MERCEDES-BENZ C-280 1999 Service Manual

1. Locking handle, left backrest
2. Locking handle, right backrest
3. Pass-through
4. Indicator, right backrest lock,
visible in unlocked position
5. Indicator, left backrest lock,
not visible in locked position


Enlarged Cargo Area .
Split Folding Rear Seat Backrest

On vehicles with optional split folding rear seat back rest you can fold down the two sections separately
to enlarge the cargo area.


Fold down:
Pull locking handle and fold backrest forward.
Set up:
Pull backrest up until it locks in its upright position. Check for secure locking by pushing and pulling on
the backrest.


Warning !
Always lock backrest in its upright position when rear seat bench is occupied by passengers,
cargo is being carried in the trunk, or the extended cargo area is not in use.

Note:
To prevent unauthorized persons from access to the trunk, always lock backrest in its upright position.


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Loading instructions
(Vehicles with enlarged cargo area)

The total load weight including vehicle occupants and luggage/ cargo should not exceed the vehicle capacity weight
indicated on the certification tag which can be found on t he left door pillar. The handling characteristics of a fully
loaded vehicle depend greatly on the load distribution. It is therefore recommended to load the vehicle according to
the illustrations shown, with the heavie st items being placed towards the front of the vehicle. Always place items
being carried against front or rear seat backrests, and fast en them as securely as possible. The heaviest portion of
the cargo should always be kept as low as possible since it influences the handling characteristics of the vehicle.

Notes:
The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects. T he enlarged cargo area should only be used for items which
do not fit in the trunk alone.

Warning !
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the
vehicle, and can cause injury to vehicle occupants unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing things.
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the seat backs.
Do not place anything on the shelf below the rear window. Never drive vehicle with trunk lid open while
pass-through is not closed and seat backrest not locked in its upright position. Deadly carbon monoxide
(CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.


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Cargo Tie-Down Rings
(Vehicles with enlarged cargo area)

1. Ring
Carefully secure cargo by applying even load on all four rings
with rope of sufficient strength to hold down the cargo.


Shelf below Rear Window

Warning!
The shelf below the rear window should not be used to carry objects. This will avoid such
objects from being thrown about and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident or
sudden maneuver.

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Steering Lock

0 - The electronic key can be withdrawn in this position only. The steering is locked with the electronic key removed
from the steering lock. The electronic key an be removed only with the selector lever in position "P" and the foot
off the brake pedal. After removing the electronic key or with the electronic key in steering lock position 0, the
selector lever is locked in position "P".
1 - Steering is unlocked. (If necessary, move steering wheel s lightly to allow the electronic key to be turned clockwise
to position 1.) Most electrical consumers can be operated. For detailed information see respective subjects.
2 - Driving position.
3 - Starting position.
Refer to Index for Starting and turning off the engine.


Warning !

When leaving the vehicle always remove the electroni c key from the steering lock, and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may cause serious personal injury.


Important !
If the electronic key is left in the steering lock position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no longer be turned in
the lock. In this case, remove electron ic key from steering lock and reinsert.

Notes:
A warning sounds when the driver's door is opened with the el ectronic key in steering lock position 1 or 0. With the
engine at idle speed, the charging rate of the alternator (output) is limited. It is therefore recommended to turn off
unnecessary electrical consumers while driving in stop-and-go traffic. This precaution helps to avoid draining of the
battery. Unnecessary strain on the batte ry and charging system may be minimized by turning off the following power
consumers, for example: Heated seats, rear window defroster. In addition, the automatic climate air volume control
should be set to the lowest position. The steering lock can only be unlocked with the vehicle battery properly
connected.

Caution !
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible dead battery, always remove the electronic key from the
steering lock. Do not leave the electronic key in steering lock position 0.


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Combination Switch

1. Low beam (exterior lamp switch position
)
2. High beam (exterior lamp switch position
)
3. High beam flasher (high beam available independent of exterior lamp switch position)
4. Turn signals, right
5. Turn signals, left
To signal minor directional changes, such as changing lanes on a highway, move combination switch to
the point of resistance only and hold it there. To operate the turn signals continuously, move the combination
switch past the point of resistance (up or down). The switch is automatically canceled when the steering wheel
is turned to a large enough degree.

6. Control for windshield wiper/washer system:
Push briefly for a single wipe without adding washer fluid (use only when windshield is wet)
Push past detent point:
• windshield washer system
• optional headlamp cleaning system (only in exterior lamp positions
or ).
When the washer system is activated, the wipers also operate for a limited time.
7. Windshield wiper
0 Wiper off
I Intermittent wiping (optional rain sensor:
One initial wipe, pauses between wipes are automatically controlled by a rain sensor
monitoring the wetness of the windshield.)
II Normal wiper speed
III Fast wiper speed

Note:
The windshield washer reservoir, hoses and nozzles are automatically heated.


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Windshield Washer Fluid Mixing Ratio
For temperatures above freezing: MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and water 1 part "S" to 100 parts water
(40 ml "S" to 1 gallon water). For temperature below freezing: MB Windshield Washer Concentrate "S" and
commercially available premixed windshield washer solvent/ antifreeze 1 part "S" to 100 parts solvent (40 ml "S" to 1
gallon solvent).


Windshield Wiper Smears
If the windshield wiper smears the windshield, even during rain, activate the washer system as often as necessary.
The fluid in the washer reservoir sh ould be mixed in the correct ratio.


Blocked Windshield Wiper
If the windshield wiper becomes blocked (for example, due to snow), switch off the wiper. For safety reasons before
removing ice or snow, remove key from steering lock. Remove blockage. Activate combination switch again
(electronic key in steering lock position 1).


Turn Signal Failure
If one of the turn signals fails, the turn signal indicator system flashes and sounds at a faster than normal rate.


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Exterior Lamp Switch
Off
Parking lamps (also side marker lamps, taillamps, license plate lamps, instrument panel lamps)
Canada only: When the engine is running, the low beam is additionally switched on.

Parking lamps plus low beam or high beam headlamps (combination switch pushed forward).
Standing lamps, right (turn left one stop).
Standing lamps, left (turn left two stops).
Front fog lamps (pull out one stop) with parking and/or head lamps on.
Rear fog lamp (pull out to 2nd detent) in addition to fog lamps Indicator lamp in lamp switch comes on.



Standing Lamps
When the vehicle is parked on the stre et the standing lamps (right or left side parking lamps) can be turned on,
making the vehicle more visible to passing vehicles The standing lamps cannot be operated with the key in
steering lock position 2

Note:
With the key removed and a front door open, a warnin g sounds if the vehicle's exterior lamps (except
standing lamps) are not switched off. Fog lamps will oper ate with the parking lamps and the low or high
beam headlamps Fog lamps should only be used in conjunction with low beam headlamps
Consult your State or Province Motor Vehicle Regulati ons regarding allowable lamp operation. Fog lamps are
automatically switched off when the exte rior lamp switch is turned to position



Daytime Running Lamps
Canada only

When the engine is running and the selector lever is in a driving position, the low beam (includes parking lamps, side
marker lamps, taillamps and licen se plate lamps) are automatically switched on. When shifting from a driving position
to position "N" or "P", the low beam switches off (2 seconds delay)
For nighttime driving the exterior lamp switch should be turned to position
to permit activation of the high beam
headlamps


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Night Security Illumination
(Vehicles with Antitheft AlarmSystem)

When exiting the vehicle after driving with the exterior lamps on, they switch on again for added illumination for
approximately 30 seconds after closing the last door. The lamp-on time period can be changed at your
Mercedes-Benz dealer.


Inside Rear View Mirror
Manually adjust the mirror.
Use your inside mirror to determine the size and distan ce of objects seen in the passenger side convex mirror.


Antiglare Night Position
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the mirror reflection brightness responds to changes in light
sensitivity. With gear selector lever in position "R", or wi th the interior lamp switched on, the mirror brightness does
not respond to changes in light sensitivity.

Note:
The automatic antiglare function is restricted, if incoming light is not aimed directly at sensors in the mirror.


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Exterior Rear View Mirrors

The switch is located on the center console.
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.
First select the mirror to be adjusted - press button:

Left mirror
Right mirror

To adjust, toggle the switch forward, backward or to eit her side. Vehicles with automatic brightness response
of inside rear view mirror: With the electronic key in st eering lock position 2, the driver's side mirror reflection
brightness responds to changes in light sensitivity. With gear selector lever in position "R", or with the interior
lamp switched on, the driver's side mirror brightne ss does not respond to changes in light sensitivity.

Notes:
The exterior mirrors have electrically heated glass. The heater switches on automatically, depending on outside
temperature. If an exterior mirror housing is forcibly pivot ed from its normal position, it must be repositioned by
applying firm pressure until it snaps into place.

Warning !

Exercise care when using the passenger-side mirror. The passenger-side exterior mirror is convex
(outwardly curved surface for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
Check your inside rear view mirror or glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.


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Ashtrays

Center Console, Front


To remove ashtray:
Push sliding knob (1) toward the right to eject the insert.
To install ashtray:
Install insert into ashtray frame and push down to engage.

By touching the top of the cover light ly, the ashtray opens automatically.
Prior to removing the ashtray insert, move the gear selector lever to position "N".

Warning!
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle standing still. Wi th the gear selector lever in position "N", turn
off the engine and set the parking brake. Otherwise the vehicle might move as a result of unintended
contact with the gear selector lever.



Center Console, Rear

To remove ashtray:
Push center bar down and pull out the ashtray.
To install ashtray:
Install bottom of ashtray, push center bar down, and close ashtray.


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