2014 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN towing

Authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
see Qualified specialist workshop
Authorized workshops
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 232
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 151
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) ..........................151
Automatic headlamp mode ..............115
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............157
Changing gea r............................... 156
Display message ............................ 244
Driving tips .................................... 156
Emergency running mode ..............161
Kickdow n....................................... 156
Manual drive program ....................159
Overview ........................................ 154
Problem (malfunction) ...................161
Progra mselecto rbutton ................ 156
Pulling away ................................... 150
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 161
Selector leve r................................ 154
Shift range s................................... 158
Starting the engine ........................149
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......157
Transmission position displa y........ 155
Transmissio npositions .................. 155
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 161 B
Backup lamp Changing bulbs .............................. 124
Display message ............................ 232
Bag hook ............................................ 266
BAS (Brake Assist System) .................66
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 66
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 79
Important safety notes ....................78
Replacing ......................................... 79Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 304
Display message ............................ 235
Important safety notes ..................302
Jump starting ................................. 306
Blin dSpot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................214
Display message ............................ 238
Notes/function .............................. 193
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 225
Notes ............................................. 355
Brake lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 124
Display message ............................ 231
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 65
BAS .................................................. 66
BAS PLUS ........................................ 66
Brake fluid (notes) .........................355
Display message ............................ 223
Driving tips .................................... 168
High-performance brake system ....170
Important safety notes ..................168
Maintenance .................................. 169
Parking brake ................................ 165
Warning lamp ................................. 250
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Replacing bulbs C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................23
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 297
Car wash ........................................ 292 Index
5

Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition)
....................335
Bar (definition) ............................... 335
Changing awheel .......................... 338
Characteristics .............................. 335
Checking ........................................ 315
Definition of terms .........................335
Direction of rotatio n...................... 338
Display message ............................ 242
Distributio nofthe vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................337
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) .............................................. .334
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............335
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 336
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 336
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................336
Important safety notes ..................314
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......335
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........336
Labeling (overview )........................ 331
Load bearing index (definition) ......337
Load index ..................................... 334
Load index (definition) ...................336
M+S tires ....................................... 316
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 336
Maximum load on a tire (definition) 336
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 336
Maximum tire loa d......................... 329
Maximum tire load (definition) .......336
MOExtended tires ..........................301
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 337
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 336
Replacing ....................................... 338
Service life ..................................... 316
Sidewall (definition) .......................337
Speed rating (definition) ................336
Storing ........................................... 338Structure and characteristics
(definition)
..................................... 335
Summer tires ................................. 316
Temperature .................................. 331
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 337
Tire bea d(definition) ...................... 337
Tire pressure (definition) ................337
Tire pressures (recommended )...... 335
Tire size (data) ............................... 342
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 332
Tire tread ....................................... 315
Tire tread (definition) .....................337
Total load limit (definition) .............337
Traction ......................................... 330
Traction (definition) .......................337
Trea dwear ..................................... 330
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s...................................... 330
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standard s(definition) .................... 335
Unladen weight (definition) ............336
Wea rindicato r(definition) .............337
Whee lrim (definition ).................... 335
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 63
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........308
Installing the towing eye ................309
Removing the towing eye. ..............309
With the rear axle raised ................309
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......309
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............310
Important safety notes ..................308
Transfer case ..................................... 161
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle ..................310
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) .296
Trip computer (on-board computer) 207
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 207
Resetting (on-board computer) ......208 18
Index

Trunk
Emergency release ....................86, 87
Important safety notes ....................84
Locking separatel y........................... 86
Opening (automatically from
inside) .............................................. 86
Opening (automatically from
outside) ............................................ 85
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 245
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Opening dimensions ......................358
Trunk load (maximum) ......................358
Turn signals Display message ............................ 230
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................83
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 82 V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ........268
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 26
Data acquisition ............................... 27
Display message ............................ 244
Emergency locking ........................... 83
Emergency unlocking .......................83
Equipment ....................................... 22
Individua lsettings .......................... 215
Limited Warranty ............................. 26
Loading .......................................... 326
Locking (in an emergency) ...............83
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 76
Lowering ........................................ 342
Maintenance .................................... 23
Parking for a long period ................ 166
Pulling away ................................... 150
Raising ........................................... 339
Reporting problems .........................26
Securing from rolling away ............339 Towing away
.................................. 308
Transporting .................................. 310
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........83
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................76
Vehicle data ................................... 358
Vehicle data ....................................... 358
Vehicle dimensions ...........................358
Vehicle emergency locking ................83
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate ..............350
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 300
Video (DVD) ........................................ 211
VIN ...................................................... 350 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 250
Brakes ........................................... 250
Check Engine ................................. 256
Coolant .......................................... 257
Distance warning ........................... 259
DISTRONI CPLUS ........................... 259
ESP ®
.............................................. 252
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 253
Fuel tank ........................................ 256
Overview .......................................... 32
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF ................47
Reserve fuel ................................... 256
Seat bel t........................................ 248
SPORT handling mode ...................253
SRS ................................................ 255
Tire pressure monitor ....................260
Warranty ............................................ 350
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 246
Wheel bol ttightening torque ...........342
Wheel chock ...................................... 339
Wheels Changing awheel .......................... 338
Checking ........................................ 315
Cleaning ......................................... 293
Cleaning (warning) .........................338
Emergency spare wheel .................346
Important safety notes ..................314
Interchanging/changing ................338
Mounting anew wheel ................... 341 Index
19

Important safety notes
i
Observe the "Importan tsafety notes"
sectio n(Ypage 65). G
WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further
driving safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
! When testing the electric parking brake
on a braking dynamometer, switch off the
ignition. Application of the brakes by
ESP ®
may otherwise destroy the brake
system.
Vehicles without 4MATIC: observe the notes
on ESP ®
(Y page 309) when towing the
vehicle with a raised rear axle.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. Before you
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult a qualified
workshop. You could otherwise damage
the drive train or the brake system.
ESP ®
is deactivated if the 0015warning lamp
in the instrument cluster lights up
continuously when the engin eis running.
If the 000D warning lamp and the 0015
warning lamp are lit continuously, ESP ®
is not
available due to a malfunction.
Observe the information on warning lamps
(Y page 252) and displaym essages which
may be shown in the instrument cluster
(Y page 223).
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly. Characteristics of ESP General information
If the
000D ESP warning lamp goes out before
beginning the journey, ESP ®
is automatically
active.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the 000DESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
If ESP ®
intervenes:
X Do not deactivate ESP ®
under any
circumstances.
X Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
X Adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
ECO start/stop function
The ECO start/stop function switches the
engine off automatically when the vehicle
stops moving. The engine starts
automatically when the driver wants to pull
away again. ESP ®
remains in its previously
selected status. Example:if ESP®
was
deactivated before the engin ewas switched
off, ESP ®
remains deactivated when the
engine is switched on again.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles) Important safety notes
i
Observe the "Important safety notes"
sectio n(Ypage 65).
You can select between the following
statuses of ESP:
R ESP ®
is activated.
R ESP ®
is deactivated. G
WARNING
If you deactivate ESP ®
, ESP ®
no longer
stabilizes the vehicle. There is an increased
risk of skidding and an accident.
Only deactivate ESP ®
in the situations
described in the following. 68
Driving safet
ysystemsSafety

In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
R
give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle
R neither give a warning nor intervene
R accelerate unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS. G
WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes yourv ehicle with up
to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this
braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC PLUS
warns you visually and audibly .There is a risk
of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.
DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
R in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.
in heavy traffic or on winding roads
R on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid
R when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow
DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R strong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages
If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.
This speed may:
R be too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane
R be so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the left-
hand lane
R be so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the 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 operates in the 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 174
Driving systemsDriving and parking

Example: positio
nofdynamic handling package
with sports mode button
X Start the engine.
Sports tuning The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures eve nbetter 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.
X Press button 0003.
Indicator lamp 0002lights up. Sports
suspension tuning is selected. Depending
on the engine output, the accelerator pedal
is more responsive. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, drive program Sis
selected.
Comfort tuning In comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable.
Therefore, select this mode if you favor a
more comfortable driving style. Select
comfort mode also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of
freeway.
X
Press button 0003.
Indicator lamp 0002goes out. Comfortable
suspension tuning is selected. On vehicles
with automatic transmission ,drive
program Eis selected. HOLD function
General notes The HOLD function can assist the drive
rinthe
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.
Important safety notes G
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, it can still roll away
despite being braked by the HOLD function if:
R there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.
R the HOLD function has been deactivated by
pressing the accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal, e.g. by a vehicle occupant.
R the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.
R the battery is disconnected
There is a risk of an accident.
If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
the HOLD function and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
R when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash
Deactivating the HOLD function
(Y page 183). 182
Driving systemsDriving and parking

again after the vehicle has been driven a
certain distance. 4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven .Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficien tgrip.
If you fail to adapt yourd riving style, 4MATIC
can neither reduce the risk of accident nor
override the laws of physics. 4MATIC cannot
take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. 4MATIC is only an aid.Y ou are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.
If a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip:
R Only depress the accelerator pedal as far
as necessary when pulling away.
R Accelerate less when driving.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires (M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary. PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It monitors the area
around you rvehicle using six sensors in the
front bumper and four sensors in the rear
bumper. PARKTRONIC indicates visually and audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is only an aid. It is not a
replacement for your attention to your
immediate surroundings. You are always
responsible for safe maneuvering, parking
and exiting a parking space. When
maneuvering, parking or pulling out of a
parking space, make sure that there are no
persons, animals or objects in the area in
which you are maneuvering.
! When parking, pay particular attention to
objects above or below the sensors, such
as flower pots or trailer drawbars.
PARKTRONIC does not detec tsuch objects
when they are in the immediate vicinity of
the vehicle. You could damag ethe vehicle
or the objects.
The sensors may not detect snow and other
objects that absorb ultrasonic waves.
Ultrasonic sources such as an automatic
car wash, the compressed-air brakes on a
truck or a pneumatic drill could cause
PARKTRONIC to malfunction.
PARKTRONIC may not function correctly on
uneven terrain.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition
R shift the transmission to position D,Ror N
R release the parking brake
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds. Driving systems
185Driving and parking Z

Roadside Assistance button
X
Press Roadside Assistance button 0002.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Custome rAssistance Center.
The indicator lamp in Roadside Assistance
button 0002flashes while the call is active.
The multifunction display shows the
Connecting Call message. The audio
output is muted.
If a connection can be made, the CallConnected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a mobile phone network and GPS reception
are available, the system transfers data to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center,
for example:
R Current location of the vehicle
R Vehicle identification number
i The audio system or COMAND display
indicates that a call is active. During the
call, you can change to the navigation menu
by pressing the NAVI button on COMAND,
for example.
Voice output is not available.
Av oice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.
From the vehicle remote malfunction
diagnosis, the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center can ascertain the nature of
the problem (Y page 279).
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes- Benz technician or makes arrangements for
your vehicle to be transported to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
You may be charged for services such as
repair work and/or towing.
Further details are available in your mbrace
manual.
i
The system has not been able to initiate
a roadside assistance call, if:
R the indicator lamp for Roadside
Assistance call button 0002is flashing
continuously.
R no voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established.
This can occur if the relevant mobile phone
network is not available, for example.
The Call Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
X To end acall: press the 000Abutton on the
multifunctio nsteering wheel.
or
X Press the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the audio syste moron
COMAND.
MB Info call button X
Press MB Info call button 0002.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Custome rAssistance Center.
The indicator lamp in MB Info call
button 0002flashes while the connection is
being made. The multifunction display 276
FeaturesStowage and features