Page 326 of 441
325 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
ú(USA only)
±(Canada only)
The yellow engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.
There is a malfunction in:
The fuel management system
The ignition system
The emission control system
Systems which affect emissions
Such malfunctions may result in excessive
emissions values and may switch the en-
gine to its limp-home (emergency
operation) mode.
Have the vehicle checked as soon as pos-
sible by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
An on-board diagnostic connector is used
by the service station to link the vehicle to
the shop diagnostics system. It allows the
accurate identification of system malfunc-
tions through the readout of diagnostic
trouble codes. It is located in the front left
area of the footwell next to the parking
brake pedal.
iSome states may by law require you to visit
a workshop immediately as soon as the engine
malfunction indicator lamp comes on. Check lo-
cal requirements.
Page 327 of 441
326 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
ú
±(USA only)
(Canada only)
The yellow engine malfunction
indicator lamp comes on while
driving.Your fuel tank is empty.After refuelling start, turn off and
restart the engine three or four times
in succession.
The limp-home mode is canceled. You do
not need to have your vehicle checked.
A loss of pressure has been detected in the
fuel system. The fuel cap may not be closed
properly or the fuel system may be leaky.Check the fuel cap (page 271).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Page 329 of 441
328 Practical hints
What to do if …
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
The yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp in the fuel gauge
(
page 24) comes on while
driving.
The fuel level has gone below the reserve
mark.Refuel at the next gas station
(
page 271).
on for a maximum of 6 seconds
after starting the engine.The seat belt telltale reminds you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts before
driving off.Fasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts
are fastened or not, the seat belt tell-
tale always comes on and remains lit
for 6 seconds after starting the
engine.
maximum of 6 seconds after
starting the engine.You have forgotten to fasten your seat belt.Fasten your seat belt.
The warning chime stops sounding.
on while the vehicle is standing
still and the engine is running or
during driving.You and/or your front passenger have for-
gotten to fasten your seat belts.Fasten your seat belts.
The seat belt telltale goes out.
There are items placed on the front passen-
ger seat and therefore the system senses the
front passenger seat as being occupied.Remove the items from the front pas-
senger seat and put them in a safe
place.
The seat belt telltale goes out.
Page 350 of 441
349 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
4Gas cap
is openA loss of pressure has been detected in
the fuel system. The fuel cap may not be
closed properly or the fuel system may be
leaky.Check the fuel cap (page 271).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
IRemove keyYou have forgotten to remove the
SmartKey.Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Get a new
keyNo additional code available for
SmartKey.Change the SmartKey.
.3rd brake
lampThe high mounted brake lamp is
malfunctioning.Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
AUTO-Light
inoperativeThe light sensor is malfunctioning.
The headlamps switch on automatically.In the control system, set lamp opera-
tion to manual mode (
page 139).
Switch on the headlamps using the
exterior lamp switch.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Page 364 of 441
363 Practical hints
Unlocking/locking in an emergency
1Locking
Insert the mechanical key into the
driver’s door lock until it stops.
Turn the mechanical key clockwise to
position1.
The driver’s door is locked.Manually unlocking the transmission
gear selector lever
In case of power failure, the transmission
gear selector lever can be manually un-
locked, e.g. to tow the vehicle.
Slide out the swiveling cup holder
(
page 240).
1Tool
Insert a tool1 (e.g. flat blade screw
driver) into the opening.
Perform the following two steps
simultaneously:
Press tool1 forward in direction
of the arrow.
Move gear selector lever from
positionP.
Remove tool1 from the opening.
iThis procedure does not arm the anti-theft
alarm system, nor does it lock the fuel filler flap.
iThe gear selector lever is locked again when
moving it to positionP.
Page 387 of 441
386 Practical hints
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the
battery of another vehicle. Observe the
following:
Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic con-
verter are cold.
Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.
Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12V). Jump
starting with a higher voltage battery
could damage the vehicle’s electrical
system, which will not be covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Only use jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.
Always make sure the jumper cables
are not on or near pulleys, fans, or oth-
er parts that move when an engine is
started or running.
Warning!G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
and/or 4MATIC:
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting
attempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine using a bat-
tery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful
starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by repeated
failed starting attempts may damage the catalyt-
ic converter and may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not have loose
or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not touch any
other metal part while the other end is still at-
tached to a battery.
Warning!G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(
page 279).
Page 396 of 441
395 Technical data
Parts service
Warranty coverage
Identification labels
Layout of poly-V-belt drive
Engine
Rims and Tires
Electrical system
Main dimensions and weights
Weights
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Page 402 of 441
401 Technical data
Engine
Engine
ModelC 230 (203.052)1
C 230 Sport (203.052)1
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special equipment.
C 280 (203.054)1
C 280 4MATIC (203.092)1
Engine272272
Mode of operation4-stroke engine, gasoline injection4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
No. of cylinders66
Bore3.46 in (88.00 mm)3.46 in (88.00 mm)
Stroke2.69 in (68.40 mm)3.23 in (82.10 mm)
Total piston displacement152.3 cu in (2 496 cm3)182.8 cu in (2 996 cm3)
Compression ratio11.2:111.3:1
Output acc.
to SAE J 1349201 hp/6 200 rpm2
(150 kW/6 200 rpm)
2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
228 hp/6 000 rpm2
(170 kW/6 000 rpm)
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349181 lb-ft/2 700 – 5 500 rpm
(245 Nm/2 700 – 5 500 rpm)221 lb-ft/2 700 – 5 000 rpm
(300 Nm/2 700 – 5 000 rpm)
Maximum engine speed6500 rpm6500 rpm
Firing order1-4-3-6-2-51-4-3-6-2-5
Poly-V-belt2404 mm2404 mm
