fuel MERCEDES-BENZ C-280 1999 User Guide

Central locking switch

1. Locking
2. Unlocking


The central locking switch is located in the center cons ole. The doors can only be locked with the central locking
switch, if the front doors are closed. If the car was previously locked with the remote control or key, the doors and
trunk cannot be unlocked with the central locking switch. If the car was previously locked with the central locking
switch, while in the selective remote control mode, only the door opened from the inside is unlocked. If the car was
previously locked with the central locking switch, while in the global remote control mode, the complete vehicle is
unlocked when a front door is opened from the inside.


Automatic Central Locking
The central locking switch also oper ates the automatic central locking.
To activate:
With electronic key in steering lock position 2 hold upper portion of switch (1) for a minimum of 5 seconds.
To deactivate:
With electronic key in steering lock position 2 hold lower portion of switch (2) for a minimum of 5 seconds.
With the automatic central locking system activated, the doors and trunk are locked at vehicle speeds of approx. 9
mph (15 km/h) or more . The fuel filler flap remains unlocked.

Notes:
If doors are unlocked with the central locking switch after activating the automatic central locking, and neither door is
opened, then the doors remain unlocked even at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more. Opening a door
from the inside at speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or less with the automatic central locking activated, the door will
again be automatically locked at speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or more.

Emergency Unlocking in Case of Accident
The doors unlock automatically a short time after an a ccident (this is intended to aid rescue and exit).
However, the electronic key must still be in the steering lock.


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Trunk

0 - Neutral position - push to open
1 - Unlocking
2 - Locking (detent)
3 - Separate locking of trunk - remove mechanical key in this position.

When the trunk is separately locked, it remains locked when centrally unlocking
the vehicle. To deny any unauthorized person access to the trunk, lock it
separately. Leave only the electronic main key less its mechanical key with the
vehicle.

Notes:
In case of a malfunction in the central locking system the trunk can be locked and unlocked individually. To lock, turn
mechanical key to position 2 or 3. To unlock and open the trunk lid, turn mechanical key to position 1, hold and push
to open. If the fuel filler flap cannot be opened, refe r to Fuel Filler Flap, Manual Release (see Index).


Important!
Do not place mechanical key inside trunk, since trunk is locked again when closing the
lid.

Lower trunk lid using handle (4) and close it with hands placed flat on trunk lid.

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Charge Indicator Lamp
Should the charge indicator lamp fail to come on prior to starting when the electronic key is in steering lock position 2
or should it fail to go out after starting or during operati on, this indicates a fault which must be repaired at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.
If the charge indicator lamp comes on while the engine is ru nning, this may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken.
Should this condition occur, the poly-V-bel t must be replaced before continuing to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the engine.
Do not continue to drive the vehicle with the charge indicator lamp illuminated. Doing so could result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Low Engine Oil Level Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the o il level warning lamp comes on. It should go out immediately
when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engi ne, or comes on with the engine running and at operating
temperature, the engine oil level has dropped to approximately the minimum mark on the dipstick.
When this occurs, the warning lamp will first come on intermittently and then stay on if the oil level drops further.
If no oil leaks are noted, continue to drive to the nearest service station where the engine oil should be topped to the
"full" mark on the dipstick with an approved oil.
The low engine oil level warning light should not be ignored. Extended driving with the light illuminated could result in
serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes -Benz Limited Warranty. In addition to the warning lamp,
the engine oil level should be periodically checked with the di pstick (or via the odometer display - Model 280 only), for
example during a fuel stop, or before a long trip (see Index)


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Engine Oil Consumption
Engine oil consumption checks should only be made after the break-in period. During the break-in period, higher oil
consumption may be noticed and is normal. Frequent driving at high engine speeds results in increased consumption.


Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Placement Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the fuel reserve warning lamp comes on. It should go out
immediately when the engine is running.
If the warning lamp does not go out after starting the engine, or if it comes on while driving, it indicates that the fuel
level is down to the reserve quantity of approximately 2.1 gal (8 liters).
The warning lamp blinks when the fuel c ap is not closed, or a fuel system leak has been detected. Retighten cap and
see if lamp goes out.
If the warning lamp continues to blink after closing the fuel cap correctly, hav e the fuel system checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can cause the "Check Engine" lamp to illuminate).


Tachometer
Red marking on tachometer: Excessive engine speed. Avoid th is engine speed, as it may result in serious engine
damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. For engine protection, the fuel supply is
interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.


Seat Belt Warning Lamp
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the warning lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a short time
if the drivers seat belt is not fastened. After starting the engine, the warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind
the driver and passengers to fasten seat belts.


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Emission Control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic components of the exhaust gases within
permissible limits required by law. These syst ems, of course, will function properly only when
maintained strictly according to factory spec ifications. Any adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by qualified Merc edes-Benz authorized dealer technicians. Engine
adjustments should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the specified service jobs must be carried
out regularly according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements. For details refer to the Service
Booklet.

Warning !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a garage) which are not properly ventilated.
If you think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the vehicle while driving, have the cause
determined and corrected immediately. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only
with at least one window fully open.


On-Board Diagnostic System
The Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI) c ontrol module monitors emission control components
that either provide input signals to or receive output signals from the control module. Malfunctions
resulting from interruptions or failure of any of these components are indicated by the "CHECK
ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster and are simultaneously stored in the
diagnostic module. If the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunc tion indicator lamp comes on, have the system
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz deal er as soon as possible. The control module
switches off the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator lamp if the condition, causing the lamp to come on, no
longer exists. An on-board diagnostic connector is located in the passenger compartment near to the
parking brake pedal, allowing the accurate identificat ion of system malfunctions through the readout
of diagnostic trouble codes.


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Winter Driving
Have your car winterized at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer before the onset of winter.
• Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil which is not approved for winter operation.
For viscosity (SAE/CCMC class) and filling quantity, see Capacities: Fuels, Coolants,
Lubricants etc. in Index.
• Check engine coolant anticorr osion/antifreeze concentration.
• Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp cleani ng system: Add MB Concentrate "S" to a premixed
windshield washer solvent/antifreeze which is form ulated for below freezing temperatures (see Index).
• Test battery: Battery capacity drops with dec reasing ambient temperature. A well charged
battery helps to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low ambient temperatures.
• Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.

Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effect iveness of the acceleration slip regulation or of the electronic traction system
can only be achieved with M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Snow
chains maximize performance.


Snow Chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
will be glad to advise you on this subject. Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow the manufacturer's
mounting instructions. Snow chains should only be driven on snow covered roads at speeds not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h). Remove chains as soon as possible when driving on roads without snow. For tips on driving on slippery
winter roads, refer to Index. Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) or Electronic Stability Program (ESP):
When driving with snow chai ns, press the ASR or ESP control switch, refer to Index.


Model C 43 AMG

Important!
Use of snow chains is permissible only on winter tire size 215/45 R 17 H M+S. Refer to "Rims - Tires" in section
"Technical Data" (see Index).


Travelling Abroad
Abroad, there is a widely-spread Mercedes-Benz service network at your disposal. If you plan to travel into areas
which are not listed in the index of your dealer directory, you should request pertinent information from your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.



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Tire Inflation Pressure
A table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tire inflation pressures specified for Mercedes-Benz recommended tires as well as
for the varying operating conditions.

Important !
Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi (0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a garage - especially in the winter.
Example:
If garage temperature = approx. +68°F (+20°C) and ambient te mperature = approx. +32°F (0°C) then the adjusted air
pressure = specified air pressure +3 psi (+0.2 bar).
Tire pressures listed for light loads are minimum values o ffering high driving comfort. Increased inflation pressures for
heavy loads produce favorable handling characteristics with lighter loads arid are perfectly permissible. The ride of
the vehicle, however, will become somewhat harder.
Tire temperature and pressure increase with the vehicle speed. Tire pressure should therefore only be corrected on
cold tires. Correct tire pressure in warm tires only if pressure has dropped below the pressure listed in the table and
the respective operating conditions are taken into consideration.
An underinflated tire due to a slow leak (e.g. due to a
nail in the tire) may cause damage such as tread separation, bulging etc.. Regular tire pressure checks (including the
spare tire) at intervals of no more than 14 days are therefore essential. If a tire constantly loses air, it should be
inspected for damage.

Warning !
Do not overinflate tires. Overinfiating tires can result in sudden deflation (blowout) because they are more
likely to become punctured or damaged by road debris, potholes etc.. Follow recommended inflation
pressures.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the specified vehicle capacity weight (as indicated by the label on the
driver's door latch post). Overloading the tires can overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.


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Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle

Warning !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the particular container. Always open your car's doors or
windows when cleaning the inside. Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed for
cleaning your car.

In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying climatic conditions, but also by air
pollution, road salt, tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, bird
droppings, insects, tree resins etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint damage. Frequent
washing reduces and/or eliminates the aggr essiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to deal with unfavorable conditions; for example, near the
ocean, in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for stone chipping or other damage. Any damage
should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of corrosion. In doing so, do not neglect
the underside of the car. A prerequisite for a t horough check is a washing of the underbody followed
by a thorough inspection. Damage d areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-base rustproofing in the body cavities which
will last for the lifetime of t he vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither necessary nor
recommended by Mercedes-Be nz because of the possibility of incompatibility between materials
used in the production proc ess and others applied later.
We have selected car care products and compiled recommendations which are specially matched to
our vehicles and which always reflect the late st technology. You can obtain Mercedes- Benz
approved car care products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due to negligent or incorrect care cannot always
be removed or repaired with the car care products recommended here. In such cases it is best to
seek aid at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. The following topics deal with the cleaning and
care of your vehicle and give important "how-to" in formation as well as references to Mercedes-Benz
approved car care products. Additional information can be found in the booklet titled "Car Care".


Engine Cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and
connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the engine compartment
after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be
lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax.


Car Washing
Do not use hot water or wash your car in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such
as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the car with a diffused jet of wa ter. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water an d rinse the sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry
on the finish. If the vehicle has been run through an automatic car wash - in particular one of the
older installations - rewipe the recessed sections in the taillamps (designed to prevent soiling) if
necessary. No solvents (fuels, thi nners etc.) must be used. In the winter, thoroughly remove all
traces of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.


Tar Stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and beco me more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.


Window Cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfac es. An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.


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Manual Release of Fuel Filler Flap

The manual release knob is located behind the right side trunk panel and felt pad.
In case the central locking system does not release the fuel filler flap, pull the manual
release knob while simultaneously opening the fuel filler flap.


Roof Rack






Use only those roof racks appr oved by Mercedes-Benz to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Follow manufacturer's installation instructions.
Mount supports only between markings on border of roof which
are visible when doors are opened.


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Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. - Capacities

Vehicle components and their respective lubricants must match Therefore use only brands tested and
recommended by us. Please refer to the Factory Approv ed Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Model Capacity Fuels, coola nts,
lubricants etc
Engine with
oil filter C 230 6.5 US qt (6.2 l)
C 280 8.5US qt 8.0 l)
C 43 AMG 7.9US qt 7.5 l)
Recommended
engine oils
Automatic transmission C 230 7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
C 280 7.9 US qt (7.5 l)
C 43 AMG 9.9 US qt (9.4 l)
Automatic
transmissio
n fluid
Rear axle C 230
C 280 1.2 US qt (1.1 l)
C 43 AMG 1.4 US qt(1.3 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAL
90, 85 W 90
Power steering approx 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power steering
fluid
Front wheel hubs

approx. 2.1 oz (60 g) each High temperature
roller bearing grease

Accelerator
control linkage


Hydraulic fluid
Brake system approx. 0.5 US qt (0.5 I) MB Brake fluid (DOT
4)
Windshield washer

and headlamp
cleaning system
approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 I)
MB Windshield
wa

sher
concentrate "S"
1
Cooling system C 220 approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5 I
C 280
C 36 AMG
approx. 10.6 US qt 10.0 I)
approx. 11.8 US qt (11.2 I
MB
Anticorrosion/antifreez
Fuel tank including
a reserve of
approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 I)
approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 I)
Premium unleaded
gasoline:
Posted O

ctane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86
MON)
Air conditioner system

R-134a refrigerant
and special
lubricant (Never R-12)

Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water for temperatures above freezing or MB Windshield Washer
Con
centrate "S" and commercially available premixed windsh ield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below
freezing. Follow suggested mixing ratios, see Windshield/Headlamp Washer System in Index.


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