281 Operation
Tires and wheels
Rotating tires
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all
around. If your vehicle is equipped with
tires of the same dimension all around,
tires can be rotated, observing a a
front-to-rear rotation pattern that will
maintain the intended rotation (spinning)
direction of the tire (
page 279).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle
is equipped with mixed-size tires (different
tire dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation
is not possible.If applicable to your vehicle's tire configu-
ration, tires can be rotated according to
the tire manufacturer's recommended in-
tervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should
be rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles
(5 000 to 10 000 km), or sooner if neces-
sary, according to the degree of tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained (
page 279).
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder
wear on front tires and tread center wear
on rear tires).
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of
wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner side
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation.
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation
pressure.For information on wheel change, see the
“Practical hints” section (
page 321) and
(
page 342).
Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs.
rear), tire rotation is not possible.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.
346 Practical hintsFlat tire
Unscrew the alignment bolt, install last
wheel bolt and tighten slightly.Lowering the vehicle
Lower vehicle by turning crank
counterclockwise until vehicle is
resting fully on its own weight.
Remove the jack.
1 - 5Wheel bolts
Tighten the five wheel bolts evenly,
following the diagonal sequence
illustrated (1to5), until all bolts are
tight. Observe a tightening torque
of 80 lb-ft (110 Nm).Before storing the jack, it should be fully
collapsed, with handle folded in (storage
position) (
page 322).
Store the jack and the other vehicle
tools in the storage compartment be-
hind the left trim panel (
page 322).
Warning!
G
Only use genuine equipment
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts. Other wheel
bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise the vehicle
could fall of the jack.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. The wheels could come
loose if they are not tightened to a torque
of 80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
366 Technical dataEngineModel
C 240 (203.261)
1
C 240 4MATIC (203.281)
1
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding
data of all special bodies and special equipment.Engine
112
Mode of operation
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
No. of cylinders
6
Bore
3.54 in (89.90 mm)
Stroke
2.68 in (68.20 mm)
Total piston displacement
158.5 cu in (2 597 cm
3)
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Output acc. to SAE J 1349
168 hp/5 500 rpm
2
(125 kW/5 500 rpm)
2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.Maximum torque acc. to SAE J 1349
177 lb-ft/4 500 rpm
(240 Nm/4 500 rpm)
Maximum engine speed
6200 rpm
Firing order
1-4-3-6-2-5
Poly-V-belt
2380 mm
370 Technical dataElectrical systemModel
C 240 (all models)
Generator (alternator)
14 V/120 A
Starter motor
12 V/1.7 kW
Battery
12 V/100 Ah
Spark plugs
Bosch F 8 DPP 332
NGK PFR 5 R-11
Electrode gap
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
Tightening torque
15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)
388 Technical termsPower train
Collective term designating all
components used to generate and
transmit motive power to the drive
axles, including
engine
clutch/torque converter
transmission
transfer case
drive shaft
differential
axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic trans-
mission between standard operationS
and comfort operationC.REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the
vehicle interior for a short time after
the engine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, air bags
and child restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective
functions complement one another.
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired deto-
nation (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission gear
selector lever from being moved out of
positionP without SmartKey turned
and brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning
device and air bags. Though indepen-
dent systems, they are closely inter-
faced to provide effective occupant
protection.
389 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*
1
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio
systems (radio, CD, etc.).
1Feature description is based on preliminary infor-
mation at time of printing. At time of printing, no
date for availability of voice control had been set.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
details and availability for your vehicle model.
417 Index
Fuel requirements 376
Fuels 373, 374
Gasoline additives 377
Lubricants 373
Main dimensions 371
Premium unleaded gasoline 376
Rims and tires 367
Weights 372
Windshield washer 374
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning* system 374, 381
Tele Aid* 242
Emergency calls 243
Hands-free microphone 29
Information 246
Initiating an emergency
call manually 244
Message in display 320
Remote door unlock 248
Roadside Assistance 245SOS button 244
Stolen Vehicle Recovery
services 249
System self-check 243
Tele Aid System 242, 389
Upgrade scenario 247
Telematics* 389
Telephone* 26, 241
Answering a call 149
Dialing a number from
the phone book 150
Ending a call 150
Hands-free microphone 29
Loading phone book 150
Message in display 320
Operation 148, 200
Redialing 151
Temperature
Display mode 133
Grades of tires 383
Setting interior temperature 169
Setting units in display 133
Tires 280Tie-down rings
(Cargo compartment) 233
Tightening torque
(Wheel bolts) 346, 389
Tilt
Head restraint, manual seat 37
Head restraint, power seat* 39
Tilt/sliding sunroof*
Closing 219, 329
Closing with SmartKey 221
Messages in display 320
Opening 219, 329
Opening with SmartKey 221
Stopping 221
Synchronizing 222
Time
Setting hours 135
Setting minutes 136
Time display
Setting 137
Time synchronization*
With head unit 135
420 Index
Instrument cluster 290
Leather upholstery 291
Light alloy wheels 290
MB Tex upholstery 292
Ornamental moldings 289
Paintwork 288
Plastic and rubber parts 292
Power washer 288
Seat belts 291
Side markers 289
Steering wheel 291
Tail lamps 289
Tar stains 288
Turn signals 289
Upholstery 291
Vehicle washing 289
Window cleaning 290
Wiper blades 290
Wood trims 292
Vehicle Identification Number see VIN
Vehicle jack 322Vehicle lighting
Checking 269
Vehicle status message memory 128
Calling up 128
Clearing 129
Vehicle status messages
Displaying 129
Vehicle tool kit 321
Alignment bolt 322
Collapsible wheel chock 322
Fuse extractor 322
Gloves 322
Jack 322
Spare fuses 322
Spare wheel bolts 322
Towing eye bolt 322
Vehicle jack 322
Wheel wrench 322
Vehicle washing 289
VIN 364, 389
Voice control system* 389
Hands-free microphone 29W
Warning lamps see
Lamps, indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Drivers seat belts 66
Parking brake 48
Warranty coverage 363
Washer fluid
Wiping rear window with 53
Wiping windshield with 52
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washer reservoir level
Checking 269
Washing the vehicle 287
Wear pattern (tires) 281
Weights 372
Wheel change
Tightening torque 346
Wheels
Tires and wheels 278
Window curtain air bags 66
Windows see Side windows