2008 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC maintenance

447 Practical hints
Battery
1Filter box
2Clamps
Removing filter box: Release
clamps2.
Remove filter box.
Installing filter box: Insert filter box
properly.
Secure it with clamps2.
Warning!G
Failure to follow these instructions can re-
sult in severe injury or death.
Observe all safety instructions and
precautions when handling automotive
batteries (
page 446).
Never lean over batteries while connecting,
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 explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking, etc.
!Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch. Otherwise the
alternator and other electronic components
could be severely damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for maintenance
intervals or contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further information.
Warning!G
Do not place metal objects on the battery as
this could result in a short circuit.
Use leak-proof batteries only to avoid the
risk of acid burns in the event of an
accident.
!Do not connect any consumers directly to
the battery or it will be discharged.

467 Technical data
Rims and tires
Rims and tires
!Only use tires which have been tested and
approved for your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz.
Tires approved by Mercedes-Benz are developed
to provide best possible performance in conjunc-
tion with the driving safety systems on your
vehicle such as ABS or ESP
®. Tires specially
developed for your vehicle and tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz can be identified by
finding the following on the tire’s sidewall:

MO = Mercedes-Benz Original equipment
tires
Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz may result in damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
!Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental effects,
such as

poor handling characteristics

increased noise

increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit dimen-
sional variations and different tire deformation
characteristics that could cause them to come
into contact with the vehicle body or axle parts.
Damage to the tires or the vehicle may be the
result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. A placard with the recommended tire
inflation pressures is located on the driver’s door
B-pillar (
page 334). Some vehicles may have
supplemental tire inflation pressure information
for driving at high speeds (
page 340) or for
vehicle loads less than the maximum loaded
vehicle condition (
page 348). If such informa-
tion is provided, it can be found on the tire infla-
tion label located on the inside of the fuel filler
flap. The tire inflation pressure should be checked
regularly and should only be adjusted on cold
tires. Follow tire manufacturer’s maintenance
recommendation included with vehicle.
iThe following pages also list the approved
wheel rim and tire sizes for equipping your
vehicles with winter tires. Winter tires are not
available as standard or optional factory equip-
ment, but can be purchased from an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Depending on vehicle model and the standard or
optional factory-equipped wheel rim/tire
configuration on your vehicle (Appearance
Package, Sport Package etc.), equipping your
vehicle with winter tires approved for your
vehicle model may also require the purchase of
two or four wheel rims of the recommended size
for use with these winter tires. Contact an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center for more informa-
tion.

480 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.
For a listing of approved engine oils and oil
filters, refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet (USA only), 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 condition-
ing system.
Never use R-12 (CFC) or mineral-based
lubricating oil. Otherwise damage to the
system will occur.
Brake fluid
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, or changing of oil and oil
filter at change intervals longer than those called
for by the Maintenance System will result in
engine or emission control system damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Please follow Maintenance System
recommendations 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
During vehicle operation, the boiling point of
the brake fluid is continuously reduced
through the absorption of moisture from the
atmosphere.
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.

483 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Switching fuels
For best performance and driveability it is
recommended to use either one or the oth-
er fuel. A refueling pattern that alternates
between the two different fuels should be
avoided if possible.
When switching fuels, make sure:

Fuel level is below half full.

Fuel level is above reserve (reserve
warning lamp is not lit).

Amount of added fuel is more than
5 gallons (20 liters).

Ignition is off during refill.

Immediately after refueling engine is
started and operated for at least five
minutes.
These precautions and recommendations
are supposed to prevent any difficulties
when starting and operating the engine
which otherwise may be experienced
before the engine has fully adapted to the
different fuel.If in spite of these recommendations the
engine does not perform properly, adding
more gasoline (at least 3 gallons
[12 liters]) to the fuel may improve the
engine behavior.
Cruising range
E85 fuel contains less energy per gallon
than gasoline. To ensure that engine per-
formance with Ethanol fuel is similar to
that when using gasoline, the engine must
burn more Ethanol fuel. As a result, it is to
be expected that the fuel consumption will
increase when using E85 compared to
gasoline operation.
Maintenance
Please inform your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center if you use or have
used E85 fuel when your vehicle is deliv-
ered for maintenance or repairs.Cold weather performance
It is possible that starting times will signif-
icantly increase at temperatures below
32°F (0°C). At low temperatures the use
of a block heater is recommended (see an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for fur-
ther information). Rough idling may also be
experienced at such temperatures before
the engine is fully warmed up.
Hot weather performance
At ambient temperatures above 95°F
(35°C) start times may increase and be
accompanied by a rough idle following the
start.iUse of E85 may reduce your driving range.
!E85 fuel is unsuitable for use when ambient
temperatures fall below 14°F (-10°C).

484 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which pro-
vides:

Corrosion protection

Freeze protection

Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for re-
placement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately –35°F
[–37°C]).If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approximately –49°F [–45°C]), the
engine temperature will increase due to
the lower heat transfer capability of the so-
lution. Therefore, do not use more than
this amount of anticorrosion/ antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
!Add premixed coolant solution only. Adding
water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
separately from each other, could cause engine
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.

491 Index
D
Date display, setting 170
Daytime running lamp mode 110
Setting 171
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging
Windshield 255
Defrosting 264
Defrosting, Front 255
Delayed shut-off
Interior lighting 173
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties
While driving 132
While starting 129
Digital clock see clock
Digital speedometer 158
Additional speedometer 169, 170
Permanent display 169
Dimensions, Vehicle 474
Direction of rotation, Tires 334Displays
Additional speedometer 169, 170
Digital speedometer 158
Maintenance service indicator 362
Multifunction display 151
Outside temperature 158
Permanent display 169
Vehicle status message see
Multifunction display messages
Vehicle status messages
memory 165
Distance to empty (range),
Trip computer 157
Document holder 289
Door
Control panel 32
Entry lamps 116
Inside door handle 79
Locking 72, 77
Locking with Tele Aid* 302
Messages in display 406
Opening from inside vehicle 79
Opening from outside 72, 77
Unlocking 71, 76
Unlocking with Tele Aid* 301
DOT 357Downhill driving
Cruise control 243
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 311
Driving 126
Abroad 318
Hydroplaning 315
In winter 317
Instructions 126, 311
Problems 132
Safety systems 59
Through standing water 318
Driving off 314
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 65
ABS 59
BAS 60
EBP 61
Electronic traction system 63
ESP
®62
Driving systems 241
Cruise control 241
Driving safety systems 59
Driving tips 142
Accelerator position 142
Kickdown 142

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

498 Index
M
Maintenance 11, 362
Automatic Call (Tele Aid*) 302
Calling up service indicator
display 363
Clearing service indicator
message 362
Maintenance System 362
Resetting service indicator 363
Service indicator message 362
Service term exceeded 363
Vehicles with E85 fuel 483
Manual headlamp mode 108
Manual transmission 136, 137
Gearshift lever 126, 137
Shift positions 137
Starting the engine 127
Maximum load rating, Tires 357
Maximum loaded
vehicle weight 340, 357
Maximum tire
inflation pressure 354, 357
Maximum tire load rating 353
Memory function* (Canada only) 102
Menus see Control systemMessages in display see
Multifunction display messages
Microphone, Hands-free 31
Minispare wheel 422, 471
Mounting 441
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position*
(Canada only) 101
Adjusting 97
Auto-dimming* for rear view
mirrors 100
Exterior rear view mirrors 97
Interior rear view mirror 97
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety 15
MON 478
MP3
Playback options 220
Selecting a folder 219
Selecting a track 219
Multifunction display 151
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system sub-
menusMultifunction display messages
ABS 389, 398
Battery, vehicle 399
Brake fluid 400
Brake pads 399
Coolant 402
Coolant level 405
Doors 406
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) 401
ESP
®389, 397, 398
Fog lamps 410
Front passenger front air bag 393
Fuel cap 406
Gear selector lever 392
Headlamps 411
Hood 406
Key, SmartKey 408
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 407
Lamps, exterior 409
License plate lamps 411
Light sensor 409
Low tire pressure 418
Parking brake 401
Parking lamps 411