Internet MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN 2012 W204 Owner's Manual

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?The engine fan is defective.XAt coolant temperatures under 248 ‡ (120 † ), drive to the next
qualified specialist workshop.XAvoid subjecting the engine to heavy loads, e.g. driving in
mountainous terrain, and stop-and-go traffic.#The battery is not being charged.
Possible causes are:
R a defective alternator
R a torn poly-V-belt
R a malfunction in the electronicsXPull over and stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine,
paying attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is not damaged:
XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.4
Check Engine Oil
At Next RefuelingThe oil level has dropped to the minimum level.
A warning tone also sounds.XCheck the oil level, at the latest when next refueling
( Y page 279).XIf necessary, add engine oil ( Y page 279).XHave the engine checked at a qualified specialist workshop if
engine oil needs to be added more often than usual.
Information on approved engine oils can be obtained from any qualified specialist workshop
or on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
! The oil level is too low. Avoid long journeys with too little engine oil. There is a risk of
engine damage.
The display messages and the corresponding symbol that indicate that the oil level is too
low must not be ignored.
Display messages227On-board computer and displaysZ

recommend that you do this only when the
vehicle is stationary and in a safe location.
Downloading destinations in COMAND
i Information on the components and
operating principles of COMAND can be
found in the separate COMAND operating
instructions.
i You can only use the Destination
Download function if the vehicle is
equipped with a navigation system.
Destination Download gives you access to a
database with over 15 million points of
interest (POIs)/important destinations that
can be downloaded onto the navigation
system of your vehicle. If you know the
destination, you can download the address or
obtain the location of points of interest
(POIs)/important destinations in the
surrounding area.
You are prompted to confirm route guidance
to the address entered.
The system calculates the route and
subsequently starts the route guidance with
the address entered.
i If you select No, the address can be stored
in the address book.
i The Destination Download function is
available if the corresponding mobile
phone network is available and data
transfer is possible.
Route Assistance
This service is part of the mbrace PLUS
Package and cannot be purchased
separately.
i You can also use the Route Assistance
function if your vehicle is not equipped with
a navigation system.
Within the framework of this service, you
receive a professional and reliable form of
navigation support without having to leave
your vehicle.
The customer service representative
determines a suitable driving route based on
your current vehicle position and the desired
destination and guides you live through the
current sections of the route.
Search & Send
"Search & Send" is a destination entry
service. You can find further information on
"Search & Send" in the separate COMAND
operating instructions.
Remote vehicle unlocking
If you have unintentionally locked your
vehicle (e.g. the SmartKey is still in the
vehicle) and a replacement SmartKey is not
available, the vehicle can be opened by a
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center.
The vehicle can be opened remotely up to four
days after the ignition was last switched off.
XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your password.XReturn to your vehicle at the time agreed
upon with the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center.XPull the trunk lid handle for at least 20
seconds until the indicator lamp in the SOS
button ( Y page 266) flashes.
The Connecting Call message appears
on the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be opened
via the Internet or an iPhone in the "Owners
Online" section using your ID number and
password 22
.
i Vehicle remote unlocking is only possible
if the corresponding mobile phone network
is accessible.
22 USA only.Features269Stowing and featuresZ

The SOS button flashes and the
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display to confirm that the
command for vehicle remote unlocking has
been received.
If you pull the trunk handle for more than
20 seconds before receiving authorization
for remote unlocking, you must wait 15
minutes before you can pull the trunk lid
handle again.
Remote vehicle locking
If you forget to lock your vehicle but are no
longer in the vicinity of the vehicle, it can be
locked for you by the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
The vehicle can be locked remotely up to four
days after the ignition was last switched off.
XContact the following service hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under 1-800-FOR-
MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
You will be asked for your PIN.
The next time you are in your vehicle and
switch on the ignition, the Tele Aid Doors
locked by remote control message
appears in the multifunction display.
Alternatively, the vehicle can also be locked
via the Internet or an iPhone in the "Owners
Online" section using your ID number and
password.
i The vehicle valet locking feature is
available when the relevant mobile phone
network is available and data connection is
possible.
Service for recovering a stolen vehicle
If your vehicle has been stolen:
XNotify the police.
The police will issue a numbered incident
report.XThis number will be forwarded to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center together with your PIN.
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center then attempts to locate the mbrace
system. The Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center contacts you and the
local law enforcement agency if the vehicle
is located. However, only the law
enforcement agency is informed of the
location of the vehicle.
i If the anti-theft alarm system is active for
longer than 30 seconds, mbrace
automatically informs the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center.
Garage door opener
Important safety notes
The HomeLink ®
garage door opener
integrated in the rear-view mirror allows you
to operate up to three different door and gate
systems.
i Certain garage door drives are
incompatible with the integrated garage
door opener. If you have difficulty
programming the integrated garage door
opener, contact an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center or call one of the following
telephone hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-800-387-0100
GWARNING
Before programming the integrated remote
control to a garage door opener or gate
270FeaturesStowing and features

Frequencies for the garage door opener
The radio type approval number and the frequency range for the garage door opener can be
found on the Internet at: http://www.mercedes-benz.de/betriebsanleitung.
Compass
Calling up the compass
The compass shows which direction the
vehicle is currently traveling in: N, NE , E , SE ,
S , SW , W or NW.
To obtain a correct display in rear-view
mirror :, the compass must be calibrated
and the magnetic field zone must be set.
Setting the compass
XDetermine your position using the following
zone maps.
North America zone map
South America zone map
XPress a round pin into opening
= (Y page 275) for approximately three
seconds.
The currently selected zone appears in
compass display ;(Y page 275).XTo select the zone: press a round pin into
opening =(Y page 275) repeatedly until
the desired zone is selected.
The zone has been selected when compass
display ;(Y page 275) shows the heading.
This takes a few seconds.Features275Stowing and featuresZ

coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and is
under pressure.
R using a rag, slowly turn the cap
approximately 1
/ 2 turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scalding
hot fluid and steam will be blown out under
pressure.
R do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts.XSlowly turn cap : half a turn counter-
clockwise and allow excess pressure to
escape.XTurn cap : further counter-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the filler neck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant is approximately 0.6 in
(1.5 cm) above marker bar = in the filler
neck when warm, there is enough coolant
in coolant expansion tank ;.XIf necessary, add coolant that has been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.XReplace cap : and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
( Y page 350).
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system
The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windshield washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
i Vehicle components and their service
products must match. You should,
therefore, only use products that have been
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved
products can be obtained at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
GWARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
! At temperatures below freezing: always
fill the washer fluid reservoir with a mix of
water and windshield washer concentrate
(e.g. MB WinterFit). There is otherwise a
risk of damaging the windshield washer
system/headlamp cleaning system.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lenses. Unsuitable
washer fluid concentrate could damage the
plastic lenses of the headlamps.
! Do not add distilled or de-ionized water to
the washer fluid container. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windshield washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round.
Engine compartment281Maintenance and careZ

iThe data shown on the identification plate
is example data. This data is different for
every vehicle and can deviate from the data
shown here. You can find the data
applicable to your vehicle on the vehicle's
identification plate.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) can
be found in the following locations:
R on the vehicle identification plate
( Y page 343)
R on the lower edge of the windshield
( Y page 344)
In addition to being stamped on the vehicle
identification plate, the vehicle identification
number (VIN) is also stamped onto the vehicle
body.
It is located on the floor in front of the right-
hand front seat.
XSlide the right-hand front seat to its
rearmost position.XFold floor covering : upwards.
You will see vehicle identification number
(VIN) ;.Engine number:Emission control information plate,
including the certification of both federal
and Californian emissions standards;Engine number (stamped into the
crankcase)=VIN (on the lower edge of the windshield)
Service products and capacities
Important safety notes
Service products include the following:
R fuels (e.g. gasoline, diesel)
R lubricants (e.g. engine oil, transmission oil)
R coolant
R brake fluid
R windshield washer fluid
Vehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. You should therefore
only use products that have been tested and
approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Information on tested and approved products
can be obtained at a Mercedes-Benz Center
or on the Internet at http://
www.mbusa.com (USA only).
GWARNING
Comply with all valid regulations with respect
to handling, storing and disposing of service
fluids. Otherwise, you could endanger
persons or the environment.
Keep service fluids out of the reach of
children.
344Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

additives that have been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
or go to the Internet site
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only) for a list
of approved products. Comply with the
instructions for use on the product label.
Do not mix other fuel additives with fuel. This
causes unnecessary costs and could damage
the engine.
! Do not refuel with low-grade fuel and do
not use fuel additives that are not tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Damage to or malfunctions of the fuel
system may otherwise occur.
Engine oil
Please bear the following in mind
The engine oils are matched to the
performance of Mercedes-Benz engines and
service intervals. You should therefore only
use engine oils and oil filters that are
approved for vehicles with maintenance
systems.
For a list of approved engine oils and oil filters,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center. Or visit http://www.mbusa.com
(USA only).
! Never use engine oil or an oil filter of a
specification other than is necessary to
fulfill the prescribed service intervals. Do
not change the engine oil or oil filter in
order to achieve longer replacement
intervals than those prescribed. You could
otherwise cause engine damage or damage
to the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
Follow the instructions in the service
interval display regarding the oil change.
Otherwise, you may damage the engine and
the exhaust gas aftertreatment.
The table shows which engine oils have been
approved for your vehicle.
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.ModelEngine
modelMB
ApprovalC 250271229.3,
229.5,
229.51C 250 4MATIC 34
C 300 4MATIC272229.5C 350
C 350 4MATIC 34276C 63 AMG156229.535
i
MB approval is indicated on the oil
containers.
Additives
! Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
Engine oil viscosity
Viscosity describes the flow characteristics
of a fluid. If an engine oil has a high viscosity,
this means that it is thick; a low viscosity
means that it is thin.
Select an engine oil with an SAE (viscosity)
classification suitable for the prevailing
outside temperatures. The following table
shows the correct SAE classification to be
used. The low-temperature characteristics of
engine oils can deteriorate significantly, e.g.
as a result of aging, soot and fuel deposits. It
is therefore strongly recommended that you
carry out regular oil changes using an
approved engine oil with the appropriate SAE
classification.
34 Canada only.
35 Restriction: only SAE 0W-40 or SAE 5W-40 engine oils may be used.Service products and capacities349Technical dataZ

Refrigerant of the air-conditioning
system
The air-conditioning system is filled with
R134a refrigerant and a special PAG
lubricant.
! Never use refrigerant R 12 (CFC) or
mineral lubricants. Otherwise, you could
damage the air-conditioning system.
Brake fluid
GWARNING
Over a period of time, the brake fluid absorbs
moisture from the air; this lowers its boiling
point.
If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low,
vapor pockets may form in the brake system
when the brakes are applied hard (e.g. when
driving downhill). This would impair braking
efficiency.
You should have the brake fluid renewed at
regular intervals. The brake fluid change
intervals can be found in the Service Booklet.
Only use brake fluid approved by Mercedes-
Benz. Information about approved brake
fluids can be obtained from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center or on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
Coolant
Important safety notes
The coolant is a mixture of water and
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor. It performs
the following tasks:
R corrosion protection
R antifreeze protection
R raising the boiling point
The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with coolant that contains an
antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor that ensures
protection down to approximately -35 ‡
(-37 †).
! Only add coolant that has been premixed
with the desired antifreeze protection.
Otherwise, the engine could be damaged.
Further information on coolants and on
filling can be found in the Mercedes-Benz
Specifications for Service Products, MB
Approval 310.1, e.g. on the Internet at
http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com . You can
also consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
! Always use a suitable coolant mixture,
even in countries where high temperatures
prevail.
Otherwise, the engine cooling system is not
sufficiently protected from corrosion and
overheating.
If the coolant has antifreeze protection down
to -35 ‡ (-37 †), the boiling point of the
coolant under operating conditions is
approximately 266 ‡ (130 †).
Your vehicle has a range of aluminum
components. Aluminum components in the
engine make it necessary to use antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitor coolant that has been
specifically formulated to protect the
aluminum parts. Using other antifreeze/
corrosion inhibitors without these
characteristics affects the service life.
The coolant must be used throughout the year
in order to maintain the necessary corrosion
350Service products and capacitiesTechnical data

protection and to provide protection from
overheating. In the Service Booklet, you can
find information on the intervals for renewal.
The renewal interval is determined by the
coolant type and the engine cooling system
design. The renewal interval in the Service
Booklet is only valid if the coolant is renewed
or filled up with Mercedes-Benz approved
products. Therefore, only use MB 325.0 or
326.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze or another
Mercedes-Benz approved product of the
same specification.
Information on other products with the same
specifications that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be obtained at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or on the
Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
The coolant is checked at every maintenance
interval at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 † ).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection to
-49 ‡ [-45 † ]); otherwise, heat will not
dissipate as effectively.
If the coolant level is too low, MB 325.0 or
326.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze should be
added. Have the engine cooling system
checked for possible leaks.
Windshield/headlamp cleaning
system
GWARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
Use MB SummerFit windshield washer
concentrate at temperatures above freezing:XMix 1 part MB SummerFit with 100 parts
water.
Use MB WinterFit windshield washer
concentrate at temperatures below freezing:
XAt temperatures down to 14 ‡ ( Ò 10 †):
mix 1 part MB WinterFit with 2 parts water.XAt temperatures down to Ò 4 ‡ ( Ò 20 †):
mix 1 part MB WinterFit with 1 part water.XAt temperatures down to Ò 20.2 ‡
( Ò 29 †): mix 2 parts MB WinterFit with 1
part water.
! Only SummerFit and WinterFit can be
mixed. Otherwise, the jets could become
blocked.
Vehicle data
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
R the heights specified may vary as a result
of:
- tires
- load
- condition of the suspension
- optional equipment
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
All modelsVehicle length182.3 in (4630 mm )Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors79.1 in (2008 mm)Vehicle height56.9 in (1444 mm)Wheelbase108.7 in (2760 mm )Front track60.7 in (1541 mm)Rear track60.8 in (1544 mm)Vehicle data351Technical dataZ

Publication details
Internet
Further information about Mercedes-Benz
vehicles and about Daimler AG can be found
on the following websites:
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only)
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca (Canada
only)
Editorial office
Not to be reprinted, translated or otherwise
reproduced, in whole or in part, without the
written permission of Daimler AG.
As at 15.03.2011