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

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In this Operator's Manual, you will find the
following symbols:GWARNING
Warning notes draw your attention to hazards
that endanger your health or life, or the health
or life of others.
! These warning notes draw your attention
to hazards that could cause damage to your
vehicle.
i This symbol indicates useful instructions
or further information that could be helpful
to you.XThis symbol designates an
instruction you must follow.XSeveral consecutive symbols
indicate an instruction with several
steps.Y PageThis symbol tells you where you
can find further information on a
topic.YYThis symbol indicates a warning or
an instruction that is continued on
the next page.DisplayThis font indicates a display
message in the multifunction
display/COMAND display.
Parts of the software in the vehicle are
subject to copyright according to ©
2005
The FreeType Project
http://www.freetype.org. All rights
reserved.

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
notes. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or model designation of your
vehicle may differ according to:
R model
R order
R country variant
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
Therefore, you cannot base any claims on the
illustrations or text content in this Operator's
Manual.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Service Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
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 Company2045843582 É2045843582ÇËÍ

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 263
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 175
4MATIC off-road system ................... 175
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 59
Important safety notes ....................59
Warning lamp ................................. 242
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 126
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Function/information ....................187
Active Driving Assistance package . 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 229
Function/information ....................190
Active light function ......................... 110
Active Light System Display message ............................ 224
Active service system PLUS
see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 64
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 225
Function/notes ............................. 110
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 349
Air bags Display message ............................ 221
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Pelvis air bag ................................... 41
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................40
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIR FLOW ........................................... 127
Air pressure see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 132
Important safety notes ..................131
Rear ............................................... 133
Setting ........................................... 131
Setting the center air vents ...........132
Setting the side air vents ...............132
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 210
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 262
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 204
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................67
Function ........................................... 67
Switching off the alarm ....................67
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................205
Display message ............................ 228
Function/notes ............................. 182
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 201
Audio system see separate operating instructions 4Index

Authorized Mercedes-Benz Centersee Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 108
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............146
Changing gear ............................... 144
Display message ............................ 236
Driving tips .................................... 144
Emergency running mode ..............149
Kickdown ....................................... 144
Manual drive program ....................147
Problem (malfunction) ...................149
Program selector button ................144
Pulling away ................................... 139
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 149
Selector lever ................................ 142
Shift ranges ................................... 146
Starting the engine ........................139
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......145
Transmission position display ........143
Transmission positions ..................143
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 149
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 224
Bag hook ............................................ 258
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 59
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 60
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 74
Important safety notes ....................74
Replacing ......................................... 74
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 300
Display message ............................ 227
Important safety notes ..................298
Jump starting ................................. 301
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................205
Notes/function .............................. 183
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 217
Notes ............................................. 350
Brake fluid level ................................ 282
Brake lamps Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 223
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 59
BAS .................................................. 59
BAS PLUS ........................................ 60
Brake fluid (notes) .........................350
Display message ............................ 214
Driving tips .................................... 156
High-performance brake system ....158
Important safety notes ..................156
Maintenance .................................. 157
Parking brake ................................ 154
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Index5

COMANDsee separate operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 109
Compass Calibrating ..................................... 276
Calling up ....................................... 275
Setting ........................................... 275
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 199
Convenience closing feature .............. 84
Convenience opening feature ............ 84
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................280
Display message ............................ 225
Notes ............................................. 350
Temperature (on-board computer) . 210
Temperature gauge ........................ 194
Warning lamp ................................. 247
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light function
Changing bulbs .............................. 115
Display message ............................ 222
Function/notes ............................. 110
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 113
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................160
Deactivating ................................... 161
Display message ............................ 233
Driving system ............................... 159
Function/notes ............................. 159
Important safety notes ..................159
LIM indicator lamp .........................160
Setting a speed .............................. 160
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 160
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 260
Important safety notes ..................259
Rear compartment .........................260
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 25
Customer Relations Department ....... 25D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Switching on/off (switch) ..............107
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Interior lighting .............................. 208
Digital speedometer ......................... 199
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 288
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....213
Driving systems ............................. 228
Engine ............................................ 225
General notes ................................ 213
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........213
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 238
Lights ............................................. 222
Safety systems .............................. 214
Service interval display ..................282
SmartKey ....................................... 238
Tires ............................................... 233
Vehicle ........................................... 236
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 204
Distance recorder ............................. 199
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 249
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 169
Display message ............................ 231
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 168
Driving tips .................................... 170
Function/notes ............................. 161
Important safety notes ..................161
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 168
Warning lamp ................................. 249Index7

E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................209
Function/notes ............................. 100
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 101
Function/notes ............................. 100
Switching on/off ........................... 209
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ................................ 64
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 79
Fuel filler flap ................................. 151
Trunk ............................................... 82
Vehicle ............................................. 79
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 293
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 246
Display message ............................ 225
Emergency starting ........................305
Engine number ............................... 344
Irregular running ............................ 141
Starting problems ..........................141
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 139
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............139
Switching off .................................. 153
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................141Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 279
Additives ........................................ 349
Checking the oil level ..................... 279
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 279
Display message ............................ 227
Filling capacity ............................... 346
Notes about oil grades ................... 349
Notes on oil level/consumption ....279
Temperature (on-board computer) . 210
Viscosity ........................................ 349
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...210
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 62
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 204
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................62
Display message ............................ 214
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 61
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety information ...........61
Warning lamp ................................. 243
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 61
Exhaust check ................................... 156
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 287
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 101
Dipping (automatic) .......................102
Folding in/out (automatically) .......102
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........101
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...102
Setting ........................................... 102
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Storing the parking position ..........102
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 255Index9

F
Filler cap see Fuel filler flap
First-aid kit ......................................... 292
Flat tire Changing a wheel/mounting the
spare wheel ................................... 293
MOExtended run-flat system .........297
Preparing the vehicle .....................293
Raising the vehicle .........................295
Floormat ............................................. 276
Frequencies Garage door opener .......................275
Front fog lamps ................................. 108
Display message ............................ 223
Switching on/off ........................... 108
Front windshield
see Windshield
Fuel
Additives ........................................ 348
Consumption statistics ..................199
Displaying the current
consumption .................................. 199
Displaying the range ......................199
Driving tips .................................... 155
Flexible fuel vehicles ......................347
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................347
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline . 347
Problem (malfunction) ...................153
Refueling ........................................ 150
Specifications ................................ 348
Tank content/reserve fuel .............346
Fuel filler flap
Emergency release ........................151
Opening/closing ............................ 151
Fuel level
Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 199
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 346
Problem (malfunction) ...................153
Fuse allocation chart (vehicle tool
kit) ...................................................... 292
Fuses Allocation chart ............................. 305
Before changing ............................. 305Dashboard fuse box .......................305
Fuse box in the engine
compartment ................................. 306
Fuse box in the trunk .....................306
Important safety notes ..................305
G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................274
Frequencies ................................... 275
Notes ............................................. 270
Opening/closing the garage door ..273
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 271
Gasoline ............................................. 150
Gear indicator (on-board
computer) .......................................... 210
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 288
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 342
Glove box ........................................... 254
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 109
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 351
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....281
Cleaning system (function) ............109
Fogging up ..................................... 112
see Automatic headlamp mode
Head restraints
Adjusting ......................................... 95
Adjusting (electrically) .....................96
Adjusting (manually) ........................95
Adjusting (rear) ................................ 96
Installing/removing (rear) ................97
Luxury .............................................. 96
see NECK-PRO head restraints
see NECK-PRO head restraints/
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
10Index

High-beam headlampsChanging bulbs .............................. 115
Display message ............................ 223
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 110
Switching on/off ........................... 109
Hill start assist .................................. 140
HOLD function Display message ............................ 228
Function/notes ............................. 172
Hood
Closing ........................................... 279
Display message ............................ 237
Opening ......................................... 278
Hydroplaning ..................................... 158
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 66
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 29
Settings ......................................... 206
Warning and indicator lamps ...........30
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 29
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting ................................. 112
Automatic control ..........................112
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Emergency lighting ........................113
Manual control ............................... 113
Overview ........................................ 112
Reading lamp ................................. 112
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 292
Using ............................................. 295
Jump starting (engine) ...................... 301
K
Key see SmartKey
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience closing feature ............85
Display message ............................ 238
Locking ............................................ 71
Start/Stop button .......................... 137
Starting the engine ........................139
Unlocking ......................................... 71
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 137
SmartKey ....................................... 137
Kickdown
Driving tips .................................... 144
Manual drive program ....................148
Knee bag .............................................. 40
L
Lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Lane-change assistant
see Blind Spot Assist
Lane detection (automatic)
see Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating .................205
Display message ............................ 229
Function/information ....................185
Lane Tracking package ..................... 183
Lap time (RACETIMER) ...................... 211
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 55
Lighting see Lights
Lights
Activating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off . 208
Active light function .......................110
Automatic headlamp mode ............108
Cornering light function .................110
Display message ............................ 222
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Fog lamps ...................................... 108
Hazard warning lamps ...................109
High beam flasher .......................... 109
Index11

Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ............................... 102
Rear view camera .......................... 181
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Parking Guidance ........................... 178
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 216
Notes/function .............................. 154
Parking Guidance
Display message ............................ 230
Important safety notes ..................178
Parking lamps (changing bulbs) ...... 115
PARKTRONIC Deactivating/activating .................177
Driving system ............................... 175
Function/notes ............................. 175
Problem (malfunction) ...................178
Range of the sensors .....................176
Warning display ............................. 177
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF indicator
lamp ...................................................... 42
Pedals ................................................. 155
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC (permanent four-
wheel drive)
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 288
Power washers .................................. 284
Power windows see Side windows
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake (vehicles with
DISTRONIC PLUS) Display message ............................ 218
Function/notes ................................ 65
Switching on/off ........................... 205
Warning lamp ................................. 249
Preventive occupant safety
system
see PRE-SAFE ®
(Preventive
occupant safety system)
Product information ............................ 21
Program selector button .................. 144
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................139Q
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 24
R
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ............. 174
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 211
Radar sensor system Activating/deactivating .................208
Display message ............................ 229
Radio
Selecting a station .........................201
see separate operating instructions
Reading lamp ..................................... 112
Rear compartment Setting the airflow .........................129
Setting the air vents ......................133
Rear fog lamp
Display message ............................ 223
Switching on/off ........................... 108
Rear seat
Display message ............................ 237
Folding the backrest forwards/
back ............................................... 257
Rear view camera
Cleaning instructions .....................287
Function/notes ............................. 181
Rear-view mirror
Anti-glare (manual) ........................101
Dipping (automatic) .......................102
Rear window blind ............................ 261
Rear window defroster Problem (malfunction) ...................130
Rear window heating
Switching on/off ........................... 130
Rear window wiper
Replacing the wiper blade .............. 118
Switching on/off ........................... 117
Refueling
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Important safety notes ..................150
Refueling process ..........................151
see Fuel
Releasing the parking lock
manually (automatic
transmission) ..................................... 149
14Index

Remote controlGarage door opener .......................270
Reporting safety defects .................... 25
Reserve (fuel tank) see Fuel
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 228
Warning lamp ................................. 246
see Fuel
Residual heat (climate control) ........ 131
Restraint system see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Reverse gear
Engaging (automatic
transmission) ................................. 142
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 22
Roller blind see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ..................................... 88
Rear side windows .........................261
Rear window .................................. 261
Roof carrier ........................................ 259
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 289
Roof load (maximum) ........................ 351
Route see Route guidance (navigation)
Route guidance (navigation) ............ 200
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................53
Child restraint systems ....................53
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 42
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 36
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 51
Belt force limiters ............................ 52
Cleaning ......................................... 289
Correct usage .................................. 49
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 52
Fastening ......................................... 50
Important safety guidelines .............48
Releasing ......................................... 51
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Special seat belt retractor ...............55
Warning lamp ................................. 239
Warning lamp (function) ................... 51
Seats
Adaptive seat backrests (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 97
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting (manually and
electrically) ...................................... 94
Adjusting lumbar support ................97
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 97
Adjusting the head restraint ............95
Cleaning the cover .........................288
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes ....................93
Seat heating problem ......................98
Seat ventilation problem ..................99
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Switching seat heating on/off .........98
Switching seat ventilation on/off ....98
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 287
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........283
Hiding service messages ...............283
Notes ............................................. 283
Service messages ..........................282
Service menu (on-board computer) . 206
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 350
Capacities ...................................... 346
Coolant (engine) ............................ 350
Engine oil ....................................... 349
Fuel ................................................ 347
Important safety notes ..................344
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 350
Washer fluid ................................... 351Index15