wheel MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MERCEDES-BENZ, Model Year: 1999, Model line: C-CLASS, Model: MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999Pages: 122, PDF Size: 1.66 MB
Page 45 of 122
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.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 62 of 122
Drinking and Driving
Warning !
Drinking and driving can be a very dangerous combination. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgement. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink and drive. Please don't drink and drive or allow anyone to drive after
drinking.
Parking Brake
To engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal. When the electronic key is in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster should come on brightly. To release the parking brake, pull handle on
instrument panel. The brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster should go out. A warning sounds, if you start
to drive without having released the parking brake. Also see Brake Warning Lamp Test in Index.
Driving Off
Apply the service brakes to test them briefly after driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road is clear
of other traffic. Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not plac e full load on the engine until the operating temperature has
been reached. When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow one drive wheel to spin for an extended period.
Warning !
Keep driver's foot area clear at all times. Object s stored in this area may impair pedal movement.
ProCarManuals.com
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.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 66 of 122
Cruise Control
Cruise Control
Any given speed above approximately 22 mph (35 km/h) can be maintained with the cruise control by operating the
lever.
1. Accelerate and set:
Lift lever briefly to set speed. Hold lever up to accelerate.
2. Decelerate and set:
Depress lever briefly to set sp eed. Hold lever down to decelerate.
Normally the vehicle is accelerated to the desired speed with the accelerator. Speed is set by briefly pushing
the lever to position 1 or 2. The accelerator can be released. The speed can be increased (e.g. for passing)
by using the accelerator. As soon as the accelerator is released, the previously set speed will be resumed
automatically. If a set speed is to be increased or decreased slightly, e.g. to adapt to the traffic flow, hold lever in
position 1 or 2 until the desired speed is reached, or br iefly tip the control lever in the appropriate direction for
increases or decreases in 0.6 mph (1 km/h) increment s. When the lever is released, the newly set speed remains.
3. Canceling
To cancel the cruise control, briefly push lever to position 3.
When you step on the brake or the vehicle speed drops below approx. 22 rnph (35 km/h), for example when driving
upgrade, the cruise control will be canceled. If the cruise control cancels by itself and remains inoperative until the
engine is restarted, have the syst em checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
4. Resume
If the lever is briefly pushed to position 4 when drivi ng at a speed exceeding approx. 22 mph (35 km/h), the vehicle
resumes the speed which was set prior to the cancella tion of the cruise control. The last memorized speed is
canceled when the key in the steering lock is turned to position 1 or 0.
Note:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently while dr iving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the cruise
control may be exceeded and you may have to step on the brake pedal to slow down.
As soon as the grade eases, the cruise controlled speed w ill again be maintained as long as the brakes were not
previously applied, or the lever may be used to resume the previously set speed if the brakes were applied.
Caution !
Moving gear selector lever to position "N" switches the cruise control off.
Warning !
Only use the cruise control if the traffic and weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady speed.
• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on winding roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not
allow safe driving at a steady speed.
• The use of cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion can result
in wheel spin and loss of control.
The "Resume" function should only be operated if the driv er is fully aware of the previously set speed and
wishes to resume this particular preset speed.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 73 of 122
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Important !
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during braking maneuvers. Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use
firm, steady brake pedal pressure. Pu mping the brake pedal defeats the pur pose for ABS and significantly reduces
braking effectiveness.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a vehicl e speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent of
road surface conditions.
At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal, indicating that the
ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while experiencing the pulsation.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re spond even with light brake pedal pressure because of the increased
likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care while driving.
ABS Control
The ABS malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cl uster comes on with the electronic key in steering lock
position 2 and should go out when the engine is running.
If the charging voltage falls below 10 volts, the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and the ABS is switched off.
When the voltage is above this value again, the malfunction indicator lamp should go out and the ABS is operational.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ASR or ESP, if vehicl e so equipped, are also switched off. Both malfunction
indicator lamps come on with the engine running. If the ABS malfunction indicator lamp does not go out or comes on
while driving, it indicates that the ABS has detected a malfunction and has switched off. In this case, the brake
system functions in the usual manner, but without antilock assistance.
Have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.
Warning !
ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
made available by the road conditions. The ABS ca nnot prevent accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following another vehicle too cl osely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped car must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.
Note:
To alert following vehicles to slippery road conditions you discover, operate your hazard warning flashers as
appropriate.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 75 of 122
Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
The acceleration slip regulation will engage at all vehicle s peeds, if one or both drive wheels begin to lose traction
and spin in acceleration. While engaged, the yellow warni ng lamp in the speedometer dial flashes. With the
acceleration slip regulation engaged, the brake is applied to the spinning drive wheel until slip is brought under
control. If both drive wheels spin, the brake is applied to both drive wheels and simultaneously, engine torque is
limited, to improve the vehicle's driving stability. As traction on the road surface increases, thus allowing
acceleration without slip, the allowable engine torque also increases again and the brake is no longer applied to
drive wheels.
Important !
If the ASR warning lamp flashes, adapt your spee d and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
Caution !
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index), t he engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steer ing lock position 0 or 1). Othe rwise, the acceleration slip regulation will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ASR is combined with that of the BAS The yellow BAS/ASR malfunction indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster and the yellow ASR warning lamp in the speedometer dial come on with the
electronic key in steering lock position 2. They should go out with the engine running. If the BAS/ASR malfunction
indicator lamp comes on with the engine running, a malfunc tion has been detected in either system. Pressing the
accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine output will be available.
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS. Have the BAS or ASR
checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With the ABS malfunctioning, the ASR
is also switched off. Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the wheels to ro tate at different speeds,
therefore the acceleration slip regulation may activate (ye llow ASR warning lamp in speedometer dial comes on).
For this reason, all wheels, including the spare wheel, mu st have the same tire size. When testing the parking
brake on a brake test dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, t he acceleration slip regulation will
immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes . In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of
the acceleration slip regulation is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S rated radialply tires
and/or snow chains.
ASR Control Switch
ASR control switch located in center console To improve
the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press the upper half of the ASR switch. The ASR warning lamp, located
in the speedometer dial, is cont inuously illuminated. With the ASR system switched off, the engine torque
reduction feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ASR is unavailable. Adapt your
speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions. A por tion of the ASR system remains active, even with the
switch in the OFF position. If one drive wheel loses traction a nd begins to spin, the brake is applied until the wheel
regains sufficient traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 rnph (40 km/h),
and switches off at 50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. Doing so may cause seriou s damage to the drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The ASR warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, star ts to flash at any vehicle speed as soon as the tires
lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. To return to the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ASR: press lower
half of the switch (the ASR warning lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).
Important!
If the ASR warning lamp flashes:
• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 76 of 122
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (optional)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces driving wheel spin of the vehicle under any driving condition.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
counterpointing vehicle movement. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedometer dial, starts to flash.
Important !
If the ESP warning lamp flashes, adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
Caution !
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see Towing the vehicle in Index), t he engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steer ing lock position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the el ectronic stability program will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Notes:
The indicator lamp for the ESP is combined with that of the BAS. The yellow BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp
in the instrument cluster and the yellow ESP warning lamp in the speedometer di al come on with the electronic key
in steering lock position 2. They should go out with th e engine running. If the BAS/ESP multifunction indicator lamp
comes on permanently with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in either system.
Pressing the accelerator pedal will require greater effort. Only partial engine output will be available. If the BAS
malfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual manner, but without BAS. Have the BAS or ESP checked at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible. With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off. Driving the vehicle with varied size ti res will cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the electronic
stability program may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer dial comes on).
For this reason, all wheels, including the spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking brake
on a brake test dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise, t he electronic stability program will
immediately
be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the electronic
stability program is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz reco mmended M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.
ESP Control Switch
ESP control switch located on center co
nsole To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or gravel, press the upper half of the ESP switch. The ESP warning lamp, located in
the speedometer dial, is continuously illuminated. With the ESP system switched off, the engine torque reduction
feature is cancelled. Therefore, the enhanced vehicle stability offered by ESP is unavailable. Adapt your speed and
driving to the prevailing road conditio ns. A portion of the ESP system remains ac tive, even with the switch in the OFF
position. If one drive wheel loses traction and begins to spin , the brake is applied until the wheel regains sufficient
traction. The traction control engages at vehicle speeds up to approximately 24 mph (40 km/h), and switches off at 50
mph (80 km/h).
Note:
Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. Doing so may cause seriou s damage to the drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedome ter dial, starts to flash at any
vehicle speed as soon as the tires lose traction and the wheels begin to spin. To return to the enhanced vehicle
stability
offered by ESP: press lower half of the switch (the ESP warning lamp in the speedometer dial goes out).
Important !
If the ESP warning lamp flashes:
• during take-off, apply as little throttle as possible,
• while driving, ease up on the accelerator.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 78 of 122
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.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 84 of 122
First Aid Kit
1. Opening lid
The first aid kit is stored in the shelf below the rear window.
Spare Wheel, Vehicle Tools, Storage Compartment
1. Trunk floor
2. Handle
3. Luggage bowl
4. Vehicle tools
5. Tab
Lift trunk floor and engage handle in upper edge of the trunk. To remove spare tire: Turn luggage bowl
counterclockwise and remove. To store spare tire: Place spare tire in wheel well and secure it with
luggage bowl. Turn luggage bowl clockwise to its stop . The tab must point toward front of vehicle.
Note:
Always lower trunk floor before closing trunk lid
.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 85 of 122
Vehicle Jack
1. Jack arm
2. Jack base
See illustration for proper storage of jack. Before storing the jack on the felt in the spare wheel well, the jack arm
must be lowered almost to the base of the jack.
Warning !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at the jack tubes built into either side of the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel change. Never
get beneath the vehicle while it is supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from the area under the
lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking brake and blo ck wheels before raising vehicle with jack. Do not
disengage parking brake while the vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is always vertical when in use,
especially on hills. Always try to use the jack on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm is fully inserted in
the jack tube. Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before working under the vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com