......... 276
Driving instructions............................ 277 Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 277
Drinking and driving ..................... 277
Pedals .......................................... 277
Power assistance ......................... 277
Brakes .......................................... 278
Driving off .................................... 279
Parking ......................................... 279
Tires ............................................. 280
Hydroplaning ................................ 281
Tire traction.................................. 281
Tire speed rating .......................... 282
Winter driving instructions ........... 283
Standing water ............................. 284
Passenger compartment .............. 284
Driving abroad.............................. 284
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 284
Catalytic converter ....................... 285
Emission control .......................... 286
Coolant temperature .................... 286 At the gas station .............................. 288
Refueling ...................................... 288
Check regularly and before a
long trip ....................................... 290
Engine compartment ......................... 291 Hood ............................................ 291
Engine oil ..................................... 292
Transmission fluid level ................ 296
Coolant level ................................ 296
Battery ......................................... 297
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 299
Tires and wheels................................ 300 Important guidelines .................... 300
Tire care and maintenance........... 301
Direction of rotation..................... 303
Loading the vehicle ...................... 303
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 309
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 311
Tire labeling ................................. 313
Load identification ....................... 317
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 318
Maximum tire load ....................... 319
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 320
51
Getting started
Driving
After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter to reach
its operating temperature earlier.
For more information on driving, see “Driv-
ing instructions” (
page 277).
Switching on headlamps
For more information on headlamps, see
“Lighting” (
page 110).
Low beam headlamps
The exterior lamp switch is located on the
dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.
Exterior lamp switch1 Off
2 Low beam headlamps on
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.!Vehicles with automatic transmission*:
Place the gear selector lever in
position P or R only when the vehicle is
stopped in order to avoid damaging the
transmission.
!Do not run cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
speeds may shorten the service life of
the engine.Warning!
G
Vehicles with automatic transmission*: It is
dangerous to shift the gear selector lever
out of P or N if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could acceler-
ate quickly forward or in reverse. You could
lose control of the vehicle and hit someone
or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
55
Getting started
Driving
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires
An ignition cable may be damaged.
The engine electronics may not be
operating properly.
Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.
Give very little gas.
Have the problem repaired by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as
soon as possible.
The coolant temperature is over 248°F
(120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible
and turn off the engine. Allow engine
and coolant to cool.
Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (
page 296).
In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:
Do not start the engine under any cir-
cumstances.
Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be
determined:
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If no damage can be determined on the
major assemblies
fuel system
engine mount:
Start the engine in the usual manner.
159
Controls in detail
Automatic transmission*
Automatic transmission*
For more information on driving with an
automatic transmission, see “Automatic
transmission*” (
page 49).
Your vehicle’s transmission adapts its gear
shifting process to your individual driving
style by continually adjusting the shift
points up or down. These shift point adjust-
ments are performed based on current
operating and driving conditions.
If the operating conditions change, the
automatic transmission reacts by
adjusting its gear shift program.
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmissionThe automatic transmission selects indi-
vidual gears automatically, depending on:
the gear selector lever
position D(
page 162) with gear
ranges 4, 3 , 2 , 1 (
page 161)
the selected program mode ( C/S)
(page 164)
the position of the accelerator pedal
(page 165)
the vehicle speed 1
Current gear range/gear selector lever
position
2 Current program mode
The current gear range/gear selector lever
position and program mode (
C/S) appear
in the multifunction display.
An additional indication of the current gear
selector lever position can be found on the
cover of the shifting-gate.
The indicators come on when you activate
a switch (e.g. unlocking the vehicle or
opening a door) and go out after approxi-
mately 15 minutes.
iDuring the brief warm-up, transmission
upshifting is delayed. This allows the
catalytic converter to heat up more
quickly to operating temperature.
285
Operation
Driving instructions
Telephones and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable tele-
phone or a citizens band unit should only
be used inside the vehicle if they are con-
nected to an antenna that is installed on
the outside of the vehicle.
Refer to the radio transmitter operation
instructions regarding use of an external
antenna.
Catalytic converter
Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with
monolithic-type catalytic converters, an
important element in conjunction with the
oxygen sensors to achieve substantial
control of the pollutants in the exhaust
emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper
operating condition by following our
recommended maintenance instructions
as outlined in your Maintenance Booklet.
Warning!
G
Never operate radio transmitters equipped
with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. with-
out being connected to an external antenna)
from inside the vehicle while the engine is
running. Doing so could lead to a malfunc-
tion of the vehicle’s electronic system, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic con-
verters, use only premium unleaded
gasoline in this vehicle.
Any noticeable irregularities in engine
operation should be repaired promptly.
Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel
may reach the catalytic converter,
causing it to overheat and potentially
start a fire.
Warning!
G
As with any vehicle, do not idle, park or
operate this vehicle in areas where combus-
tible 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.
294 OperationEngine compartmentIf you see the message:Observe waiting time
If engine is at operating temperature,
wait five minutes before repeating
check procedure.
If engine is not at operating tempera-
ture yet, wait 30 minutes before
repeating check procedure.
If you see the message:
Engine oil level
Not when engine on
Turn off the engine.
If the engine is at operating tempera-
ture, wait five minutes before checking
oil.
If the engine is not at operating temper-
ature yet, you must wait 30 minutes
before checking oil. If there is excess engine oil with the engine
at normal operating temperature, the
following message will appear:
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
Have excess oil siphoned or drained
off. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
For more information on messages in the
display concerning engine oil, see “Practi-
cal hints” (
page 363). Adding engine oil
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Only use approved engine oils and oil
filters required for vehicles with
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles). For a listing of
approved engine oils and oil filters,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet in your vehicle
literature portfolio, or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of spec-
ification other than those expressly
required for the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehi-
cles), or changing of oil and oil filter at
change intervals longer than those
called for by the Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehi-
cles) will result in engine damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
295
Operation
Engine compartment
C 230 Kompressor1
Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap 1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap 1 back on filler neck.
C3201 Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap 1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Be careful
not to overfill with oil. Be careful not to spill any oil when adding.
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap
1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see
“Technical data” section (
page 426) and
(
page 428).
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained
off. It could cause damage to the
engine and catalytic converter not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
363
Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbol
Display messages
Possible cause
Possible solution
:
USA only:At next gas station
add 1.0 qt engine oilCanada only:At next gas station
add 1.0 l engine oil
The engine oil level is too low.
Add engine oil (
page 294) and check
the engine oil level (
page 293).
Engine oil level
Stop, engine off!
There is no oil in the engine. There is a
danger of engine damage.
Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt as
soon as possible.
Turn off the engine.
Add engine oil (
page 294) and check
the engine oil level (
page 293).
Engine oil level
Reduce oil level
You have added too much engine oil.
There is a risk of damaging the engine or
the catalytic converter.
Have oil siphoned or drained off.
Observe all legal requirements with
respect to its disposal.
Change engine oil
Visit workshop.
It may be that there is water in the engine
oil.
Have the engine oil checked.