2018 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SEDAN fuel

Shift recommendation
The gearshift recommendations assist you in
adopting an economical driving style. The rec-
ommended gear is shown in the multifunction
display.
XWhen the corresponding gearshift recom-
mendation:appears in the multifunction
display of the instrument cluster, shift to rec-
ommended gear ;.
Protection against reaching the over-
revving range (Mercedes-AMG vehicles)
!In manual mode, the automatic transmis-
sion 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 will be shown in the multi-
function display.
XWhen message :appears in the multifunc-
tion display, pull on the right-hand steering
wheel paddle shifter.
Kickdown
XFor maximum acceleration, depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure point. The automatic transmission shifts to a lower
gear depending on the engine speed.
XShift back up once the desired speed is
reached.
If you apply full throttle, the automatic trans-
mission shifts up to the next gear when the
maximum engine speed is reached. This pre-
vents the engine from overrevving.
Mercedes-AMG vehicles: kickdown is only
possible in the temporary setting.
154Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Problems with the transmission
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no lon-
ger changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is possible to shift to a gear and reverse gear only.
XStop the vehicle.
XShift the transmission to positionj.
XSwitch off the engine.
XWait at least ten seconds before restarting the engine.
XShift the transmission to positionhork.
If h is selected, the transmission only shifts to one gear; if kis
selected, the transmission shifts to reverse gear.
XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist workshop
immediately.
Transfer case
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always trans-
mitted to both axles.
!Performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake system
or transfer case could otherwise be damaged. Contact a qualified specialist workshop for a
performance test.
!Since ESP®engages automatically, the igni-
tion must be switched off (the SmartKey or
Start/Stop button must be in position gor
1) if
Rthe electrical parking brake is being tested
using a dynamometer
Rthe vehicle is being towed with only one
axle raised (not permitted for vehicles with
4MATIC)
Otherwise, the brake system can be dam-
aged.
!Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised, as
doing so will damage the transmission.
Refueling
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Fuel is highly flammable. If you handle fuel
incorrectly, there is a risk of fire and explo-
sion.
You must avoid fire, open flames, creating
sparks and smoking. Switch off the engine
and, if applicable, the auxiliary heating before refueling.
GWARNING
Fuel is poisonous and hazardous to health.
There is a risk of injury.
You must make sure that fuel does not come into contact with your skin, eyes or clothing
and that it is not swallowed. Do not inhale fuel
vapors. Keep fuel away from children.
If you or others come into contact with fuel,
observe the following:
RWash away fuel from skin immediately
using soap and water.
RIf fuel comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with
Refueling155
Driving and parking
Z

clean water. Seek medical assistance with-
out delay.
RIf fuel is swallowed, seek medical assis-
tance without delay. Do not induce vomit-
ing.
RImmediately change out of clothing which
has come into contact with fuel.
GWARNING
Electrostatic buildup can create sparks and
ignite fuel vapors. There is a risk of fire and
explosion.
Always touch the vehicle body before opening
the fuel filler flap or touching the fuel pump
nozzle. Any existing electrostatic buildup is
thereby discharged.
Do not get into the vehicle again during the refu-
eling process. otherwise electrostatic charge
could build up again.
GWARNING
Vehicles with a diesel engine:
If you mix diesel fuel with gasoline, the flash
point is lower than that of pure diesel fuel.
When the engine is running, exhaust system
components could overheat without being
noticed. There is a risk of fire.
Never refuel with gasoline. Never mix gasoline with diesel fuel.
!Do not use diesel to refuel vehicles with a
gasoline engine. Do not switch on the ignition
if you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel. Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. Notify a qualified specialist workshop
and have the fuel tank and fuel lines drained
completely.
!Do not use gasoline to refuel vehicles with a
diesel engine. Do not switch on the ignition if
you accidentally refuel with the wrong fuel.
Otherwise, the fuel will enter the fuel system.
Even small amounts of the wrong fuel could
result in damage to the fuel system and the
engine. The repair costs are high. Notify a
qualified specialist workshop and have the
fuel tank and fuel lines drained completely.
!Overfilling the fuel tank could damage the
fuel system.
!Take care not to spill any fuel on painted
surfaces. You could otherwise damage the
paintwork.
!Use a filter when adding fuel from a fuel can.
The fuel lines and/or the fuel injection system
could otherwise be blocked by particles from
the fuel can.
If you overfill the fuel tank, fuel could spray out
when the fuel pump nozzle is removed.
For further information on fuel and fuel quality
(
Ypage 361).
Refueling
General information
Pay attention to the important safety notes
(Ypage 155).
All vehicles except PLUG-IN HYBRID vehi-
cles: if you unlock or lock the vehicle from the
outside, the fuel filler flap also unlocks or locks.
PLUG-IN HYBRID vehicles: the pressure in the
fuel tank must be released before refueling (see
Digital Operator's Manual).
The position of the 8fuel filler cap is dis-
played on the instrument cluster. The arrow next
to the filling pump indicates the side of the vehi-
cle.
Opening the fuel filler flap
:To open the fuel filler flap
;To insert the fuel filler cap
=Tire pressure table
?Instruction label for fuel type to be refueled
156Refueling
Driving and parking

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 setting u.
This is the same as "SmartKey removed".
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow :.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
XTurn the fuel filler cap counterclockwise and
remove it.
XInsert the fuel filler cap into the holder on the inside of fuel filler flap ;.
XCompletely insert the filler neck of the fuel
pump nozzle into the tank, hook in place and
refuel.
XOnly fill the tank until the pump nozzle
switches off. Do not add any more fuel after the pump stops
filling for the first time. Otherwise, fuel may leak
out.
Vehicles with a diesel engine: the filler neck is
designed for refueling at diesel filling pumps.
Closing the fuel filler flap
XReplace the cap on the filler neck and turn
clockwise until it engages audibly.
XClose the fuel filler flap.
Close the fuel filler flap before locking the vehi-
cle.
If you are driving with the fuel filler cap open, the 8 reserve fuel warning lamp flashes. A mes-
sage appears in the multifunction display
(
Ypage 245).
Refueling157
Driving and parking
Z

Problems with fuel and the fuel tank
ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
Fuel is leaking from the
vehicle.GWARNING
The fuel line or the fuel tank is faulty.
Risk of explosion or fire.
XApply the electric parking brake.
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 positionu. This is the same as
the key having been removed.
XDo not restart the engine under any circumstances.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The engine does not
start.The fuel tank of a vehicle with a diesel engine has been run completely
dry.
XRefuel the vehicle with at least 5.3 US qt (5 l) of diesel.
XTurn the ignition on for approximately ten seconds (Ypage 136).
XStart the engine continuously for up to ten seconds until it runs
smoothly.
If the engine does not start:
XTurn the ignition on again for approximately ten seconds
(Ypage 136).
XStart the engine again continuously for up to ten seconds until it
runs smoothly.
If the engine does not start after three attempts:
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
The fuel filler flap cannot
be opened.The fuel filler flap is not unlocked.
XUnlock the vehicle (Ypage 78).
The SmartKey battery is discharged or nearly discharged.
XUnlock the vehicle using the mechanical key (Ypage 80).
The fuel filler flap is unlocked, but the opening mechanism is jammed.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
DEF (BlueTEC vehicles only)
General notes
To function properly, BlueTEC exhaust gas after-
treatment must be operated with the reducing
agent DEF. On vehicles with a 2.4 gal (9.0
l)DEF tank, add-
ing DEF is not part of the maintenance work.
When the DEF supply drops to a minimum, the
Check Additive See Owner's Manualmes-
sage is shown in the multifunction display.
If you drive the vehicle at a speed greater than
10 mph (16 km/h) after topping up, the Check
158Refueling
Driving and parking

AdditiveSeeOwner'sManualmessage dis-
appears after approximately one minute.
When the DEF supply drops to a minimum, the
Remaining Starts: 16
message is shown in
the multifunction display.
The Remaining Starts: 16
message in the
multifunction display indicates how many more
times you can start the vehicle. If DEF is not
refilled, you will subsequently be unable to
start the engine.
If the 10 starts display message is shown and a
warning tone also sounds, then the DEF system
is malfunctioning. Have the DEF system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
XAdd at least 1.1 gal (4.0 l)of DEF.
XSwitch on the ignition for at least 60 seconds.
XStart the engine.
iHave the DEF tank refilled at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Use the special DEF refill bottle when adding
DEF between maintenance intervals. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center with any
questions or, if necessary, contact Roadside
Assistance (
Ypage 30).
If the outside temperature is below 12 ‡(Ò11 †)
it may be difficult to top up. If DEF is frozen and
there is an active warning indicator, it may not
be possible to add DEF. Park the vehicle in a
warmer place, e.g. in a garage, until DEF has
become fluid again. It will then be possible to
add DEF again. Alternatively, have the DEF tank
refilled at a qualified specialist workshop.
Further information about BlueTEC exhaust gas aftertreatment and DEF is available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Important safety notes
DEF is a water-soluble fluid for the exhaust gas
aftertreatment of diesel engines. It is:
Rnot poisonous
Rcolorless and odorless
Rnot flammable
When you open the DEF container, small
amounts of ammonia vapor may be released.
Ammonia vapors have a pungent odor and are
particularly irritating to the skin, to mucous
membranes and to the eyes. You may experi-
ence a burning sensation in your eyes, nose and
throat. Coughing and watering of the eyes are
possible. Do not inhale ammonia vapors. Fill the DEF tank
only in well-ventilated areas.
DEF must not come into contact with your skin,
eyes or clothing and must not be swallowed.
Keep DEF away from children.
If you or other persons come into contact with
DEF, observe the following:
RRinse DEF from your skin immediately with
soap and water.
RIf DEF comes into contact with your eyes,
immediately rinse them thoroughly with clean
water. Seek medical assistance without
delay.
RIf DEF has been swallowed, rinse your mouth
out immediately. Drink plenty of water. Seek
medical assistance without delay.
RChange out of clothing contaminated with
DEF immediately.
!Only use DEF in accordance with
ISO 22241. Do not mix any additives with
DEF, and do not dilute DEF with water. This
may destroy the BlueTEC exhaust gas after-
treatment system.
!The vehicle must be parked on level ground
to fill the DEF tank. The DEF tank can only be
filled as intended with the vehicle parked on a
level surface. This avoids false level readings. Filling the tank is not permitted if the vehicle
is not parked on a level surface. There is a
danger of overfil
ling, which could result in
damage to components of the BlueTEC
exhaust gas aftertreatment.
!Rinse surfaces that have come into contact
with DEF immediately with water or remove
DEF using a damp cloth and cold water. If the
DEF has already crystallized, use a sponge
and cold water to clean it. DEF residues crys-
tallize after time and contaminate the affec-
ted surfaces.
!DEF is not a fuel additive and must not be
added to the fuel tank. If DEF is added to the
fuel tank, this can lead to engine damage.
Have the DEF tank refilled at a qualified special-
ist workshop. However, you can also refill the
DEF tank:
Rat a gas station with a DEF filling pump
Rwith DEF refill bottles
Rwith a DEF refill canister
When the pump nozzle switches off automati-
cally during filling at a filling pump, the DEF tank
Refueling159
Driving and parking
Z

has been completely filled. Do not fill the DEF
tank any further. DEF may leak out.
To avoid transporting already opened refill con-
tainers in the vehicle, completely empty refill
bottles or canisters when filling the DEF tank, ifpossible.
For further information on DEF, see
(
Ypage 364).
Opening/closing the DEF filler cap
XTo open: switch the ignition off.
XPress the fuel filler flap in the direction of
arrow:.
The fuel filler flap swings up.
XTurn blue DEF filler cap ;counter-clockwise
and remove it.
DEF filler cap ;is secured with a plastic
strip.
XTo close: place DEF filler cap ;onto the filler
neck and turn it clockwise.
XTo close the fuel filler flap, press it in the
direction of arrow :.
XDrive faster than 10 mph (16 km/h).
TheRefillAdBlueSeeOperator’sMan‐ualmessage goes out after approximately
one minute.
If the Refill AdBlue See Operator’s Man‐
ualmessage continues to be shown in the mul-
tifunction display, you must add more DEF.
iThe fuel filler flap is unlocked or locked
automatically when you unlock or lock the
vehicle.
DEF refill canisters
!Do not screw the disposable hose on too
tight. The disposable hose could otherwise be damaged and DEF may leak out.
XUnscrew the cap from the opening on top of
DEF refill canister ;.
XPlace disposable hose :on the opening of
DEF refill canister ;and screw it on clock-
wise until hand-tight.
Disposable hose :remains closed until you
fasten disposable hose :to the DEF filler
neck of the vehicle.
XPlace disposable hose :on the filler neck on
the vehicle and screw it on clockwise until
hand-tight. When you feel resistance, dispos-
able hose :is sufficiently secured.
XLift up and tip DEF refill canister ;.
Filling stops when the DEF tank is completely
filled. Do not fill the DEF tank any further. DEF
refill canister ;can be removed when it has
been only partially emptied.
XTurn disposable hose :on the filler neck of
the vehicle counter-clockwise and remove it.
XTurn disposable hose :on the opening of
DEF refill canister ;counter-clockwise and
remove it.
XReseal DEF refill canister ;with the cap.
DEF refill canisters are available at many gas
stations or at a qualified specialist workshop.
DEF refill canisters are often sold with a filler
hose. A filler hose that does not exactly fill the
vehicle's DEF tank offers no protection against
160Refueling
Driving and parking

handle:is depressed, the greater the brak-
ing force.
During braking:
Ra warning tone sounds
Rthe Please Release Parking Brakemes-
sage appears
Rthe red F(USA only) or !(Canada
only) indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes
When the vehicle has been braked to a stand-
still, the electric parking brake is engaged.
Parking the vehicle for a long period
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than
four weeks, the battery may be damaged by
exhaustive discharging.
If you leave the vehicle parked for longer than six
weeks, the vehicle may suffer damage as a
result of lack of use.
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop and seek
advice.
iYou can obtain information about trickle
chargers from a qualified specialist work-
shop.
Hybrid vehicles: be sure to observe the notes
in the supplement. Otherwise, you may not rec-
ognize dangers.
Driving tips
General driving tips
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If you operate mobile communication equip-
ment when driving, you may be distracted
from the traffic situation. You could also lose
control of the vehicle. There is a risk of an
accident.
Only operate this equipment when the vehicle
is stationary.
Observe the legal requirements for the country
in which you are driving. Some jurisdictions pro-
hibit the driver from using a mobile phone while driving a vehicle.
If you make a call while driving, always use
hands-free mode. Only operate the telephone
when the traffic situation permits. If you are
unsure, pull over to a safe location and stop
before operating the telephone.
Bear in mind that at a speed of only 30 mph
(approximately 50 km/h), the vehicle covers a
distance of 44 ft (approximately 14 m)per sec-
ond.
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Observe the following tips to save fuel:
XThe tires should always be inflated to the rec-
ommended 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 Main-
tenance Booklet or by the service interval dis-
play.
Fuel consumption also increases when driving in cold weather, in stop-start traffic and in hilly ter-
rain.
Drinking and driving
GWARNING
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 judg-
ment.
164Driving tips
Driving and parking