2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C280 windshield wipers

297 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
The hood lock release lever is located to
the left of the steering wheel under the
dashboard.
1Hood lock release lever

Pull lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked and handle2
will extend out of the radiator grille.
2Handle for opening the hood

Pull handle2 to its stop out of
radiator grille.

Pull up on the hood (do not pull up on
the handle) and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts.
Warning!
G
Do not pull the release lever while the
vehicle is in motion. Otherwise the hood
could be forced open by passing air flow.
!To avoid damage to the windshield
wipers or hood, never open the hood if
the wiper arms are folded forward away
from the windshield.
Warning!
G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running. Make sure the hood is
properly closed before driving. When closing
the hood, use extreme caution not to catch
hands or fingers.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or even restart
after the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.

343 Operation
Vehicle care
Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment,
make sure to protect electrical compo-
nents and connectors from the intrusion of
water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticor-
rosion Wax, should be applied to the en-
gine compartment after every engine
cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be
lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys
should be protected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the vehicle underbody, do
not forget to clean the inner sides of the
wheels.Hand-wash
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight.

Only use a mild car wash detergent,
such as Mercedes-Benz approved Car
Shampoo.

Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-
fused jet of water.
Direct only a very weak spray towards
the ventilation intake.

Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.

Rinse with clean water and thoroughly
dry with a chamois.
Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on
the finish.Automatic car wash
You can have your car washed in an auto-
matic car wash from the start. Automatic
car washes without brushes are prefera-
ble.
If the vehicle is very dirty, prewash it be-
fore running it through the automatic car
wash.
!Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in
exterior rear view mirrors prior to run-
ning the vehicle through an automatic
car wash to prevent damage to the
mirrors.
Make sure that the windshield wiper
switch is set to0 (
page 53). Other-
wise, the rain sensor could activate and
cause the wipers to move unintention-
ally. This may lead to vehicle damage.

345 Operation
Vehicle care
Cleaning the windows and the wiper
blades
Switch on the ignition (
page 33).

Turn combination switch to wiper
settingII (
page 53).

With wiper arms in vertical position,
switch off the ignition (
page 33).

Fold the wiper arms forward until they
snap into place.

Clean the wiper blade inserts with a
clean cloth and detergent solution.

Use a soft, clean cloth and a mild win-
dow cleaning solution on all outside
and inside glass surfaces.
An automotive glass cleaner is recom-
mended.
!The windshield wipers must be in a ver-
tical position before folding them away
from the windshield. They could other-
wise damage the hood.
Never open the hood when the wiper
arms are folded forward.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and re-
move SmartKey from starter switch before
cleaning the windshield and/or the wiper
blades. Otherwise, the wiper motor could
suddenly turn on and cause injury.
!Fold the windshield wiper arms back
onto the windshield before turning the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.!To clean the window interior, do not
use a dry cloth, abrasives, solvents or
cleaners containing solvents. Do not
touch the inside of the front, rear or
side windows with hard objects such as
an ice scraper or ring. Doing so may
damage the windows.

405 Practical hints
Replacing wiper blades
Replacing wiper blades
Removing wiper blades
Remove SmartKey from starter switch.

Fold wiper arm forward.
1Unlock
2Lock

Pull the tab in direction of arrow1 and
remove wiper blade.
Installing wiper blades
Slide the wiper blade into the cutout on
the wiper arm (see arrows).

Slide the tab back in the direction of
arrow2 until it audibly engages.

Fold the wiper arm backward to rest on
the windshield. Make sure you hold on
to the wiper when folding the wiper arm
back.
Warning!
G
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and
remove SmartKey from starter switch
before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise,
the wiper motor could suddenly turn on and
cause injury.
!Never open the hood when the wiper
arms are folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding the
wiper arm back. If released, the force
of the impact from the tensioning
spring could crack the windshield.
Do not allow the wiper arms to contact
the windshield glass without a wiper
blade inserted.
Make certain that the wiper blades are
properly installed. Improperly installed
wiper blades may cause windshield
damage.
For your convenience, we recommend
that you have this work carried out by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

472 IndexVehicle tool kit 383
VIN 428, 454
Voice control system*,
Hands-free microphone 29
see separate operating instructions
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Warning sounds
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt 71
Parking brake 51
Seat belt telltale 355
Warranty coverage 10, 427
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washer reservoir level 296
Washing the vehicle 341
Wear pattern (tires) 335
Weights, Vehicle 439
Wheel
Bolts 388
Change 410
Removing 408
Spare 384, 386, 436
Tightening torque 410Wheels, Tires 304
Window curtain air bags 68
Windows see Power windows
Windshield
Cleaning 345
Defogging 181, 192
Replacing wiper blades 405
Washer fluid 303, 448
Washer system 448
Windshield washer fluid 448
Message in display 382
Mixing ratio 448
Refilling 303
Wiping with 55
Windshield washer system 448
Windshield wipers 53
Cleaning 345
Replacing wiper blades 405
Winter driving 336
Block heater (Canada only) 337
Snow chains 337
Tires 336
Winter driving instructions 289
Winter tires 336Wiper blades
Cleaning 345
Replacing 405
Wood trims, Cleaning 348
X
Xenon headlamps* see Headlamps