Page 278 of 441

277 Operation
Engine compartment
For more information on messages in the 
multifunction display concerning engine 
oil, see the “Practical hints” section 
(
page 348).
Adding engine oil
1Filler cap
Unscrew filler cap1 from filler neck.
Add engine oil as required. Be careful 
not to overfill with oil.
Be careful not to spill any oil when adding. 
Avoid environmental damage caused by oil 
entering the ground or water.
Screw filler cap1 back on filler neck.
For more information on engine oil, see the 
“Technical data” section (
page 409) and 
(
page 412).
Transmission fluid level
The transmission fluid level does not need 
to be checked. If you notice transmission 
fluid loss or gear shifting malfunctions, 
have an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center 
check the transmission.
!Only use approved engine oils and oil filters 
required for vehicles with Maintenance System 
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles). For a 
listing of approved engine oils and oil filters, 
refer to the Factory Approved Service Products 
pamphlet in your vehicle literature portfolio, or 
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Using engine oils and oil filters of specification 
other than those expressly required for the 
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS 
(Canada vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter 
at change intervals longer than those called for 
by the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or 
FSS (Canada Vehicles) will result in engine or 
emission control system damage not covered by 
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
!Excess oil must be siphoned or drained off. 
It could cause damage to the engine and emis-
sion control system not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. 
     
        
        Page 410 of 441

409 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Capacities
Vehicle components and their respective 
lubricants must match. Therefore only use 
products tested and approved by 
Mercedes-Benz. 
Please refer to the Factory Approved 
Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at 
your Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!G
Comply with all valid regulations with 
respect to handling, storing, and disposing 
of service fluids. Otherwise you could 
endanger persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of 
children.
For health reasons, you should prevent 
service fluids from coming into direct 
contact with your eyes or any open wounds.
If a service fluid is swallowed, contact a 
physician immediately.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine with oil filter8.5 US qt (8.0 l)Approved engine oils
Automatic transmissionC 230 (all models)
C280
C 350 (all models)
C2804MATIC
C3504MATIC9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
9.0 US qt (8.5 l)
8.3 US qt (7.8 l)
8.3 US qt (7.8 l)MB Automatic Transmission Fluid
Manual transmissionC 230 Sport
C 350 Sport1.3 US qt (1.2 l)
1.6 US qt (1.5 l)MB Manual Transmission Oil 
     
        
        Page 413 of 441

412 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Engine oils
Engine oils are specifically tested for their 
suitability in our engines and durability for 
our service intervals. Therefore, only use 
approved engine oils and oil filters 
required for vehicles with Maintenance 
System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada 
vehicles). For a listing of approved engine 
oils and oil filters, refer to the Factory Ap-
proved Service Products pamphlet, or con-
tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Engine oil additives
Do not blend oil additives with engine oil. 
They may damage the engine.
Damage or malfunctions resulting from 
blending oil additives are not covered by 
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Air conditioning refrigerant
R-134a (HFC) refrigerant and special PAG 
lubricating oil are used in the air 
conditioning system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based 
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the 
system will occur.
Brake fluid
During vehicle operation, the boiling point 
of the brake fluid is continuously reduced 
through the absorption of moisture from 
the atmosphere. 
Only brake fluid approved by 
Mercedes-Benz is recommended. An 
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will 
provide you with additional information.
!Using engine oils and oil filters of specifica-
tion other than those expressly required for the 
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or FSS 
(Canada vehicles), or changing of oil and oil filter 
at change intervals longer than those called for 
by the Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or 
FSS (Canada Vehicles) will result in engine or 
emission control system damage not covered by 
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Please follow Maintenance System 
(U.S. vehicles) or FSS (Canada vehicles) recom-
mendations for scheduled oil changes. Failure to 
do so will result in engine or emission control 
system damage not covered by the 
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
Under extremely strenuous operating condi-
tions, this moisture content can lead to the 
formation of bubbles in the system, thus re-
ducing the system’s efficiency.
Therefore, the brake fluid must be replaced 
regularly. Refer to your vehicle’s Mainte-
nance Booklet for replacement interval. 
     
        
        Page 425 of 441

424 Index
Emergency, in case of
Battery, Jump starting 386
First aid kit 322, 356
Flat tire, Changing 377
Fuses 391
Hazard warning flasher 115
Instrument cluster, 
Indicator lamps 322–330
Roadside Assistance 12, 250
Towing the vehicle 388
Emission control 270
Information label 399
System warranties 10
Engine
Belt layout 400
Block heater (Canada only) 309
Brake-in recommendations 260
Cleaning 315
Compartment 274
Malfunction indicator lamp 25, 325
Maximum engine speed 401
Number 399
Starting 46, 47
Tachometer 25
Technical data 401
Turning 55Engine coolant see coolant
Engine oil 276, 412
Adding 277
Additives 412
Changing 409
Checking level (Dipstick) 276
Consumption 276
Filler neck 277
Recommended engine 
and oil filter 348
ESP
®85
Four wheel electronic traction system 
with ESP
®88
Messages in display 335–336
Warning lamp 25, 327
ETD 72
Safety guidelines 62
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 271
Switching fuels 415
Exterior lamp switch 50, 109
Exterior rear view mirrors 42F
Fahrenheit see 
Temperature display mode 133
Filler neck, Engine oil 277
First aid kit 356
Flat tire 377
Jacking up the vehicle 378
Lowering the vehicle 381
Minispare wheel 359
Mounting the spare wheel 377
Preparing the vehicle 377
Flexible fuel vehicles 414
At the gas station 271
Switching fuels 415
Flexible Service System see FSS
Fluids
Automatic 
transmission fluid 277, 409
Brake fluid 273, 412
Capacities 409
Engine coolant 273, 416
Engine oil 276, 412
Power steering fluid 410
Windshield washer and headlamp 
cleaning system* 280, 418