ESP MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999 Owner's Manual
[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 89 of 122

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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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 98 of 122

All except C 43 AMG
C 43 AMG
Towing the Vehicle
The rear towing eye is located at the right, below the bumper.
The front towing eye is located on the passenger side behind a cover in the bumper panel.
Models C 230 and C 280:
Cover removal:
Insert finger in recess on left end of cover and pull cover out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at top right and press cover in securely
.
Model C 43 AMG:
Cover removal:
Hold left and right end of grille and pull out.
Cover installation:
Engage cover at bottom and press in top securely.
We recommend that the vehicle be transported using flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing. The vehicle may be towed with all wheel s on the ground and the selector lever in position "N"
for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). The electronic key must
be in steering lock position 2. To positively avoid a possibility of damage to the transmission, however, we
recommend to disconnect the drive shaft at the rear axle drive flange on any towing beyond a short tow to a nearby
garage. Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports. Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with electronic key in steering lock turned to
position 0.
Warning !
With the engine not running, there is no power assistance for the braking and steering systems, in this case,
it is important to keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of effort is necessary to brake and steer
the vehicle.
Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning flas her in use, turn electronic key in steering lock to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or right turn signal in usual manner - only the selected turn
signal will operate. Upon cancelling the turn signal, the hazard warning flasher will operate again.
Caution !
Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the engi ne must be shut off (electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ASR will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Caution !
Vehicles with Electronic Stability System (ESP)
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the engine must be shut off (electronic key in steering lock position
0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
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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 113 of 122

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,
2 Use correct wheel bolts.
3. Must not be used with snow chains.
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Page 114 of 122

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, coolan ts,
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
washe
r
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
c
tane 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 c
entrate "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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Page 116 of 122

Premium Unleaded Gasoline
Caution !
To maintain the engine's durability and performance, premium unleaded gasoline must be used. If premium unleaded
is not available and low octane fuel is used, follow these precautions:
• have the fuel tank filled only partially with unleaded regular and fill up with premium unleaded as soon as possible,
• avoid full throttle driving and abrupt acceleration,
• do not exceed an engine speed of 3000 rpm, if the vehicle is loaded with a light load such as two
persons and no luggage,
• do not exceed 2/3 of maximum accelerator pedal positi on, if the vehicle is fully loaded or operating
in mountainous terrain.
Fuel Requirements
Use only Premium unleaded meeting ASTM standard D 439: The octane number (posted at the pump) must be 91
min.
It is an average of both the Research (R) octane number an d the Motor (M) octane number: [(R+M)/2]. This is also
known as ANTI-KNOCK INDEX. Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates such as Ethanol, I PA, IBA and TBA can
be used provided the ratio of any one of these oxygenates to gasoline does not exceed 10%, MTBE not to exceed
15%. The ratio of Methanol to gasoline must not exceed 3% plus additional components. Using mixtures of Ethanol
and Methanol is not allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10% Ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can be used. These
blends must also meet all other fuel requirements such as resistance to spark knock, boiling range, vapor pressure
etc..
Gasoline Additives
A major concern among engine manufacturers is carbon build up caused by gasoline. Mercedes- Benz recommends
the use of only quality gasoline containing additives that prevent the build up of carbon deposits. After an extended
period of using fuels without such additives, carbon deposit s can build up especially on the intake valves and in the
combustion area, leading to engine performance problems such as:
• warm-up hesitation,
• unstable idle,
• knocking/pinging,
• misfire,
• power loss.
Do not blend other specific fuel additives with fuel. They only result in unnecessary cost, and may be harmful to the
engine operation. Damage or malfunctions resulting from poor fuel quality or from blending specific fuel additives are
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
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Page 118 of 122

Consumer Information
This has been prepared as required of all manufacturers of passenger cars under Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 5 75 pursuant to the "National Traffic and
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Refer to the tire sidewall for the specific tire grades for the tires with which this vehicle is equipped.
All passenger car tires must conf orm to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Tread w
ear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on t he wear rate
of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For ex ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (11/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire grad ed 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart signi ficantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction "A", "B", "C"
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are "A", "B", and "C", and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled c onditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A
tire marked "C" may have poor traction performance.
Warning !
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction
tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature "A", "B", "C".
The temperature grades are "A" (the highest), "B", and "C", r epresenting the tire's resistance to the generation of heat
and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained hi gh temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade "C"
corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades "B" and "A" represent hi gher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Warning !
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build up and possible tire failure.
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