U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards .................................. 244, 252
Units
Selecting speedometer display
mode ............................................. 131
Unleaded gasoline, premium ........... 354
Unlocking the vehicle
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 71
Manually ........................................ 309
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Upholstery, cleaning ......................... 266
Useful features .................................. 207
V
Valet locking ........................................ 77
Vehicle
Battery ........................................... 321
Care ............................................... 260
Control system .............................. 118
Identification Number (VIN) ...........332
Locking/unlocking ........................... 70
Lowering (wheel change) ...............321
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety .............................. 22
Towing ........................................... 325
Unlocking/locking manually ..........309
Vehicle dimensions
see Vehicle specification
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ................................................... 332
Vehicle jack see Jack
Vehicle lighting .................................... 90
Vehicle loading
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 203
Instructions .................................... 202
Load limit ....................................... 239
Roof rack ....................................... 203
Split rear seat bench .....................204
Terminology ................................... 250
Vehicle maximum load on the tire ... 252
Vehicle specification
C 250 ............................................. 334
C 250 4MATIC ............................... 335
C 250 4MATIC Sport ...................... 336
C 250 Sport ................................... 334
C 300 ............................................. 337
C 300 4MATIC ............................... 339
C 300 4MATIC Sport ...................... 340
C 300 Sport ................................... 338
C 350 ............................................. 341
C 350 4MATIC ............................... 343
C 350 Sport ................................... 342
C 63 AMG ...................................... 343
Vehicle status message memory .... 129
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 268
Vehicle washing see Vehicle care
Vehicle weights
see Vehicle specification
W
Warning sounds
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt .....51
Parking brake ................................ 281
Parktronic system ..........................187
Seat belt telltale ............................ 301
Warranty coverage ............................ 332
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ................................................ 358
Washer fluid
Mixing ratio .................................... 358
Refilling .......................................... 228
Washing the vehicle .......................... 260
Wear pattern (tires) .......................... 245
Weights (vehicle) see Vehicle specification
Wheel
Changing ....................................... 317
Removing ....................................... 320
Spare ............................................. 317
Tightening torque ........................... 321
Wheels, sizes ..................................... 344
Wheels, Tires and .............................. 229
Window curtain air bags ..................... 42
Windows see Power windows
Windows, cleaning ............................ 264
Windshield
Cleaning wiper blades .................... 264
Defogging ...................................... 195
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Washer fluid ................................... 358
Wipers ............................................. 96
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................316
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 253
Snow chains .................................. 253
Tires ............................................... 252
Winter tires ................................ 252, 344
Wood trims, cleaning ........................ 266Index19204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 19
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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Exterior view
iThis Operator’s Manual describes all features, standard or optional, potentially available
for your vehicle at the time of purchase. Please be aware that your vehicle might not be
equipped with all features described in this manual.
FunctionPage:Trunk:Locking and unlocking70,
309
Opening and closing75Valet locking77;Rear lamps314=Rear window defroster196?Fuel filler flap222AExterior rear view mirrors86BPower tilt/sliding sunroof196Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel199
CWindshield:Wiping with washer fluid97Cleaning264FunctionPageDDoors:Locking and unlocking70,
309
EWipers96Wiper blades, replacing316Wiper blades, cleaning264FHood224GFront lamps314HHeadlamp cleaning system93IFront towing eye326JTires and wheels229Rims and tires344KRear towing eye32626Exterior viewAt a glance
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Panic alarmXActivating: Press and hold !
button : for at least 1 second.
An audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate.
XDeactivating: Press ! button : again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
inside the vehicle.
iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, 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.
iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1.This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
RABS (Antilock Brake System)
RAdaptive Brake
RBAS (Brake Assist System)
REBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
RESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
RExcessive speed, especially in turns
RWet and slippery road surfaces
RFollowing another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on 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 release the brake pedal, the brakes
function again as normal. The BAS is then
deactivated.GWarning!
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
Adaptive Brake
Adaptive Brake provides a high level of
braking safety as well as increased braking
comfort. Adaptive Brake takes driver and
vehicle characteristics into consideration,
thus achieving an optimal braking effect.
In addiditon, Adaptive Brake provides the hill-
start assist system ( Y page 183).
For more information on the brake system,
see ( Y page 255).
EBP
GObserve Safety notes, see page 60.
The Electronic Brake Proportioning (EBP)
enhances braking effectiveness by allowing
the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion
of the braking effort in straight-line braking
without a loss of vehicle stability.
GWarning!
If the EBP malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
ESP ®GObserve Safety notes, see page 60.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP
®
) is
operational as soon as the engine is running.
It monitors the vehicle’s traction (force of
adhesive friction between the tires and the
road surface) and handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes that the vehicle deviates
from the direction of travel as intended by the
driver. By applying brakes to individual
wheels and by limiting the engine output, the
ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off and
on wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during braking and
steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster comes on when you switch
on the ignition. It goes out when the engine
is running.
The ESP ®
warning lamp d in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP ®
when you see the
ESP ®
warning lamp d flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
i Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display ( Y page 270) will
refer to the ESP ®
as ESC.
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ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires (Y page 252) or
snow chains as required.
Dynamic handling package with sport
driving mode
The most important part of the dynamic
handling package with sport driving mode is
the variable damping system. It adjusts the
damping to the respective driving condition
automatically.
The damping adjustment depends on
Ryour driving style
Rthe road condition
Ryour individual selection, see the following
description
Vehicles with automatic transmission: The
sport driving mode button selects the
automatic shift programs C/S. For
information on the automatic shift programs,
see “Automatic shift programs”
(Y page 111). The automatic transmission
with dynamic handling package with sport
driving mode contains additional steering
wheel gearshift controls, see “One-touch
gearshifting” (Y page 112).
XStart the engine.
Sport driving mode
The firmer suspension tuning in sport driving
mode provides enhanced road contact.
Select this mode for example, on winding
highways.
The setting remains stored until you turn off
the engine.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : comes on. The sport
driving mode is selected. Depending on
engine version, the accelerator pedal may
respond more immediate. In vehicles with
automatic transmission, automatic
program mode S is selected and will be
displayed in the multifunction display
(Y page 112).
Comfort driving mode
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : goes out. The comfort
driving mode is selected. In vehicles with
automatic transmission, automatic
program mode C is selected and will be
displayed in the multifunction display
(Y page 112).
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