2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class COUPE towing

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 20At a glance ........................................... 27Safety ................................................... 35Opening/closing ................................. 67Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....87Lights and windshield wipers ............99Climate control ................................. 113Driving and parking ..........................123On-board computer and displays ....181Stowing and features .......................241Maintenance and care ......................263Breakdown assistance .....................277Wheels and tires ............................... 293Technical data ................................... 323
Contents3

Automatic transmissionAutomatic drive program ...............134
Changing gear ............................... 132
Display message ............................ 224
Driving tips .................................... 132
Emergency running mode ..............137
Kickdown ....................................... 132
Manual drive program ....................135
Problem (malfunction) ...................137
Program selector button ................132
Pulling away ................................... 127
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 137
Selector lever ................................ 130
Shift ranges ................................... 134
Starting the engine ........................127
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......133
Transmission position display ........131
Transmission positions ..................131
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 137
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 110
Display message ............................ 212
Bag hook ............................................ 245
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 57
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 58
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 72
Important safety notes ....................72
Replacing ......................................... 72
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 286
Display message ............................ 215
Important safety notes ..................284
Jump starting ................................. 287
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................193
Notes/function .............................. 170
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 205
Notes ............................................. 331
Brake fluid level ................................ 268
Brake lamps Changing bulbs .............................. 110
Display message ............................ 211
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 57
BAS .................................................. 57
BAS PLUS ........................................ 58
Brake fluid (notes) .........................331
Display message ............................ 202
Driving tips .................................... 143
High-performance brake system ....145
Important safety notes ..................143
Maintenance .................................. 144
Parking brake ................................ 141
Warning lamp ................................. 229
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 275
Car wash ........................................ 270
Display ........................................... 274
Exterior lights ................................ 273
Gear or selector lever ....................274
Index5

Tire pressureCalling up (on-board computer) .....303
Checking manually ........................301
Display message ............................ 221
Maximum ....................................... 300
Notes ............................................. 299
Pressure loss warning ....................301
Recommended ............................... 297
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 303
Restarting ...................................... 305
Warning lamp ................................. 238
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................317
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................315
Bar (definition) ............................... 315
Characteristics .............................. 315
Checking ........................................ 295
Definition of terms .........................315
Direction of rotation ......................318
Display message ............................ 221
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................318
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 314
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............315
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 316
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 316
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................316
Important safety notes ..................294
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......316
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........316
Labeling (overview) ........................311
Load bearing index (definition) ......317
Load index ..................................... 314
Load index (definition) ...................316
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 316
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 317
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 317Maximum tire load .........................309
Maximum tire load (definition) .......316
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 317
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 317
Replacing ....................................... 318
Service life ..................................... 295
Sidewall (definition) .......................317
Speed rating (definition) ................316
Storing ........................................... 319
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 315
Temperature .................................. 311
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 317
Tire bead (definition) ......................317
Tire pressure (definition) ................317
Tire pressures (recommended) ......315
Tire size (data) ............................... 319
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 312
Tire tread ....................................... 295
Tire tread (definition) .....................317
Total load limit (definition) .............318
Traction ......................................... 310
Traction (definition) .......................317
Tread wear ..................................... 310
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 310
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................315
Unladen weight (definition) ............316
Wear indicator (definition) .............318
Wheel rim (definition) ....................316
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 55
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........288
Installing the towing eye ................289
Removing the towing eye ...............290
With the rear axle raised ................290
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......290
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............291
Important safety notes ..................288Index17

Transmissionsee Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 290
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 274
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 187
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 187
Resetting (on-board computer) ......188
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................80
Important safety guidelines .............78
Locking separately ...........................80
Opening (automatically from
inside) .............................................. 79
Opening (automatically from
outside) ............................................ 79
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 224
Opening/closing .............................. 78
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 210
Switching on/off ........................... 103
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................77
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 76
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 247
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 23
Data acquisition ............................... 24
Display message ............................ 224
Equipment ....................................... 20
Individual settings ..........................194
Limited Warranty ............................. 24
Loading .......................................... 306
Locking (in an emergency) ...............77
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 69
Lowering ........................................ 283
Maintenance .................................... 21
Parking for a long period ................ 141
Pulling away ................................... 127
Raising ........................................... 281
Reporting problems .........................23
Towing away .................................. 288
Transporting .................................. 290
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........77
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................69
Vehicle data ................................... 332
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 332
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 332
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 77
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 325
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 278
Video (DVD) ........................................ 190
VIN ...................................................... 325
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 230
Brakes ........................................... 229
Check Engine ................................. 234
Coolant .......................................... 235
Cruise control ................................ 147
Distance warning ........................... 237
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 237
ESP ®
.............................................. 231
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 232
Fuel tank ........................................ 234
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................151
Overview .......................................... 30
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 234
Seat belt ........................................ 227
SPORT handling mode ...................232
SRS ................................................ 233
Tire pressure monitor ....................238
Warranty ............................................ 325
18Index

You need to brake yourself to prevent a
collision. DISTRONIC PLUS brakes the vehicle
to restore the set distance from the vehicle
ahead or the set speed.GWARNING
If you do not receive visual or acoustic
warning signals during a critical traffic
situation, DISTRONIC PLUS has either not
recognized the collision risk, has been
deactivated or is malfunctioning.
Remember, whether or not DISTRONIC PLUS
is operating, it is ultimately always the drivers
responsibility to apply the brakes in order to
control the vehicle and avoid a collision.
Cruise control lever
:To store the current speed or a higher
speed;To store the current speed or a lower
speed=To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS?To store the current speed or to call up
the last stored speedATo set the specified minimum distance
Switching on DISTRONIC PLUS, storing
the current speed and maintaining it
Important safety notes
GWARNING
The vehicle can be braked when DISTRONIC
PLUS is activated. For this reason, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS if the vehicle is to be set in
motion by other means (e.g. in a car wash or
by towing).
In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
R the engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.
R the parking brake must not be applied.
R ESP ®
must be activated but not
intervening.
R the transmission must be in position D.
R the hood must be closed.
R the driver's door must be closed when you
shift from P to D or your seat belt must be
fastened.
R the front-passenger door must be closed.
R the vehicle must not skid.
Activating while driving
When driving at speeds below 20 mph
(30 km/h) , you can only activate DISTRONIC
PLUS if the vehicle in front has been detected
and is shown in the multifunction display. If
the vehicle in front is no longer detected and
shown, DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated and
a warning tone sounds.XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you ?, or briefly press up : or down ;.
DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.XKeep the cruise control lever pressed
up : or down ; until the desired speed
is set.XRemove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.
i If you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Override
message is shown in the multifunction
display. The set distance to a slower-
moving vehicle in front will then not be
maintained. You will be driving at the speed
Driving systems151Driving and parkingZ

Activating the HOLD functionXMake sure that the activation conditions
are met.XDepress the brake pedal.XQuickly depress the brake pedal further
until HOLD display : appears in the
multifunction display.
The HOLD function is activated. You can
release the brake pedal.
i If depressing the brake pedal the first
time does not activate the HOLD function,
wait briefly and then try again.
GWARNING
The vehicle's brakes are applied when the
HOLD function is activated. For this reason,
deactivate the HOLD function if the vehicle is
to be set in motion by other means (e.g. in a
car wash or by towing).
Deactivating the HOLD function
The HOLD function is deactivated
automatically if:
R you accelerate and the transmission is in
position D or R.
R you shift the transmission to position P.
R you apply the brakes again with a certain
amount of pressure until HOLD disappears
from the multifunction display.
R you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.
GWARNING
Never get out of the vehicle when the HOLD
function is activated.
The HOLD function must never be operated
or deactivated by a passenger or from outside
the vehicle.
The HOLD function does not replace the
parking brake and must not be used for
parking.
The braking effect of the HOLD function is
canceled and the vehicle could roll away if:
R the HOLD function is deactivated by
depressing the accelerator pedal or the
brake pedal.
R there is a malfunction in the system or an
interruption in the power supply, e.g.
battery failure.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses are
tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected.
If you leave the vehicle or park it, deactivate
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
You will see a warning message in the
multifunction display if the HOLD function is
activated and:
R the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.
R the engine is switched off.
R the hood is opened.XMove the selector lever to P to prevent the
vehicle from rolling away.
The HOLD function is deactivated. The
warning message in the multifunction
display disappears.
A horn will also sound at regular intervals if
the HOLD function is activated and you:
R switch the engine off, open the driver's
door and take off your seat belt
R open the hood
The sounding of the horn alerts you to the fact
that the vehicle has been parked while the
HOLD function is still activated. If you attempt
to lock the vehicle, the tone becomes louder.
The vehicle is not locked until the HOLD
function is deactivated.
160Driving systemsDriving and parking

Useful information ............................242
Loading guidelines ............................242
Stowage areas .................................. 242
Features ............................................. 246241Stowing and features

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 23).
Loading guidelines
GWARNING
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using fastening materials
appropriate for the weight and size of the
load.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects. Do not place anything on the rear-
window shelf.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R when transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the gross axle weight rating of the
vehicle (including occupants). The values
are specified on the vehicle identification
plate on the B-pillar of the driver's door.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk as
possible.
R position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk as
possible.
R the load must not protrude above the upper
edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage areas
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWARNING
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
242Stowage areasStowing and features