2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class ESP

Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
In Canada, the "daytime running lamps"
function is required by law. It can therefore
not be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to c.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, either the daytime running
lamps or the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
If the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
With the engine running while the vehicle is
stationary: if you shift the selector lever to P
from a driving position (vehicles with
automatic transmission), or if the parking
brake is applied, the low-beam headlamps
switch off automatically after 3 minutes.
With the engine running while the vehicle is
stationary: if you set the light switch to
T , the parking lamps and the low-beam
headlamps switch on.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
This function is only available on vehicles
equipped with daytime running lamps.
The daytime running lamps are deactivated
ex works on vehicles for the USA.
XTo switch on the daytime running
lamps (vehicles with luxury
multifunction steering wheel): switch onthe "daytime running lamps" function via
the on-board computer ( Y page 180).XTurn the light switch to c.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, either the daytime running
lamps or the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
If the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps if there is little ambient light.
However, the headlamp flashers can always
be applied.
If you set the light switch to T or L
while the engine is running, the manual
setting overrides the daytime running lamps.
Automatic headlamps
GRisk of accident
If the light switch is set to c, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 9
or the low-beam headlamps
are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.9 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting107Lights and windshield wipersBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 107Z

Fog lamps and rear fog lamps
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
"fog lamps" function.
GWarning!
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the key in the ignition lock to position 2 or
start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.XPress the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
key in the ignition lock to position 2 or start
the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.
When the light switch is set to c, the
rear fog lamp only lights up if the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XPress the R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Combination switch
Turn signals
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.
High-beam headlamps
XTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.
XTurn the light switch to L or c.XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the c position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
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The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the key in the ignition
lock to position 1 or 2 or start the engine.
XPull the combination switch briefly in the
direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on:
Rif an air bag is deployed
Rthe vehicle decelerates rapidly from a
speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a standstill.
XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.
XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamp switches off
automatically after full brake application if the
vehicle then reaches a speed above
6 mph (10 km/h) again.
iThe hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 116). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
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Rear-compartment overhead control panel
:p To switch the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
;p To switch the left-hand reading lamp
on/off
Interior lighting control
Important notes
In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interior lighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
except for when the key is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control
XTo switch on/off: press the | button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel.
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
Runlock the vehicle
Ropen a door
Rremove the key from the ignition lock
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the key is removed from the ignition
lock. You can activate this delayed switch-off
using the on-board computer (Y page 180).
Manual interior lighting controlXTo switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the c button.
XTo switch the rear interior lighting on/
off: press the u button.
XTo switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the p button.
Crash-responsive emergency lighting
If the interior lighting is set to automatic, the
interior lighting is activated automatically if
the vehicle is involved in an accident.
XTo switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
XLock and then unlock the vehicle using the
key.
Changing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be
observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
GWarning!
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You could
get an electric shock and be seriously or even
fatally injured if you touch the electric
contacts on Xenon bulbs. Therefore, never
remove the cover from Xenon bulbs.
Do not change Xenon bulbs yourself, but have
them replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop which has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required.
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XTo open: turn release knob : 90° in the
direction of the arrow and remove side trim
panel ;.
XTo close: insert side trim panel ; and turn
release knob : 90° in the opposite
direction to the arrow.
Tail lamp
XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the trunk.XOpen the side trim panel (Y page 114).XSimultaneously press retaining lugs : in
the direction of the arrow and slightly pull
out the bulb holder with the bulbs.
XVehicles with LED turn signals:
disconnect the cables of the LED turn
signal from the bulb holder connectors.
XPull the bulb holder out with the bulbs.
Bulb holder without LED turn signal lamp
:Rear fog lamp/side marker lamp ;Side marker lamp =Turn signals ?Parking lamp/standing lamp/brake
lamp/tail lamp
ABrake lamp/tail lamp BBackup lamp XRear fog lamp/turn signal lamp/
parking lamp/standing lamp/brake
lamp/tail lamp/backup lamp: press the
respective bulb back and turn it counter-
clockwise to remove it from the bulb
holder.
XSide marker lamp: remove bulb ; from
the bulb holder.
XRear fog lamp/turn signal/parking
lamp/standing lamp/brake lamp/tail
lamp/backup lamp: insert the new bulb
into the bulb holder and turn it clockwise.
XSide marker lamp: insert the new bulb
into the bulb holder and press it in.
XInsert the bulb holder again and lock it in.XClose the side trim panel (Y page 114).
Windshield wipers
Important safety notes
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.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
If it is necessary to switch on the windshield
wipers in dry weather conditions, always
use washer fluid when operating the
windshield wipers.
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! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windscreen after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Intermittent wipe, low 113Å
Intermittent wipe, high 124°
Continuous wipe, slow5¯ Continuous wipe, fastBí Single wipe/ î to wipe the
windshield using washer fluidXSwitch the ignition on.XTurn the combination switch to the
corresponding position.
i When you stop the vehicle, the wipers
wipe more slowly.
! Vehicles with a rain sensor: if the
windshield becomes dirty in dry weather
conditions, the windshield wipers may be
activated inadvertently. This could then
damage the windshield wiper blades or
scratch the windshield.
For this reason, you should always switch
off the windshield wipers in dry weather.
Vehicles with a rain sensor: in the Ä or
Å position, the appropriate wiping
frequency is automatically set according to
the intensity of the rain. In the Å position,
the rain sensor is more sensitive than in
the Ä position, causing the windshield
wipers to wipe more frequently.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when you
stop the vehicle and open a front door. This
prevents a person from being splashed
inadvertently when getting into or out of the
vehicle.
Intermittent wiping continues when all doors
are closed and
R you depress the clutch (vehicles with
manual transmission)
or
R you shift the automatic transmission to
drive position D (vehicles with automatic
transmission) or to reverse gear R
or
R you change the wipe setting on the
combination switch.
i To prevent smearing on the windshield or
noise when wiping, wipe the windshield
occasionally with washer fluid.
Replacing the wiper blades
Important safety notes
GWarning
For safety reasons, switch off the windshield
wipers and remove the key from the ignition
lock before changing the wiper blades
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO: make sure that
the on-board electronics are in state 0).
Otherwise, the wiper motor could be switched
on suddenly and cause injury.
11 Rain sensor set to low sensitivity.
12 Rain sensor set to high sensitivity.116Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers
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Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the happier you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
R Ideally, drive program C should be selected
for driving the first 1000 miles (1500 km).
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km) you may
gradually bring the vehicle up to full road and
engine speeds.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R For the first 1000 miles (1500 km), do not
exceed a speed of 85 mph (140 km/h).
R Only allow the engine to briefly reach a
maximum engine speed of 4500 rpm.
R Shift gears in good time.
i Also observe these breaking-in notes
when the vehicle's engine or axle gear have
been replaced.
i Always observe the respective limit
speeds.
AMG vehicles with rear axle locking
differential
Your vehicle is equipped with a self-locking
differential on the rear axle. Change the oil
after a breaking-in period of
2000 miles(3000 km) to improve protection
of the rear axle differential. This oil change
extends the service life of the differential.
Have the oil change carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWarning
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
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If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the vehicle battery may not be charged
sufficiently.XCheck the vehicle battery and charge if
necessary ( Y page 261).
or
XJump-start the vehicle ( Y page 262).
i
The SmartKey can be turned in the
ignition lock even if it is not the correct
SmartKey for the vehicle. The ignition is not
switched on. The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a SmartKey with an integrated KEYLESS-GO
function and a detachable Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted in the
ignition lock and the SmartKey must be in the
vehicle.
Pressing the Start/Stop button several times
in succession corresponds to the different
key positions in the ignition lock. This is only
the case if you are not depressing the brake
pedal.
If you depress the brake pedal and press the
Start/Stop button, the engine starts
immediately.
The Start/Stop button can be removed from
the ignition lock. Then you can insert the
SmartKey in the ignition lock.
i You do not have to remove the Start/Stop
button from the ignition lock when you
leave the vehicle. However, you should
always take the SmartKey with you when
leaving the vehicle. The vehicle can be
started with the Start/Stop button and the
electrical equipment can be operated while
the SmartKey is in the vehicle.
:Start/Stop button;Ignition lockXInsert Start/Stop button : into ignition
lock ;.
i
When you insert Start/Stop button :
into ignition lock ;, the system requires a
detection time of two seconds before you
can use Start/Stop button :.
XVehicles with manual transmission: shift to
neutral.
or
XVehicles with automatic transmission: shift
the transmission to position N.XDo not press the brake pedal.
Start/Stop button
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