Page 275 of 442

273 Operation
Driving instructions
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.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to 
keep the toxic components of the exhaust 
gases within permissible limits required by 
law.
These systems, of course, will function 
properly only when maintained strictly 
according to factory specifications. Any 
adjustments on the engine should, 
therefore, be carried out only by qualified 
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized techni-
cians. Engine adjustments should not be 
altered in any way. Moreover, the specified 
service jobs must be carried out regularly 
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing 
requirements. For details refer to the 
Maintenance Booklet.
!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.
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. 
     
        
        Page 348 of 442

346 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. 
     
        
        Page 417 of 442

415 Index
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 135
Fastening the seat belts 43
Filler neck
C 230 Kompressor 
(all models) 282
C 240 (all models), C 320 (all models), 
C 55 AMG 282
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 233
First aid kit 329
Flat tire 353
Collapsible tire (C 55 AMG only) 334
Lowering the vehicle 359
Minispare wheel 
(except C 55 AMG) 333
Mounting the spare wheel 353
Preparing the vehicle 353
Flexible fuel vehicles 392
At the gas station 275
Switching fuels 393
Flexible Service System see FSSFog lamp, rear
Message in display 325
Replacing bulb 345
Switching on 113
Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 323
Replacing bulbs 345
Switching on 112
Four wheel electronic traction 
system (4MATIC) with ESP 82
4MATIC 82
Front air bags 63
Front fog lamps
Indicator lamp 109
Switching on 112
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon* type 349
Halogen-type 347
Messages in display 323–326
Replacing bulbs 345, 347
Switching on 109
Front passenger front air bag off 
indicator lamp 27, 63, 70, 308Front seat head restraints
Installing, manual seat 100
Installing, power seat* 101
Manual seat 100
Power seat* 100
Removing, manual seat 100
Removing, power seat* 100
Front seats
Heating* 105
FSS (Flexible Service System) 
(Canada vehicles) 292, 400
Fuel 276
Additives 392
Cruising range 393
E85 (Ethanol fuel) 393
Fuel reserve warning lamp 307
Gasoline additives 392
Premium unleaded 
gasoline 276, 388, 391
Requirements 391, 392
Switching (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) 393
Technical data 387, 388
Fuel additives 392