2010 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC C & S mode for driving

System settings ............................. 147
Telephone ...................................... 167
Auto-dimming rear view mirrors ........ 87
Automatic central locking .......... 74, 135
Automatic headlamp mode ................ 91
Automatic interior lighting control .... 95
Automatic locking when driving ...... 135
Automatic shift program .................. 111
Automatic transmission ................... 108
Automatic shift program ................111
Gear range indicator ......................111
Gear ranges ................................... 111
Gear selector lever ........................108
Hill-start assist system ..................183
Kickdown ....................................... 110
Kickdown (manual shift program) ..115
Manual shift program ..................... 113
One-touch gearshifting ..................112
Program mode indicator ................112
Program mode selector switch
(automatic shift program) ..............111
Program mode selector switch
(manual shift program) ..........113, 114
Shifting procedure .........................109
Steering wheel gearshift control ....112
Transmission position indicator .....109
Transmission positions ..................109
AUX socket ........................................ 166
Axle oils .............................................. 351
B
BabySmart™
Air bag deactivation system .............46
Self-test ........................................... 47
Back button ....................................... 141
Backrest see Seats
Backup lamps
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 292
Replacing bulbs ............................. 314
Bar (air pressure unit) ....................... 250
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 61
Batteries, SmartKey
Checking condition ..........................73
Replacing ....................................... 312
Battery, Vehicle ................................. 321
Charging ........................................ 323
Jump starting ................................. 323
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 290
Bead (tire) .......................................... 250
Beverage holders see Cup holders
Bluetooth ®
settings .......................... 147
Brake Assist System see BAS
Brake fluid
Checking level ............................... 228
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 282
Brake lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Replacing bulbs ............................. 314
Brake pads
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 279
Brakes ................................................ 255
High-performance brake system ....256
Parking brake ................................ 105
Warning lamp ................................. 298
Break-in period .................................. 222
Bulbs see Replacing bulbs
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) ... 23
California retail buyers and
lessees, important notice for ............. 21
Calls (phone) .............................. 128, 167
Can holders see Cup holders
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................. 349
Cargo tie-down rings ......................... 203
Carpets, cleaning .............................. 265
CD player ............................................ 158
Center console
Lower part ....................................... 32
Upper part ....................................... 31
Central locking
Automatic ................................ 74, 135
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
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Power assistance .............................. 255
Power outlets .................................... 210
Power seats see Seats
Power steering
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Operation ....................................... 196
Synchronizing ................................ 199
Power washer .................................... 261
Power windows ................................... 98
Cleaning ......................................... 264
Operation ......................................... 98
Rear door window, override
switch .............................................. 59
Synchronizing .................................. 99
Practical hints ................................... 268
Problems
While driving .................................. 104
With vehicle ..................................... 23
With wipers ...................................... 97
Product information ............................ 20
Production options weight ............... 251
Program mode selector switch
Automatic shift program ................111
Manual shift program ............113, 114
Proximity key
see Key, SmartKey
PSI (air pressure unit) ....................... 251
R
RACETIMER ........................................ 124
Radio .................................................. 148
Satellite radio ................................ 152
Selecting stations ..........................126
Radio transmitters ............................ 258
Rain sensor see Intermittent wiping
Rear axle oil ....................................... 351
Rear center console ashtray see Ashtrays
Rear doors
Child safety locks ............................ 59
Rear door window
Override switch ................................ 59
Rear fog lamp
see Fog lamps
Rear lamps
see Tail lamps
Rear seat head restraints
see Head restraints
Rear view camera .............................. 188
Cleaning the camera lens ..............263
Rear window defroster ..................... 196
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ..................................... 230, 251
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............ 354
Refueling ............................................ 222
Regular checks .................................. 224
Reminder, Seat belt see Seat belts, Telltale
Remote control
see Key, SmartKey
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ............. 216
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) ......... 215
Replacing
Key .................................................. 74
Replacing bulbs ................................. 313
Reporting safety defects .................... 23
Research Octane Number see RON
Reserve fuel
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 291
Warning lamp ................................. 304
Restraint systems
see Occupant safety
Retaining hooks ................................. 203
Rims ........................................... 251, 344
Roadside Assistance ................... 21, 214
Roller sunblinds ................................. 199
RON (Research Octane Number) ..... 354
Roof rack ............................................ 203
Rubber parts, cleaning ...................... 265
S
Safety
Driving safety systems .....................60
Occupant safety ............................... 36
Reporting defects ............................ 23
Safety belts
see Seat belts
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Product Information
Please observe the following in your own best
interest:
We recommend using Genuine Mercedes-
Benz Parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for your
vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine their
reliability, safety and special suitability for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
We are unable to make an assessment for
other products and therefore cannot be held
responsible for them, even if in individual
cases an official approval or authorization by
governmental or other agencies should exist.
Use of such parts and accessories could
adversely affect the safety, performance or
reliability of your vehicle. Please do not use
them.
Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts and pre-
approved conversion parts and accessories
are available at any authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center. In addition, you will receive
comprehensive information on permissible
technical modifications and expert
installations.
Operator’s Manual
Notes
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal
of useful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator’s Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
We continuously strive to improve our
product and ask for your understanding that
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.
Vehicle equipment
Your vehicle may have some or all of the
equipment described in this manual.
Therefore, you may find explanations for
optional equipment not installed in your
vehicle. If you have any questions about
operating particular equipment, any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad
to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Optional equipment is also described in this
manual, including operating instructions
wherever necessary. Since they are special-
order items, the descriptions and illustrations
herein may vary slightly from the actual
equipment of your vehicle.
If there are any equipment details that are not
shown or described in this Operator’s
Manual, any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to inform you of correct
care and operating procedures. The
Operator’s Manual and Maintenance Booklet
are important documents and should be kept
with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
booklet contains detailed information about
the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz,
including:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission System Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
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contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car”
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372), or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Operating your vehicle outside the
USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating, and improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safetyGWarning!
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle’s electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning!
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle as occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers
R slow down carefully
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
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If you and/or your passenger release the
seat belt during driving, the seat belt
telltale 7 starts flashing and the
warning chime sounds as described before.
If the driver’s or the front passenger’s seat
belt remains unfastened after 60 seconds,
the warning chime stops sounding, the seat
belt telltale 7 stops flashing but
continues to be illuminated.
After a vehicle standstill, the warning chime
is reactivated and the seat belt telltale
7 is flashing again if the vehicle speed
once exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h).
The seat belt telltale 7 will only go out if
both the driver’s and the front passenger’s
seat belt (with the front passenger seat
occupied) are fastened, or the vehicle is
standing still and a front door is opened.
For more information, see “Practical hints”
( Y page 301).
Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD),
seat belt force limiter
The seat belts for the front seats and rear
outer seats are equipped with ETDs and seat
belt force limiters.
The ETDs are designed to activate in the
following cases:
R in frontal or rear-end impacts exceeding
the system’s preset deployment threshold
R in side impacts exceeding the system’s
preset deployment threshold on the far
side of the impact
R if the restraint systems are operational and
functioning correctly, see “SRS indicator
lamp” ( Y page 36)
The ETDs for the front seats will only activate
if the front seat belts are fastened (latch plate
properly inserted into buckle).
The ETDs for the rear seats will activate with
or without the respective seat belts fastened.
In an impact, the ETDs remove slack from the
seat belts in such a way that the seat belts fit
more snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, are employed to
help reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belts on occupants during a crash.
i The ETDs do not correct an incorrect seat
position or incorrectly worn seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull occupants back
toward the seat backrest.GWarning!
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
NECK-PRO active front head
restraints (except C 63 AMG)
The NECK-PRO active front head restraints
are intended to offer the driver and front
passenger increased protection from
whiplash-type injuries. In the event of a rear-
end collision, the NECK-PRO active front head
restraints on the front seats are designed to
move forward in the direction of travel. They
thus provide the head with increased support
earlier on in the collision sequence. The
NECK-PRO active front head restraints will
move forward whether the seats are occupied
or not.
GWarning!
Do not attach any objects (e.g. hangers) to the
head restraint posts. Otherwise, the NECK-
PRO active front head restraints may not be
able to function properly or offer the intended
degree of protection they were designed for
in the event of a rear-end collision.
GWarning!
Only use seat or head restraint covers which
have been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model.
Using other seat or head restraint covers may
interfere with or prevent the activation of the
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vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
ABS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 60.GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp ! in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal. The pulsation indicates that the
ABS is in the regulating mode.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the brake
pedal while you feel the pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the brake
pedal.GWarning!
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving safety
systems such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also
switched off. Observe indicator and warning
lamps that may come on as well as messages
in the multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
BAS
GObserve Safety notes, see page 60.
The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in
emergency situations. If you apply the brakes
very quickly, the BAS provides full brake
boost automatically, thereby potentially
reducing the braking distance.
XApply continuous full braking pressure until
the emergency braking situation is over.
The ABS will prevent the wheels from
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When you switch off the ESP®,
Rthe ESP® will not stabilize the vehicle
Rthe engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and thus cut
into surfaces for better grip
Rthe ETS/4-ETS will still apply the brakes to
a spinning wheel
Rthe ESP® continues to operate when you
are braking
Rthe cruise control cannot be activated
Rthe cruise control switches off if activated
iWhen the ESP® is switched off and one or
more drive wheels are spinning, the ESP®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster flashes. However, the ESP® will
then not stabilize the vehicle.
XSwitching off: With the engine running,
press ESP® switch : until the ESP®
warning lamp d in the instrument
cluster comes on.
The ESP® is switched off.
GWarning!
When the ESP® warning lamp d is
illuminated continuously, the ESP® is
switched off or is not operational due to a
malfunction. Vehicle stability in standard
driving maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP®.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period with the ESP® switched
off. This may cause serious damage to the
drivetrain which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
XSwitching on: Press ESP® switch : until
the ESP® warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster goes out.
You are now again in normal driving mode
with the ESP® switched on.
C 63 AMG
Switching ESP® SPORT on or off
GWarning!
ESP® SPORT should not be switched on
during normal driving.
Switching ESP® SPORT on will result in the
following:
Rno restriction to engine torque
Rsystem-supported traction control is
limited
ESP® SPORT is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on ESP® SPORT.
Do not switch on ESP® SPORT when a spare
wheel is mounted.
To improve the vehicle’s traction, switch on
ESP® SPORT. This allows the drive wheels to
spin and thus cut into surfaces for better grip,
for example
Rwhen driving with snow chains
Rin deep snow
Rin sand or gravel
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Recalling positions from memoryXPress and hold desired memory position
button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat has moved
to the stored position completely. On the
driver’s side, also wait for the steering
wheel and exterior rear view mirrors to
move to the stored position.
iReleasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored positions
immediately.
Lighting
Notes
iIf you drive in countries with left-hand
driving, you must have the headlamps
modified for symmetrical low beams.
Relevant information can be obtained at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iVehicles equipped with active Bi-Xenon
headlamps:
The active Bi-Xenon headlamps increase
usable illumination over conventional
headlamps because they follow the
curvature of the road ahead. The beams of
the active Bi-Xenon headlamps shift to
either side according to the vehicle’s
steering angle and speed.
Exterior lamp switch1 WStanding lamps, left2 XStanding lamps, right3 $Off
Daytime running lamp mode
4 cAutomatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
5 TParking lamps (also tail lamps,
license plate lamps, side marker
lamps and instrument panel lamps)
6 LLow-beam headlamps or high-beam
headlamps
7 NFront fog lamps8 RRear fog lamp
iThe exterior lamps (except standing
lamps or parking lamps) go out
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or open
the driver’s door with the ignition switched
off.
When the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp are switched on and you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and open
the driver’s door, an acoustic signal
sounds.
In addition the message Switch Off
Lights appears in the multifunction
display.
Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
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