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). 
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