Replacing bulbs for rear lamps
Before you start to replace a bulb for a rear
lamp, do the following:
XSwitch off the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$.
XOpen the trunk.
Tail lamp unit
XDriver’s side: Lift up the bottom and pull out
the trim panel covering the driver side rear
light.
XPassenger side: Open the fuse box in the
trunk (Y page 329).
XDisconnect electrical connector ;.XPull tabs : in direction of arrows.XRemove the bulb carrier.
Bulb carrier
=Side marker lamp?Rear fog lamp (driver’s side only), side
marker lamp
ABackup lampBTail lamp, brake lampCTail lamp, brake lamp, parking and
standing lamp
DTurn signal lamp
Side marker lamp
XTurn the bulb socket on backside of tail
lamp unit counterclockwise and remove
side marker lamp = with bulb socket.
XTurn the new bulb with socket on backside
of tail lamp unit clockwise until it engages.
Other lamps
XDepending on which bulb needs to be
replaced, press gently onto the respective
bulb and turn it counterclockwise out of its
bulb socket.
XGently press the new bulb into its bulb
socket and turn it clockwise until it
engages.
Reinstall bulb carrier
XReinstall the bulb carrier and let tabs :
(Y page 316) engage.
XConnect the electrical connector ;
(Y page 316) until it engages.
XReinstall trim panel.
Replacing wiper blades
Safety notes
GWarning!
For safety reasons, switch off the wipers and
remove the SmartKey from the starter switch
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: Make sure the
vehicle’s on-board electronics have status 0)
before replacing a wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper motor could suddenly turn on and cause
injury.
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GWarning!
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Never open the hood when a wiper arm is
folded forward.
Hold on to the wiper when folding a wiper
arm back. If released, the force of the
impact from the tensioning spring could
crack the windshield.
Do not allow a wiper arm to contact the
windshield glass without a wiper blade
inserted.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have
this work carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
XRemove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
XMake sure the vehicle’s on-board
electronics have status 0 (Y page 78).
Removing wiper blades
! Do not pull on the wiper blade inserts.
They could tear.
XFold the wiper arm forward until it snaps
into place.
XTurn the wiper blade in direction of
arrow :.
XSlide the wiper blade sideways out of the
retainer in the direction of arrow ;.
Installing wiper blades
XSlide the wiper blade onto the wiper arm
until it locks in place.
XRotate the wiper blade into a position
parallel to the wiper arm.
XFold the wiper arm backward to rest on the
windshield.
Make sure you hold on to the wiper when
folding the wiper arm back.
! Make sure the wiper blades are installed
properly. Improperly installed wiper blades
may cause windshield damage.
Flat tire
Safety notes
GWarning!
The dimensions of the spare wheel are
different from those of the road wheels. As a
result, the vehicle handling characteristics
change when driving with a spare wheel
mounted. Adapt your driving style
accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with a spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire inflation pressure and do
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Keep children away.Follow the instructions in
this Operator’s Manual.
A battery contains materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly. A
large 12 V storage battery contains lead.
Recycling of the battery is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states (USA only)
or provinces (Canada only) require sellers of
batteries to accept the old battery for
recycling.
GWarning!
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injury or death.
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.
GWarning!
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.
Take care that you do not become statically
charged, e.g. by wearing synthetic clothing or
rubbing against textiles. For this reason, you
also should not pull or push the battery over
carpets or other synthetic materials.
Never touch the battery first. First touch the
outside body of the vehicle in order to release
any possible electrostatic charges.
Do not rub the battery with rags or cloths. The
battery could explode if touched due to
electrostatic charge or due to spark
formation.
! As any other battery, the battery may
discharge if you do not operate the vehicle
for an extended period of time. Have the
battery disconnected at a qualified
workshop or an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center in such a case. You may also
connect an accessory battery charge unit
expressly approved by Mercedes-Benz for
your vehicle model to maintain the battery
charge. Contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center for further information.
The battery, the battery ventilation hose
and the lateral plug must always be
securely installed when the vehicle is in
operation.
! Never loosen or detach battery terminal
clamps while the engine is running or the
SmartKey is in the starter switch or
KEYLESS-GO button is in position 1.
Otherwise the alternator and other
electronic components could be severely
damaged.
Have the battery checked regularly at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
maintenance intervals or contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
further information.
i After battery power was interrupted, do
the following:
R Reset the automatic exterior mirror fold
in function ( Y page 88).
R Set the clock (Y page 132). Vehicles with
COMAND: see separate COMAND
operating instructions.322BatteryPractical hints
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can
be found
Ron certification label : on the driver’s door
B-pillar
Rembossed underneath the carpet in the
front passenger footwell (Y page 333)
Ron the lower edge of the windshield
(Y page 333)
Example certification label (U.S. vehicles)
;VIN=Paintwork code
Example certification label (Canada vehicles)
;VIN=Paintwork code
iData shown on certification label are for
illustration purposes only. These data are
specific to each vehicle and may vary from
data shown in the illustration. Refer to
certification label on vehicle for actual data
specific to your vehicle.
XMove the front passenger seat backward
as far as possible (Y page 80).
XFold carpet ? backward.
VIN A is now visible.
BEmission control information label,
includes both federal and California
certification exhaust emission standards
CVIN (on lower edge of windshield)DEngine number (engraved on engine)
iWhen ordering parts, please specify
vehicle identification and engine number.
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! Using tires other than those approved by
Mercedes-Benz can have detrimental
effects, such as
R poor handling characteristics
R increased noise
R increased fuel consumption
Moreover, tires and rims not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may, under load, exhibit
dimensional 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.
i Further information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. The Tire and Loading Information
placard with the recommended tire
inflation pressures for cold tires is located
on the driver’s door B-pillar. Supplemental
tire inflation pressure information for
driving at high speeds or for vehicle loads
less than the maximum loaded vehicle
condition can be found on the tire inflation
pressure label. The tire inflation pressure
label is 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 the vehicle.
For information on recommended tire
inflation pressure and supplemental tire
inflation pressure information for special
driving situations, see ( Y page 230).
i Please keep in mind that the vehicle must
be equipped
R with wheels of identical dimensions on
each axle (left and right)
R with tires of identical characteristics all
around, i.e. summer tires, winter tires, or
all-season tires etc.
i The following pages also list the approved
rim and tire sizes for equipping your vehiclewith winter tires. Winter tires are not
available as standard or optional factory
equipment, but can be purchased from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Equipping your vehicle with winter tires
approved for your vehicle model may
require the purchase of rims of the
recommended size for use with these
winter tires. This depends on vehicle model
and the standard or optional factory-
equipped wheel rim/tire configuration on
your vehicle. For more information contact
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Flexible Fuel Vehicles
All models of the C 300 with automatic
transmission are Flexible Fuel Vehicles.
Flexible Fuel Vehicles are identified by a label
reading Premium gasoline or E85 only! on
the fuel filler flap.
These vehicles are designed to operate on
premium unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
(E85), or on any mixture of these two. Ethanol
fuel (E85) is a mixture of approximately 85%
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.GWarning!
Ethanol fuel (E85) and its fumes are highly
flammable, poisonous and burn easily.
Ethanol fuel can cause serious injuries if
ignited or if you come into contact with it or
inhale fumes of it. Avoid inhalation of ethanol
fumes and skin contact with ethanol.
Extinguish all open flames before refueling.
Never smoke or create sparks close to
ethanol.
Switching fuels
For best performance and driveability it is
recommended to use either one or the other
fuel. A refueling pattern that alternates
between the two different fuels should be
avoided if possible.
When switching fuels, make sure:
R Fuel level is below half full.
R Fuel level is above reserve (fuel tank
reserve warning lamp is not lit).
R Amount of added fuel is more than
5 gallons (20 liters).
R Ignition is off during refill.
R Immediately after refueling engine is
started and operated for at least 5 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.
Fuel consumption
E85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than
gasoline. To ensure that engine performance
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 delivered for
maintenance or repairs.
Cold weather performance
It is possible that starting times will
significantly increase at temperatures below
32‡ (0†). At low temperatures the use of a
block heater is recommended (contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information). Rough idling may also be
experienced at such temperatures before the
engine is fully warmed up.
! E85 fuel is unsuitable for use when
ambient temperatures fall below 14‡
(-10†).
Hot weather performance
At ambient temperatures above 95‡ (35†)
start times may increase and be
accompanied by a rough idle following the
start.
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused by
gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends only
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the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of carbon
deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives carbon deposits can
build up, especially on the intake valves and
in the combustion area, leading to engine
performance problems such as:
R Warm-up hesitation
R Unstable idle
R Knocking/pinging
R Misfire
R Power loss
In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasoline which contains these additives, the
use of Mercedes-Benz approved additives is
recommended.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a
listing of approved products. Follow
directions on the product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and may
be harmful to the engine operation.
! Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending additional
fuel additives other than those tested and
approved by us for use on Mercedes-Benz
vehicles are not covered by the Mercedes-
Benz Limited Warranty or by any pre-owned
or Extended Limited Warranties.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water and
anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
R Corrosion protection
R Freeze protection
R Boiling protection (by increasing the boiling
point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection to
approximately -35‡ (-37†) and corrosion
protection.
! 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 Limited Warranty.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to -35‡
(-37† ), the boiling point of the coolant in the
pressurized cooling system is reached at
approximately 266‡ (130†).
The coolant solution must be used year round
to provide the necessary corrosion protection
and increase boil-over protection. Refer to
the Maintenance Booklet for replacement
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 solution
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,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or visit www.mbusa.com (USA only).
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (equivalent to
freeze protection to approximately -35‡
[-37†]).
If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection
to approximately -49‡ [-45†]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower
heat transfer capability of the solution.
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
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Service and Literature
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center has
trained technicians and Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts to service your vehicle properly.
For expert advice and quality service, contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If you are interested in obtaining service
literature for your vehicle, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
We consider this the best way for you to
obtain accurate information for your vehicle.
For further information you can find us on the
Mercedes-Benz web site www.mbusa.com
(USA only) or www.mercedes-benz.ca
(Canada only).GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury, be extremely
careful when performing any service work or
repairs. Improper or incomplete service or the
use of incorrect or inappropriate parts or
materials may damage the vehicle or its
equipment, which may in turn result in
personal injury.
If you have any questions about carrying out
any type of service, turn to the advice of an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
We reserve the right to make changes in
design and equipment.
Therefore, information, illustrations and
descriptions in this Operator’s Manual might
differ from your vehicle.
Reprinting, translation and copying, even of
excerpts, is not permitted without our prior
authorization in writing.
Press time July 17, 2009
GSP/OIS
Printed in U. S. A.
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