2012 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN manual transmission

Authorized Mercedes-Benz Centersee Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 108
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............146
Changing gear ............................... 144
Display message ............................ 236
Driving tips .................................... 144
Emergency running mode ..............149
Kickdown ....................................... 144
Manual drive program ....................147
Problem (malfunction) ...................149
Program selector button ................144
Pulling away ................................... 139
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 149
Selector lever ................................ 142
Shift ranges ................................... 146
Starting the engine ........................139
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......145
Transmission position display ........143
Transmission positions ..................143
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 149
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 224
Bag hook ............................................ 258
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 59
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 60
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 74
Important safety notes ....................74
Replacing ......................................... 74
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 300
Display message ............................ 227
Important safety notes ..................298
Jump starting ................................. 301
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................205
Notes/function .............................. 183
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 217
Notes ............................................. 350
Brake fluid level ................................ 282
Brake lamps Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 223
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 59
BAS .................................................. 59
BAS PLUS ........................................ 60
Brake fluid (notes) .........................350
Display message ............................ 214
Driving tips .................................... 156
High-performance brake system ....158
Important safety notes ..................156
Maintenance .................................. 157
Parking brake ................................ 154
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Index5

DoorsAutomatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 78
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 70
Control panel ................................... 34
Display message ............................ 237
Emergency locking ........................... 79
Emergency unlocking .......................79
Important safety notes ....................77
Opening (from inside) ......................78
Drinking and driving ......................... 155
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 146
Display ........................................... 143
Manual ........................................... 147
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........210
Drive program selector ..................... 145
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................283
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads .................. 158
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......59
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 64
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............59
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 60
Electronic brake force distribution ...64
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 61
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 61
Important safety information ...........59
Overview .......................................... 58
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 65Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................187
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............190
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................182
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 183
Cruise control ................................ 159
Display message ............................ 228
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 161
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode .................................. 171
HOLD function ............................... 172
Lane Keeping Assist ......................185
Lane Tracking package ..................183
Parking Guidance ........................... 178
PARKTRONIC ................................. 175
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........174
Rear view camera .......................... 181
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................144
Brakes ........................................... 156
Break-in period .............................. 136
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 170
Downhill gradient ........................... 156
Drinking and driving .......................155
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Driving in winter ............................. 158
Driving on flooded roads ................158
Driving on wet roads ......................158
Exhaust check ............................... 156
Fuel ................................................ 155
General .......................................... 155
Hydroplaning ................................. 158
Icy road surfaces ........................... 159
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 157
Pedals ............................................ 155
Snow chains .................................. 313
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Wet road surface ........................... 156
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 202
DVD video (on-board computer) ...... 202
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode ....................................... 1718Index

Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 102
Rear view camera .......................... 181
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Parking Guidance ........................... 178
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 216
Notes/function .............................. 154
Parking Guidance
Display message ............................ 230
Important safety notes ..................178
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ...... 115
PARKTRONIC Deactivating/activating .................177
Driving system ............................... 175
Function/notes ............................. 175
Problem (malfunction) ...................178
Range of the sensors .....................176
Warning display ............................. 177
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp ...................................................... 42
Pedals ................................................. 155
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC (permanent four-
wheel drive)
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 288
Power washers .................................. 284
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Display message ............................ 218
Function/notes ................................ 65
Switching on/off ........................... 205
Warning lamp ................................. 249
Preventive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive
occupant safety system)
Product information ............................ 21
Program selector button .................. 144
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................139Q
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 24
R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ............. 174
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 211
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating .................208
Display message ............................ 229
Radio
Selecting a station .........................201
see separate operating instructions
Reading lamp ..................................... 112
Rear compartment Setting the airflow .........................129
Setting the air vents ......................133
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 223
Switching on/off ........................... 108
Rear seat
Display message ............................ 237
Folding the backrest forwards/
back ............................................... 257
Rear view camera
Cleaning instructions .....................287
Function/notes ............................. 181
Rear-view mirror
Anti-glare (manual) ........................101
Dipping (automatic) .......................102
Rear window blind ............................ 261
Rear window defroster Problem (malfunction) ...................130
Rear window heating
Switching on/off ........................... 130
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 118
Switching on/off ........................... 117
Refueling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................150
Refueling process ..........................151
see Fuel
Releasing the parking lock
manually (automatic
transmission) ..................................... 149
14Index

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

Illustration: light switch with the c symbol for
the automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting4 cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsBRRear fog lampCNFront fog lamps 7
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 109).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
XTurn the light switch to c or à .Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The daytime running lamps function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to c or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P (vehicles with automatic
transmission) or if the parking brake is
applied, the low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps are switched on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
This function is only available on vehicles with
daytime running lamps.
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
XTo activate the daytime running lamps
(vehicles with a luxury multifunction 7 Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the fog lamps function.Exterior lighting107Lights and windshield wipers

Transmission position and drive
program display:Transmission position display;Drive program display
The current position of the selector lever is
shown by the indicators next to the selector
lever.
The indicators light up when the SmartKey is
inserted into the ignition lock. The indicators
go out when the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock.
Transmission positionsBPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P(Y page 153) unless the
vehicle is stationary. The parking
lock should not be used as a brake
when parking. In addition to
engaging the parking lock, you
must always apply the parking
brake to secure the vehicle.
The SmartKey can only be removed
if the transmission is in position P.
If the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock, the selector lever
is locked.
If the vehicle electronics are
malfunctioning, the selector lever
may be locked in position P. To
release the selector lever lock, see
"Releasing the parking lock
manually" ( Y page 149).CReverse gear
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.Automatic transmission143Driving and parkingZ

E EconomyComfortable, economical
drivingS SportSporty driving styleM ManualManual gearshifting
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see ( Y page 146).
Only change from automatic drive program
E or S to manual drive program M when the
vehicle is stationary.
XPress program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
i When the engine is started, the automatic
transmission always switches to automatic
drive program E (drive program C in AMG
vehicles).
AMG vehicles
Drive program selector with manual drive program
C Controlled
EfficiencyComfortable, economical
drivingS SportSporty driving styleS+ SportPlusExtremely sporty driving
styleM ManualManual gearshiftingRS RACE
STARTOptimal vehicle
acceleration from a
standstilli For further information on the automatic
drive program, see ( Y page 146).
Only change from automatic drive program C,
S or S+ to manual drive program M when the
vehicle is stationary.XTurn drive program selector : until the
desired drive program appears in the
multifunction display in the speedometer.
The drive program indicator on drive
program selector : lights up in red.
i
The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program C each time the
engine is started.
i RS cannot be selected during normal
driving. For further information on RACE
START, see ( Y page 174).
Steering wheel paddle shifters
:Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter;Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict or derestrict the shift range by using
the steering wheel paddle shifters
( Y page 146).
In the manual drive program, you can change
gear using the steering wheel paddle shifters
or the selector lever ( Y page 147).
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D.
Automatic transmission145Driving and parkingZ

Clearing the shift range restrictionXPress and hold the selector lever towards
D+ until D is shown once more in the
multifunction display.
or
XPull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until D is shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range
XPress the selector lever to the left towards
D– and hold it in position.
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows optimum acceleration
and deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program
The manual drive program is only available for
vehicles with the dynamic handling package
and for AMG vehicles.
Manual drive program M is different from
drive program S (in AMG vehicles, drive
programs S and S+) with regard to
spontaneity, responsiveness and
smoothness of gear changes.
Manual drive program M can be selected
using the drive program selector or the
program selector button. You can change
gears using the steering wheel paddle shifters
or the selector lever in manual drive program
M if the transmission is in position D.
XPress the program selector button
( Y page 144) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.XAMG vehicles: turn the drive program
selector (Y page 145) until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The indicator M on the drive program
selector lights up in red.
Upshifting
i Vehicles with the dynamic handling
package : if the maximum engine speed for
the shift range is reached and you continue
to accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up, except when manual drive
program M is selected.
XBriefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 145).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Vehicles with AMG engines
! In manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator appears in the
multifunction display.
:Gear indicator;Upshift indicatorAutomatic transmission147Driving and parkingZ