272 Operation
At the gas station
Turn the engine off by turning the
SmartKey to position0.
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Open the fuel filler flap by pushing at
the point indicated by arrow1.
The fuel filler flap springs open.
Turn fuel cap counterclockwise and
hold on to it until possible pressure is
released.
Take off cap and set it in direction of
arrow2 in the recess on the fuel filler
flap.
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping
into open air, fully insert filler nozzle
unit.
Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out – do not top up or
overfill.
Replace fuel cap by turning it clockwise
until it audibly engages.
Close fuel filler flap.
iOnly use premium unleaded gasoline with a
minimum Posted Octane Rating of 91 (average
of 96 RON / 86 MON). Information on gasoline
quality can normally be found on the fuel pump.
C 230/C 230 Sport:
Flexible Fuel Vehicles are identified by a label
reading Premium gasoline or E85 only! on the
fuel filler flap.
For more information on gasoline or E85, see
“Premium unleaded gasoline” (
page 413) or
the Factory Approved Service Products pam-
phlet.
Warning!G
Overfilling of the fuel tank may create
pressure in the system which could cause a
gas discharge. This could cause the gas to
spray back out when removing the fuel
pump nozzle, which could cause personal
injury.
iMake sure to close the fuel filler flap before
locking your vehicle as the flap locking pin
prevents closing after you have locked the
vehicle.
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel cap
open can cause the yellow fuel tank reserve
warning lamp to flash and theú malfunction
indicator lamp (USA only) or the± malfunc-
tion indicator lamp (Canada only) to illuminate.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(
page 325) and (page 326).
310 Operation
Maintenance
We strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, in accordance with
the Maintenance Booklet at the times
called for by the maintenance service
indicator display.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and maintenance service indicator at the
designated times /mileage will result in
vehicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.Maintenance service indicator
message
The maintenance service indicator will
notify you when your next maintenance
service is due.
Starting approximately 1 month before
your next maintenance service is due, one
of the following messages will appear in
the multifunction display while you are
driving or when you switch on the ignition
(example service A):
Service A in XXXXX miles(km)
Service A in XXX Days
Service A due now
The type of maintenance service due is
indicated in the multifunction display:
9Basic service (A)
½Extended service (B)
311 Operation
Maintenance
Clearing the maintenance service
indicator message
The maintenance service indicator is
automatically cleared
after approximately 10 seconds when
you switch on the ignition or when
reaching the maintenance service
threshold while driving
after approximately 30 seconds, once
the suggested maintenance service
term has passed
You can also clear it yourself.1Reset button
Press reset button1 on the
instrument cluster.
The maintenance service indicator
message is cleared and the standard
display appears in the multifunction
display (
page 126).
iVehicles equipped with Maintenance
System (U.S. vehicles. Canada vehicles, depend-
ing on vehicle production date):
The Maintenance System in your vehicle tracks
distance driven and the time elapsed since your
last maintenance service and calculates other
maintenance service work required.
iVehicles equipped with FSS (Flexible Service
S
ystem) only (Canada vehicles, depending on ve-
hicle production date):
FSS evaluates engine temperature, oil level,
vehicle speed, engine speed, distance driven
and the time elapsed since your last service
and calculates other maintenance service
work required.
The interval between maintenance services
depends on your driving habits. A gentle
driving style, moderate engine speeds and
the avoidance of short-distance trips will
lengthen the interval between services.
312 Operation
Maintenance
Maintenance service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested
maintenance service term, you will see the
following message in the multifunction
display:
Service A exceeded by XXXX miles(km)
Service A exceeded by XXX Days
In addition, a signal sounds when the
message appears.
Any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
reset the maintenance service indicator
following a completed maintenance
service.Calling up the maintenance service
indicator display
Switch on the ignition (page 32).
Press buttonè orÿ on the mul-
tifunction steering wheel repeatedly
until the standard display appears in
the multifunction display (
page 121).
Press buttonk orj until the
maintenance service indicator display
with the service symbol9 or½
and the service deadline appears in the
multifunction display.Resetting the maintenance service
indicator
In the event that the maintenance service
on your vehicle is not carried out by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, you can
have the maintenance service indicator
reset. The automotive maintenance facility
carrying out the maintenance service will
find the information for resetting the
maintenance service indicator in the
maintenance-relevant information for your
vehicle. Such information is available from
either your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or directly from Mercedes-Benz.
iIf the battery is disconnected, the days of
disconnection will not be included in the count
shown by the maintenance service indicator. To
arrive at the true maintenance service deadline,
you will need to subtract these days from the
days shown in the maintenance service indicator
message or maintenance service indicator dis-
play.
Do not confuse the maintenance service indica-
tor with the engine oil level indicatorN.
iIf the maintenance service indicator was in-
advertently reset, have an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center correct it.
Only reset if the proper maintenance service has
been performed. Resetting the system without
performing the proper service as called for by
the maintenance service indicator will result in
engine damage and/or other vehicle damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warran-
ty.
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.
423 Index
Displays
Digital speedometer 126
Maintenance service indicator 310
Multifunction display 121
Outside temperature 126
Symbol messages 343
Text messages 335
Vehicle status
messages memory 130, 333
Distance to empty (range),
Trip computer 146
Door control panel 30
Doors
Entry lamps 117
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 92
Opening from inside/outside 93, 96
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid*) 252
Unlocking, Mechanical key 361
DOT 305
Downhill driving
Cruise control 228
Drinking and driving 261Driving
Abroad 268
Hydroplaning 265
In winter 267
Instructions 43, 261
Problems 53
Safety systems 82
Systems 227
Through standing water 268
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 88
ABS 82
BAS 84
Electronic traction system 86
ESP
®85
Driving tips 155
Accelerator position 155
Kickdown 155E
Easy-entry/exit feature* 40, 144
Electrical fuses see Fuses
Electrical outlet 243
Electrical system, Technical data 407
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
®
Emergency calls
911 calls 219
Tele Aid* calls 248, 249, 252
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) 159
Emergency operations
Gear selector lever, Unlocking 363
Locking/unlocking the vehicle 361
Power tilt/sliding sunroof*,
Manual operation 364
Remote door unlock 252
Trunk lid, Releasing from inside 98
Trunk lid, Unlocking 362
Emergency Tensioning Device see ETD
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
425 Index
Fog lamps 112
Message in display 350, 352
Replacing bulbs 368
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC) with ESP
®88
4MATIC 88
Front air bags 63
Front lamps see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag 63
Messages in display 337–340
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 27, 68, 331, 332
Front seat head restraints see
Head restraints
FSS (Flexible Service System)
(Canada vehicles) 310
Fuel 271, 272, 413
Additives 413
Capacities, Fuel tank 411
Cruising range 415
E85 (Ethanol fuel) 411, 415
Filling the tank 271
Fuel filler flap and cap, Multifunction
display messages 326, 349
Fuel gauge 25
Fuel reserve warning lamp 328Requirements, Octane rating 414
Switching (Flexible fuel vehicle) 415
Technical data 411, 413
Fuel consumption statistics
From start 144
Since last reset 145
Fuel filler flap 271
Fuel reserve warning lamp 25
Fuel tank
Capacity 411
Filler flap 271
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities 409
Fuses 391
Fuse box (main) in
passenger compartment 392
Fuse box in engine compartment 392
Fuse box in trunk 394
Fuse extractor 394
Replacing 391G
Garage door opener* 253
Gasoline also see Fuel
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR 305
Gear range
Automatic transmission 156
Limiting 156
Shifting into optimal 159
Gear selector lever 46, 47, 150, 151
Cleaning 319
Gearshift pattern 151
Lock 47
Position 152, 153
Position,
Automatic transmission* 121
Shifting procedure 152
Unlocking in an emergency 363
Global locking/unlocking see Key
Glove box 237
Good visibility 160
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GVW 305
GVWR 305