MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC 2010 W204 Owners Manual
Page 91 of 364
XSwitch on the ignition.XBriefly press button :.
iYou need to manually fold in the mirrors
once, so that the automatic fold-in function
will work, see “Setting fold-in function for
exterior rear view mirrors” (Y page 136).
Folding in and out manually
The exterior rear view mirrors can vibrate if
they are not folded out completely.
XSwitch on the ignition.XFolding in: Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold in.
iAt speeds above approximately 9 mph
(15 km/h), you will not be able to fold the
exterior mirrors in.
XFolding out: Briefly press button :.
Both exterior rear view mirrors fold out.
! If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed forward (hit from the rear),
reposition it manually by applying firm
pressure until it snaps back into place.
If an exterior rear view mirror housing is
forcibly pushed rearward (hit from the
front), press button : to fold mirrors in.
Then press button : again to fold mirrors
out. Do not force mirrors by hand as this
may damage the adjustment mechanism.
The mirror housing is then properly
positioned and you can adjust the mirror in
the usual manner.
Memory function
Notes
With the memory function you can store up
to three different configurations per front
seat.
Each memory position button on the driver’s
side can store all of the following settings:
RSeat position
RSteering wheel position
RExterior rear view mirrors’ position
GWarning!
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function while
driving could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle.
Each memory position button on the front
passenger side can store the setting of the
seat position.
Storing positions into memory
XAdjust the seats.XOn the driver’s side, also adjust the
steering wheel and exterior rear view
mirrors to the desired positions.
XPress memory button M once and within
3 seconds press memory position button
1, 2 or 3.
When the settings are stored to the
selected position, an acknowledgement
signal sounds.
Memory function89Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 89Z
Page 92 of 364
Recalling positions from memoryXPress and hold desired memory position
button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat has moved
to the stored position completely. On the
driver’s side, also wait for the steering
wheel and exterior rear view mirrors to
move to the stored position.
iReleasing the memory position button
stops movement to the stored positions
immediately.
Lighting
Notes
iIf you drive in countries with left-hand
driving, you must have the headlamps
modified for symmetrical low beams.
Relevant information can be obtained at
any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
iVehicles equipped with active Bi-Xenon
headlamps:
The active Bi-Xenon headlamps increase
usable illumination over conventional
headlamps because they follow the
curvature of the road ahead. The beams of
the active Bi-Xenon headlamps shift to
either side according to the vehicle’s
steering angle and speed.
Exterior lamp switch1 WStanding lamps, left2 XStanding lamps, right3 $Off
Daytime running lamp mode
4 cAutomatic headlamp mode
Daytime running lamp mode
5 TParking lamps (also tail lamps,
license plate lamps, side marker
lamps and instrument panel lamps)
6 LLow-beam headlamps or high-beam
headlamps
7 NFront fog lamps8 RRear fog lamp
iThe exterior lamps (except standing
lamps or parking lamps) go out
automatically when you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch or open
the driver’s door with the ignition switched
off.
When the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp are switched on and you remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and open
the driver’s door, an acoustic signal
sounds.
In addition the message Switch Off
Lights appears in the multifunction
display.
Switch off the parking lamps or the rear fog
lamp manually.
90LightingControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 90
Page 93 of 364
! Failure to switch off the parking lamps
when leaving the vehicle may result in a
discharged battery.
Low-beam headlamps
The low-beam headlamps can be switched on
and off with the exterior lamp switch.
XSwitch on the ignition.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position L.
The following lamps come on:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
R Instrument panel lamps
R Green indicator lamp L in the
instrument clusterXSwitching off: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position $.
Automatic headlamp mode
The following lamps come on and go out
automatically depending on the brightness of
the ambient light:
R Low-beam headlamps
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to c, the
headlamps will not automatically come on
under foggy conditions.
To minimize risk to you and to others, activate
headlamps by turning exterior lamp switch to
L when driving or when traffic and/or
ambient lighting conditions require you to do
so.
In low ambient lighting conditions, only switch
from position c to L with the vehicle
at a standstill in a safe location. Switching
from c to L will briefly switch off the
headlamps. Doing so while driving in low
ambient lighting conditions may result in an
accident.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an aid
to the driver. The driver is responsible for the
operation of the vehicle’s lights at all times.XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position c.
The following lamps come on and go out
depending on the brightness of the ambient
light with the SmartKey in starter switch
position 1 or the KEYLESS-GO start/stop
button pressed once:
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps will also come on and turn off
automatically.
Canada only: High-beam headlamps are only
available in low ambient lighting conditions.
Daytime running lamp mode
In Canada, the daytime running lamp mode is
mandatory and therefore in a constant mode.
In the USA, the daytime running lamp mode
is deactivated by default.
XActivate the daytime running lamp mode
using the control system, see “Switching
daytime running lamp mode on or off (USA
only)” ( Y page 133).XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
$ or c .
When the engine is running, the low-beam
headlamps come on.Lighting91Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 91Z
Page 94 of 364
In low ambient lighting conditions, the
following lamps will come on additionally:
R Tail lamps
R Parking lamps
R License plate lamps
R Side marker lamps
With the daytime running lamp mode
activated and the engine running, you cannot
switch off the low-beam headlamps manually.
Canada only
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps in low ambient lighting conditions.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
When the engine is running, and you
R shift from a driving position to park
position P with the vehicle at a standstill
(vehicles with automatic transmission) or
the parking brake is engaged, the low-beam
headlamps will go out with a delay of
3 minutes
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
T , the low-beam headlamps, the tail
and parking lamps, the license plate lamps
and the side marker lamps come on
R turn the exterior lamp switch to position
L , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp
mode
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 90).
USA only
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps in low ambient lighting conditions.
The high-beam flasher is available at all times.
When the engine is running, and you turn the
exterior lamp switch to position T or
L , the manual headlamp mode has
priority over the daytime running lamp mode.
The corresponding exterior lamps come on
( Y page 90).
Fog lamps
Fog lamps cannot be switched on with the
exterior lamp switch in position c.
GWarning!
In low ambient lighting or foggy conditions,
only switch from position c to L with
the vehicle at a standstill in a safe location.
Switching from c to L will briefly
switch off the headlamps. Doing so while
driving in low ambient lighting conditions may
result in an accident.
Fog lamps will operate with the parking lamps
and/or the low-beam headlamps on. Fog
lamps should only be used in conjunction with
low-beam headlamps. Consult your State or
Province Motor Vehicle Regulations
regarding permissible lamp operation.
XSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
T or L (Y page 90).XSwitching on front fog lamps: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to first stop.
The green indicator lamp N in the
instrument cluster comes on.XSwitching on rear fog lamp: Pull out the
exterior lamp switch to second stop.
The rear fog lamp, the front fog lamps, the
green N and the yellow indicator lamp
R in the instrument cluster come on.XSwitching off front fog lamps/rear fog
lamp: Push in the exterior lamp switch to
its stop.
Locator lighting
The locator lighting is described in the
“Control system” section, see “Switching
locator lighting on or off” ( Y page 134).
92LightingControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 92
Page 95 of 364
Combination switch
Turn signals
XPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp ! or # in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets automatically
after major steering wheel movements.
To signal minor directional changes:
XPress the combination switch only to the
point of resistance in direction of
arrow ; or ? and release.
The corresponding turn signal lamps will
flash three times.
High beam
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
L (Y page 90).
XSwitching on: Push the combination
switch in direction of arrow :.
The high-beam headlamp indicator lamp
K in the instrument cluster comes on.
XSwitching off: Pull the combination switch
in direction of arrow = to its original
position.
iAlso note the information on high-beam
headlamps with activated automatic
headlamp mode (Y page 91) or the daytime
running lamp mode (Y page 91).
High-beam flasher XSwitching on: Pull the combination switch
briefly in direction of arrow =.
Hazard warning flasher
The hazard warning flasher can be switched
on at all times, even with the SmartKey
removed from the starter switch.
The hazard warning flasher comes on
automatically when an air bag deploys.
XSwitching on: Press hazard warning
flasher switch :.
All turn signal lamps are flashing.
iWith the hazard warning flasher activated
and the combination switch set for either
left or right turn, only the respective left or
right turn signals will operate when the
ignition is switched on.
XSwitching off: Press hazard warning
flasher switch : again.
iIf the hazard warning flasher has been
activated automatically, press hazard
warning flasher switch : to switch it off.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps will be cleaned with a high-
pressure water jet automatically when the
engine is running and you have
Rswitched on the headlamps
Lighting93Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 93Z
Page 96 of 364
and
R the windshield wipers have wiped the
windshield with washer fluid for the first
time
The headlamps are cleaned every tenth time
the windshield is washed with washer fluid.
The counter resets when you switch off the
ignition.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 228).
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps
improve illumination of the area in the
direction into which you are turning.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps will
only operate
R in low ambient lighting conditions
R at vehicle speeds below 25 mph
(40 km/h)
R with the front fog lamps switched off
R when the engine is running
Switching on
XTurn the exterior lamp switch to position
L or c .
or
XActivate the daytime running lamp mode
( Y page 91).XSwitch on the left or right turn signal,
depending on whether you are turning left
or right.
The respective front fog lamp comes on. If
you have switched on the turn signal for
one side but turn the steering wheel in the
other direction, the corner-illuminatingfront fog lamp on the side of the turn signal
comes on.
or
XTurn the steering wheel in the desired
direction.
Driving forward: The front fog lamp on the
side of your steering direction comes on.
Driving in reverse: The front fog lamp
opposite to your steering direction comes
on.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps will
come on automatically depending on the
steering angle, even if you did not switch on
either turn signal. If the corner-illuminating
front fog lamps came on automatically, they
will also go out automatically depending on
the steering angle and vehicle speed.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamps
temporarily come on on both sides of the
vehicle if you turn the steering wheel in one
direction and then again in the other direction
shortly thereafter.
The corner-illuminating front fog lamp
remains lit for a short time only. It then goes
out automatically.
Switching off
XSwitch off the left or right turn signal.
or
XSteer straight ahead.
i There may be a brief delay before the
corner-illuminating front fog lamps go out.
94LightingControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 94
Page 97 of 364
Interior lighting in the front:v Rear interior lighting on/off;~ Automatic control on/off=p Right front reading lamp on/off?c Front interior lighting on/off Ap Left front reading lamp on/offBFront reading lamps CFront interior lighting
Automatic control
XActivating: Press button ~.
Button ~ disengages and sits flush with
the other buttons.
The interior lighting comes on, when you
Runlock the vehicle
Rremove the SmartKey from the starter
switch (Interior Lighting Delay:
must be switched on (Y page 135))
Ropen a door
iIf a door remains open, the interior lamps
go out automatically after approximately
5 minutes.
XDeactivating: Press button ~.
Button ~ engages.
Manual control
! An interior lamp switched on manually
does not go out automatically.
Leaving an interior lamp switched on for an
extended period of time with the engine
turned off could result in a discharged
battery.
XSwitching front interior lighting on/
off: Press switch c.
XSwitching rear interior lighting on/off:
Press switch v.
XSwitching front reading lamps on/off:
Press respective button p.
Emergency lighting
When the interior lighting is set to automatic
mode, the interior lighting comes on
automatically if the vehicle is involved in an
accident.
Switching off:
XPress hazard warning flasher switch
(Y page 93).
or
XUnlock the vehicle with the SmartKey.
Interior lighting in the rear
! An interior lamp switched on manually
does not go out automatically.
Leaving an interior lamp switched on for an
extended period of time with the engine
turned off could result in a discharged
battery.
Lighting95Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 95Z
Page 98 of 364
:p Right rear reading lamp on/off;p Left rear reading lamp on/off=Left reading lamp?Rear interior lampARight reading lampXSwitching rear reading lamps on/off:
Press respective reading lamp switch
p.
Wipers
Notes
! Do not operate the wipers when the
windshield is dry. Dust that accumulates on
a windshield might scratch the glass and/
or damage the wiper blades when wiping
occurs on a dry windshield. If it is necessary
to operate the wipers in dry weather
conditions, always operate the wipers with
washer fluid.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the car has been driven
through an automatic car wash, then wax
or other residue is on the windshield.
Shortly after washing the car in an
automatic car wash, clean the windshield
with washer fluid.
Windshield wipersXObserve notes on page (Y page 96).
Switching on/off
Combination switch
1$ Windshield wipers off2Ä Slow intermittent wiping53Å Fast intermittent wiping64° Slow continuous wiping5¯ Fast continuous wipingBí Single wipe/ î Wiping with
washer fluid
XSwitch on the ignition.XTurn the combination switch to the desired
position, depending on the intensity of the
rain.
iWhen the windshield wipers are switched
on and you stop the vehicle, the wipers
operate more slowly.
Intermittent wiping
Only switch on intermittent wiping under wet
weather conditions or in the presence of
precipitation.
! Vehicles with rain sensor: Do not leave
windshield wipers on an intermittent
setting when the vehicle is taken to an
automatic car wash or during windshield
cleaning. Windshield wipers will operate in
5Rain sensor operation with low sensitivity.6Rain sensor operation with high sensitivity.
96WipersControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 96
Page 99 of 364
the presence of water sprayed on the
windshield, and windshield wipers may be
damaged as a result.
! Vehicles with rain sensor: If you have set
intermittent wiping, dirt on the surface of
the rain sensor or optical effects may cause
the windshield wipers to wipe in an
undesired fashion. This could then damage
the windshield wiper blades or scratch the
windshield. You should therefore switch off
the windshield wipers when weather
conditions are dry.
Vehicles with rain sensor: Intermittent wiping
interval is dependent on the wetness of the
windshield. After the initial wipe, pauses
between wipes are controlled by the rain
sensor automatically.XTurn the combination switch to position
Ä or Å .
Intermittent wiping starts with selected
wiping interval.
Intermittent wiping is interrupted when the
vehicle is at a standstill and a front door is
opened. This protects persons getting into or
out of the vehicle from being sprayed.
Intermittent wiping will be continued when all
doors are closed and
R the clutch pedal is depressed (vehicles with
manual transmission)
or
R the automatic transmission is in drive
position D or reverse gear R (vehicles with
automatic transmission)
or
R the wiper setting is changed using the
combination switch
Single wipe
XPress the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow B to the resistance
point.
The windshield wipers wipe one time
without washer fluid.Wiping with washer fluidXPress the combination switch in direction
of arrow B past the resistance point.
The windshield wipers operate with washer
fluid.
i To prevent smears on the windshield or
noisy/chattering wiper blades, wipe with
washer fluid every now and then even when
it is raining.
For information on filling up the washer
reservoir, see “Washer system and headlamp
cleaning system” ( Y page 228).
For information on cleaning the headlamps
with washer fluid, see “Headlamp cleaning
system” ( Y page 93).
Problems with wipers
! If anything blocks the windshield wipers
(leaves, snow, etc.), switch them off
immediately.
For safety reasons, do the following before
attempting to remove any blockage:
R Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
R Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
or
R Turn off the engine by pressing the
KEYLESS-GO start/stop button and
open the driver’s door (with the driver’s
door open, starter switch is in position
0 , same as with SmartKey removed from
starter switch).
R Engage the parking brake.
R Remove blockage.
R Turn the windshield wipers on again.
Wipers97Controls in detail204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 97Z
Page 100 of 364
If the windshield wipers fail to function at
all with the combination switch in position
Ä or Å,
Rset the combination switch to the next
higher wiper speed
Rhave the windshield wipers checked at
the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center
Power windows
Opening and closing
The door windows are opened and closed
electrically. The switches for all door windows
are located on the driver’s door control panel.
The switches for the respective door windows
are located on the front passenger door and
on the rear doors.
i Operating the rear door windows from
the rear is not possible when you activate
the override switch (Y page 59).
GObserve Safety notes, see page 54.GWarning!
When opening or closing the door windows,
make sure there is no danger of anyone being
harmed by the opening/closing procedure.
The door windows are equipped with the
express operation and automatic reversal
function. If in express operation mode a door
window encounters an obstruction that
blocks its path, the automatic reversal
function will stop the door window and open
it slightly.
The door windows operate differently when
the switch is pulled and held. See the “Closing
when a door window is blocked” section in
this chapter for details.
The closing of the door windows can be
immediately halted by releasing the switch or,
if the switch was pulled past the resistance
point and released, by either pressing or
pulling the respective switch.
If a door window encounters an obstruction
that blocks its path in a circumstance where
you are closing the door windows by pressing
and holding button & on the SmartKey or
by pressing and holding the sensor surface
(vehicles with KEYLESS-GO) on an outside
door handle, the automatic reversal function
will not operate.
Activate the override switch when children
are riding in the back seats of the vehicle. The
children may otherwise injure themselves,
e.g. by becoming trapped in the door window
opening.
GWarning!
Do not keep any part of your body up against
the window pane when opening a window. The
downward motion of the pane may pull that
part of your body down between the window
pane and the door frame and trap it there. If
there is a risk of entrapment, release the
switch and pull it to close the window.
iYou can also open or close the door
windows using the SmartKey, see
“Summer opening feature” (Y page 99)
and “Convenience closing feature”
(Y page 100).
iAfter switching off the ignition or
removing the SmartKey from the starter
switch, you can operate the door windows
until you open the driver’s or front
passenger door. If no door was opened you
can operate the door windows for up to
5 minutes.
98Power windowsControls in detail
204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 98