2008 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC brakes

342 Operation
Tires and wheels
Run Flat Indicator (Canada only)
While the vehicle is being driven, the Run
Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation
pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rota-
tional speed. This allows the system to de-
tect a significant loss of pressure in a tire.
If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due
to falling tire inflation pressure, you will
see a corresponding warning message in
the multifunction display.
The Run Flat Indicator may function in a re-
stricted manner or with a delay if:

snow chains are mounted to the
vehicle

winter road conditions prevail

you are driving on a loose surface (e.g.
sand or gravel)

you are driving in a very sporty manner
(involving rapid acceleration or high
speeds in curves)
Warning!G
When the multifunction display shows the
message
Check Tire Pressure Soon,
one or more of your tires is significantly un-
derinflated. You should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper tire inflation pressure as indicat-
ed on the vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information placard or, if available, on the
tire inflation pressure label. Driving on a sig-
nificantly underinflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Un-
derinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s
handling and stopping ability. Each tire, in-
cluding the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure as specified
on the Tire and Loading Information placard
on the driver’s door B-pillar (
page 334) or,
if available, on the tire inflation pressure
label located on the inside of the fuel filler
flap (
page 322).
Warning!G
The Run Flat Indicator does not indicate a
warning for wrongly selected tire inflation
pressures. Always adjust tire inflation pres-
sure according to the Tire and Loading
Information placard on the driver’s door
B-pillar (
page 334) or, if available, on the
tire inflation pressure label located on the
inside of the fuel filler flap (
page 322).
The Run Flat Indicator does not replace
regular checks of the tire inflation pressures
since a gradual pressure loss in more than
one tire cannot be detected by the Run Flat
Indicator.
The Run Flat Indicator is not able to issue a
warning due to a sudden dramatic loss of
tire inflation pressure (e.g. tire blowout
caused by a foreign object). In this case
bring the vehicle to a halt by carefully apply-
ing the brakes and avoiding abrupt steering
maneuvers.

344 Operation
Tires and wheels
If you wish to cancel activation:
Press button $or% to select
No.
Press button# to confirm.
The previous settings will not be
changed
or
Wait until the message
Run Flat Indicator?
Restart
disappears.
Checking tire pressure electronically
with the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS), (USA only)The TPMS only functions on wheels that
are equipped with the proper electronic
sensors. It monitors the tire inflation pres-
sure, as selected by the driver, in all four
tires. A warning is issued to alert you to a
decrease in pressure in one or more of the
tires.
iThe Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) is equipped with a combination low tire
pressure/TPMS malfunction telltale in the
instrument cluster (
page 26). Depending on
how the telltale illuminates, it indicates a low tire
pressure condition or a malfunction in the TPMS
system itself:

If the telltale illuminates continuously, one
or more of your tires is significantly underin-
flated. There is no malfunction in the TPMS.

If the telltale flashes for 60 seconds and
then stays illuminated, the TPMS system
itself is not operating properly.
iThis device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
(2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Warning!G
The TPMS does not indicate a warning for
wrongly selected inflation pressures. Always
adjust tire inflation pressure according to
the Tire and Loading Information placard on
the driver’s door B-pillar or, if available, the
supplemental tire pressure information on
the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The TPMS is not able to issue a warning due
to a sudden dramatic loss of pressure (e.g.
tire blowout caused by a foreign object). In
this case bring the vehicle to a halt by care-
fully applying the brakes and avoiding
abrupt steering maneuvers.


356 Operation
Tires and wheels
Tire ply material
1Plies in sidewall
2Plies under tread
This marking tells you about the type of
cord and number of plies in the sidewall
and under the tread.Tire and loading terminology
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those
standard items which may be replaced) of
automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power
seats, radio, and heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equipment (whether
installed or not).
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi), or kilopascal (kPa) or
bars.
Aspect ratio
Dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width
expressed in percentage.Bar
Another metric unit for air pressure. There
are 14.5038 pounds per square inch (psi)
to 1 bar; there are 100 kilopascals (kPa)
to 1 bar.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the
rim.
Cold tire inflation pressure
Tire inflation pressure when your vehicle
has been sitting for at least 3 hours or driv-
en no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with stan-
dard equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, and, if so
equipped, air conditioning and additional
optional equipment, but without passen-
gers and cargo.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual data
on tires are specific to each vehicle and may vary
from data shown in above illustration.

357 Operation
Tires and wheels
DOT (Department of Transportation)
A tire branding symbol which denotes the
tire meets requirements of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
GAWR (G
ross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
axle weight. The gross vehicle weight on
each axle must never exceed the GAWR for
the front and rear axle indicated on the
certification label located on the driver’s
door B-pillar.
GVW (G
ross Vehicle Weight)
The GVW comprises the weight of the
vehicle including fuel, tools, spare wheel,
installed accessories, passengers and
cargo and, if applicable, trailer tongue
load. The GVW must never exceed the
GVWR indicated on the certification label
located on the driver’s door B-pillar.GVWR (G
ross Vehicle Weight Rating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passen-
gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on certi-
fication label located on the driver’s door
B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 psi; another
metric unit for air pressure is bars. There
are 100 kilopascals (kPa) to 1 bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
total load limit, and production options
weight.Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.

370 Operation
Vehicle care
Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.
The surface may temporarily change
color. If this is the case, wait for it to
dry.Hard plastic trim items
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
!Only use acid-free cleaning materials. Acid
may cause corrosion or damage the clear coat.
!The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately after it has
been cleaned, especially not after the wheel rims
have been cleaned with wheel rim cleaner.
Wheel rim cleaners can lead to increased
corrosion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Non-approved wheel cleaners may also damage
the wheel paint if the car is not driven after
cleaning.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system should al-
ways be warmed-up before it is parked after
cleaning. To do so, please drive your vehicle for
several minutes to allow the brakes to dry. When
applying Mercedes-Benz approved Tire Care and
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care products,
take care not to spray them on the brake disks.
Warning!G
Do not use cleaners or cockpit care sprays
containing solvents to clean the cockpit or
the steering wheel. Cleaners containing sol-
vents will make the surface porous and vehi-
cle occupants could suffer serious injuries
from plastic parts coming loose in the event
of air bag deployment.
!Do not use oil, wax or scouring agents on
these parts.
Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface.
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the sur-
face.
!Never apply strong force and only use a soft,
non-scratching cloth when cleaning the surface.
Do not attempt to wipe the surface with a dry
cloth or sponge.
Otherwise you may scratch or damage the sur-
face.

489 Index
Bluetooth®
Settings (Audio system) 192
Telephone* (Audio system) 222
Brake assist system (BAS) 60
Brake fluid 324, 478, 480
Brake lamp
High mounted 431
Replacing bulbs 431, 436
Brake pads
Message in display 399
Brake warning lamp 27
Brakes 312
Warning lamp 27, 376
Break-in period 310
Bulbs, replacing see Replacing bulbsC
California retail buyers and lessees,
important notice for 11
Can holder see Cup holder
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants 476
Cargo area see Trunk
Carpets, Cleaning and care of 371
Catalytic converter 319
CD
CD changer* 208
CD player 160, 208
MP3 playback options 220
MP3, selecting a track 219
Playback options 220
Selecting a track 219
Submenu overview 208
CD changer* 208
CD player 160, 208
Centigrade see Temperature display
mode 167
Central locking
Automatic 80, 173
Locking/unlocking from inside 81
Locking/unlocking switches 81
Central locking/unlocking switches 80Certification label 462
Change of address or ownership 12
Checking tire pressure electronically
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), (USA only) 344
Children in the vehicle 51
Air bags 51
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp 45, 385
Infant and child restraint systems 51
LATCH-type child seat anchors 55
Override switch for rear door window
operation 57
Tether attachment points 54
Cigarette lighter 292
Climate control system 250, 259
3-zone automatic climate control
(Canada only) 259
Air conditioning, Cooling 258, 267
Air distribution 254, 263
Air recirculation mode 257, 265
Air volume 254, 263
Air volume, rear 268
Automatic mode 253
Deactivating/Reactivating 252
Defrosting 264

497 Index
L
Labels 462
Certification 462
Emission control information 463
Tire and Loading Information 335
Lamps, exterior 431
Light sensor 409
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 27, 59, 374
Air bag Off 40
Battery check lamp (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 77
Battery check lamp (SmartKey) 72
Brake warning lamp 27
Brakes 376
Engine diagnostics 27, 378
Engine malfunction 27, 378
ESP
®27, 376, 379, 380
Front passenger front air bag off 29,
45, 385, 386
Fuel reserve 380
High beam headlamps 27
Instrument cluster 374–383
Maintenance service indicator 362
Seat belt telltale 27, 380
SRS 27, 382Turn signals 27
Language 193
Language, Setting 168
LATCH-type child seat anchors see
Children in the vehicle
Lever
For cruise control 242
License plate lamps
Messages in display 411
Replacing bulbs 431, 437
Light alloy wheels, Cleaning 370
Light sensor
Message in display 409
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting 108
Automatic headlamp mode 109
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 112
Daytime running lamp mode 110
Door entry lamps 116
High beam flasher 112
Instrument cluster illumination 148
Interior 114
Manual headlamp mode 108
Trunk 116
Limp-home mode 146Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting 172
Lock button
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*, Canada
only) 76, 125
Key, SmartKey 70
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 73
Locking 133
Vehicle in an emergency 425
Locking knob 79
Loss of
Key, Mechanical 79
Key, SmartKey 79
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 79
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 461
Low beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs (Bi-Xenon*) 431
Replacing bulbs (Halogen) 431, 433
Lowering
Vehicle 445
Lubricants 476
Lumbar support* 91