engine MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 User Guide

Air Recirculation
This mode can be selected to prevent annoying odours or dust from entering the car's interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the car's interior.
To select, press button.
To cancel, press button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated air to fresh air
• after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures below approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside temperatures above approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 5 minutes, if button is pressed.
Notes:
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically engages the recirculated air mode thereby
increasing the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially fresh air within 20 minutes.


Dust Filter
Nearly all dust particles and pollen are filtered out before outside air enters the
passenger compartment through the air distribution system.
Notes:
Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air flowthrough exhaust slots below the rear
window.
Also keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of snow and debris.


Residual Engine Heat Utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically
To select:
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or remove electronic key.
Press button.
This function selection will not activate if the battery charge level is insufficient.
To cancel:
Press button.
The system will automatically shut off
• if you turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2,
• after approx. 30 minutes,
• if the battery voltage drops.

Start Lock-Out

Important !
Removing the electronic key from the steering lock ac tivates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
Inserting the electronic key in the steer ing lock deactivates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be started. Inserting
the electronic key in the steering lock deactivates the start lock-out.

Note:
In case the engine cannot be started, the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or
call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.

Multicontour Seat (optional)

We recommend to adjust the multicontour seat in the following order:
1. Seat cushion depth
2. Backrest bottom
3. Backrest center
4. Side bolster adjustment

Some models may be equipped with multicontour seats. These seats have movable seat cushions,
and inflatable air cushions built into the backrest to provide additional lumbar and side support.
The seat cushion movement and amount of backrest cushion height and curvature can be
continuously varied with regulators (1, 2 and 3) after turning the electronic key in steering lock to
position 2.

The side bolsters of the backrest can be adjusted with rocker switch (4):
• press down forward end-increase side support,
• press down rearward end-decrease side support.

If the engine is turned off, the last cushion setting is retained in memory, and automatically adjusts
the cushion to this setting when the engine is restarted.

Armrest (Rear Bench Seat)

Pull down the armrest. For removal of rear seat cushion, see Index.

Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest

Briefly press drawer and pull out to its detent.

Caution !
Keep cup holder closed while travelling. Place only containers
that fit into the cup holder to prevent spills.
Do not fill containers to a height where the contents could spill
during vehicle maneuvers, especially hot liquids.


Adjusting Telescoping Steering Column (optional)


Warning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The telescoping
adjustment must be locked while driving. Adjusting the steering
wheel while driving, or driving without the telescoping adjustment
locked could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.


Unlocking:
Pull handle (1) out to its stop. The indicator lamp, located in the instrument cluster, comes on.
Adjusting:
To lengthen or shorten the steering column, pull out or push in steering wheel.
Locking:
Push handle (1) in until it engages. The indicator lamp, located in the instrument cluster, goes out.

Important!
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the engine, the adjustable steering
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked the steering column.

Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest
Briefly press drawer and pull out to its detent.

Caution !
Keep cup holder closed while travelling. Place only containers that fit into the cup
holder to prevent spills. Do not fill containers to a height where the contents could spill
during vehicle maneuvers, especially hot liquids.


Head Restraints, Rear

Folding head restraints backward (with engine running): Press symbol-side of rocker
switch to release the head restraints.
The head restraints will then fold backward for increased visibility.

Placing head restraints upright:
Pull head restraint forward until it locks in position.
Angle of head restraints:
The head restraint angle can be adjusted manually.

Important !
For safety reasons, always drive with the rear head restraints in the upright position
when the rear seats are occupied.
Keep area around head restraints clear of articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the
folding operation of the head restraints.

Steering Lock

0 - The electronic key can be withdrawn in this position only. The steering is locked with the electronic key removed
from the steering lock. The electronic key an be removed only with the selector lever in position "P" and the foot off
the brake pedal. After removing the electronic key or with the electronic key in steering lock position 0, the
selector lever is locked in position "P".
1 - Steering is unlocked. (If necessary, move steering wheel slightly to allow the electronic key to be turned clockwise
to position 1.) Most electrical consumers can be operated. For detailed information see respective subjects.
2 - Driving position.
3 - Starting position.

Refer to Index for Starting and turning off the engine.


Warning !
When leaving the vehicle always remove the electronic key from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause serious personal injury.


Important !
If the electronic key is left in the steering lock position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned
in the lock. In this case, remove electronic key from steering lock and reinsert.

Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver's door is opened with the electronic key in steering lock position 1 or 0. With the
engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the alternator (output) is limited. It is therefore recommended to turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of the
battery. Unnecessary strain on the battery and charging system may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the automatic climate air volume control
should be set to the lowest position. The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle battery properly
connected.

Caution !
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
steering lock. Do not leave the electronic key in steering lock position 0.

Exterior Lamp Switch
Off
Parking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low beam is additionally switched on.
Parking lamps plus low beam or high beam headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
Standing lamps, right (turn left one stop).
Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops).
Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking lamps and/or low beam headlamps on.
Rear fog lamp (pull out to 2nd detent) in addition to fog lamps. Yellow indicator lamp in lamp switch
comes on.

Standing Lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the street the standing lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned on,
making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles The standing lamps cannot be operated with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2.

Note:
With the electronic key removed and a front door open, a warning sounds if the vehicle's exterior lamps (except
standing lamps) are not switched off. Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps and the low or high
beam headlamps Fog lamps should only be used in conjunction with low beam headlamps
Consult your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulations regarding allowable lamp operation. Fog lamps are
automatically switched off when the exterior lamp switch is turned to position .


Daytime Running Lamps
Canada only

When the engine is running and the selector lever is in a driving position, the low beam (includes parking lamps,
side marker lamps, taillamps and license plate lamps) are automatically switched on.
When shifting from a driving position to position "N" or "P", the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay).

For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should be turned to position to permit activation of the high beam
headlamps.

Ashtrays
Center Console, Front

To remove ashtray:
Push sliding knob (1) toward the right to eject the insert.
To install ashtray:
Install insert into ashtray frame and push down to engage.
By touching the top of the cover lightly, the ashtray opens automatically.
Prior to removing the ashtray insert, move the gear selector lever to
position "N".
Warning!
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing still. With the gear selector lever in position "N", turn
off the engine and set the parking brake. Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of unintended
contact with the gear selector lever.



Center Console, Rear

To remove ashtray:
Push center bar down and pull out the ashtray.
To install ashtray:
Install bottom of ashtray, push center bar down, and close ashtray.

Drinking and Driving


Warning !
Drinking and driving can be a very dangerous combination. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgement. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink and drive. Please don't drink and drive or allow anyone to drive after
drinking.


Parking Brake
To engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal. When the electronic key is in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster should come on brightly. To release the parking brake, pull handle on
instrument panel. The brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster should go out. A warning sounds, if you start
to drive without having released the parking brake. Also see Brake Warning Lamp Test in Index.


Driving Off
Apply the service brakes to test them briefly after driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road is clear
of other traffic. Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has
been reached. When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow one drive wheel to spin for an extended period
with the ASR or ESP switched off. Doing so may cause serious damage to the drive train which is not covered by
the Mercedes - Benz Limited Warranty.


Warning !
Keep driver's foot area clear at all times. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal movement.

Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, dependent upon
• Selector lever position
• Program mode selector
• Accelerator position
• Vehicle speed

The gear shifting is process is continuously adapted, dependent on the driving style, the driving situation and the road
characteristics.

Important !
When parking the car or before working on the vehicle with the engine running, firmly depress the parking brake
pedal and shift the selector lever into "P".

Driving
The selector lever is automatically locked while in position "P". To move the selector lever out of position "P", the
service brake pedal must be firmly depressed before the shift lock will release. Shift selector leverto the desired
position only when the engine is idling normally and the service brake is applied. Do not release the brake until
ready to drive. The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the selector lever is in drive or reverse position.

Warning !
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of "P" or "N" if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the car could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the car and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling
normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Important !
After selecting any driving position from "N" or "P", wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before
accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.


Accelerator Position
Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear maximum acceleration.
Once the desired speed is attained, ease up on the accelerator - the transmission shifts up again.





Selector Lever Positions
The automatic gear shifting process can be adapted to specific operating conditions using the selector lever.
P - Parking position.
The parking position is to be used when parking the vehicle. Engage only with the car stopped. The parking
position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use
the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever in park to secure the vehicle.

Note:
The electronic key can be removed from the steering lock only with the foot off the brake pedal and the selector
lever in position "P". With the electronic key removed, the selector lever is locked in position "P".

R - Reverse gear. Shift to reverse gear only with the car stopped.
N - Neutral.
No power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage "N" while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g. on icy roads, see Winter driving Instructions in Index).