2007 MERCEDES-BENZ C280 Owner's Manual

40 Getting started
Adjusting
Steering wheel adjustment, electrical*
The stalk for the electrical steering wheel
adjustment is located on the lower left of
the steering column.
1Adjusting steering column, in or out
2Adjusting steering column, up or down
Switch on the ignition (page 32).
or
Open the driver’s door.Adjusting steering column in or out
Move the stalk in direction of
arrows1 until a comfortable steering
wheel position is reached with your
arms slightly bent at the elbow.
Adjusting steering column up or down
Move the stalk in direction of
arrows2.
Make sure your legs can move freely
and that all the displays (including mal-
function and indicator lamps) on the in-
strument cluster are clearly visible.
Easy-entry/exit feature*
This feature allows for easier entry into and
exit from the vehicle. When entering and
exiting the vehicle, the steering wheel is in
its uppermost position.
The easy-entry/exit feature can be activat-
ed or deactivated in the
Convenience sub-
menu of the control system (
page 144).
iThe memory function* (page 107) lets
you store the settings for the power seat*, the
steering wheel adjustment (electrical*) and the
exterior rear view mirrors.
Warning!G
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement, do one of
the following:

Move steering wheel adjustment stalk*
(
page 40).

Press memory position switch*
(
page 108).
Do not leave children unattended in the ve-
hicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver’s door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.

41 Getting started
Adjusting
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when you:

close the driver’s door with the ignition
switched on,
or

insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch with the driver’s door closed.
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you:

remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch,
or

open the driver’s door with the
SmartKey in starter switch position0
or1.
Mirrors
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a
good view of the road and traffic condi-
tions.
iThe last set steering wheel position is stored
when

the ignition is switched off

the position is stored in memory
(
page 107)
iIf the current position for the steering wheel
is in the uppermost tilt position, the steering
wheel will no longer be able to move upward
when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly interrupted
when the engine is started.
Warning!G
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in mo-
tion. All steering wheel adjustments must be
completed before setting the vehicle in mo-
tion. Driving off with the steering wheel still
adjusting could cause the driver to lose con-
trol of the vehicle.
Warning!G
In case of an accident, liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing if the mirror glass
breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-
low the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
!Electrolyte drops coming into contact with
the vehicle paint finish can only be completely
removed while in their liquid state and by apply-
ing plenty of water.

42 Getting started
Adjusting
Interior rear view mirror
Manually adjust the interior rear view
mirror.
For more information, see “Rear view mir-
rors” (
page 160).
Exterior rear view mirrorsThe buttons are located above the exterior
lamp switch.
1Adjustment button
2Passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror button
3Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror
button
Switch on the ignition (page 32).
Press button3 for the driver’s side
exterior rear view mirror or button2
for passenger-side exterior rear view
mirror.
Push adjustment button1 up, down,
left, or right according to the desired
setting.For more information, see “Rear view mir-
rors” (
page 160).
Warning!G
Exercise care when using the passen-
ger-side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror
surface is convex (outwardly curved surface
for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror
are closer than they appear. Check your in-
terior rear view mirror or glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
!If an exterior rear view mirror was forcibly
pushed forward (hit from the rear) or forcibly
pushed rearward (hit from the front), reposition
it by applying firm pressure until it snaps into
place. The mirror housing is now properly posi-
tioned and you can adjust the mirror in the usual
manner.
iAt low ambient temperatures, the exterior
rear view mirrors will be heated automatically.
iThe memory function* (page 107) lets
you store the settings for the exterior rear view
mirrors together with the settings for the steer-
ing wheel and the driver’s seat position.

43 Getting started
Driving
Driving
Fastening the seat belt
Warning!G
Make sure that absolutely no objects are ob-
structing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all obsta-
cles. If there are any floormats or carpets in
the footwell, make sure that the pedals still
have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneu-
vers, the objects could get caught between
or beneath the pedals. You could then no
longer brake or accelerate. This could lead
to accidents and injury.
Warning!G
Always fasten your seat belt before driving
off. Always make sure your passengers are
properly restrained, even those sitting in the
rear.
Failure to wear and properly fasten and po-
sition your seat belt greatly increases your
risk of injuries and their likely severity in an
accident. You and your passengers should
always wear seat belts.
If you are ever in an accident, your injuries
can be considerably more severe without
your seat belt properly buckled. Without
your seat belt buckled, you are much more
likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be
ejected from it. You can be seriously injured
or killed.
In the same crash, the possibility of injury or
death is lessened if you are wearing your
seat belt. The air bags can only provide the
protection they were designed to afford if
the occupants are using their seat belts
(
page 69).
Warning!G
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seat-
ing position. Thus, we strongly recommend
that children be placed in the rear seats.
Regardless of seating position, children
12 years old and under must be seated and
properly secured in an appropriate infant or
toddler restraint, or booster seat recom-
mended for the size and weight of the child.
For additional information, see “Children in
the vehicle” (
page 74).
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle
and/or the child is not properly secured in
the child restraint.

44 Getting started
Driving
1Latch plate
2Release button
3Buckle
With a smooth motion, pull the belt
from the belt outlet.
Place the shoulder portion of the belt
across the top of your shoulder and the
lap portion across your hips.
Push latch plate1 into buckle3 until
it engages.
If necessary, tighten the lap portion to
a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion
up.
Warning!G
Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are seat belts available. Be sure
everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly
restrained with a separate seat belt. Never
use a seat belt for more than one person at
a time.
Warning!G
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position
as this can be dangerous. You could slide
under the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the ab-
domen or neck. That could cause serious or
even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and
seat belt provide the best restraint when the
wearer is in a nearly upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.
Warning!G
Read and observe the additional warning
notices printed in the “Safety and Security”
section (
page 62) and (page 69).

45 Getting started
Driving
Belt outlet height adjustment
1Release button
Press release button1 and move the
seat belt height adjuster upward or
downward.
Proper use of seat belts

Do not twist the seat belt when fasten-
ing.

Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder
portion is located as close as possible
to the middle of the shoulder (it should
not touch the neck). Never pass the shoulder portion of the belt under your
arm. For this purpose, you can adjust
the height of the belt outlet.

Position the lap belt as low as possible
on your hips (over hip joint) and not
across the abdomen.

Place the seat backrest in a nearly
upright position.

Never use a seat belt for more than one
person at a time.

Do not fasten a seat belt around a
person and another object at the same
time.

When using a seat belt to secure infant
or toddler restraints or children in
booster seats, always follow the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions.

Check your seat belt during travel to
make sure that it is properly posi-
tioned.

Make sure that the seat belt is always
fitted snugly. Take special care of this
when wearing loose clothing.
Warning!G
Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the effective-
ness of the belts.
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash, they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.

46 Getting started
Driving
Starting the engine Manual transmission
Gearshift pattern for manual transmission
For more information, see “Manual trans-
mission” (
page 149).Starting
Depress brake pedal.
Make sure the gearshift lever is in
neutral position (no gear selected).
Fully depress clutch pedal.
Otherwise the engine cannot be
started due to the integrated safety
interlock.
Do not depress the accelerator.
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position3 (
page 32) and hold until
the engine starts.
For information on turning off the engine,
see “Turning off engine” (
page 55).
Warning!G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un-
consciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as garage) which are not properly ven-
tilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes
are entering the vehicle while driving, have
the cause determined and corrected imme-
diately. If you must drive under these condi-
tions, drive only with at least one window
fully open.

47 Getting started
Driving
Automatic transmission*
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmission
PPark position with gear selector lever
lock
RReverse gear
NNeutral position
DDrive position
For more information, see “Automatic
transmission*” (
page 151).Starting
Place the gear selector lever in
positionP.
Do not depress the accelerator.
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position3 (
page 32) and release it
again immediately. The engine then
starts automatically.
For information on turning off the engine,
see “Turning off engine” (
page 55).Starting difficulties
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time,
it can no longer be turned in the switch. In
this case, the steering is locked.
To unlock, remove SmartKey from
starter switch and reinsert.
If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:
Turn the SmartKey in starter switch to
position0 and repeat the starting
procedure (
page 46).
Remember that extended starting
attempts can drain the vehicle battery.
Get a jump start (page 386).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.