steering MERCEDES-BENZ C-280 1999 Owners Manual

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Index.
For adjustments of air outlets, refer to Automatic
Climate Control (see Index).

1. Side air outlet, adjustable
2. Air volume control for side air outlet
3. Exterior lamp switch
4. Parking brake release
5. Hood lock release
6. Parking brake pedal
7. Steering wheel adjustment lever
8. Combination switch
9. Cruise control switch
10. Horn, airbag
11. Instrument cluster
12. Steering lock with ignition/starter switch
13. Center air outlets, adjustable
14. Air volume control for center air outlets
15. Glove box (illuminated with electronic
key in steering lock position 1 or 2)


16. Left front seat heater switch
17. ASR or ESP control switch
18. Switch for rear seat head restraints
19. Hazard warning flasher switch
20. Central locking switch,
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system

21. Right front seat heater switch
22. Automatic climate control
Rear win dow defroster switch
23. Audio system
24. Open storage compartment
25. Ashtray with lighter
26 .Storage/eyeglasses compartment
27. Power window switches, front doors

28. Power window safety switch, rear doors
29. Airbag off indicator lamp
30. Power window switches, rear doors
31. Trunk lid release switch
32. Mirror adjustment switch


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Indicator Lamp Symbols
Function Indicator Lamp

High beam
Battery not being charged properly.
See Index


Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)
Exterior lamp failure. See Index

ASR or ESP.
Adjust driving to road condition. See Index
BAS malfunction. See Index
ASR malfunction. See Index


Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low. See Index


BAS malfunction. See Index
ESP malfunction. See Index

Coolant level low. See Index
ABS malfunction. See Index
Engine oil level low. See Index Fasten seat belts. See Index
Brake pads worn down. See Index SRS malfunction. See Index

Brake fluid low (except Canada).
Parking brake engaged. See Index

Telescoping steering column not locked.
See Index


Brake fluid low (Canada only).
Parking brake engaged.
See Index

Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel
management system or emission control
system, or the fuel cap is not closed tight. In
all cases, we recommend that you have the
malfunction checked as soon as possible.
See Index


Additional Function Indicator Lamps in
the Instrument Cluster

Function Indicator Lamp on
the Center Console


FSS indicator (distance).
See Index


Passenger Airbag automatically switched
off. See Index


FSS indicator (days).
See Index



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Starting and Turning Off the Engine

Before Starting
Ensure that parking brake is engaged and that selector lever is in position "P" or "N".
Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.

Starting (Model C 230)

Do not depress accelerator. Turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to the stop.
Release electronic key only when the engine is firing regularly.


Starting
(Models C 280, C 43 AMG)
Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn electronic ke y in steering lock clockwise to the stop and release.
The starter will engage until the engine is running. If engi ne will not run, and the starting procedure stops,
turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat star ting the engine. After several unsuccessful attempts,
have the system checked at the near est authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.


Important!
Due to the installed starter non- repeat feature, the electronic key must be turned completely to the left before
attempting to start the engine again. The battery charge indicator lamp should go out as soon as the engine
has started. In areas where temperat ures frequently drop below -4°F (-20°C) we recommend that an engine block
heater be installed. Your authorized Mercedes -Benz dealer will advise you on this subject.

Turning Off


Turn the electronic key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the engine.
The electronic key can only be removed with your foot off the brake pedal and the selector lever in position "P".


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Driving Instructions
Warning !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage
to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the hazard flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with

caution to an area which is a safe distance from the roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible dama ge. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz or tire dealer for repairs.


Power Assistance
Warning !
When the engine is not running, the brake and steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effo rt is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.



Brakes
Warning !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to
wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front.

Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating th ereby significantly reducing their effectiveness.
It may not be possible to stop the car in sufficient time to avoid an accident.


The condition of the parking brake system is checked eac h time the car is in the shop for the required service.

If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low. Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.

Have the brake system inspected at an aut horized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake system s hould be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz.


Warning !
If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the
braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired.

This could result in an accident.


Caution !
When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces brak e pad wear. After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some time, rather
than immediately parking, so the air stream will cool down the brakes faster.



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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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Special Settings
(use only for short duration)
Defogging Windows
Switch off
button.
Press
. button.
Press
button repeatedly until
air is directed upward.

Turn wheels (2) to position

to open left and right air outlets (4).
Adjust air outlets upward.

Defrosting
Turn wheels (2) to position to

open left and right air outlets (4).
Adjust air outlets upward.
Press
button. Maximum heat-
ed and automatically controlled
amount of air is directed to the
windshield and side windows.

Press button once again to
return to previous setting. Rear Window Defroster

Turn key in steering lock to position 2.
To select, press
button.
To cancel, press
button again.
Note:
Heavy accumulation of snow and
ice should be removed before
activating the defroster.
The rear window defroster uses a
large amount of power. To keep
the battery drain to a minimum, turn
off the defroster as soon
as the window is clear.
The defroster is automatically turned
off after a maximum of
12 minutes of operation.
If several power consumers are
turned on simultaneously, or the
battery is only partially charged, it
is possible that the defroster will
automatically turn itself off. When
this happens, the indicator lamp
inside the switch starts blinking.
As soon as the battery has
sufficient voltage, the
defroster automatically turns
itself back on. Air Distribution


Press
button repeatedly until
the requested symbol is displayed.

Air Volume
Press - or + side of rocker switch
until the requested blower
speed is attained.
A choice of 7 blower speeds is
available. To switch the
automatic climate control off,
press - side of rocker switch
until symbol OFF is displayed.

The fresh air supply to the car interior
is shut off.
While driving, use this setting only
temporarily, otherwise the
windshield could fog up.
To switch the automatic climate
control on again, press

or + side of

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Air Recirculation
This mode can be selected to prevent annoying odours or dust from entering the car's interior.
Outside air is not supplied to the car's interior.
To select, press
button.
To cancel, press
button again.
The system will automatically switch from recirculated air to fresh air
• after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures below approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside tem peratures above approx. 40°F (5°C),
• after approx. 5 minutes, if button
is pressed.
Notes:
If the windows should fog up from the inside, switch from recirculated air back to fresh air.
At high outside temperatures, the system automatically engages the re circulated air mode thereby
increasing the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially fresh air within 20 minutes.

Dust Filter
Dust particles (down to a certain size) and pollen are filtered out before outside air enters the
passenger compartment through the air distribution system.
Notes:
Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air flow-thr ough exhaust slots below the rear
window.
Also keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of snow and debris.

Residual Engine Heat Utilization
With the engine switched off, it is possible to c ontinue heating the interior for a short while.
Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically
To select:
Turn key in steering lock to position 1 or 0 or remove key. Close air outlet in rear passenger
compartment.
Press
button.
This function selection will not activate if the battery charge level is insufficient.
To cancel:
Press
button.
The system will automatically shut off
• if you turn key in steering lock to position 2,
• after approx. 30 minutes,
• if the battery voltage drops.


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Car Keys

Included with your vehicle are:
• 2 electronic main keys with integrated radio frequency and infrared remote controls plus slide out and removable
mechanical key.
• 1 electronic reserve key without remote control functions, plus removable mechanical key.

Warning !

When leaving the vehicle always remove the electronic key from the steering lock, and lock your 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. Electronic main key with integrated radio frequency
and infrared remote control, plus slide out and removable mechanical key


The remote control (1) operates all locks on the car. The mechanical keys (2) work only
in the driver's door, trunk, and storage comp artment locks. The mechanical key can be
used by sliding it out of the remote control. Move lock (3) in direction of arrow and slide
the mechanical key (2, right arrow) until it locks in place. Move lock (3) in direction of
arrow and slide the mechanical key (2, left arrow) to remove. The remote control
transmitter is located in the electronic ma in key holder. The infrared receivers are
located in the front door handles.


Electronic reserve key without remote control functions, plus removable mechanical key.

The electronic reserve key (1) works only in the steering lock. The mechanical key (2)
works only in the driver's door, trunk, an d storage compartment locks. To use the
mechanical key (2), remove it from its electronic reserve key (1).


Notes:
We recommend that you carry the electronic reserve key wi th mechanical key with you and keep it in a safe place
(e.g. your wallet) so that it is always handy. Never le ave the electronic reserve key in the vehicle. Remove the
mechanical key from the electronic main key when using va let parking service. To prevent access to trunk or storage
compartments lock them separ
ately.

Obtaining replacement Keys

Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking system requiring a special key manufacturing process. For
security reasons, replacement keys can only be obtained from your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.


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Start Lock-Out

Important !
Removing the electronic key from the steering lock activates the start lock-out. The engine cannot be started.
Inserting the electronic key in the steerin g lock deactivates the start lock-out.

Note:
In case the engine cannot be started, the system is not operational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.


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Locking and Unlocking

Unlocking:
Press transmit button
. All turn signal lamps blink once to indicate that the vehicle is unlocked.
The remote control can be programmed for two kinds of unlocking methods (see below): Selective
unlocking mode. Press transmit button
once to unlock driver's door and fuel filler flap. Press
transmit button
twice to unlock doors, fuel filler flap, and trunk. Global unlocking mode - Press
transmit button
once to unlock doors, fuel filler flap, and trunk.

Notes:
If the trunk was previously locked separately, it will remain locked (see Index). The presently active
unlocking mode (selective or global) can only be determined by unlocking the vehicle with the
remote control (see below for changing mode). The vehicle is automatically locked again, if within 40
seconds of unlocking with the remote control, neither door or trunk is opened, the electronic key is
not inserted in the steering lock, or the central locking switch is not activated.

Locking:
Press transmit button
once. All turn signal lamps blink three times to indicate that the vehicle is
locked
.
Note:
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked by pressi ng the transmit button, then it may be necessary
to change the batteries in the transmitter (if ok, battery check lamp in transmitter will light briefly
when transmitting) or to synchronize the system, see Remote Control in Index.


Choosing Global or Selective Mode on Remote Control
Press and hold transmit buttons
and simultaneously for five seconds to reprogram the
remote control. Battery check lamp will blink two times indicating the completed mode change.


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