Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and to
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
R model
R order
R country specification
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
You cannot therefore base any claims on the
data, illustrations or descriptions contained
in this manual.
The following are integral parts of the vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Supplements relating to vehicle equipment
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.2045848981
É2045848981XËÍ
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 1
Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 18At a glance ........................................... 23Safety ................................................... 33Opening and closing ...........................69Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....91Lights and windshield wipers ..........105Climate control ................................. 119Driving and parking ..........................129On-board computer and displays ....165Loading, stowing and features ........215Maintenance and care ......................237Breakdown assistance .....................251Tires and wheels ............................... 269Technical data ................................... 301
Contents3BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 3
BatteryCharging ........................................ 261
Checking (SmartKey) .......................74
Display message ............................ 196
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 74
Jump-starting ................................. 262
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................74
Safety notes .................................. 259
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Notes ............................................. 309
Brake fluid level ................................ 242
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 192
Brakes ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................309
Display message ............................ 190
High-performance brake system ....153
Important safety notes ..................151
Maintenance .................................. 152
Parking brake ................................ 149
Warning lamp ................................. 203
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 115
Brake lamp .................................... 115
High-beam headlamps ...................113
Low-beam headlamps ....................113
Overview ........................................ 112
Parking lamps ................................ 114
Rear fog lamp ................................ 115
Replacing ....................................... 114
Side marker lamp .......................... 115
Standing lamps (front) ...................114
Tail lamp ........................................ 115
Turn signal lamp ............................ 115
Turn signals (front) ......................... 114C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........21
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................19
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Care
Carpets .......................................... 249
Car wash ........................................ 244
Display ........................................... 247
Gear or selector lever ....................248
Headlamps ..................................... 246
Matte finish ................................... 245
Notes ............................................. 243
Paint .............................................. 245
Plastic trim .................................... 247
Power washer ................................ 244
Rear view camera .......................... 247
Roof lining ...................................... 249
Seat belt ........................................ 249
Seat covers .................................... 248
Sensors ......................................... 247
Steering wheel ............................... 248
Tail pipes ....................................... 247
Trim strips ..................................... 248
Washing by hand ........................... 244
Wheels ........................................... 245
Windows ........................................ 246
Wiper blades .................................. 246
Wooden trim .................................. 248
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 219
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 175
Center console ..................................... 29
Central locking Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 181
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Changing bulbs
Headlamps ..................................... 111
Changing gears .................................. 139
Changing the programming SmartKey ......................................... 73Index5BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 5
SPORT handling modeActivating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 64
Warning lamp ................................. 208
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 185
Introduction ..................................... 34
Warning lamp ................................. 209
Warning lamp (function) ................... 34
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 170
Starting the engine Important safety notes ..................133
Station
see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 201
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) .....................98
Adjusting (manually) ........................98
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 167
Cleaning ......................................... 248
Important safety notes ....................98
Memory function (storing
settings) ........................................... 98
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 141
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 217
Glove box ....................................... 216
Stowage space
Cup holders ................................... 220
Important safety information .........216
Stowage well
Trunk floor (under) .........................219
Submenu (on-board computer)
Convenience .................................. 181
Factory setting ............................... 182
Instrument cluster .........................178
Lights ............................................. 180
Standard display ............................ 170
Time/Date ..................................... 179
Vehicle ........................................... 181
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 221Supplemental Restraint System
see SRS
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 180
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 67
T
Tachometer ........................................ 167
Tailgate Display message (12-button
multifunction steering wheel) ........200
Tail lamps (Display message) ........... 192
Tank content Fuel gauge ....................................... 26
Technical data ................................... 302
C 250 ............................................. 311
C 250 4MATIC ............................... 311
C 300 ............................................. 311
C 300 4MATIC ............................... 312
C 350 .................................... 312, 313
C 350 4MATIC ............................... 312
Tires/wheels ................................. 293
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 230
Display message ............................ 185
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 230
Emergency call .............................. 227
Important safety notes ..................226
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............231
MB info call button ........................229
Remote vehicle locking ..................231
Roadside Assistance button ..........229
Self-test ......................................... 227
System .......................................... 227
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............231
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 176
Display message ............................ 201
Menu (on-board computer) ............176
Number from the phone book ........ 177
Redialing ........................................ 177
Rejecting/ending a call .................177
Telephone compartment .................. 217
Temperature Coolant .......................................... 166
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 171
14IndexBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 14
Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 270
Top Tether ............................................ 59
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........264
Installing the towing eye ................264
Removing the towing eye ...............265
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............266
Installing the towing eye ................266
Removing the towing eye ...............266
Transfer case ..................................... 144
Transmission position display ......... 138
Transmission positions .................... 139
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 170
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 170
Resetting (on-board computer) ......171
Trunk
Automatic opening ........................... 81
Emergency release ..........................82
Important safety guidelines .............80
Locking separately ...........................82
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 200
Turn signal (display message) ......... 191
Turn signals ....................................... 108
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................79
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 78
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 222
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 22
Emergency unlocking .......................79
Equipment ....................................... 18
Exterior view .................................... 24
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 178
Loading .......................................... 280
Lowering ........................................ 258
Maintenance .................................... 19
Parking up ..................................... 150
Raising ........................................... 256
Reporting problems .........................21
Towing away .................................. 264
Tow-starting ................................... 264
Transporting .................................. 266
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 303
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 253
Video (DVD) ........................................ 176
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 176
VIN ...................................................... 303
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 206
Brakes ........................................... 203
Check Engine ................................. 210
Coolant .......................................... 210
ESP ®
.............................................. 207
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 208
Fuel tank ........................................ 210
Overview .......................................... 27
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........46
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................41
Reserve fuel ................................... 210
Seat belt ........................................ 204
SPORT handling mode ...................208
SRS ................................................ 209
Tire pressure monitor ....................212
Warranty ............................................ 302
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 258
Wheel chock ...................................... 255
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................286
Changing a wheel .......................... 255
Checking ........................................ 271
16IndexBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 16
Proper use of the vehicle
To ensure proper use of the vehicle, you must
familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself.
Removing warning labels may cause you and
others to be unaware of certain risks which
may result in an accident and/or personal
injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Mercedes-Benz Center again or, if
necessary, contact us at one of the following
addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting malfunctions relevant to
safety
For the USA only:
The following text is reproduced as required
of all manufacturers according to Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to: http://www.safercar.gov ; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain additional information
about vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov .
Introduction21BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 21Z
Driving on wet roads
Hydroplaning
If water has accumulated to a certain depth
on the road surface, there is a danger of
hydroplaning occurring, even if:
R you drive at low speeds
R the tires have adequate tread depth
For this reason, in the event of heavy rain or
in conditions in which hydroplaning can occur
you must drive in the following manner:
R Lower your speed
R Avoid ruts
R Brake carefully
Driving on flooded roads
! Do not drive through flooded areas.
Check the depth of any water before driving
through it. Drive slowly through standing
water. Otherwise, water may enter the
vehicle interior or the engine compartment.
This can damage the electronic
components in the engine or the automatic
transmission. Water can also be drawn in
by the engine's air suction nozzles and this
can cause engine damage.
Winter driving
General information
Have your vehicle winterproofed at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, at the onset of
winter.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 155).
Winter tires
At temperatures below 45 ‡(+7 †), use
winter tires or all-season tires. Both types of
tire are identified by the M+S marking.
Only winter tires also bearing the i
snowflake symbol next to the M+S marking
provide the best possible grip in wintry road
conditions. Only these tires will allow driving
safety systems such as ABS and ESP ®
to
function optimally in winter, as these tires
have been designed specifically for driving on
snow.
Use M+S tires of the same make and tread on
all wheels to maintain safe handling
characteristics.GWarning
M+S tires with a tread depth of less than 1
/ 6
inch (4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Always observe the maximum permissible
speed specified for the M+S tires you have
mounted.
Once you have installed the winter tires:
XCheck the tire pressures ( Y page 275).XRestart the tire pressure monitor
( Y page 277).GWarning
If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may very
well impair turning stability and that overall
driving stability may be reduced. Adapt your
driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a regular
road wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
which have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under "Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
154Driving tipsDriving and parking
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 154
ROnly use snow chains when driving on an
area completely covered by snow. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you are no
longer driving on snow-covered roads.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R you may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations; see the "Tires and
wheels" section in the "Technical data"
chapter.
R mount snow chains only in pairs and only
on the rear wheels. Observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind
against the bodywork or components of the
chassis. This could result in damage to the
vehicle or the tires.
! Vehicles with steel wheels
If you wish to mount snow chains to steel
wheels, make sure that you remove the
respective wheels' hubcaps first. The
hubcaps may otherwise be damaged.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 63) when pulling away with
snow chains installed. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
Slippery road surfacesGWarning
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.GWarning!
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
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.
You should drive particularly carefully on
slippery road surfaces. Avoid sudden
acceleration, steering and braking
maneuvers. Do not use cruise control.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XVehicles with manual transmission: engage
neutral.XVehicles with automatic transmission: shift
the transmission to position N.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 154).
GWarning
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
Driving tips155Driving and parkingBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 155Z