2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C280 Fold down

110 Controls in detailSeatsHead restraint height (rear outer seats)
1Release button
Raising
Manually adjust the height of the head
restraint by pulling it upward.
If the head restraint is fully retracted,
push release button1 and pull the
head restraint out.
Lowering

To lower the head restraint, push
release button1 and push down on
the head restraint.Folding head restraints back with
release button
The rear seat head restraints can be folded
backward for increased visibility.
1Release button

Push release button1.
The head restraint will fold backward.
iAdjust the head restraint in such a way
that it is as close to the head as
possible.Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraint so that the head re-
straint supports the back of the head at eye
level. This will reduce the potential for injury
to the head and neck in the event of an ac-
cident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are
intended to help reduce injuries during an
accident.
iYou can also fold the rear outer seat
head restraints back using the switch
in the center console (
page 111).

112 Controls in detailSeats
1Release button
Removing rear seat head restraints
Fold back head restraint (
page 110).

Pull head restraint to its highest
position.

Push release button1 and pull out
head restraint.
Installing rear seat head restraints

Insert head restraint and push it down
until it engages.

Push button1 and adjust head
restraint to desired position.
Lumbar support*
The curvature of the driver’s seat can be
adjusted to help enhance lower back sup-
port and seating comfort.
1Adjustment lever
Move adjustment lever1 in the direc-
tion of arrows until you have reached a
comfortable seating position.
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraint so that the head re-
straint supports the back of the head at eye
level. This will reduce the potential for injury
to the head and neck in the event of an ac-
cident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are intend-
ed to help reduce injuries during an acci-
dent.
Do not interchange head restraints from
front and rear seat.

250 Controls in detailLoadingRoof rack*

Mount the roof rack only between the
fastening points (see arrows).

Secure the roof rack according to
manufacturer’s instructions for
installation.
Ski sack* (Canada only)
1Handle
2Cover
3Armrest
Unfolding and loading
Fold armrest3 down (arrow).

Pull handle1 and swing cover2
down.
Warning!
G
Only use roof racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to
avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manu-
facturer’s installation instructions.
!Load the roof rack in such a way that
the vehicle cannot be damaged while
driving.
Make sure

you can fully raise the tilt/sliding
sunroof*.


you can fully open the trunk.

251 Controls in detail
Loading
4Hook and loop fastener
Unfasten hook and loop fastener4.

Pull ski sack into passenger compart-
ment and unfold.5Button

Open trunk lid.

Press button5.
The flap opens downward.

From trunk, slide skis into ski sack.Warning!
G
The ski sack is designed for up to four pairs
of skis. Do not load the ski sack with other
objects.
Always fasten the ski sack securely. In an
accident, an unfastened ski sack can cause
injury to vehicle occupants.


253 Controls in detail
Loading
Removing the ski sack
You can remove the ski sack for cleaning
or drying.
1Button
2Ski sack frame
3Flap
Open trunk lid.

Press button1.
The flap3 opens downward.

Press button1 firmly until ski sack
frame2 is released.

Pull ski sack frame2 with ski sack
out.Installing the ski sack
Install the ski sack in the reverse order.

Push ski sack frame2 with ski sack
inward until the ski sack frame snaps
into place.

Close flap3.

Close trunk lid.
Split rear bench seat*
To expand the cargo area, you can fold
down the left and right rear seat backrests.
The two sections can be folded down
separately.
Warning!
G
Never drive vehicle with trunk open while
the ski sack is removed. Deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior, resulting in unconsciousness and
death.iTo prevent unauthorized persons from
accessing the trunk, always close the
flap.
Warning!
G
When expanding the luggage area, always
fold the seat cushions fully forward.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the
backrests must remain properly locked in
the upright position.
In an accident, during hard braking or
sudden maneuvers, loose items will be
thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause
injury to vehicle occupants unless the items
are securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie down rings*
(page 256).

258 Controls in detailUseful featuresArmrest storage compartments
1Handle
2Button, passenger side
3Button, driver’s side
Opening storage compartment
Pull handle1 and lift armrest.
Closing storage compartment

Press armrest down until it engages
into place.Opening telephone compartment

Press button3 on driver’s side or
button2 on passenger side and lift
armrest.
Closing telephone compartment

Press armrest down until it engages
into place.
Armrest in the rear passenger
compartment

Pull the top of the armrest out and fold
it down.Parcel net in front passenger footwell
(all models, except C 280 4MATIC and
C 350 4MATIC)
A small convenience parcel net is located
in the front passenger footwell. It is for
small and light items, such as road maps,
mail, etc.
Warning!
G
The parcel net is intended for storing
light-weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel net. In an accident, during hard brak-
ing, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
The parcel net cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.

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.

456 Index
Operating and display elements 200
Operating audio system 202
Operating safety 199
Radio operation 207
Telephone* operation 225
Auto-dimming mirror* 171
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating
(Control system) 152
Automatic climate control*
(Canada only) 186
Control panel 187
Defrosting, front 191
Rear window defroster 175
Automatic headlamp mode 119
Automatic locking when driving 107
Automatic shift program
Program mode selector switch
(Automatic transmission*) 167
Automatic time change (Standard time,
Daylight Saving time) 147Automatic transmission* 162
Accelerator position 165
Automatic shift program 167
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 169
Fluid level (ATF) 300
Gear ranges 166
Gear selector lever 162
Gear shifting malfunctions 169
Kickdown 165
Manual shifting 168
One-touch gearshifting 168
Program mode selector switch 167
Starting engine 49
B
Backrest
Driver’s multicontour seat*
(Canada only) 113
Rear seat, folding 254
Seat, manual 36
Seat, power* 38Backup lamps
Messages in display 377
Replacing bulbs 399
Bar 331
BAS 88, 449
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 396
Checking battery condition 101
Battery, Vehicle 302, 412
Charging 414
Disconnecting and connecting 413
Jump starting 415
Removing and installing 413
Bead 331
Bi-Xenon* headlamps see headlamps
Block heater (Canada only) 337
Bolts, Spare wheel 388
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake fluid 442
Checking 295
Message in display 370