ata MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2011 W204 Owner's Manual

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and to
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
R model
R order
R country specification
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
You cannot therefore base any claims on the
data, illustrations or descriptions contained
in this manual.
The following are integral parts of the vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Supplements relating to vehicle equipment
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.2045848981
É2045848981XËÍ
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Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 18At a glance ........................................... 23Safety ................................................... 33Opening and closing ...........................69Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....91Lights and windshield wipers ..........105Climate control ................................. 119Driving and parking ..........................129On-board computer and displays ....165Loading, stowing and features ........215Maintenance and care ......................237Breakdown assistance .....................251Tires and wheels ............................... 269Technical data ................................... 301
Contents3BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 3

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 225
12 V socket ........................................ 224
4ETS see ETS/4ETS
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 159
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 189
Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 206
Accident (notes) ................................ 253
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 194
Active service system see Service interval display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 66
Additional speedometer ................... 179
Air bags Display message ............................ 187
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 37
Important safety notes ....................36
Knee bag .......................................... 38
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........46
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................41
Pelvis air bag ................................... 40
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Side impact air bag ..........................39
Window curtain air bag ....................40
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 122
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 123
Airflow
Setting ........................................... 124
Air nozzles
see Air vents .................................. 126
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................125
Air vents ............................................. 126
Glove box ....................................... 127
Important safety information .........126
Rear ............................................... 127
Setting the center air vents ...........126
Setting the side air vents ...............126
Alarm system
see ATA
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 171
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........67
Ashtray ............................................... 223
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 178
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................67
Function ........................................... 67
Switching off the alarm ....................67
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 175
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 244
Automatic transmission Display message ............................ 200
Driving tips .................................... 139
Emergency running mode ..............144
Kickdown ....................................... 140
Malfunction .................................... 144
Program selector button ................140
Pulling away ................................... 134
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 144
Selector lever ................................ 138
Starting .......................................... 133
B
Backrest (display message) ............. 201
Bag hook ............................................ 219
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
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BatteryCharging ........................................ 261
Checking (SmartKey) .......................74
Display message ............................ 196
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 74
Jump-starting ................................. 262
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................74
Safety notes .................................. 259
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Notes ............................................. 309
Brake fluid level ................................ 242
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 192
Brakes ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................309
Display message ............................ 190
High-performance brake system ....153
Important safety notes ..................151
Maintenance .................................. 152
Parking brake ................................ 149
Warning lamp ................................. 203
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 115
Brake lamp .................................... 115
High-beam headlamps ...................113
Low-beam headlamps ....................113
Overview ........................................ 112
Parking lamps ................................ 114
Rear fog lamp ................................ 115
Replacing ....................................... 114
Side marker lamp .......................... 115
Standing lamps (front) ...................114
Tail lamp ........................................ 115
Turn signal lamp ............................ 115
Turn signals (front) ......................... 114C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........21
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................19
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Care
Carpets .......................................... 249
Car wash ........................................ 244
Display ........................................... 247
Gear or selector lever ....................248
Headlamps ..................................... 246
Matte finish ................................... 245
Notes ............................................. 243
Paint .............................................. 245
Plastic trim .................................... 247
Power washer ................................ 244
Rear view camera .......................... 247
Roof lining ...................................... 249
Seat belt ........................................ 249
Seat covers .................................... 248
Sensors ......................................... 247
Steering wheel ............................... 248
Tail pipes ....................................... 247
Trim strips ..................................... 248
Washing by hand ........................... 244
Wheels ........................................... 245
Windows ........................................ 246
Wiper blades .................................. 246
Wooden trim .................................. 248
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 219
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 175
Center console ..................................... 29
Central locking Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 181
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Changing bulbs
Headlamps ..................................... 111
Changing gears .................................. 139
Changing the programming SmartKey ......................................... 73Index5BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 5

Correct usage .................................. 51
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 54
Fastening ......................................... 52
Important safety guidelines .............50
Releasing ......................................... 53
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Special seat belt retractor ...............58
Warning lamp ................................. 204
Warning lamp (function) ................... 54
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ............98
Seats
Adaptive seat backrests (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 97
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting (manually and
electrically) ...................................... 94
Adjusting the head restraint ............95
Adjusting the lumbar support ..........97
Cleaning the cover .........................248
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes ....................93
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Switching seat heating on/off .........97
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 247
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 242
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 243
Service menu (on-board computer) . 178
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 309
Capacities ...................................... 305
Coolant (engine) ............................ 310
Engine oil ....................................... 308
Fuel ................................................ 306
Important safety notes ..................304
Notes ............................................. 304
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 309
Washer fluid ................................... 310
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........182
On-board computer .......................178
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 171
Shift ranges ....................................... 141Shift recommendation ...................... 138
Side impact air bag ............................. 39
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 193
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Important safety information ...........83
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Resetting ......................................... 85
Troubleshooting ............................... 86
Sliding sunroof
Important safety information ...........86
Troubleshooting ............................... 90
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
see Tilt/sliding sunroof
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................74
Changing the programming .............73
Checking the battery .................70, 74
Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Display message ............................ 201
Important safety notes ....................70
Malfunction ...................................... 76
Starting the engine ........................133
Snow chains ...................................... 154
Socket ................................................ 224
Dashboard ..................................... 224
Rear compartment .........................225
SOS
see mbrace
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 298
Storage location ............................ 254
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating
additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 179
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 171
Segments ...................................... 167
Setting the unit (on-board
computer) ...................................... 178Index13BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 13

SPORT handling modeActivating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 64
Warning lamp ................................. 208
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 185
Introduction ..................................... 34
Warning lamp ................................. 209
Warning lamp (function) ................... 34
Standard display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 170
Starting the engine Important safety notes ..................133
Station
see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 201
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) .....................98
Adjusting (manually) ........................98
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 167
Cleaning ......................................... 248
Important safety notes ....................98
Memory function (storing
settings) ........................................... 98
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 141
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 217
Glove box ....................................... 216
Stowage space
Cup holders ................................... 220
Important safety information .........216
Stowage well
Trunk floor (under) .........................219
Submenu (on-board computer)
Convenience .................................. 181
Factory setting ............................... 182
Instrument cluster .........................178
Lights ............................................. 180
Standard display ............................ 170
Time/Date ..................................... 179
Vehicle ........................................... 181
Summer opening
see Convenience opening feature
Sun visor ............................................ 221Supplemental Restraint System
see SRS
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 180
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 67
T
Tachometer ........................................ 167
Tailgate Display message (12-button
multifunction steering wheel) ........200
Tail lamps (Display message) ........... 192
Tank content Fuel gauge ....................................... 26
Technical data ................................... 302
C 250 ............................................. 311
C 250 4MATIC ............................... 311
C 300 ............................................. 311
C 300 4MATIC ............................... 312
C 350 .................................... 312, 313
C 350 4MATIC ............................... 312
Tires/wheels ................................. 293
TELEAID
Call priority .................................... 230
Display message ............................ 185
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 230
Emergency call .............................. 227
Important safety notes ..................226
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............231
MB info call button ........................229
Remote vehicle locking ..................231
Roadside Assistance button ..........229
Self-test ......................................... 227
System .......................................... 227
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............231
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 176
Display message ............................ 201
Menu (on-board computer) ............176
Number from the phone book ........ 177
Redialing ........................................ 177
Rejecting/ending a call .................177
Telephone compartment .................. 217
Temperature Coolant .......................................... 166
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 171
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Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 171
Outside temperature ...................... 167
Setting ........................................... 123
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Through-loading feature ................... 218
Tilt/sliding sunroof Opening/closing .............................. 88
Resetting ......................................... 88
Time (on-board computer) ................ 179
Timer (on-board computer) .............. 172
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....277
Checking manually ........................275
Display message ............................ 197
Maximum ....................................... 280
Notes ............................................. 273
Pressure loss warning ....................275
Recommended ............................... 272
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 277
Restarting ...................................... 279
Warning lamp ................................. 212
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................292
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................290
Bar (definition) ............................... 290
Characteristics .............................. 290
Checking ........................................ 271
Cleaning ......................................... 272
Definition of terms .........................290
Direction of rotation ......................284
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................293
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 289
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............290
Flat tire .......................................... 254
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 291
Guidelines to be observed .............271
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 291
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................291Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......291
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........291
Labeling (overview) ........................286
Load bearing index (definition) ......292
Load index ..................................... 289
Load index (definition) ...................291
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 291
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 292
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 292
Maximum tire load .........................284
Maximum tire load (definition) .......291
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 292
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 292
Replacing ....................................... 286
Service life ..................................... 271
Sidewall (definition) .......................292
Speed index (definition) .................291
Storing ........................................... 272
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 290
Temperature .................................. 285
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 292
Tire bead (definition) ......................292
Tire pressure (definition) ................292
Tire pressures (recommended) ......290
Tire size (data) ............................... 293
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................287
Tire tread ....................................... 271
Tire tread (definition) .....................292
Total load limit (definition) .............293
Traction ......................................... 285
Traction (definition) .......................292
Tread wear ..................................... 285
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 284
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................290
Unladen weight (definition) ............291
Wear indicator (definition) .............292
Wheel rim (definition) ....................291Index15BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 15

Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 270
Top Tether ............................................ 59
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........264
Installing the towing eye ................264
Removing the towing eye ...............265
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............266
Installing the towing eye ................266
Removing the towing eye ...............266
Transfer case ..................................... 144
Transmission position display ......... 138
Transmission positions .................... 139
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 170
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 170
Resetting (on-board computer) ......171
Trunk
Automatic opening ........................... 81
Emergency release ..........................82
Important safety guidelines .............80
Locking separately ...........................82
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 200
Turn signal (display message) ......... 191
Turn signals ....................................... 108
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................79
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 78
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 222
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 22
Emergency unlocking .......................79
Equipment ....................................... 18
Exterior view .................................... 24
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 178
Loading .......................................... 280
Lowering ........................................ 258
Maintenance .................................... 19
Parking up ..................................... 150
Raising ........................................... 256
Reporting problems .........................21
Towing away .................................. 264
Tow-starting ................................... 264
Transporting .................................. 266
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 303
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 253
Video (DVD) ........................................ 176
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 176
VIN ...................................................... 303
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 206
Brakes ........................................... 203
Check Engine ................................. 210
Coolant .......................................... 210
ESP ®
.............................................. 207
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 208
Fuel tank ........................................ 210
Overview .......................................... 27
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........46
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................41
Reserve fuel ................................... 210
Seat belt ........................................ 204
SPORT handling mode ...................208
SRS ................................................ 209
Tire pressure monitor ....................212
Warranty ............................................ 302
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 258
Wheel chock ...................................... 255
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................286
Changing a wheel .......................... 255
Checking ........................................ 271
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If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available
to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R Service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R Unleaded gasoline for vehicles with
catalytic converters may not be available.
The use of leaded fuels can damage the
catalytic converter.
R Gasoline may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Improper fuel can cause
engine damage.
Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe under our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses:
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWarning
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWarning
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole. If you feel a sudden significant
vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect
that damage to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
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Proper use of the vehicle
To ensure proper use of the vehicle, you must
familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself.
Removing warning labels may cause you and
others to be unaware of certain risks which
may result in an accident and/or personal
injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Mercedes-Benz Center again or, if
necessary, contact us at one of the following
addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting malfunctions relevant to
safety
For the USA only:
The following text is reproduced as required
of all manufacturers according to Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to: http://www.safercar.gov ; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain additional information
about vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov .
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