2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C WAGON brakes

260 OperationDriving instructionsTires
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six
places on the tread circumference and
become visible at a tread depth of
approximately
1/16
in (1.6 mm), at which
point the tire is considered worn and
should be replaced.The treadwear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
Specified tire pressures must be main-
tained. This applies particularly if the tires
are subjected to high loads (e.g. high
speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temper-
atures).
Hydroplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer
on the road, hydroplaning may occur, even
at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce
vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the
road and apply brakes cautiously in the
rain.
Warning!
G
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possi-
ble damage to your vehicle has occurred,
you should turn on the hazard warning flash-
ers, carefully slow down, and drive with cau-
tion to an area which is a safe distance from
the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center or tire dealer for
repairs.
Warning!
G
Although the applicable federal motor
vehicle safety laws consider a tire to be
worn when the treadwear indicators (TWI)
become visible at approximately
1/16in
(1.6 mm), we recommend that you do not
allow your tires to wear down to that level.
As tread depth approaches
1/8in (3 mm),
the adhesion properties on a wet road are
sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Warning!
G
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
may lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high
speed with a flat tire will cause excessive
heat build-up and possibly a fire.

278 OperationTires and wheelsSee an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and
purchase.
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the
vehicle when such tires are used.
See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation.
Important guidelines

Only use sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire pressure loss and damage to
the tire beads.


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer
guaranteed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

304 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display message
Possible cause
Possible solution
ESP
unavailable
See Operator’s Manual
The ESP was deactivated because of a
malfunction or interrupted power supply.
The ABS might not be operational.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP available.

Continue driving with added caution.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these instructions
increases the risk of an accident.
If the yellow ESP warning lampv
flashes while driving and this message
appears, the electronic traction system
has switched off to prevent overheating
of the drive wheel brakes.
As soon as the brakes have cooled off, the
electronic traction system switches on
again.
The self-diagnosis has not been
completed yet.
The brake system is still functioning
normally but without the ESP available.
The display will clear after driving a short
distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h).
The charging voltage has fallen below ten
volts. The ESP has switched off.
The battery might not be charged
sufficiently.

Continue driving with added caution.

If necessary, have the generator and
battery checked.
When the voltage is above this value
again, the ESP is operational again.

325 Practical hints
Where will I find ...?
In the case of a flat tire, you may
temporarily use the Minispare wheel when
observing the following restrictions:

Do not exceed a vehicle speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).


Drive to the nearest tire repair facility
to have the flat tire repaired or
replaced as appropriate.


Do not operate vehicle with more than
one Minispare wheel mounted.
For more information, see “Rims and Tires”
(
page 367).Minispare wheel bolts
1Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2Wheel bolt for Minispare wheel or other
steel rims (located in vehicle tool kit)
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when
mounting the Minispare wheel or other
steel rims. The use of any wheel bolts
other than wheel bolts2 for the
Minispare wheel or other steel rims will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes.Warning!
G
Make sure to use the original length wheel
bolts when remounting the original wheel
after it has been repaired.

345 Practical hints
Flat tire
Mounting the Minispare wheel
1Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2Wheel bolt for Minispare wheel or other
steel rims (located in vehicle tool kit)
Clean contact surfaces of wheel and
wheel hub.

Guide Minispare wheel onto alignment
bolt and push it on.

Insert wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when
mounting the Minispare wheel or other
steel rims. The use of any wheel bolts
other than wheel bolts2 for the
Minispare wheel or other steel rims will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes.
!To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while
installing first wheel bolt.Warning!
G
Always replace wheel bolts that are
damaged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact
an authorized 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 wheel bolts.

352 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleMercedes-Benz recommends that the
vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate
wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is
preferable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the
vehicle may be towed with all wheels on
the ground or front wheels raised (except
vehicles with 4MATIC) only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with the SmartKey in the starter
switch turned to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 87) and deactivate the auto-
matic central locking (
page 143).
!Do not tow-start the vehicle.!Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing
so could damage the transfer case,
which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground.
Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (not permissible for vehicles
with 4MATIC), the engine must be shut
off (SmartKey in starter switch
position0 or1). Otherwise the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever
must be in positionN and the
SmartKey must be in starter switch
position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and
at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).

394 IndexB
BabySmart
TM
Air bag deactivation system 72, 385
Compatible child seats 72, 385
Self-test 72
Backrest
Folding forward 230
Folding rearward 231
Backrest contour
Adjusting 103
Backrest side bolsters
Adjusting 103
Backrest tilt
Manual seat 36
Power seat* 38
Backup lamps
Messages in display 315
Replacing bulbs 333
BAS 80, 385
Messages in display 303
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 331
Check lamp 92
Checking 93Battery discharged
Jump starting 350
Battery, vehicle 276, 347
Charging 348
Disconnecting 348
Reconnecting 349
Reinstalling 348
Removing 348
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 385
Bi-Xenon type*
Front lamp bulbs 337
Block heater (Canada only) 283
Blocking
Rear door window operation 77
Bolts
For Minispare wheel 325
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake fluid 375
Checking 269
Message in display 307
Brake lamp bulbs 333
Brake lamp, high mounted 333
Brake lamps
Messages in display 315Brake pads
Message in display 307
Brakes 258
Warning lamp 25, 295
Break-in period 256
Bulbs, replacing 332
Additional turn signals 333
Backup lamps 333, 340
Brake lamps 333, 340
Fog lamp, rear 333, 340
Fog lamps, front 333
Front lamps 333
High beam flasher 333
High beam headlamps 333
High mounted brake lamp 333
License plate lamps 333, 340
Low beam headlamps 333
Parking lamps, front 333, 336, 338
Parking lamps, rear 333, 340
Rear lamps 333
Side marker lamps, front 333, 338
Side marker lamps, rear 333, 340

405 Index
L
Labels, identification 364
Lamp bulbs, exterior 332
Lamp sensor
Message in display 316
Lamps, exterior
Front 333
Light sensor 316
Messages in display 315–318
Rear 333
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 25, 294
Battery (SmartKey) 91
Brakes 25, 295
Engine diagnostics 296, 299
Engine malfunction 25, 296–297
ESP 25, 298
Front fog lamps 108
Front passenger
front air bag off 27, 65, 72, 300
Fuel reserve 25, 299
High beam headlamps 25
Instrument cluster 294–299Low beam headlamps 25
Maintenance service indicator 284
Rear fog lamp 108
Seat belt telltale 25, 299
SRS 25, 61, 299
Turn signals 25
Language
Multifunction display 134
Setting 134
LATCH-type child seat anchors 75
Folding back 76
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 365
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 291
Lever for voice control system* 23
License plate lamps
Messages in display 316
Replacing bulbs 333
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 290
Technical data 368
Light sensor 316
Lighter see Cigarette lighterLighting 108
Automatic headlamp mode 109
Cargo compartment 115
Combination switch 112
Daytime running lamp mode 110
Door entry lamps 115
Exterior lamp switch 108
Front fog lamps 111
High beams 112
Instrument cluster illumination 116
Instruments 116
Interior 114
Locator lighting 111
Low beam 108
Manual headlamp mode 109
Night security illumination 111
Parking lamps 108
Rear fog lamp 112
Settings (control system) 139
Standing lamps 108
Limiting the gear range 155
Limp Home Mode 160