2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN Owner's Manual

Remote controlGarage door opener .......................270
Reporting safety defects .................... 25
Reserve (fuel tank) see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 228
Warning lamp ................................. 246
see Fuel
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 131
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Reverse gear
Engaging (automatic
transmission) ................................. 142
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 22
Roller blind see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ..................................... 88
Rear side windows .........................261
Rear window .................................. 261
Roof carrier ........................................ 259
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 289
Roof load (maximum) ........................ 351
Route see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 200
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................53
Child restraint systems ....................53
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 42
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 36
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 51
Belt force limiters ............................ 52
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Correct usage .................................. 49
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 52
Fastening ......................................... 50
Important safety guidelines .............48
Releasing ......................................... 51
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Special seat belt retractor ...............55
Warning lamp ................................. 239
Warning lamp (function) ................... 51
Seats
Adaptive seat backrests (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 97
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting (manually and
electrically) ...................................... 94
Adjusting lumbar support ................97
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 97
Adjusting the head restraint ............95
Cleaning the cover .........................288
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes ....................93
Seat heating problem ......................98
Seat ventilation problem ..................99
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Switching seat heating on/off .........98
Switching seat ventilation on/off ....98
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 287
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........283
Hiding service messages ...............283
Notes ............................................. 283
Service messages ..........................282
Service menu (on-board computer) . 206
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 350
Capacities ...................................... 346
Coolant (engine) ............................ 350
Engine oil ....................................... 349
Fuel ................................................ 347
Important safety notes ..................344
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 350
Washer fluid ................................... 351Index15

SettingsFactory (on-board computer) .........210
On-board computer .......................206
Setting the air distribution ............... 128
Setting the airflow ............................ 129
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 210
Side impact air bag ............................. 40
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 224
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Important safety information ...........83
Opening/closing .............................. 83
Problem (malfunction) .....................86
Resetting ......................................... 85
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................86
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Problem (malfunction) .....................89
Resetting ......................................... 87
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................74
Changing the programming .............73
Checking the battery .......................74
Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Display message ............................ 238
Door central locking/unlocking .......70
Important safety notes ....................70
Loss ................................................. 76
Mechanical key ................................ 73
Positions (ignition lock) .................137
Problem (malfunction) .....................76
Starting the engine ........................139
Snow chains ...................................... 313
Sockets Points to observe before use .........263
Rear compartment .........................263
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 337
Storage location ............................ 293
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Speed, controlling see Cruise control Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 199
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 195
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 206
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 62
Warning lamp ................................. 244
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 219
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 245
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 115
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Starting (engine) ................................ 138
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 237
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................100
Adjusting (manually) ........................99
Button overview ............................... 31
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 195
Cleaning ......................................... 288
Important safety notes ....................99
Paddle shifters ............................... 145
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 145
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 211
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 255
Cup holders ................................... 259
Eyeglasses compartment ...............255
Glove box ....................................... 254
Important safety information .........254
Parcel net ...................................... 256
Rear ............................................... 256
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 25616Index

Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 258
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 312
Sun visor ............................................ 260
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 207
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 130
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 67
T
Tachometer ........................................ 195
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 223
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 342
Tires/wheels ................................. 335
Vehicle data ................................... 351
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 268
Display message ............................ 218
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 269
Emergency call .............................. 266
Important safety notes ..................264
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............270
MB info call button ........................268
Remote vehicle locking ..................270
Roadside Assistance button ..........267
Search & Send ............................... 269
Self-test ......................................... 265
System .......................................... 265
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............269
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 203
Display message ............................ 237
Menu (on-board computer) ............202
Number from the phone book ........ 203
Redialing ........................................ 203
Rejecting/ending a call .................203
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 194
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 210
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 210
Outside temperature ...................... 195
Setting (climate control) ................128
Theft deterrent systems
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........67
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Through-loading feature ................... 256
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 211
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....319
Checking manually ........................317
Display message ............................ 233
Maximum ....................................... 316
Notes ............................................. 315
Pressure loss warning ....................317
Recommended ............................... 313
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 319
Restarting ...................................... 321
Warning lamp ................................. 250
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................333
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................331
Bar (definition) ............................... 331
Characteristics .............................. 331
Checking ........................................ 311
Definition of terms .........................331
Direction of rotation ......................334
Display message ............................ 233
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................334
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 330
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............331
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 332Index17

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 332
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................332
Important safety notes ..................310
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......332
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........332
Labeling (overview) ........................327
Load bearing index (definition) ......333
Load index ..................................... 330
Load index (definition) ...................332
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 332
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 333
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 333
Maximum tire load .........................325
Maximum tire load (definition) .......333
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 333
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 333
Replacing ....................................... 334
Service life ..................................... 311
Sidewall (definition) .......................333
Speed rating (definition) ................332
Storing ........................................... 335
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 331
Temperature .................................. 327
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 333
Tire bead (definition) ......................333
Tire pressure (definition) ................333
Tire pressures (recommended) ......331
Tire size (data) ............................... 335
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 328
Tire tread ....................................... 311
Tire tread (definition) .....................333
Total load limit (definition) .............334
Traction ......................................... 326
Traction (definition) .......................334
Tread wear ..................................... 326
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 326Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................331
Unladen weight (definition) ............332
Wear indicator (definition) .............334
Wheel rim (definition) ....................332
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 56
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........302
Installing the towing eye ................303
Removing the towing eye ...............304
With the rear axle raised ................304
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......304
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............305
Important safety notes ..................302
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 304
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 288
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 199
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 199
Resetting (on-board computer) ......200
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................82
Important safety guidelines .............80
Locking separately ...........................82
Opening (automatically from
inside) .............................................. 81
Opening (automatically from
outside) ............................................ 81
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 236
Opening/closing .............................. 80
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 222
Switching on/off ........................... 109
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate 18Index

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................79
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 78
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 260
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 236
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................206
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 322
Locking (in an emergency) ...............79
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 71
Lowering ........................................ 297
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 154
Pulling away ................................... 139
Raising ........................................... 295
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 302
Transporting .................................. 304
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........79
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................71
Vehicle data ................................... 351
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 351
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 351
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 79
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 343
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 292
Video (DVD) ........................................ 202
VIN ...................................................... 343
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 242
Brakes ........................................... 241
Check Engine ................................. 246
Coolant .......................................... 247
Cruise control ................................ 160
Distance warning ........................... 249
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 249
ESP ®
.............................................. 243
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 244
Fuel tank ........................................ 246
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................164
Overview .......................................... 30
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 246
Seat belt ........................................ 239
SPORT handling mode ...................244
SRS ................................................ 245
Tire pressure monitor ....................250
Warranty ............................................ 343
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 237
see Windshield washer system
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 297
Wheel chock ...................................... 294
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 293
Checking ........................................ 311
Cleaning ......................................... 285
Important safety notes ..................310
Interchanging/changing ................334
Mounting a wheel .......................... 296
Removing a wheel ..........................296
Storing ........................................... 335
Tightening torque ........................... 297
Wheel size/tire size .......................335
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 219
Operation ......................................... 42
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 286
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 129
Windshield washer system .............. 281
Notes ............................................. 351
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................119
Rear window wiper ........................117Index19

Replacing the wiper blades ............118
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................312
Slippery road surfaces ...................159
Snow chains .................................. 313
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 312
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 286
Important safety notes ..................118
Replacing (rear window) ................118
Replacing (windshield) ...................118
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 28820Index

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
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. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
Introduction21

Information for customers in
California
Under California law you may be entitled to a
replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the
purchase price or lease price, if after a
reasonable number of repair attempts
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its
authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or
malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered
by its express warranty. During the period of
18 months from original delivery of the
vehicle or the accumulation of 18 000 miles
(approximately 29 000 km) on the odometer
of the vehicle, whichever occurs first, a
reasonable number of repair attempts is
presumed for a retail buyer or lessee if one or
more of the following occurs:(1)the same substantial defect or
malfunction results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect
or malfunction has been subject to repair
two or more times, and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC in
writing of the need for its repair.(2)the same substantial defect or
malfunction of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly
notified Mercedes-Benz in writing of the
need for its repair.(3)the vehicle is out of service by reason of
repair of the same or different substantial
defects or malfunctions for a cumulative
total of more than 30 calendar days.
Please send your written notice to:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Customer Assistance Center
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
Maintenance
The Service and Warranty Booklet describes
all the necessary maintenance work which
should be done at regular intervals.
Always have the Service and Warranty
Booklet with you when you bring the vehicle
to an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center. The
service advisor will record every service for
you in the Service and Warranty Booklet.
Roadside Assistance
The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program offers technical help in the event of
a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside
Assistance Hotline are answered by our
agents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
(USA)
1-800-387-0100 (Canada)
For additional information, refer to the
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance
Program brochure (USA) or the "Roadside
Assistance" section in the Service and
Warranty booklet (Canada). You will find both
in your vehicle literature portfolio.
Change of address or change of
ownership
In the event of a change of address, please
send us the "Change of Address Notice"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
(in the USA) at the hotline number
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service Center (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100. This will assist us in
contacting you in a timely manner should the
need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave the
entire literature in the vehicle so that it is
available to the next owner.
22Introduction