oil level MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 Owner's Manual

Drive Sensibly - Save Fuel

Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving habits and operating conditions. To save fuel you should:
• keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures,
• remove unnecessary loads,
• remove roof rack when not in use,
• allow engine to warm up under low load use,
• avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration,
• have all maintenance work performed at regular intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly country.





MERCEDES-BENZ
24 HOUR
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
1-800-FOR MERCEDES
1-0800-367-6372 USA.
1-800-387-0100 Canada









What You Should Know
at the Gas Station


• Fuel:
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, fully insert filler nozzle unit. Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out - do not overfill. Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can cause the "Check Engine" lamp to
illuminate. Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane Index 91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 I).
This includes approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 I) reserve.

Warning !
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous, it burns violently and can cause serious injury. Whenever you are
around gasoline, avoid inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish all smoking materials. Never allow sparks, flame
or smoking materials near gasoline!


• Engine Oil:
Engine oil level check, see Index.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 I).
Recommended engine oils, see Index.

• Spark Plugs:
Approved spark plugs, refer to "Technical Data".


• Coolant:
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water quality).
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion/antifreeze), refer to Index.

Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp
High beam
Battery not being charged properly.
See Index

Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)


Exterior lamp failure. See Index

ASR or ESP.
Adjust driving to road condition. See Index

BAS malfunction. See Index
ASR malfunction. See Index

Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low. See Index
BAS malfunction. See Index
ESP malfunction. See Index
Coolant level low. See Index ABS malfunction. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index Fasten seat belts. See Index
Brake pads worn down. See Index SRS malfunction. See Index

Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged. See Index
Telescoping steering column not locked.
See Index

Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
See Index
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel
management system or emission control
system, or the fuel cap is not closed tight. In
all cases, we recommend that you have the
malfunction checked as soon as possible.
See Index
Additional Function Indicator Lamps in
the Instrument Cluster Function Indicator Lamp on
the Center Console

FSS indicator (distance).
See Index
Passenger Airbag automatically switched
off. See Index

FSS indicator (days).
See Index

Instrument Lamps
Press + or - button to vary intensity of instrument lamps.


Display illumination
The display for temperature, odometer, oil level indicator, FSS indicator and clock is illuminated briefly when opening
the
driver door. The display illumination brightness responds automatically according to changes in the surrounding light
sensitivity. To briefly illuminate the display (with electronic key removed or in steering lock position 0 or 1),
pressbutton
O, +,- , h or m.


Trip Odometer
• To reset:
• Press button O once and hold (with display illuminated).
• Press button O twice and hold (with display not illuminated).


Clock
Adjusting clock (display illuminated): Press button m or h briefly. The display flashes to indicate that the clock
can be adjusted.
Minute: Press button m briefly.
Minutes: Press and hold button m.
Hour: Press button h briefly.
Hours: Press and hold button h .

Charge Indicator Lamp
Should the charge indicator lamp fail to come on prior to starting when the electronic key is in steering lock position 2
or should it fail to go out after starting or during operati on, this indicates a fault which must be repaired at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.
If the charge indicator lamp comes on while the engine is ru nning, this may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken.
Should this condition occur, the poly-V-bel t must be replaced before continuing to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine.
Do not continue to drive the vehicle with the charge indicator lamp illuminated. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the o il level warning lamp comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engi ne, or comes on with the engine running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest service station where the engine oil should be topped to the
"full" mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated could result in
serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes -Benz Limited Warranty. In addition to the warning lamp,
the engine oil level should be periodically checked with t he dipstick (or via the odometer display - Model C280 and
C43 AMG only), for example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip (see Engine Oil Level, Checking in Index)

Engine Oil Consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the break-in period. During the breaking period, higher oil
consumption may be noticed and is normal. Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in increased consumption.


Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Placement Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the fuel reserve warning lamp comes on. It should go out
immediately when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that the fuel
level is down to the reserve quantity of approximately 2.1 gal (8 liters).
The warning lamp blinks when the fuel c ap is not closed, or a fuel system leak has been detected. Retighten cap and
see if lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp continues to blink after closing the fuel cap correctly, hav e the fuel system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can cause the "Check Engine" lamp to illuminate).


Tachometer
Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed. Avoid th is engine speed, as it may result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. For engine protection, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.


Seat Belt Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a short time
if the drivers seat belt is not fastened. After starting the engine, the warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind
the driver and passengers to fasten seat belts.

Checking Engine Oil Level
Example



1. Oil dipstick
2. Oil filler cap

To check the engine oil level, park vehicle on level ground, with engine at normal operational temperature. Check
engine
oil level approximately 5 minutes after stopping the engine, allowing for the oil to return to the oil pan.


Oil Dipstick:
Wipe oil dipstick clean prior to checking the engine oil level. Fully insert dipstick in tube, and remove after three
seconds to obtain accurate reading.

Oil level must be between the
lower (min) and upper (max)
mark of the dipstick.



Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking level is approximately 2.1 US qt (2.0 I).
Do not overfill the engine.
Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
For low engine oil level warning lamp, see Index.

Odometer Display Field
(Models C 280 and C 43 AMG)

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until the symbols and appears in the
odometer display field. Within 1 second press button 0 twice.


The following messages are available:
"OK"
"-1.0 Q" (Canada: -1.0 L)
"-1.5 Q" (Canada: -1.5L)
"-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L)
If the message "-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L) blinks and a signal sounds, add oil to upper (max) mark of the dipstick.
"HI"
The message "Hi" blinks and a signal sounds.


Do not overfill the engine.

Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The symbol flashes in the odometer field if a proper oil level check cannot be performed. The oil level check
can be repeated after a short while. Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot be completed via the
odometer display field. In this case we recommend that you have the system checked at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Notes:
If the symbols and are continuously illuminated after pressing button 0 twice and there is no change in the
odometer display field or the low engine oil level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction has occurred to the system .
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick. If no oil leaks are noted continue to drive to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the system checked.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic transmission fluid. Regular automatic transmission fluid
level checks and changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted. If you notice fluid leaks or
gear shifting malfunctions, have your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer check the transmission fluid level.

Changing Wheels

Move vehicle to a level area which is a safe distance from the road way.
1. Set parking brake and turn on hazard warning flasher.
2. Move selector lever to position "P" and turn off engine.
3. Prevent vehicle from rolling away by blocking wheels with wheel chocks
(not supplied with vehicle) or sizable wood block or stone. When changing a wheel
on a hill, place chocks on the downhill side blocking both wheels of the other axle.
On a level road, place one chock in front of and one behind the wheel that is
diagonally opposite to the wheel being changed.
4. Using the wrench, loosen but do not yet remove the wheel bolts.




5. Remove the protective cover from the jack support tube opening by inserting the
screwdriver (supplied in the tool kit) in the opening and prying it out. The tube
openings are located directly behind the front wheel housings and in front of the
rear
wheel housings.



6. Insert jack arm fully into the tube hole up to the stop.
Place jack on firm ground. Position the jack so that it is always vertical (plumb-line)
as seen from the side (see arrow), even if the vehicle is parked on an incline.
7. Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground.
Never start engine while vehicle is raised.
8. Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt and install alignment bolt (1) supplied in the
tool kit. Remove the remaining bolts. Keep bolt threads protected from dirt and
sand.



9. Remove wheel. Grip wheel from the sides. Keep hands from beneath the wheels.
10.Clean contact surfaces of wheel and wheel hub. Install spare wheel on wheel hub.
Insert wheel bolts and tighten them slightly. To avoid paint damage, place wheel
flat
against hub and hold it there while installing first wheel bolt.
Unscrew the alignment bolt (1) to install the last wheel bolt.
11.Lower car. Remove jack and insert jack tube cover.
Before storing the jack, the jack arm must be lowered almost to the base of the jack.



Warning !
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts. Damaged wheel hub threads should
be repaired immediately.
Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tightened mounting bolts can cause the
wheel to come off. This could cause an accident. Be sure to use the correct
mounting bolts.


12. Using the wrench, tighten the five bolts evenly, following the sequence illustrated,
until all bolts are tight. Observe a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
13. Ensure proper tire pressure.

Coolants

The engine coolant is a mixture of water and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which provides:
• corrosion protection,
• freeze protection,
• boiling protection (by increasing the boiling point).
The cooling system was filled at the factory with a coolant providing freeze protection to approx. -22°F
(-30°C) and corrosion protection. The coolant solution must be used year round to provide the
necessary corrosion protection and increase in the boil-over protection. You should have it replaced
every 3 years. To provide the important corrosion protection, the solution must be at least 45%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (equals a freeze protection to approx. -22°F [-30°C]). If you use a solution
that is more than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protection to approx. -49°F [-45°C]), the engine
temperature will increase due to the lower heat transfer capability of the solution. Therefore, do not
use more than this amount of anticorrosion/antifreeze. If the coolant level is low, water and MB
anticorrosion/antifreeze should be used to bring it up to the proper level (have cooling system
checked for signs of leakage). The water in the cooling system must meet minimum requirements,
which are usually satisfied by normal drinking water. If you are not sure about the water quality,
consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Anticorrosion/antifreeze
Your vehicle contains a number of aluminum parts. The use of aluminum components in motor
vehicle engines necessitates that anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant used in such engines be specifically
formulated to protect the aluminum parts. (Failure to use such anticorrosion/antifreeze coolant will
result in a significantly shortened service life.)
Therefore the following product is strongly recommended for use in your car: Mercedes-Benz
Anticorrosion/Antifreeze Agent. Before the start of the winter season (or once a year in the hot
southern regions), you should have the anticorrosion/antifreeze concentration checked. The coolant is
also regularly checked each time you bring your vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for
service.

Model Approx.freeze Protection
-35°F
(~37°C)
-49°F
(-45°C)



C 230 Kompressor 5.0 US qt
(4.75 I)
5.5 US qt
(5.25 I)

C 280 5.3 US qt
(5.0 I)
5.8 US qt
(5.5 I)

C 43 AMG 5.9US qt
(5.6 I)
6.6 US qt
(6.2 I)

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

The engine compartment of model C 230 is illustrated.
1. Fuel Supply
Open flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap
to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank
has been released, then remove cap.
Failure to remove slowly could result in personal injury.
2. Tire Inflation Pressure
Check at least every two weeks.
For details see Index.
3. Coolant Level
See Adding coolant in Index.
4. Windshield Washer System,
Headlamp Cleaning System
For refilling reservoir see Index.
5. Engine Oil Level
See Engine oil level, checking in Index.
6. Brake Fluid
See Brake fluid in Index.

Vehicle Lighting: Check function and cleanliness.
For replacement of light bulbs, see Lamps, exterior in Index.