length MERCEDES-BENZ C-280 1999 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 1999, Model line: C-280, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ C-280 1999Pages: 122, PDF Size: 1.69 MB
Page 10 of 122
Warning !
Ev
en when permitted by law, never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maximum speed rating of the
tires. Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in personal injury and possible death.
Parking
Warning !
To reduc
e the risk of personal injury as a result of vehicle movement, before
turning off the engine
and leaving the vehicle always:
1. Keep right foot on brake pedal
2. Firmly depress parking brake pedal.
3. Move the selector lever to position "P".
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.
6. Turn the key to steering lock position 0 and remove.
7. Take your key and lock vehicle when leaving
Important !
It is advisable
to set the parking brake whenever parking or l eaving the vehicle. In addition, move selector lever to
position "P". When parking on hills , always set the parking brake.
Winter Driving Instructions
The mo
st important rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and
steering maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding, move selector le ver to position "N". Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action. Road salts and chem icals can adversely affect braking efficiency.
Increased pedal force may become necessary to pro duce the normal brake effect. We therefore recommend
depressing
the brake pedal periodically when travelling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can bring road salt impaired
braking efficiency back to normal. A pr erequisite is, however, that this is done without endangering other drivers on
the road. If the vehicle is parked after being driven on salt treated roads, the braking efficiency should be tested as
soon as possible after driving is resumed while observing the safety rules in the previous paragraph.
Warning !
If the v
ehicle becomes stuck in snow, make sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around the vehicle with engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter
vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death. To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the car that is out of the wind.
Deep Water
Caution !
Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown depth. If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to
prevent water from entering the engine compartment or being ingested by the air intake, possibly causing damage to
electrical components or wiring, to engine or transmis sion that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Passenger Compartment
Warning !
Always fasten items being carried as securely as possible. In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occupants
unless the items are securely fastened in the vehicle.
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Page 30 of 122
Armrest (Rear Bench Seat)
Pull down the armrest. For removal of rear seat cushion, see Index.
Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest
Briefly press drawer and pull out to its detent.
Caution!
Keep cup holder closed while travelling. Place only containers
that fit into the cup holder to prevent spills.
Do not fill containers to a height where the contents could spill
during vehicle maneuvers, especially hot liquids.
Adjusting Telescoping Steering Column (optional)
Warning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The telescoping
adjustment must be locked while driving. Adjusting the steering
wheel while driving, or driving without the telescoping adjustment
locked could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Unlocking:
Pull handle (1) out to its stop. The indicator lamp comes on.
Adjusting:
To lengthen or shorten the steering column, pull out or push in steering wheel.
Locking:
Push handle (1) in until it engages.
The indicator lamp goes out.
Important!
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the engine, the adjustable steering
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehi cle until you have properly locked the steering column.
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Page 33 of 122
Fastening of Seat Belts
1. Latch plate
2. Buckle
3. Release button
4. Button for belt outlet
eight adjustment
Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2) until it clicks. Do not twist the belt. A twisted seat belt may cause injury.
The lap belt should be positioned as low as possib le on your hips and not across the abdomen.
Tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up. The shoulder portion of the seat belt must
be pulled snug and checked for snugness immediately after engaging it.
Adjust seat belt so that shoulder portion is located as cl ose as possible to the middle of your shoulder (it should
not touch the neck). For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the belt outlet.
Three positions are available
Raising: Slide belt outlet upward.
Lowering: Press button (4) and slide belt outlet downward.
Caution !
For safety reasons, avoid adjusting the seat or seat ba ck into positions which could affect the correct seat
belt position.
Lap Belt for Center Seating Position of the Rear Seat
Pull belt with latch plate (1) over lap so that the belt is positioned as low as possible on your hips and not
across the abdomen. Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2) until it clicks. Do not twist the belt but keep it tight.
To tighten the belt: With the latch plate engaged, pull the loose end of the belt.
To lengthen the belt: With the belt unfastened, turn the latch plate so that it is a little more than 90°
perpendicular to the belt, then extend the bel t. Fasten the belt and tighten as stated above.
To disengage the belt, push red button (3) in the buckle. If t he center seat is not occupied, the belt buckle and rolled-
up seat belt can be stored in the space next to the rear armrest (to the left or right of armrest).
Note:
For cleaning and care of the seat belts, see Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle in Index.
Unfastening of Seat Belts
Push the release button (3) in the belt buckle (2). Allow the retractor
to completely rewind the seat bel t by guiding the latch plate (1).
Operation:
The inertia reel stops the belt from unwinding during sudden vehicle
stops or when quickly pulling on the belt.
The locking function of the reel may be checked by quickly pulling
out the belt.
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Page 59 of 122
Ski Sack (optional)
Unfolding
1 . Fold armrest (1) down.
2. Swing cover (2) up and unfold.
Vehicles with enlarged cargo area
Swing cover (3) down.
3 . Pull ski sack into passenger
compartment and unfold.
4 . Swing flap in trunk up (a magnet
will hold flap in its top" position).
5 . Slide skis into ski sack.
6
. Wrap strap around ski sack and
armrest (4).
7 . Close clasp (arrow up) and pull
strap (5) tight (arrow clown).
Place unfolded cover (2) on top
of ski sack.
8
. Connect snap hook (6) of front
strap to eye (7) located on center
tunnel in front of rear seat bench.
Warning !
The ski sack is designed for up to two pairs of skis. Do not load the ski sack with other objects.
Always fasten the ski sack securely. In an accident, an unfastened ski sack can cause injury to vehicle occupants.
Folding
1. Close flap in trunk.
2. Disconnect clasp by pressing
tabs (arrows) together.
3. Disconnect snap hook (6)
from eye (7).
4.
Fold sides of cover (2) together.
5.
Fold and flatten ski sack
lengthwise.
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Page 64 of 122
Important !
Coasting the vehicle, or driving for any other reason with selector lever in "N" can result in transmission damage
that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
D - The transmission automatically upshifts through 5th gear . Position "D" provides optimum driving characteristics
under all normal operating conditions.
4 - Upshift through 4th gear only.
Suitable for performance driving. To shift from position "D" to "4", push selector lever to the left.
3 - Upshift through 3rd gear only.
Suitable for moderately steep hill s. Since the transmission does not shift hi gher than 3rd gear, this gear selection
will allow use of the engine's braking power downhill.
2 - Upshift through 2nd gear only.
For driving in mountainous regions or under extreme operating conditions. This gear selection will allow use of the
engine's braking power when descending steep grades.
1 - In this position, the engine's
braking effect is utilized by shifting into 1 st gea r. Use this position while descending very steep or lengthy
downgrades and only at speeds below 40 mph (60 km/h).
Important !
With selector lever in position "D", "4" or "3", upshifting from 1st to 2nd to 3rd gear is delayed depending on vehicle
speed and engine temperature. This allows the catalytic converter to heat up more quickly to operating temperatures.
During the brief warm-up period this delayed upshift and increased engine noise might be perceived as a malfunction.
However, neither the engine nor transmission are negatively affected by this mode of operation.
The delayed upshift is effective with vehicle speeds below 31 mph (50 km/h) at partial throttle and engine
temperatures below 95°F (35°C). To avoid overrevving the engi ne when the selector lever is moved to a lower driving
range, the transmission will not shift to a lower gear as l ong as the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit of that gear.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPMs, do not allow the engine speed to drop too low on uphill gradients.
Depending on the degree of the incline, shift selector feve r to a lower gear range early enough to maintain engine
RPM within the best torque range.
Warning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in order to obtain braking action. This could result in rear wheel
slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's AB S will not prevent this type of loss of control.
Maneuvering
To maneuver in tight areas, e.g. when pulling into a parki ng space, control the car speed by gradually releasing the
brakes. Accelerate gently and never abr uptly step on the accelerator. To rock a car out of soft ground (mud or snow),
alternately shift from forward to reverse, while applying slight partial throttle. Rocking a car free in this manner may
cause the ABS malfunction indicator lamp to come on. Turn off and restart the engine to clear the malfunction
indication.
Stopping
For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, leave the transmission in gear and hold vehicle with the service brake. For longer
stops with the engine idling, shift into "N" or "P" and hold t he vehicle with the service brake. When stopping the car on
an uphill incline, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat build
up.
Warning !
Getting out of your car with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. Also, when
parked on an incline, position "P" alone may not pr event your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting people
or objects. Always set the parking brake in addition to sh ifting to position "P". When parked on an incline,
also turn front wheel against curb.
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Page 95 of 122
Battery
Warning !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while
connecting, you might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary. A battery will also produ ce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid im proper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..
Important !
Battery maintenance information:
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor. The fluid level must be checked at every A and B service.
Always insure that the fluid level is at the specified maximum level and that only distilled water is used. Failure to
maintain proper fluid level may result in cell deterioration and possible battery rupture. The service life of the battery is
dependent on its condition of charge. The battery should alwa ys be kept sufficiently charged, in order to last an
optimum length of time.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month, mostly for
short distance trips, or if it is not used for long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the battery has been disconnected from the vehicle electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and connect last. When removing and connecting the battery,
always make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery
and its vent tube must always be securely installed when the car is in operation. While the engine is running the
battery terminal clamps must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the generator and other electronic components
would be damaged.
Note:
After reconnecting the battery al so resynchronize the Express feature of the power windows
(see Power Windows in Index).
Battery Recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment with improper disposal. Large 12 Volt storage batteries
contain lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to
accept old batteries for recycling.
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Page 97 of 122
Jump Starting
Warning !
Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can lead to a battery
explosion and severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while connecting or jump starting, you might
get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes, skin or
clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected ar ea with water, and seek medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and very explosive. Keep flames or sparks
away from battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.. Read all instructions before
proceeding.
If the battery is discharged, the engine should be started with jumper cables and the (12 V) battery of another vehicle.
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor.
Proceed as follows:
1 . Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that the jumper cables will reach, but never
let the vehicles touch. Make sure the jump er cables do not have loose or missing insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
• Turn off engine and all lights and acce ssories, except hazard warning flashers or
work lights.
• Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to position "P".
Important !
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery and the other end to the positive (+ ) terminal of the charged battery. Make sure
the cable clamps do not touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the grounded negative (-) terminal of the
charged battery and the final connection to the negative (-) terminal of the discharged battery.
Important !
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery and run at high idle. Make sure the
cables are not on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that will move when the engine is
started. Allow the discharged battery to charge for a few minutes. Start engine of the
disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6. After the engine has started, remove jumper cables exactly reversing the above
installation sequence, starting with the last connection made first. When removing each
clamp, make sure that it does not touch any other metal while the other end is still attached.
Important !
A discharged battery can freeze at approx. +14°F (-10°C ). In that case, it must be thawed out before
jumper cables are used. A frozen battery can explode and cause personal injury.
Jumper cable specifications:
• Minimum cable cross-section of 25 mm
2 or approx. 2 AWG
• Maximum length of 11.5 ft. (3.5 m).
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Page 110 of 122
Technical Data C 230
Model C 230 (202 023)1 Rims - Tires
Engine 111 Rims (light alloy rims) 7J x 15 H 2
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection
Wheel offset 1.46 in (37 mm)
No. of cylinders
4 All season;Radial-ply tires 205/60 R 15 91 H
Bore 3.58 in (90.90 mm) Winter tires;Radial-ply tires 205/60 R 15 91 T M+S
Stroke 3.48 in (88.40 mm) Model C 230- Canada only
Total piston displacement 140.1 cu.in. (2295 cm3) Rims (steel rims) 61/2J x 15 H 2
Compression ratio 10,4:1 Wheel offset 1.46 in (37 mm)
Output acc. to SAE J 1349 148 hp/5500 rpm
(110 kW/5500 rpm)
All season;Radial-ply tires 195/65 R 15 91 H
Maximum torque acc. to SAE
J 1349
162 ft.lb./4000 rpm
(220 Nm/40OOrpm)
Winter tires;Radial-ply tires
195/65 R 15 91 T M+S
Maximum engine speed 6000 rpm Electrical System
Firing order 1-3-4-2 Generator (alternator) 14 V/90 A
Poly-V-belt 2155 mm Starter motor 12 V/1.4KW
Main Dimensions Battery 12 V/100 Ah
Overall vehicle length 177.4 in (4507 mm) Spark plugs Bosch F 9 DCO
Overall vehicle width 67.7 in (1720mm) Beru 14 F-9 DUO
Overall height 56.1 in (1424 mm)
Champion C 12 YCC
Wheel base 105.9 in (2690 mm) Electrode gap 0.032 in (0,8 mm)
Track, front 59.0 in (1499 mm) Tightening torque 15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)
Track, rear 57.6 in (1464mm)
Weights See certification tag
Roof load max. 220 lb(100 kg)
Trunk load max 220 lb(100 kg)
1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer for the correspon-ding data of ali special bodies and special equipment,
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Page 111 of 122
Technical Data C 280
Model C 280 (202 029)1 Rims - Tires
Engine 112 Rims (light
alloy rims)
7J x 15 H 2
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection
Wheel
offset
1.46 in (37 mm)
No. of cylinders 6
Summer
tires;
Radial-ply
tires
205/60R 15 91 H
Bore 3.54 in (89.90 mm)
Winter
tires;
Radial-ply
tires
205/60 R 15 91 T M+S
Stroke 2.89 in (73.50 mm)
Rims and All season Tires ( Sport Package)
Rims (light alloy rims) 7J x 16 H 2
Wheel offset 1.46 in (37 mm)
Summer tires;
Radial-ply tires
205/55 R 16 91 H
Electrical System
Total piston displacement 170.8 cu.in. (2799 cm3) Generator
(alternator) 14 V/90 A
Compression ratio 10:1
Starter
motor
12 V/1.7KW
Output acc. to SAE J
1349
195 hp/5800 rpm
(145 kW/5800 rpm)
Battery 12 V/100 Ah
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349
195 ft.lb./3000 rpm
(265 Nm/3000rpm)
Spark
plugs
Electrode
gap
Tightening
torque
Bosch F 9 DPER
0.032 in (0,8 mm)
15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)
Maximum engine speed 6000 rpm Main Dimensions
Firing order 1-4-3-6-2-5 Overall
vehicle
length
177.4 in (4507 mm)
Poly-V-belt 2390 mm
Overall
vehicle
width
67.7 in (1720mm)
Weights: See certification tag
Overall
height
56.1 in (1424 mm)
Roof load max. 220 lb(100 kg) Wheel
base
105.9 in (2690 mm)
Trunk load max. 220 lb(100 kg) Track,
front
59.0 in (1499 mm)
Track, rear57.6 in (1464mm)
1 The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer
for the correspon-ding data of ali special bodies and special equipment,
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Page 112 of 122
Technical Data C 43 AMG
Model C 43 AMG (202 033)1 Rims and All season Tires
Engine 113 Rims2
Front axle
AMG light
alloy rims
Wheel
offset
71/2J x 17 H 2
1.38 in (35 mm)
Mode of operation 4-stroke engine,
gasoline injection
Rear axle
AMG light
alloy rims
Wheel
offset
8
1/2J x 17 H 2
1.18 in (30 mm)
No. of cylinders 8
Radial-ply
tires
Front axle
Rear axe
225/45 ZR 173
245/40 ZR 173
Bore 3.54 in 89.90 mm)
Rims and
Winter
Tires
Stroke
3.31 in (84.00 mm)
Rims2
AMG light alloy rims 71/2J x 17 H 2
Wheel offset 1.38 in (35 mm)
Radial-ply tires
or
215/45 R 17 H M + S
225/45 R 17 H M + S 3
Spare Wheel
Rims2
AMG light alloy rims 71/2J x 17 H 2
Wheel offset 1.38 in (35 mm)
All season tire:
Radial-ply tire
225/45 ZR 173
Electrical System
Total piston displacement 260.0 cu.in. (4265 cm3) Generator
(alternator)14 V/150 A
Compression ratio 10:1
Starter
motor
12 V/1.7KW
Output acc. to SAE J
1349
302 hp/5850 rpm
(225 kW/5850 rpm)
Battery 12 V/100 Ah
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349
302ft.lb./3250 rpm
(410 Nm/3250rpm)
Spark
plugs
Electrode
gap
Tightening
torque
Bosch F 8 DEPER
0.032 in (0,8 mm)
15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)
Maximum engine speed 6300 rpm
Main Dimensions
Firing order 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
Overall
vehicle
length
177.4 in (4507 mm)
Poly-V-belt 2390 mm
Overall
vehicle
width 67.7 in (1720mm)
Overall
height
56.1 in (1424 mm)
Wheel
base 105.9 in (2690 mm)
Track,
front
59.2 in (1503 mm)
Weights See certification tag Tra ck, rear 58.2 in (1478mm)
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