2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN steering

Problems with fuel and the fuel tankProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsFuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GRisk of explosion or fire
The fuel line or the fuel tank is defective.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0(Y page 137) in the ignition lock
immediately and remove it.XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.The fuel filler flap
cannot be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
or
The SmartKey battery is discharged.XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key ( Y page 73).XOpen the trunk lid.XManually unlock the fuel filler flap using the emergency release
( Y page 151).The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is
jammed.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.Parking
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system. Do not park the
vehicle on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields. Combustible materials, such as grass,
hay or leaves could be ignited by the hot
exhaust system and cause a vehicle fire.
Unintended vehicle movement can cause
serious personal injury or damage to the
vehicle or the vehicle drivetrain. To reduce
such risks, always do the following before
turning off the engine and leaving the vehicle:
R keep your right foot on the brake pedal.
R engage the parking brake.
R shift the automatic transmission to park
position P.
R
slowly release the brake pedal.
R when parked on an incline, always turn the
front wheels towards the road curb.
R turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 0 and remove the SmartKey from
the ignition lock, or press the KEYLESS-GO
Start/Stop button.
R take the SmartKey with you and lock the
vehicle when leaving.
Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not turn off the engine before the vehicle
has come to a complete stop. With the engine
not running, there is no power assistance for
the brake and steering systems. In this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a
Parking153Driving and parkingZ

Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Always remember that you must concentrate
primarily on driving the vehicle. The driver's
concentration must always be directed
primarily at road traffic. For your own safety
and that of others, we recommend that you
stop the vehicle at a safe place and in
accordance with the traffic conditions before
making or accepting a phone call.
Comply with all legal requirements if you use
the telephone while driving. Use the hands-
free system and only use the telephone when
road, weather and traffic conditions permit. In
some jurisdictions, it is forbidden for drivers
to use mobile phones while driving.
Only operate the audio system or COMAND
(Cockpit Management and Data System) in
compliance with all legal requirements and
when the road, weather and traffic conditions
permit. You may otherwise not be able to
observe the traffic conditions, endangering
yourself and others.
Remember that your vehicle covers a distance
of 44 feet (approximately 14 m) a second
when it is traveling at only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h).
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the
recommended tire pressure.XRemove unnecessary loads.XRemove roof racks when they are not
needed.XWarm up the engine at low engine speeds.XAvoid frequent acceleration or braking.XHave all maintenance work carried out as
indicated by the service intervals in the
Service Booklet or by the service interval
display.Fuel consumption also increases when
driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic
and in mountainous terrain.
Drinking and drivingGWARNING
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs and
driving are very dangerous combinations.
Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and
judgment.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal
accident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Pedals
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 that 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.
Rolling with the engine switched off
GWARNING
There is no power assistance for the steering
and the brake when the engine is not running.
Steering and braking requires significantly
more effort and you could lose control of the
vehicle and cause an accident as a result.
Do not turn off the engine while the vehicle is
in motion.
Driving tips155Driving and parkingZ

To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 312).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 312).
Slippery road surfaces
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.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position N.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 313).
GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1 , 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
set any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
GWARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
Driving systems159Driving and parkingZ

If you want DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you,
the radar sensor system must be activated
( Y page 208) and operational.
If there is no vehicle driving in front of you,
DISTRONIC PLUS functions like cruise
control at a speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and 120 mph
(Canada: 200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in
front of you, it functions at a speed range
between 0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph
(Canada: 200 km/h).
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.
As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual if
there are any questions concerning this.
i USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a “Vehicular Radar System”. The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control
is not a substitute for active driving
involvement. It does not react to pedestrians
or on stationary objects, nor does it recognize
or predict the curvature and lane layout or the
movement of preceding vehicles. The
DISTRONIC PLUS can only apply a maximum
of 40% of the vehicle's braking power.
The DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles possibly driving in front of you, such
as motorcycles and vehicles driving in an
offset formation.
It is the driver's responsibility at all times to
be attentive to the road, weather and traffic
conditions. Additionally, the driver must
provide the steering, braking and other driving
inputs necessary to remain in control of the
vehicle.
High-frequency sources such as toll stations,
speed measuring systems etc. can cause the
DISTRONIC PLUS system to temporarily
cease functioning.
GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take road and
traffic conditions into account. Only use the
DISTRONIC PLUS if the road, weather and
traffic conditions make it advisable to travel
at a constant speed.
GWARNING
Use of the DISTRONIC PLUS can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes
in tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.
The DISTRONIC PLUS does not function in
adverse sight and distance conditions. Do not
use the DISTRONIC PLUS during conditions of
fog, heavy rain, snow or sleet.
162Driving systemsDriving and parking

passenger door or one of the rear doors is
open.
R the vehicle has skidded.
If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will
hear a warning tone. The DISTRONIC PLUS
Off message is shown in the multifunction
display for approximately five seconds.
If the vehicle has been stopped by DISTRONIC
PLUS and a malfunction occurs in the system,
the Brake Immediately message appears in
the multifunction display. Depress the brake
pedal immediately so that the vehicle does
not roll away. DISTRONIC PLUS is then
deactivated, and the message disappears.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS switches off and
releases the brakes when the vehicle
decelerates below the minimum speed of
20 mph (30 km/h) by operation of the system
unless the DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle
directly ahead of you. At that time the driver
must apply the brakes in order to reduce
vehicle speed further or bring it to a stop.
Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS
Important safety notes
The following contains descriptions of certain
road and traffic conditions in which you must
be particularly attentive. In such situations,
brake if necessary. DISTRONIC PLUS is then
deactivated.
GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS works to maintain the
speed selected by the driver unless a moving
obstacle proceeding directly ahead of it in the
same travel direction is detected (e.g.
following another vehicle ahead of you at your
set distance).
This means that:
R Your vehicle can pass another vehicle after
you have changed lanes.
R While in a sharp turn or if the preceding
vehicle is in a sharp turn, the DISTRONIC
PLUS could lose sight of the preceding
vehicle. Your vehicle could then accelerate
to the previously selected speed.
The DISTRONIC PLUS regulates only the
distance between your vehicle and those
directly ahead of it. It may not register
stationary objects in the road, e.g.:
R a stopped vehicle in a traffic jam
R a disabled vehicle
R an oncoming vehicle
The driver must always be alert, observe all
traffic and intercede as required by means of
steering or braking the vehicle.GWARNING
The DISTRONIC PLUS should not be used in
snowy or icy road conditions.
Cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend
The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect
vehicles when cornering is limited. Your
vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.
Vehicles traveling on a different line
170Driving systemsDriving and parking

The calibration of the suspension depends
on:
R your driving style
R the road surface conditions
R your individual selection; see the following
description
If your vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, the dynamic handling package
with sports mode also includes steering
wheel paddle shifters ( Y page 145) with a
manual drive program ( Y page 147).
Example: position of dynamic handling package
with sports mode button
XStart the engine.
Sports tuning
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures even better contact
with the road. Select this mode when
employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads.
Your selection remains stored until you
switch off the engine.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : lights up. Sports
suspension tuning is selected. Depending
on the engine output, the accelerator pedal
is more responsive. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, drive program S is
selected.Comfort tuning
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. highways.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : goes out. Comfortable
suspension tuning is selected. On vehicles
with automatic transmission, drive
program E is selected.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
R the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the parking brake is not applied.
R the hood is closed.
R the transmission is in position D, R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
172Driving systemsDriving and parking

iIf the engine has been switched off, it
cannot be started again until the HOLD
function has been deactivated.
If there is a malfunction in the system or
power supply while the HOLD function is
activated, the Brake immediately message
is shown in the multifunction display.
Immediately depress the brake firmly until
the warning message in the multifunction
display goes out.
You can also shift the transmission to position
P . This deactivates the HOLD function.
RACE START
Important safety notes
i RACE START is only available in AMG
vehicles.
RACE START enables optimal acceleration
from a standing start. The precondition for
this is a suitable high-grip road surface.
GWARNING
RACE START is only available when SPORT
handling mode is activated. SPORT handling
mode only stabilizes the vehicle to a limited
extent in the event of swerving or wheelspin.
RACE START should only be used on specially
designated roads. Always adapt your speed
and driving style to the prevailing road and
weather conditions.
Conditions for activation
RACE START can be activated when:
R the doors are closed.
R the engine is running and it has reached an
operating temperature of approximately
176 ‡ (80 †). This is the case when the
engine oil temperature in the multifunction
display stops flashing.
R SPORT handling mode is activated.
( Y page 62)
R the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead
position.
R the vehicle is stationary and the brake
pedal is depressed (left foot).
R the transmission is in position D.
Activating RACE STARTXDepress the brake pedal with your left foot,
and keep it depressed.XTurn the drive program selector clockwise
( Y page 144) until the RS lamp lights up.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START Confirm: Paddle UP Cancel:
Paddle DOWN message.
i
If the conditions for activation are no
longer fulfilled, RACE START is canceled.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START canceled message.
XTo cancel: pull the left steering wheel shift
paddle ( Y page 145).
or
XTo confirm: pull the right steering wheel
shift paddle ( Y page 145).
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START available Depress
accelerator message.
i
If you do not depress the accelerator
pedal fully within two seconds, RACE
START is canceled. The multifunction
display shows the RACE START not
possible See Operator's Manual
message.
XDepress the accelerator pedal fully.
The engine speed increases to
approximately 4000 rpm.
The multifunction display shows the RACE
START Release brake to start
message.
i If you do not release the brake pedal
within seven seconds, RACE START is
canceled. The multifunction display shows
the RACE START canceled message.
XTake your foot off the brake, but keep the
accelerator pedal depressed.
The vehicle pulls away at maximum
acceleration.174Driving systemsDriving and parking

Problems with PARKTRONICProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsOnly the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
You also hear a warning
tone for approximately
two seconds.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately
20 seconds, and the
indicator lamp in the
PARKTRONIC button
lights up.PARKTRONIC has malfunctioned and has switched off.XIf problems persist, have PARKTRONIC checked at a qualified
specialist workshop.Only the red segments
in the PARKTRONIC
warning displays are lit.
PARKTRONIC is
deactivated after
approximately 20
seconds.The PARKTRONIC sensors are dirty or there is interference.XClean the PARKTRONIC sensors ( Y page 287).XSwitch the ignition back on.The problem may be caused by an external source of radio or
ultrasound waves.XSee if PARKTRONIC functions in a different location.Parking Guidance
Important safety notes
i Parking Guidance is only available in
Canada.
Parking Guidance is an electronic parking aid
with ultrasound. Ultrasound is used to
measure the road on both sides of the vehicle.
A suitable parking space is indicated by the
parking symbol. You receive steering
instructions when parking. You may also use
PARKTRONIC ( Y page 175).
GWARNING
Parking Guidance is merely an aid and may
display parking spaces that are not suitable
for parking, for example:
R no-parking areas
R parking spaces with unsuitable surfaces
(road surface)
R driveways
R entrances and exits
Parking Guidance detects and measures
potential parking spaces while driving past.
Changes to the parking space after this point
are not taken into account, for example if the
vehicle in front of or behind the parking space
changes position or objects in the parking
space are moved.
Even when using Parking Guidance, you are
still responsible for driving carefully. If you
rely on Parking Guidance alone, you could
178Driving systemsDriving and parking