2011 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SALOON power steering

Parking lamp
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............266
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................263
Parking lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 127
Switching on/off ........................... 118
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ......127
PARKTRONIC Deactivating/activating .................198
Driving system ............................... 196
Function/notes ............................. 196
Problem (fault) ............................... 199
Sensor range ................................. 196
Trailer towing ................................. 198
Warning displa y............................. 197
PASSENGE RAIRBAG OFF warning
lamp ...................................................... 59
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC (permanen tfour-
wheel drive)
Petrol .................................................. 169
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) .331
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
(preventative occupant
protection) Display message (12-button mul-
tifunctio nsteering wheel) ..............258
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................252
PRE-SAFE ®
(preventive occupant
safety system) Operation ........................................ .51
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Function/notes ................................ 78
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............259
Switching on/off ........................... 237
Warning lamp ................................. 300 Preventive occupant safety sys-
tem
see PRE-SAFE ®
(preventive occu-
pant safety system)
Program selector button ..................163
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................156
Manual transmission ..................... .155 Q
Qualifie dspecialis tworkshop ...........28 R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) .............194
RACETIMER (on-board computer) ....245
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating .................242
Country overview ........................... 389
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunctio nsteering wheel) ..............274
Radiator cover ................................... 323
Radio Selecting a station (12-button
multifunctio nsteering wheel) ........233
see separate operating instructions
Rain closing feature
Panorama sliding sunroo f.............. 101
Sliding sunroo f............................... 100
Range (fuel)
Displaying (12-button multifunc-
tion steering wheel )....................... 231
Displaying (4-button multifunc-
tion steering wheel) .......................226
Reading lamp ..................................... 124
Rear bench seat Folding the backres tforwards/
back ............................................... 305
Rear compartment
Setting the airflow .........................139
Setting the airv ents...................... 148
Rear-compartment seat belt sta-
tus indicator ........................................ 5618
Index

Towing away
Fitting the towing ey e.................... 352
Removing the towing eye. ..............353
With both axles on the ground .......353
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............354
Fitting the towing eye. ...................352
Important safety notes ..................351
Removing the towing eye. ..............353
Trailer coupling
see Towing atrailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connector ............................. 220
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 207
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 331
Coupling up atrailer ...................... 218
Decoupling atrailer ....................... 218
Driving tips .................................... 215
ESP ®
................................................ 77
Folding in the ball coupling ............218
Folding out the ball coupling ..........217
Important safety notes ..................215
Mounting dimensions ....................387
Parking Guidance ........................... 202
Parktroni c...................................... 198
Power supply ................................. 219
Shift range ..................................... 163
Trailer loads ................................... 388
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transporting the vehicle ..................353
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .332
Trip computer On-board computer (12-button
multifunctio nsteering wheel) ........231
On-board computer (4-button
multifunctio nsteering wheel) ........226
Trip meter
Displaying/resetting (4-button
multifunctio nsteering wheel) ........225
Displaying (12-button multifunc-
tion steering wheel) .......................231
Resetting (12-button multifunc-
tion steering wheel) .......................232
Trip odometer
see Trip meter Turn signal
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunctio nsteering wheel) ..............265
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................262
Turn signals
Switching on/off ........................... 120
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 377
Installatio n..................................... 377
Transmission output (maximum) .... 377
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
Tyre pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....363
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunctio nsteering wheel) ..............281
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................280
Not reached (TIREFIT) ....................340
Pressure loss warning ....................362
Reached (TIREFIT) ..........................340
Recommended ............................... 361
Tyre pressure monitor
Function/notes ............................. 363
Restarting ...................................... 365
Warning lamp ................................. 300
Tyres
Checking ........................................ 358
Directio nofrotation ...................... 366
Display message (12-button mul-
tifunction steering wheel) ..............281
Display message (4-button multi-
function steering wheel) ................280
Grip ................................................ 177
Important safety notes ..................358
Replacing ....................................... 365
Service life ..................................... 359
Storing ........................................... 366
Tyr esize (data) .............................. 366
Tyr etread ...................................... 359
see Flat tyre Index
23

Problem Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
The engine cannot be
started using the key. The on-board voltage is too low.
X
Switch off non-essential consumers, e.g. seat heating or interior
lighting, and try to start the engine again.
If this does not work:
X Check the starter battery and charge it if necessary
(Y page 346).
or
X Jump-start the vehicle (Y page 350).
or
X Consult a qualified specialist workshop. The engine cannot be
started using the key. The steering lock is mechanically blocked.
X
Remove the key and reinsert it into the ignition lock. While doing
this, turn the steering wheel in both directions. The engine cannot be
started using KEYLESS-
GO. The key is in the
vehicle. Ad
oor is open. Therefore, the key cannot be detected as easily.
X Close the door and try to start the vehicle again. There is interference from a powerful source of radio waves.
X
Start your vehicle with the key in the ignition lock. Doors
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only for the United Kingdom: if the vehicle
has been locked with the key, the double lock
function is activated as standard. It is then not
possible to open the doors from inside the
vehicle.
Therefore, do not leave any people behind in
the vehicle, particularly children, elderly peo-
ple or people in need of special assistance if
the vehicle has been locked with the key. As
a result, they may not be able to free them-
selves in the event of an emergency. As a
result, they could be seriously or even fatally
injured by prolonged exposure to extremely
high or low temperatures, for example. In this
case, rescuing people from outside the vehi-
cle is difficult. Deactivate the interior motion sensor before
you lock the vehicle with the key. The doors
can then be opened from the inside after the
vehicle has been locked from the outside with
the key.
G
WARNING
If children are left unsupervised in the vehicle,
they could:
R open a door from inside the vehicle at any
time, even if it has been locked
R start the vehicle using akey which has been
left in the vehicle
R release the parking brake
They could thereby endanger themselves and
others. Never leave children unsupervised in
the vehicle. Always take the key with you
when leaving the vehicle, even if you are only
leaving it for a short time. Doors
89Opening and closing Z

accelerate or brake suddenly. You will then
no tb e able to brake, declutch or accelerate
as intended. This could lead to accidents and
injury. G
WARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. This could cause you
to lose control of your vehicle and cause an
accident.
! Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
Only set the automatic transmission to the
respective drive positions when the vehicle
is stationary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery
roads. Otherwise, you could damage the
drive train.
! AMG vehicles: at low engine oil tempera-
tures (below +20 †), the maximum engine
speed is restricted in order to protec tthe
engine. To protect the engine and maintain
smooth engine operation, avoid driving at
full throttle when the engine is cold. Key positions
Key g
To remove the key
1 Power supply for some consumers, such
as the windscreen wipers
2 Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3 To start the engine
If the key is at position 0in the ignition lock
for a longer period, it can no longer be turned
in the ignition lock. The steering is then
locked. To unlock it, remove the key and rein-
sert it into the ignition lock.
The steering wheel is locked when the key is
removed from the ignition lock.
i If the key does not belong to the vehicle
it can still be turned in the ignition lock.
However, the ignition will not be switched
on The engine cannot be started.
KEYLESS-GO General notes
Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO are equipped with
a key featuring an integrated KEYLESS-GO
function and a detachable Start/Stop button.
The Start/Stop button must be inserted into
the ignition lock and the key 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. Driving
153Driving and parking Z

Parking
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
Only remove the key from the ignition lock
when the vehicle is stationary, as you cannot
steer the vehicle when the key is removed.
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle. They could release the parking brake. This
could lead to a serious or fatal accident. G
WARNING
Under no circumstances should the exhaust
system come into contact with flammable
materials such as dry grass or petrol, for
example. Do not park the vehicle on dry grass-
land or harvested grain fields. The hot exhaust
system could otherwise ignite the flammable
material and set the vehicle on fire.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally:
R the parking brake must be applied.
R on vehicles with manual transmission,
engage first gear or reverse gear.
R on vehicles with automatic transmission,
the transmission must be in position Pand
the key must be removed from the ignition
lock.
R on steep uphill or downhill gradients, turn
the front wheels towards the kerb. Switching off the engine
Important safety notes G
WARNING
If the engine is not running, there is no power
assistance for the steering and brakes. Steer-
ing and braking then requires significantly
greater effort.
As a result, you might lose control of the vehi-
cle, cause an accident and injure yourself and
others. Therefore, do not switch off the engine while
you are driving.
Vehicles with manual transmission X
Shift to either first gear or reverse gear R.
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
The immobiliser is activated.
X Apply the parking brake firmly.
Vehicles with automatic transmission X
Apply the parking brake firmly.
X Shift the transmission to position P.
Using the key
X Turn the key to position 0in the ignition
lock and remove it.
The immobiliser is activated.
i The key can only be removed if the trans-
mission is in position P.
Using KEYLESS-GO
X Press the Start/Stop button (Y page 153).
The engine stops and all the indicator
lamps in the instrumen tcluster go out.
i When the driver's door is closed, this cor-
responds to key position 1. When the driv-
er's door is open, this corresponds to key
position 0, i.e. key removed.
i The engine can be turned off while the
vehicle is in motion by pressing and holding
the Start/Stop button for three seconds.
This function operates independently of the
ECO start/stop automatic engine switch-
off function. 174
ParkingDriving and parking

Parking brake
X
To apply: depress parking brake ;firmly.
The J indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up if the engine is running.
X To release: depress the brake pedal and
keep it depressed.
X Pull release handle :.
The J indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. Parking up the vehicle
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than four weeks, the battery may be damaged
by exhaustive discharge.
X Disconnect the battery (Y page 348) or
connect it to a trickle charger.
i You can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz Service
Centre.
If you leave the vehicle parked up for longer
than six weeks, the vehicle may suffer dam-
age as a result of lack of use.
X Visit a qualified specialist workshop and
seek advice. Driving tips
General driving tips
Rolling with the engine switched off G
WARNING
Never switch the engine off while the vehicle
is in motion.
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the service brake when the engine is not
running.
You will require considerably more effort to
steer and brake, and you could therefore lose
control of the vehicle and cause an accident. Engine oil
! Vehicles with adiesel particle filter:
If the vehicle is mostly driven for short dis-
tances, it is possible that malfunctions may
occur during the automatic cleaning of the
diesel particle filter. This can lead to engine
damage. Therefore, if you frequently drive
short distances, make sure to drive on
motorways or country roads for 20 minutes
at least every 500 km. Brakes
Important safety notes G
WARNING
Do not change down for additional engine
braking on a slippery road surface. This could
cause the drive wheels to lose their grip and
the vehicle could skid. G
WARNING
Make sure that other road users are not
endangered by your braking.
Downhill gradients On long and steep downhill gradients, espe-
cially if the vehicle is laden or towing a trailer,
you must shift to a lower gear in good time or, Driving tips
175Driving and parking Z

X
Pull the ball coupling in the direction of the
arrow until it engages in a vertical position.
Indicator lamp ?goes out. The power
socket folds down automatically.
Vehicles with a4-button multifunction
steering wheel: theTrailer hitch Check lock mech. message is show
nin
the multifunctio ndisplay until the ball cou-
pling has engaged.
Vehicles with a 12-button multifunc-
tion steering wheel: theTrailer hitch
Check lock mech. message is shown in
the multifunction display until the ball cou-
pling has engaged.
X Remove the protective cap fro mthe ball
coupling and store it in a safe place.
X Make sure that the ball of the ball coupling
is clean and that, depending on the trailer
specification, it is greased or dry (without
grease) when used. Coupling up a trailer
G
WARNING
Do not disconnect a trailer with an engaged
overrun brake. Otherwise, your hand could
become trapped between the bumper and
trailer drawbar.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Position the trailer level behind the vehicle.
X Couple up the trailer. X
Establish the electrical connection
between the vehicle and the trailer.
X Check that the trailer lighting system is
working. Decoupling
atrailer G
WARNING
As soon as you raise the trailer drawbar, the
unladen vehicle rises slightly. The vehicle then
lowers to driving level.
Make sure tha tnobody is in the vicinity of the
wheel arch or the underbody. You could oth-
erwise trap yourself or others. G
WARNING
The vehicle is lowered as soon as you discon-
nect the trailer cable. Make sure that nobody
is in the vicinity of the wheel arch or the
underbody. You could otherwise trap yourself
or others.
As soon as you decouple the trailer, the unla-
den vehicle rises slightly. Make sure that you
or others are not injured in the process.
! Do not disconnect a trailer with an
engaged overrun brake. Otherwise, your
vehicle could be damaged by the rebound-
ing of the overrun brake.
X Make sure that the transmission is in posi-
tion P.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Secure the trailer against rolling away.
X Remove the trailer cable and decouple the
trailer. Folding in the ball coupling
i Fold the ball coupling back in if you are
not using the trailer tow hitch. G
WARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the pivoting range of the ball coupling. Other-
wise, they could be injured. 218
Towing
atrailerDriving an d parking

Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
Check trailer
hitch lock G
Risk of accident
Vehicles with a retractable trailer coupling:
The trailer tow hitch is no tcorrectly engaged.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
X Stop the vehicle immediately, paying attentio ntoroad and traf-
fic conditions, and switch off the engine.
X Apply the parking brake.
X Allow the trailer tow hitch ball coupling to engage in the end
position (Y page 217). Pwr. steering
malfunc. G
Risk of accident
The power steering assistance is faulty. You will need to use more
force to steer.
Aw arning tone also sounds.
X Chec kwhether you are able to apply the extra force required.
X If you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.
X If you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop. Top up
washer fluid The washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.
X
Top up the washer fluid (Y page 325).Vehicle (12-button multifunction steering wheel)
Display messages Possible causes/consequences and
M Solutions
To start engine,
shift to either P
or N You have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position
Ror D.
X Shift the transmission to position Por N. P
Select Park (P) You have switched off the engine with the Start/Stop button and
opened the driver's door.
You wanted to lock the vehicle.
Aw
arning tone also sounds.
or
You have switched off the engine with the Start/Stop butto nand
opened the driver's door with the transmission in position N.
X Shift the transmission to position P. Display messages
285On-board computer and displays Z