inflation pressure MERCEDES-BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR 2003 W203 Owner's Manual

ContentsOperation......................................... 221
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ......... 222
Driving instructions ............................ 223
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 223
Drinking and driving ..................... 223
Pedals .......................................... 223
Power assistance ......................... 224
Brakes .......................................... 224
Driving off..................................... 225
Parking ......................................... 225
Tires ............................................. 226
Hydroplaning ................................ 227
Tire traction .................................. 227
Tire speed rating .......................... 227
Winter driving instructions ........... 228
Standing water ............................. 229
Passenger compartment .............. 230
Driving abroad .............................. 230
Control and operation of
radio transmitter .......................... 230
Catalytic converter ....................... 231
Emission control........................... 231
Coolant temperature .................... 232At the gas station .............................. 233
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 234
Engine compartment ......................... 235
Hood ............................................ 235
Engine oil ..................................... 236
Transmission fluid level ................ 238
Coolant level ................................ 238
Battery ......................................... 240
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning* system ......... 241
Tires and wheels ................................ 242
Important guidelines .................... 242
Life of tire..................................... 243
Direction of rotation ..................... 243
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 243
Rotating wheels ........................... 244
Winter driving .................................... 245
Winter tires .................................. 245
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 246
Snow chains ................................. 246Maintenance...................................... 247
Clearing the service indicator ...... 247
Service term exceeded ................ 247
Calling up the service indicator .... 248
Resetting the service indicator .... 248
Vehicle care....................................... 249
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 249

234 OperationAt the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant level
More information on the coolant level
can be found in the “Operation” section
(
page 238).
2Brake fluid (fuse box cover removed)
More information on brake fluid can be
found in the “Technical data” section
(page 332).
Removing fuse box cover
(page 312).
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*
For more information on refilling the
reservoir, see the “Operation” section
(page 241).Engine oil level
More information on engine oil can be
found in the “Operation” section
(
page 236).
Opening hood (
page 235).
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). More information on
coolant can be found in the “Operation”
section (
page 238).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
the “Practical hints” section (
page 290).
Exterior lamp switch (
page 101).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
can be found in the “Operation” section
(
page 243).
iUse only premium unleaded gasoline
with a minimum Posted Octane Rating
of 91 (average of 96 RON / 86 MON).
Information on gasoline quality can
normally be found on the fuel pump.
More information on gasoline can be
found in the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet.
Flexible Fuel Vehicles (MY 2003
Mercedes-Benz C 320 models, except
those equipped with manual transmis-
sion or 4MATIC*):
More information on Flexible Fuel Vehi-
cles can be found in the “Technical da-
ta” section (
page 334).
iLeaving the engine running and the fuel
cap open can cause the
?
lamp to
illuminate.
See also “Practical hints” section
(
page 259).

243 Operation
Tires and wheels
Life of tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advantag-
es, such as better aquaplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
ensure that the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the in-
tended direction of tire rotation.Checking tire inflation pressure
Regularly check your tire pressure at inter-
vals of no more than 14 days.
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.If the tires are warm you should only cor-
rect the tire pressure if it is too low for cur-
rent operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the spec-
ified tire inflation pressures for warm and
cold tires as well as for various operating
conditions.
Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi
(0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air tempera-
ture change.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Warning!
G
If the tire pressure repeatedly drops

check the tires for punctures from for-
eign objects


check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim
iThe pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.
Increased inflation pressures listed for
heavier loads may also be used for light
loads. These higher pressures produce
favorable handling characteristics. The
ride of the vehicle, however, will be
somewhat harder. Never exceed the
max. values or inflate tires below the
min. values listed in the fuel filler flap.

244 OperationTires and wheelsKeep this in mind when checking tire pres-
sure where the temperature is different
from the outside temperature.
Tire temperature and tire pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the
driving speed and the tire load.
Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tires will age and
b e c o m e w o r n o v e r t i m e e v e n i f n e v e r u s e d ,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.
Rotating wheels
On vehicles with the same wheel size all
around, wheels can be rotated every 3 000
to 6 000 miles (5 000 to 10 000 km), or
sooner if necessary, according to the de-
gree of tire wear. The same direction of tire
rotation must be retained.Rotate the wheels before the characteris-
tic tire wear pattern becomes visible
(shoulder wear on front wheels and tread
center wear on rear wheels).
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the
wheels after each rotation. Check and en-
sure proper tire inflation pressure.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout) be-
cause they are more likely to become punc-
tured or damaged by road debris, potholes,
etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicat-
ed by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are
of the same size.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

322 Technical dataRims and Tires
Rims and TiresUse only tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and dif-
ferent tire deformation characteristics
under load that could cause them to
come into contact with the vehicle
body or axle parts. Damage to the tires
or the vehicle may be the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A tire inflation
pressure table is located on the fuel fill-
er cap of the vehicle. The tire pressure
should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.

347 Index
A
ABS 23, 73, 341
ABS control 74
Malfunction indicator lamp 257
Messages in display 262
Warning lamp 257
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 143
Accident
In case of 50
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling) 154, 163
Air recirculation mode 152, 160
Anti-theft alarm system 79
Automatic climate control* 157
Central locking (control system) 129
Charcoal filter 161
Climate control 149
Climate control system 153
Defrosting 151
Easy-entry/exit feature* 129
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 102
Exterior rear view mirror
parking position* 145Hazard warning flasher 104
Headlamps 47
High beams 104
Ignition 31
Immobilizer 53, 79
Rear fog lamp 102
Rear window defroster 153, 162
Residual heat 163
Seat heater* 97
Tow-away alarm 80
Windshield wipers 48
Adding
Coolant 239
Engine oil 237
Additional turn signals 290
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 155, 164
Adjusting 32
Air distribution 151, 159
Air volume 151, 159
Backrest tilt 33, 35
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 33, 35, 37
Head restraint tilt 34, 35, 36
Head restraints 36
Inside rear view mirror 39Instrument cluster illumination 107
Manual seat 33
Mirrors 39
Multicontour seat* 96
Power seat* 34
Rear seat head restraints 35
Seat belt height 43
Seat cushion depth 96
Seat cushion tilt 33, 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33, 34
Seat height 33, 35
Seats 32, 33
Steering column height 37, 38
Steering column length 37, 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioner (cooling)
Turning off 154, 163
Turning on 154, 163
Air conditioning refrigerant 332
Air distribution
Adjusting 151, 159
Air pressure
see Tire inflation pressure 243
Air recirculation mode 152, 160
Activating 152, 160
Deactivating 152, 161

367 Index
Technical data 332
Brake fluid 332
Coolant 329
Coolants 336
Electrical system 326
Engine oil 332
Engine oil additives 332
Flexible fuel vehicles 334
Fuel requirements 333
Fuels 329
Gasoline additives 334
Lubricants 329
Main dimensions 327
Premium unleaded gasoline 333
Rims and tires 322
Weights 328
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning* system 331, 338
Tele Aid* 209
Emergency calls 211
Information 214
Initiating an emergency call
manually 212
Messages in display 277
Remote door unlock 216
Roadside assistance 213SOS button 212
Stolen vehicle tracking services 217
System self-check 210
Tele Aid System 210, 345
Upgrade signals 215
Telematics* 345
Telephone* 24, 208
Answering a call 135
Dialing a number from
the phone book 135
Emergency call 185
Ending a call 135
Hands-free microphone 27
Loading phone book* 135
Messages in display 277
Operation 134, 182
Redialing 136
Signal strength 134
Temperature
Display mode 123
Grades of tires 340
Setting interior
temperature 150, 158
Setting units in display 123
Tires 244Tightening torque
(Wheel bolts) 301, 345
Tilt
Head restraint 34
Time
Setting hours 122
Setting minutes 122
Time display
Setting 123
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 234, 243
Tire speed rating 227, 345
Tire traction 227
Tires 242, 322, 339
Consumer information 339
Direction of rotation 243
Driving instructions 226
Retreads 242
Rims and tires 322
Service life 243
Temperature 244
Temperature grades 340
Tread depth 245
Wear pattern 244
Winter 245
Tools 279