2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SEDAN ignition

After the vehicle has been washed, brake
carefully while paying attention to the traffic
conditions until full braking power is restored.
!When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Never clean your vehicle in a Touchless
Automatic Car Wash as these use special
cleaning agents. These cleaning agents can
damage the paintwork or plastic parts.
!Make sure that:
Rthe side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely
Rthe blower is switched off
Rthe windshield wiper switch is in position 0
Rthe 360° camera or the rear view camera is
deactivated
The vehicle may otherwise be damaged.
!If the SmartKey is within the rear detection
range of KEYLESS-GO, the following situa-
tions, for example, could lead to the uninten-
tional opening of the trunk:
Rusing a car wash
Rusing a power washer
Make sure that the SmartKey is at least 10 ft (3 m) awa yfrom the vehicle.
!Make sure that the automatic transmission
is in neutral position iwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehicle
may otherwise be damaged.
ROperating with the SmartKey:
Do not remove the SmartKey from the igni-
tion lock. Do not open the driver's door
when the engine is switched off or at very
low speeds. Otherwise, when in transmis-
sion position hork, the automatic
transmission will automatically switch to
park position jand block the wheels.
ROperating with the Start/Stop button:
Do not open the driver's door when the
engine is switched off or at very low speeds. Otherwise, when in transmission
position
hork, the automatic transmis-
sion will automatically switch to park posi-
tion jand block the wheels.
Observe the following to make sure that the
automatic transmission stays in neutral i:
Operating with the SmartKey and Start/Stop
button:
XMake sure that the ignition is switched on.
XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
Operating with the Start/Stop button only:
XEngage park position j.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRemove Start/Stop button from ignition lock
(Ypage 137).
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
XSwitch on the ignition.
XDepress and hold the brake pedal.
Operating with the SmartKey and Start/Stop
button:
XEngage neutral i.
XRelease the brake pedal.
XRelease the electric parking brake, if neces-
sary.
XSwitch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off wax
from the windshield and the wiper blades. This
will prevent smears and reduce wiping noises
caused by residue on the windshield.
Washing by hand
In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements in each country.
XDo not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
XUse a soft sponge to clean.
XUse a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
XThoroughly hose down the vehicle with a gen-
tle jet of water.
Care309
Maintenance and care
Z

Do not use these care products in the sun or on
the hood while the hood is hot.
XUse a suitable touch-up stick, e.g. MB Touch-
Up Stick, to repair slight damage to the paint-work quickly and provisionally.
Matte finish care
!Never polish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing causes the finish to shine.
!The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matte
effect:
Rstrong rubbing of the paintwork with
unsuitable materials
Rfrequent use of automatic car washes
Rwashing the vehicle in direct sunlight
!Never use paint cleaner, buffing or polishing
products, or gloss preserver, e.g. wax, for the
purpose of paintwork care. These products
are only suitable for high-gloss surfaces. Their
use on vehicles with matte paintwork leads to considerable surface damage or, more spe-
cifically, to shiny, spotted areas.
Always have paintwork repairs carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop.
!Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances.
Observe these notes if your vehicle has a clear
matte finish. This will help you to avoid damage to the paintwork due to incorrect treatment.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels with
a clear matte finish.
The vehicle should preferably be washed by
hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo and
plenty of water.
Use only insect remove r a
nd car shampoo from
the range of approved Mercedes-Benz care
products.
Cleaning the vehicle parts
Cleaning the wheels
GWARNING
The water jet from a circular jet nozzle (dirt
blasters) can cause invisible exterior damage
to the tires or chassis components. Compo-
nents damaged in this way may fail unexpect-
edly. There is a risk of an accident.
Do not use power washers with circular jet
nozzles to clean the vehicle. Have damaged
tires or chassis components replaced imme-
diately.
!Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
!Do not park your vehicle for a long period of
time directly after cleaning, particularly after
cleaning the wheel rim with wheel cleaner.
Wheel cleaner can lead to the increased cor-
rosion of the brake discs and pads. Therefore,
drive for a few minutes after cleaning. By
heating up the brakes, the brake discs and
pads dry. The vehicle can then be parked for a
long period of time.
Cleaning the windows
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the inside of the windows. Do
not touch the insides of the windows with
hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or ring. There
is otherwise a risk of damaging the windows.
!Clean the water drainage channels of the
windshield and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals and pollen may under certain circumstances pre-
vent water from draining away. This can lead
to corrosion damage and damage to elec-
tronic components.
XClean the inside and outside of the windows
with a damp cloth and a cleaning product that
is recommended and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
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Maintenance and care
Z

Cleaning wiper blades
GWARNING
You could become trapped by the windshield wipers if they start moving while cleaning the
windshield or wiper blades. There is a risk of
injury.
Always switch off the windshield wipers and
the ignition before cleaning the windshield or
wiper blades.
!Do not pull the wiper blade. Otherwise, the
wiper blade could be damaged.
!Do not clean wiper blades too often and do
not rub them too hard. Otherwise, the graph-
ite coating could be damaged. This could
cause wiper noise.
!Hold the wiper arm securely when folding
back. The windshield could be damaged if the
wiper arm smacks against it suddenly.
XFold the windshield wiper arms away from the
windshield (Ypage 121).
XCarefully clean the wiper blades with a damp
cloth.
XFold the windshield wiper arms back again
before switching on the ignition.
Cleaning the exterior lighting
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
which are suitable for plastic light lenses.
Unsuitable cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
could scratch or damage the plastic light len- ses.
XClean the plastic lenses of the exterior light-
ing using a wet sponge and a mild cleaning
agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or
cleaning cloths.
Cleaning the mirror turn signals
!Only use cleaning agents or cleaning cloths
that are suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
cleaning agents or cleaning cloths could
scratch or damage the plastic lenses of the
mirror turn signals.
XClean the plastic lenses of the mirror turn sig-
nals in the exterior mirror housing using a wet
sponge and mild cleaning agent, e.g. Mercedes-Benz car shampoo or cleaning
cloths.
Cleaning AIRPANEL
!If you clean the sensors with a power
washer, make sure that you keep a distance
of at least 11.8 in (30 cm)betwee nthe vehicl e
and the power washer nozzle. Information
about the correct distance is available from
the equipment manufacturer.
Vehicles with AIRPANEL have shutters in the
radiator trim. If the vehicle is very dusty, the
adjustment range of the shutters may be restric-
ted. The actuation mechanics of the radiator
trim must then be cleaned with a power washer.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 136).
or
XPress the Start/Stop button twice on vehicles
with KEYLESS-GO or the KEYLESS-GO start
function (
Ypage 137).
Shutters :open automatically after approx-
imately 120 seconds.
XClean the location points of shutters ;in the
radiator trim with a power washer.
Cleaning the sensors
!If you clean the sensors with a power
washer, make sure that you keep a distance
of at least 11.8 in (30 cm)betwee nthe vehicl e
and the power washer nozzle. Information
about the correct distance is available from
the equipment manufacturer.
312Care
Maintenance and care

XClean sensors:of the driving systems with
water, car shampoo and a soft cloth.
Cleaning the rear view camera and 360°
camera
!Do not clean the camera lens and the area
around the rear view camera or 360° camera
wit h a power washer.
XMake sure that the veh icle isstationary.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1or2 inthe
ignition lock (Ypage 136).
or
XPress the Start /S top button once or twice on
veh icleswit h KEYLESS -GO or the KEYLESS -
GO start function (
Ypage 137).
XOpen the camera cover for cleaning via the
multimedia system (see Digital Operator's
Manual).
XTo clean the camera: use clean water and a
soft cloth to clean camera lens :.When you
switch off the ignition, the camera
cover closes automatically.
Cleaning the exhaust pipes
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipeand tail pipetrim can
become very hot. Ifyou come into contact
with these parts of the vehicle, you could burn
yourself. There is a risk of injury.
Always beparticularly careful around the
exhaust tail pipeand the tail pipetrim. Allow
these components to cool down before touch-
ing them.
!Do not clean the exhaust pipe with acid-
based cleaning agents, such as bathroom
cleaner or wheel cleaner.
!Mercedes‑ AMG C 63 and Mercedes ‑AMG C
63 S with black exhaust pipes: Black chrome
trims must not be polished with a chrome
polish as this willcause them to lose their
black shine. For optimal care, the faceplates
should be rubbed with a lightly oiled cloth
after every car wash. Commercially available
engine and care oils are suitable for this.
For heavier soiling, you can apply a fine paint-
work polish with a microfiber cloth. Remove
the excess polish residue after polishing.
Impurities combined with the effects of road grit
and corrosive environmental factors may cause flash rust to form on the surface. You can
restore the original shine of the exhaust pipeby
cleaning it regularly, especially in winter and
after washing.
XClean the exhaust pipe with a care product
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Interior care
Cleaning the display
!For cleaning, do not use any of the foll owing:
Ralcohol-based thinner or gasoline
Rabrasive cleaning agents
Rcommercially-availab lehousehold cleaning
agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface when
Care313
Maintenance and care
Z

Vehicle preparation is not necessary on vehi-
cles with MOExtended tires
Ra TIREFIT kit (Ypage 317)
Vehicles equipped with MOExtended tires are
not equipped with a TIREFIT kit at the factory. It
is therefore recommended that you additionally
equip your vehicle with a TIREFIT kit if you mount tires that do not feature run-flat properties, e.g.
winter tires. A TIREFIT kit may be obtained from a qualified specialist workshop.
Vehicles with an mbrace system (USA only) that
are not equipped with a TIREFIT kit: in the event
of a flat tire, contact the Customer Assistance
Center of the mbrace emergency call system
(
Ypage 294).
Information on changing and mounting wheels
(
Ypage 353).
XStop the vehicle on solid, non-slippery and
level ground, as far away as possible from
traffic.
XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.
XSecure the vehicle against rolling away
(Ypage 161).
XIf possible, bring the front wheels into the
straight-ahead position.
XSwitch off the engine.
XRemove the SmartKey from the ignition lock.
or, in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO start-function
or KEYLESS‑GO
XOpen the driver's door.
The vehicle electronics are now in position
u. which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.
XRemove the Start/Stop button from the igni-
tion lock (Ypage 137).
XMake sure that the engine cannot be started
via your smartphone (Ypage 139).
XMake sure that the passengers are not endan-
gered as they do so. Make sure that no one is
near the danger area while a wheel is being
changed. Anyone who is not directly assisting
in the wheel change should, for example,
stand behind the barrier.
XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to traffic
conditions when doing so.
XClose the driver's door.
Vehicles with MOExtended tires (tires
with run-flat characteristics)
General notes
With MOExtended tires (tires with run flat char-
acteristics), you can continue to drive your vehi-
cle even if there is a total loss of pressure in one
or more tires. The affected tire must not show
any clearly visible damage.
You can recognize a MOExtended tire by the
MOExtended marking which appears on the
sidewall of the tire. You will find this marking
next to the tire size designation, the load-bear-
ing capacity and the speed index (
Ypage 347).
MOExtended tires may only be used in conjunc-
tion with an active tire pressure loss warning
system or with an active tire pressure monitor.
If a pressure loss warning message appears
in the multifunction display:
Robserve the instructions in the display mes-
sages (Ypage 252)
Rcheck the tire for damage
Rif driving on, observe the following notes
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is
approximately 50 miles (80 km) when the vehi-
cle is partially laden. When the vehicle is fully
laden it is approximately 19 miles (30 km).
In addition to the vehicle load, the driving dis-
tance possible depends upon:
Rvehicle speed
Rroad condition
Routside temperature
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode
may be reduced by extreme driving conditions
or maneuvers, or it can be increased through a
moderate style of driving.
The driving distance possible in run-flat mode is
counted from the moment the tire pressure loss
warning appears in the multifunction display.
You must not exceed a maximum permissible
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
When replacing one or all tires, please observe
the following specifications for your vehicle's
tires:
Rsize
Rthe type and
Rthe "MOExtended" marking
If a tire has gone flat and cannot be replaced
with a MOExtended tire, a standard tire may be
used as a temporary measure. Make sure that
318Flat tire
Breakdown assistance

The highly flammable gas mixture forms when
charging the battery as well as when jump-start-
ing.
Always make sure that neither you nor the bat-
tery is electrostatically charged. A build-up of
electrostatic charge can be caused, for exam-
ple:
Rby wearing clothing made from synthetic
fibers
Rdue to friction between clothing and seats
Rif you push or pull the battery across the car-
pet or other synthetic materials
Rif you rub the battery with a cloth
GWARNING
During the charging process, a battery produ-
ces hydrogen gas. If a short circuit occurs or
sparks are created, the hydrogen gas can
ignite. There is a risk of an explosion.
RMake sure that the positive terminal of a
connected battery does not come into con- tact with vehicle parts.
RNever place metal objects or tools on a bat-
tery.
RIt is important that you observe the descri-
bed order of the battery terminals when
connecting and disconnecting a battery.
RWhen jump-starting, make sure that the
battery poles with identical polarity are
connected.
RIt is particularly important to observe the
described order when connecting and dis-
connecting the jumper cables.
RNever connect or disconnect the battery
terminals while the engine is running.
GWARNING
Battery acid is caustic. There is a risk of injury.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Do
not inhale any battery gases. Do not lean over
the battery. Keep children away from batter-
ies. Wash away battery acid immediately with
plenty of clean water and seek medical atten-
tion.
All vehicles:
HEnvironmental note
Batteries contain dangerous
substances. It is against the
law to dispose of them with
the household rubbish. They
must be collected separately and recycled to protect the
environment.
Dispose of batteries in an
environmentally friendly
manner. Take discharged
batteries to a qualified spe-
cialist workshop or a special
collection point for used bat-
teries.
!Have the battery checked regularly at a
qualified specialist workshop.
Observe the service intervals in the Mainte-
nance Booklet or contact a qualified specialist
workshop for more information.
!Always have work on batteries carried out at
a qualified specialist workshop.
Should it, in exceptional circumstances, be
absolutely necessary to disconnect the 12-
volt battery yourself, please observe the fol-
lowing:
RSecure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
RSwitch off the ignition.
RDisconnect the negative terminal first and
then the positive terminal.
The transmission is locked in position j
after disconnecting the battery.
After the work has been done, install the bat- tery and replace the cover of the positive ter-
minal clamp firmly.
Comply with safety precautions and take pro-
tective measures when handling batteries.
Risk of explosion.
Fire, open flames and smoking are
prohibited when handling the bat-
tery. Avoid creating sparks.
Battery (vehicle)323
Breakdown assistance
Z

GWARNING
A discharged battery can freeze at temperatures below freezing point. When jump-starting the
vehicle or charging the battery, gases can escape from the battery. There is a risk of an explosion. Allow the frozen battery to thaw out before charging it or jump-starting.
If the warning and indicator lamps do not light up on the instrument cluster when temperatures are low, it is probably because the discharged battery has frozen. In this case, you may neither charge
the battery nor jump-start the vehicle. The service life of a thawed-out battery may be shorter. The
starting characteristics can be impaired, particularly at low temperatures. Have the thawed-out
battery checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
All vehicles:
!Vehicles with a gasoline engine: avoid repeated and lengthy starting attempts. Otherwise, the
catalytic converter could be damaged by non-combusted fuel.
Do not start the vehicle using a rapid charging device. If your vehicle's battery is discharged, the
engine can be jump-started from another vehicle or from a second battery using jumper cables.
Observe the following points:
RThe battery is not accessible in all vehicles. If the other vehicle's battery is not accessible, jump-
start the vehicle using a second battery or a jump-starting device.
RVehicles with a gasoline engine: only jump-start the vehicle when the engine and exhaust
system are cold.
RAll vehicles except vehicles with a lithium-ion battery: do not start the engine if the battery
is frozen. Let the battery thaw first.
RJump-starting may be performed only using batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V.
ROnly use jumper cables which have a sufficient cross-section and insulated terminal clamps.
RIf the battery is fully discharged, leave the battery that is being used to jump-start connected for
a few minutes before attempting to start. This charges the battery slightly.
RMake sure that the two vehicles do not touch.
Make sure that:
RThe jumper cables are not damaged.
RBare parts of the terminal clamp do not come into contact with other metal parts while the jumper
cables are connected to the battery.
RThe jumper cables cannot come into contact with parts that can move when the engine is running,
such as the V-belt pulley or the fan.
XSecure the vehicle by applying the electric parking brake.
XShift the transmission to position j.
XMake sure that the ignition is switched off. All indicator lamps in the instrument cluster must be
off. When using the SmartKey, turn the SmartKey to position uin the ignition lock and remove it
(
Ypage 136).
XSwitch off all electrical consumers, e.g. rear window defroster, lighting, etc.
XOpen the hood.
326Jump-starting
Breakdown assistance

If your vehicle is being towed, much more
force may be necessary to steer or brake.
There is a risk of an accident.
In such cases, use a tow bar. Before towing,
make sure that the steering moves freely.
GWARNING
You can no longer steer the vehicle if the
steering wheel lock has been engaged. There
is a risk of an accident.
Always switch off the ignition when towing the
vehicle with a tow cable or a tow bar.
GWARNING
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle
and its weight is greater than the permissible
gross weight of your vehicle, the:
Rthe towing eye could detach itself
Rthe vehicle/trailer combination could roll-
over.
There is a risk of an accident.
When towing or tow-starting another vehicle,
its weight should not be greater than the per- missible gross weight of your vehicle.
Details on the permissible gross vehicle weight
of your vehicle can be found on the vehicle iden-
tification plate (
Ypage 360).
!When Active Brake Assist, Distance Pilot
DISTRONIC or the HOLD function is activated,
the vehicle brakes automatically in certain
situations.
To avoid damage to the vehicle, deactivate
these systems in the following or similar sit-
uations:
Rwhen towing the vehicle
Rin the car wash
!Make sure that the electric parking brake is
released. If the electric parking brake is faulty,
visit a qualified specialist workshop.
!Secure the tow rope or tow bar to the towing
eye only. Otherwise, the vehicle could
become damaged.
!Do not use the towing eye for recovery. This
could damage the vehicle. If in doubt, have
the vehicle recovered using a crane.
!When towing, pull away slowly and
smoothly. If the tractive power is too high, the
vehicles could be damaged.
!Shift the automatic transmission to position
i and do not open the driver's or front pas-
senger's door during towing. The automatic
transmission may otherwise shift to position
j, which could damage the transmission.
!Do not tow with sling-type equipment. This
could damage the vehicle.
!The vehicle can be towed a maximum of
30 miles (50km). The towing speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) must not be exceeded.
If the vehicle has to be towed more than
30 miles (50km), the entire vehicle must be
raised and transported.
It is better to have the vehicle transported than
to have it towed away.
If the vehicle has suffered transmission damage,
have it transported on a transporter or trailer.
The automatic transmission must be in position
i w

hen the vehicle is being towed. If the auto-
matic transmission cannot be shifted to position
i, have the vehicle transported on a trans-
porter or trailer.
The battery must be connected and charged.
Otherwise, you:
Rcannot turn the SmartKey to position 2in
the ignition lock
Rcannot release the electric parking brake
Rcannot shift the automatic transmission to
position i
Disarm the automatic locking feature before the vehicle is towed (
Ypage 85). You could other-
wise be locked out when pushing or towing the
vehicle.
Installing/removing the towing eye
Installing the towing eye
GWARNING
The exhaust tail pipe may be very hot. There is
a risk of burns when removing the rear cover.
Do not touch the exhaust pipe. Take particular
care when removing the rear cover.
328Towing and tow-starting
Breakdown assistance