2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C WAGON gas type

262 OperationDriving instructionsWinter 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. 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
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 282).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 283).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not
prevent this type of control loss.
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 re-
sulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the windWarning!
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
freezing point do not guarantee that the
road surface is free of ice.

264 OperationDriving instructionsControl and operation of radio transmitter
COMAND*, radio and telephone*Telephones* and two-way radios
Radio transmitters, such as a portable
telephone or a citizens band unit should
only be used inside the vehicle if they are
connected 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
Please do not forget that your primary
responsibility is to drive the vehicle safely.
Only operate the COMAND (Cockpit
Management and Data System), radio or
telephone
1 if road, weather and traffic
conditions permit.
Bear in mind that at a speed of just 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), your vehicle is
covering a distance of 44 feet
(approximately 14 m) every second.
1Observe all legal requirements.
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,
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury.
!To prevent damage to the catalytic
converters, only use 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 start a fire.

334 Practical hintsReplacing bulbs
Notes on bulb replacement

Only use 12 volt bulbs of the same type
and with the specified watt rating.


Switch lights off before changing 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
Warning!
G
Bulbs and bulb sockets can be very hot.
Allow 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.
iHave the headlamp adjustment
checked regularly.

401 Index
Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 315
Replacing bulbs 333
Switching on 111
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with ESP 84
4MATIC 84
Front air bags 65
Front fog lamps
Indicator lamp 108
Switching on 111
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon* type 337
Halogen-type 335
Messages in display 315–318
Replacing bulbs 333, 335
Switching on 108
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 27, 65, 72, 300
Front seat head restraints
Installing, manual seat 99
Installing, power seat* 100Manual seat 99
Power seat* 100
Removing, manual seat 99
Removing, power seat* 100
Front seats
Heating* 104
FSS (Flexible Service System)
(Canada vehicles) 284, 386
Fuel 268
Additives 377
Cruising range 378
E85 (Ethanol fuel) 378
Fuel reserve warning lamp 299
Gasoline additives 377
Premium unleaded
gasoline 268, 374, 376
Requirements 376, 377
Switching (Flexible fuel vehicle) 378
Technical data 373, 374
Fuel additives 377
Fuel cap
Message in display 297, 314Fuel consumption statistics
After start 147
Since last reset 147
Fuel filler flap 267
Locking 267
Opening in an emergency 328
Unlocking 267
Fuel gauge 25
Fuel requirements 376
For ethanol fuel 377
Fuel reserve
Warning lamp 25
Fuel tank
Capacity 374
Filler flap 267
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities 373
Functions (control system) 120, 123
Resetting 131
Fuse box
In cargo compartment 359
In engine compartment 358

402 IndexFuse chart 357
Fuse extractor 357
Fuses 356
Aids for changing fuses 357
Fuse box in cargo compartment 359
F us e box i n engi ne c om p art me nt 3 58
Fuse chart 357
Fuse extractor 357
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment 357
Spare fuses 357
G
Garage door opener* 249
Gasoline additives 377
Gasoline see Fuel
Gear range 386
Automatic transmission 155
Limiting 155
Shifting into optimal 154Gear range limit
Canceling 154
Gear selector lever 46, 152
Cleaning 291
Lock 46
Position (automatic
transmission) 119, 152, 156
Global
Locking 91
Unlocking 91
Global Positioning System see GPS
Glove box 234
Closing 234
Locking 234
Opening 234
Unlocking 234
Good visibility 161
GPS 386H
Halogen-type
Front lamp bulbs 335
Hands-free microphone 29
Hard plastic trim items
Cleaning 291
Hazard warning flasher 113
Switching off 113
Switching on 113
Head restraints 99
Front seats, manual seat 99
Front seats, power seat* 100
Manual seat 37
Power seat* 38
Rear seats 100
Head unit
Time synchronization* with 135
Headlamp cleaning system* 277
Headlamp shut-off delay see
Delayed shut-off, exterior lamps