2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C55AMG Owner's Manual

399 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
BabySmart
TM1
air bag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is
installed on the front passenger seat.
The system will automatically
deactivate the passenger front air bag
when such a seat is properly installed
(the56indicator lamp located
in the center console comes on). See
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for availability. BabySmart
TM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the
passenger front air bag if a
BabySmartTM compatible child seat is
installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking
situations. The system is activated
when it senses an emergency based on
how fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more
intense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service
center, which can help you with any
questions about your vehicle and
provide assistance in the event of a
breakdown.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control
vehicle functions such as door locking
or windshield wiping depending on
vehicle settings and/or ambient
conditions.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the
passenger compartment needed for
vehicle operation and monitoring.
1BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.

400 Technical termsCOMAND*
(C
ockpit M
anagement and D
ata
System)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and the
navigation system, as well as other
optional equipment (CD changer*,
telephone*, etc.).
Control system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to
adjust settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system that
automatically maintains the vehicle
speed set by the driver.Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine
produced.
Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction
(viscosity) of the oil at different temper-
atures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can
tolerate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
(E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
Improves vehicle handling and
directional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the
system's threshold to tighten the
seat belts.
->SRSFSS (Canada vehicles)
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. FSS evaluates
engine temperature, oil level, vehicle
speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last
maintenance service, and calls for the
next maintenance service accordingly.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the gear selector
lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special
receivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.

401 Technical terms
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision,
including the tachometer, speedo-
meter, engine temperature display and
fuel gauge.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the
vehicle and should not be used for
normal acceleration needs.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or
unlocked. Pushing the lock button
down on an individual door from inside
will lock that door.Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles)
Maintenance service indicator in the
multifunction display that informs the
driver when the next vehicle mainte-
nance service is due. The Maintenance
System in your vehicle tracks distance
driven and the time elapsed since your
last maintenance service, and calls for
the next maintenance service accord-
ingly.
Memory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each SmartKey.
MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a
gasoline's ability to resist undesired
detonation (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.Multifunction display
Display field in the instrument cluster
used to present information provided
by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for
operating the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this
engine speed range, as it may result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.

402 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
transmission* between standard
operationS, comfort operationC and
manual operationM (C 55 AMG only).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.

403 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.

404

405 Index
A
ABS 77, 399
ABS control 77
Indicator lamp 25
Malfunction indicator lamp 302
Messages in display 310
Accelerator position,
automatic transmission* 163
Accident
In case of 53
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 181
Air recirculation mode 179
Anti-theft alarm system* 84
Central locking (control system) 145
Climate control 175
Climate control system 177
Defrosting 178
Easy-entry/exit feature* 146
Electric air pump 358
ESP 81Exterior headlamps 49
Exterior lamps 110
Exterior rear view mirror
parking position* 170
Hazard warning flasher 114
Headlamps 49
High beam headlamps 50
High beams 113
Ignition 33
Immobilizer 56, 83
Low beam headlamps 49
Manual shift program
(C 55 AMG only) 166
Rear window defroster 173
Seat heating* 105
Tow-away alarm* 85
Windshield wipers 51
Adding
Coolant 283
Engine oil 281
Additional turn signals 345
Adjustable air vents,
rear passenger compartment 182Adjusting 35
Air distribution 178
Air volume 178
Backrest contour 104
Backrest side bolsters 104
Backrest tilt, manual seat 36
Backrest tilt, power seat* 38
Exterior rear view mirrors 41
Folding back rear seat
head restraints, electrical 102
Folding back rear seat
head restraints, manual 102
Head restraint height,
manual seat 37
Head restraint height,
power seat* 38
Head restraint height, rear seats 101
Head restraint tilt, manual seat 37
Head restraint tilt, power seat* 39
Head restraint tilt, rear seats 103
Instrument cluster illumination 117
Interior rear view mirror 41
Manual seat 36
Mirrors 41

406 Index
Multicontour seat* 104
Placing upright rear seat
head restraints 102
Power seat* 38
Rear seat head restraints 101
Seat belt height 45
Seat cushion depth 104
Seat cushion tilt, manual seat 36
Seat cushion tilt, power seat* 38
Seat fore and aft adjustment,
manual seat 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment,
power seat* 38
Seat height, manual seat 36
Seat height, power seat* 38
Seats 35
Steering column height,
electrical* 41
Steering column height,
manual 40
Steering column length,
electrical* 41
Steering column length,
manual 40
Steering wheel 39Adjusting air distribution
and volume 178
Adjusting sound functions 187
Adjusting the volume 187
Aids for changing fuses 369
Air bags 59
BabySmart
TM deactivation
system 70, 399
Children 60
Front 63
Passenger 63
Safety guidelines 62
Side impact 64
Window curtain 64
Air conditioning (cooling) 181
Turning off 181
Turning on 181
Air conditioning refrigerant 390
Air distribution
Adjusting 178
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air pump, electric
Turning on 358Air recirculation mode 179
Activating 179
Deactivating 180
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 182
Air volume
Adjusting 178
Alarm
Audible 76, 83
Canceling 84, 86
Visual 83
Alarm system
Anti-theft* 83
Tow-away* 85
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 355, 399
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 395
Antiglare
Automatic* 169
Manual 168
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft alarm system*
Arming 84
Canceling alarm 84
Disarming 84