Electrical system
Improper work on or
modifications ................................... 22
Power outlets ................................. 210
Electrical system (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4-ETS
Emergency, in case of
First aid kit ..................................... 268
Flat tire .......................................... 317
Hazard warning flasher ....................93
Roadside Assistance ................ 21, 214
Towing the vehicle .........................325
Emergency calls
Tele Aid .......................................... 212
Telephone ...................................... 173
Emergency operations
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 216
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......215
Trunk lid, emergency release ...........76
Emergency Tensioning Device
see ETD
Emission control ............................... 258
Information label ............................ 333
System warranties ...........................20
Engine
Break-in recommendations ............222
Cleaning ......................................... 262
Compartment ................................ 224
Malfunction indicator lamp ............305
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 288
Number .......................................... 333
Starting .......................................... 101
Turning off ..................................... 106
Engine (Technical data)
see Vehicle specification
Engine coolant
see Coolant
Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 226
Additives ........................................ 353
Checking level ............................... 226
Consumption ................................. 225Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 291
Oil dipstick ..................................... 226
Recommended engine oils and oil
filter ............................................... 353
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .............................................. 62
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 63
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................... 280, 281, 283
Warning lamp ................................. 302
ETD (Emergency Tensioning
Device) ................................................. 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Ethanol fuel (E85) .............................. 355
ETS/4-ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 63
Express operation
Panorama roof ............................... 200
Power windows ................................ 98
Tilt/sliding sunroof ........................196
Exterior lamp switch ........................... 90
Exterior rear view mirrors .................. 86
Fold-in function ................................ 88
Parking position ............................... 87
Power-folding ................................... 88
Switching fold-in function on or
off .................................................. 136
Exterior view of vehicle ...................... 26
F
Fastening the seat belts ..................... 50
First aid kit ......................................... 268
Flat tire ............................................... 317
Lowering the vehicle ......................321
Mounting the spare wheel .............318
Preparing the vehicle .....................318
Spare wheel ........................... 317, 349
Flexible Fuel Vehicles ....................... 355
Floormats ........................................... 220
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid .........350
Brake fluid ..................................... 351
Capacities ...................................... 349
Engine coolant ............................... 351
Engine oil ....................................... 350
Manual transmission oil .................350
8Index204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 8
Power steering fluid .......................351
Washer and headlamp cleaning
system ........................................... 352
Fog lamps ............................................. 92
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 292, 294
Fold-in function for exterior rear
view mirrors ........................................ 88
Four-wheel drive see All-wheel drive (4MATIC)
Front air bags
see Air bags
Front axle oil ...................................... 351
Front lamps see Headlamps
Front passenger front air bag ............ 40
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 272
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (Canada only) ..... 46, 307
Front passenger front air bag off
indicator lamp (USA only) .......... 42, 308
Front seat head restraints see Head restraints
Fuel ..................................................... 222
Additives ........................................ 355
Capacity, fuel tank .........................352
Drive sensibly–safe fuel .................254
Ethanol fuel (E85) .......................... 355
Fuel consumption (Flexible Fuel
Vehicle) .......................................... 355
Fuel consumption statistics ...........122
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................223
Fuel tank reserve warning lamp .....304
Premium unleaded gasoline ...........354
Refueling ........................................ 222
Requirements ................................ 354
Switching (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) .... 355
Fuel filler flap ..................................... 223
Opening manually ..........................310
Fuel gauge ................................... 28, 118
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ........ 349
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 352
Fuel filler flap and cap ...................223
Refueling ........................................ 222
Fuses .................................................. 328G
Garage door opener .................... 32, 216
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) ... 251
Gear range ......................................... 111
Indicator ........................................ 111
Limiting .......................................... 112
Shifting into optimal ......................113
Gear selector lever ............................ 108
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Gearshift pattern ........................... 108
Lock ...................................... 102, 108
Shifting procedure .........................109
Transmission position indicator .....109
Transmission positions ..................109
Gearshift lever ................................... 107
Gearshift pattern ........................... 107
Generator
see Alternator
Global locking/unlocking
see Key, SmartKey
Glove box ........................................... 205
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight
see GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
see GVWR
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) ............ 251
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) ................................................ 251
H
Halogen headlamps see Headlamps
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning .... 265
Hazard warning flasher ....................... 93
Headlamp cleaning system ................ 93
Headlamps
Active Bi-Xenon headlamps .............90
Automatic headlamp mode ..............91
Bi-Xenon .................................. 90, 314
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Cleaning system .............................. 93
Daytime running lamp mode ............91
Index9204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 9
Menus and submenusFunction:Trip menu (Y page 121);AMG10 menu (Y page 123)=Navi menu (Y page 126)?Audio menu (Y page 126)ATel menu (Y page 128)BService menu (Y page 129)CSettings menu (Y page 130)
Trip menu
In the Trip menu, you can show an additional
display for the speedometer and call up or
reset your vehicle’s statistical data.
The following information is available:
RStandard display (Y page 121)
RFuel consumption statistics since start
(Y page 122)
RFuel consumption statistics since last reset
(Y page 122)
RResetting values (Y page 122)
RRemaining driving range and current fuel
consumption (Y page 123)
RDigital Speedometer (Y page 123)
Standard display
In the standard display, the trip
odometer : and the main odometer ;
appear in the multifunction display.
If another display appears instead of the
standard display:
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
or
10AMG vehicles only.Control system121Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 121Z
XPress button % repeatedly until the
standard display appears.
or
XPress and hold button % until the
standard display appears.
Fuel consumption statistics since start
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select From
Start.
:Distance driven since start;Time elapsed since start=Average speed since start?Average fuel consumption since start
All statistics stored since the last engine start
will be reset approximately 4 hours after the
SmartKey in the starter switch is turned to
position 0 or removed from the starter switch.
Resetting will not occur if you turn the
SmartKey back to position 1 or 2 within this
time period.
Fuel consumption statistics since last
reset
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select From
Reset.
:Distance driven since last reset;Time elapsed since last reset=Average speed since last reset?Average fuel consumption since last reset
Resetting values
You can reset the values for the following
functions:
RTrip odometer
RFuel consumption statistics since start
RFuel consumption statistics since last reset
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
function you wish to reset.
XPress button a.
Example illustration: Reset fuel consumptionstatistics since start
XPress button : to select Yes.XPress button a to confirm.122Control systemControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 122
Remaining driving range and current
fuel consumption
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
estimated remaining driving range and
current fuel consumption display.
Note that the values are calculated based
on the current fuel tank level and the
current driving style. Make sure to refuel in
time.
If only very little fuel is left in the tank, a
vehicle at the fuel pump C appears
instead of the estimated remaining driving
range.
:Current fuel consumption11;Estimated remaining driving range
Digital speedometer
XPress button = or ; to select the
Trip menu.
XPress button : or 9 to select the
digital speedometer.
Example illustration for upshift indicator
:Upshift indicator12;Digital speedometerThe shift indicator is meant as a
recommendation for an economical driving
style. Always observe traffic conditions, as
your driving style is determined in the first
instance by the traffic situation.
AMG menu
This function is only available in AMG
vehicles.
XPress button = or ; to select the
AMG menu.
:Digital speedometer;Gear indicator=Upshift indicator?Engine oil temperature indicatorACoolant temperature indicator
The engine oil temperature flashes if the
engine oil temperature has not yet reached
176‡ (80†). During this time, avoid driving
at full engine speed.
The upshift indicator = indicates that the
engine has reached the overrevving range.
The upshift indicator = blocks other
messages in the multifunction display until
you have shifted up.
Use buttons : or 9 to select the
following functions in the AMG menu:
11Not available on AMG vehicles.12Vehicles with manual transmission only
Control system123Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 123Z
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt
acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, shift
the automatic transmission to neutral
position N or declutch in case of manual
transmission. Try to keep the vehicle under
control by corrective steering action.
i For information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains” ( Y page 253).
Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce the
normal brake effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically when
traveling at length on salt-strewn roads can
bring road-salt-impaired braking efficiency
back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven on
salt-treated roads, the braking efficiency
should be tested as soon as possible after
driving is resumed.
GWarning!
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
To save fuel you should:
R Keep tires at the recommended inflation
pressures.
R Remove unnecessary loads.
R Remove roof rack when not in use.
R Allow engine to warm up under low load
use.
R Avoid frequent acceleration and
deceleration.
R Have all maintenance work performed at
the intervals specified in the Maintenance
Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance system. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driving
in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on
short trips and in mountainous areas.
Drinking and driving
GWarning!
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of movement.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
254Driving instructionsOperation
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 254
! 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
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.Rims and tires345Technical data204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 345Z
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
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.355Technical data204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 355Z