2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C COUPE gas type

283 Operation
Driving instructions
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to positionN or,
in case of manual transmission declutch.
Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible
after driving is resumed.
For more information on winter driving, see
“Winter driving” (
page 328).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 329).
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.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monox-
ide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice.

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.

386 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement

Use only 12-volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.


Switch lights off before replacing a bulb
to prevent short circuits.


Always use a clean lint-free cloth when
handling bulbs.


Your hands should be dry and free of oil
and grease.


If the newly installed bulb does not
come on, visit an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the LEDs and bulbs for the following
lamps replaced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.


Additional turn signals in the exterior
rear view mirrors


High mounted brake lamp


Xenon* lamps


Front fog lamps
Replacing bulbs for front lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a
front lamp, do the following first:
Turn the exterior lamp switch to
positionM (
page 110).

Open the hood (
page 291) (except
for side marker lamps).
Halogen headlamps
Left headlamp, mirror-image of right
headlamp1Housing cover for low beam headlamp
2Housing cover for high beam head-
lamp, parking and standing lamp
Warning!
G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot. Al-
low the lamp to cool down before changing
a bulb.
Keep bulbs out of reach of children.
Halogen lamps contain pressurized gas.
A bulb can explode if you

touch or move it when hot


drop the bulb


scratch the bulb
Wear eye and hand protection.
Because of high voltage in Xenon lamps, it is
dangerous to replace the bulb or repair the
lamp and its components. We recommend
that you have such work done by a qualified
technician.

451 Index
Engine oil 292, 428
Adding 294
Additives 428
Checking level 292
Consumption 292
Display messages 363–364
Filler neck 295
Messages in display 293, 363–364
Viscosity 438
Engine oil level see Oil level
ESP 25, 83, 438
Messages in display 355–356
Switching off 84
Switching on 85
Warning lamp 343
ETD 438
Safety guidelines 64
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 69
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 288
Switching fuels 431
Exterior lamp switch 110
Exterior lamps
Delayed shut-off 146
Exterior rear view mirror
Parking position* for 150Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 42
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 137
Fastening the seat belts 44
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 249
First aid kit 373
Flat tire 394
Inflating the spare tire 398
Lowering the vehicle 400
Mounting the spare wheel 394
Preparing the vehicle 394
Spare wheel 375
Tighten wheel bolts 400
Flexible fuel vehicles 431
At the gas station 288
Switching fuels 431
Flexible Service System (Canada
vehicles) 330, 438
Fog lamp, rear
Message in display 368
Switching on 113Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 366
Replacing bulbs 385, 386
Switching on 113
Front air bags 65
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon* type 388
Halogen-type 386
Messages in display 366–370
Replacing bulbs 385, 386
Switching on 110
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 27, 76, 345
Front seat backrest
Folding backrest back 40
Folding backrest forward 39
Front seat head restraints
Installing 102
Power seat* 103
Manual seat 102
Power seat* 103
Removing 102
Power seat* 103
Front seats
Heating* 106