steering MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999 Owner's Manual

Important !
The "SRS" airbags are designed to activate only in certain frontal or rear (front airbags) impacts, or side (side
airbags) impacts. Only during these types of impacts, if of sufficient severity to meet the deployment
thresholds, will they provide their supplemental protection. The driver and passenger should always wear the
seat belts, otherwise it is not possible for the airbags to provide their intended supplemental protection. In
cases of other frontal impacts, angled impacts, roll-overs, other side impacts, rear collisions, or other
accidents without sufficient forces, the airbag will not be activated. The driver and passengers will then be
protected by the fastened seat belts. We caution you not to rely on the presence of an airbag in order to
avoid wearing your seat belt. The "SRS" is designed to reduce the potential of injury in certain frontal and
rear (front airbags) impacts, and side (side airbags) impacts which may cause significant injuries, however,
no system available today can totall y eliminate injuries and fatalities.
The activation of the "SRS" temporarily releases a small amount of dust from the airbags. This dust,
however, is neither injurious to your health, nor does it indicate a fire in the vehicle. The service life of the
airbags extends to the date indicated on the label located on the driverside door latch post. To provide
continued reliability after that date, they should be inspected by an authorized Mer cedes-Benz dealer at that
time and replaced when necessary.


Warning!
It is very important for your safety to always be in a properly seated position and to wear your seat belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a collision always be in normal seated position with your back
against
the seat back. Fasten your seat belt and ensure that it is properly positioned on the body. Since the airbag
inflates with considerable speed and force, a proper seating and hands on steering wheel position will help
to keep you in a safe distance from the airbag:
• Sit properly belted in an upright position with your back against the seat back.
• Adjust the driver seat as far as possible rearward , still permitting proper operation of vehicle controls.
• Do not lean with your head or chest close to the steering wheel or dashboard.
• Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim can increase the
risk and potential severity of hand/arm injury when airbag inflates.
• Adjust the front passenger seat rearward as far as possible from the dashboard when the seat is occupied.
• Children 12 years old and under must never ride in
the front seat, except in a Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible child seat, which operates
with the BabySmart™ system installed in the vehicle to deactivate the passenger side front airbag when it
is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when it inflates in a crash.
If this happens, serious or fatal injury will result . Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe
injuries to you or other occupants.

Safety Guidelines for the Seat Belt, Emergency Tensioning Retractor and Airbag


Warning !

• Damaged belts or belts that were highly stressed in an accident must be replaced and their anchoring
points must also be checked. Use only belts installed or supplied by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
• Do not pass belts over sharp edges.
• Do not make any modification that could change the effectiveness of the belts.
• The "SRS" is designed to function on a one-time-only b asis. An airbag or emergency tensioning retractor
(ETR) that was activated must be replaced.
• No modifications of any kind may be made to any components or wiring of the "SRS". This includes
the installation of additional trim material, ba dges etc. over the steering wheel hub, front passenger
airbag cover, or front door trim panels, and in stallation of additional electrical/electronic equipment on
or near "SRS" components and wiring.
• An airbag system component within the steering wheel gets hot
after the airbag has inflated.
• Improper work on the system, including incorrect
installation and removal, can lead to possible injury
through an uncontrolled activation of the "SRS".
• In addition, through improper work there is the risk of rendering the "SRS" inoperative. Work on the
"SRS" must therefore only be performed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer

When you sell the vehicle we strongly urge you to give notice to the subsequent owner that it is equipped with an
"SRS" by alerting him to the applicable section in the Owner's Manual.



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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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Lighter

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2.
Push in lighter (1); it will pop out automatically when hot.


Warning !
Never touch the heating element or sides of the lighter, they are extremely hot, hold at knob only.

Note:
The lighter socket can be used to accommodate electrical accessories up to maximum 85 W


Sun Visors



Swing sun visors down to protect against sun glare.
If sunlight enters through a side window, disengage visor from inner mounting and pivot to the side.



Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
With the visor engaged in its inner mounting, the lamp can be switched on by opening the cover.

Warning !
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.

The lamp goes out automatically after approximately 5 minutes.


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Interior Lighting



1. Door contact switch:
Press once and interior lamps are switched on when opening a door. Interior lamps are switched on,
and off (soft fade) delayed, when unlocking or locking the vehicle, or when opening or closing a door.
However, there will be no (soft fade) delay when the electronic key is in steering lock position 2
Press again and interior lamps remain switc hed off, even when centrally unlocking or opening a door.
2. Press to switch interior and reading lamps on or off.
3. Press to switch rear passenger compartment lamp on or off.
4. Press to switch reading lamp on or off.


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Sliding/Pop-Up Roof (optional)





1. to slide roof open
2. to slide roof closed
3. to raise roof at rear
4. to lower roof at rear

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 1 or 2. The switch is illuminated when the exterior lamps are
switched on (except standing lamps). With the roof clos ed or tilted open, a screen can be slid into the roof
opening to guard against sun rays. When sliding the roof open, the screen will also retract.


Warning !

When closing the sliding/ pop-up roof, be sure that there is no danger of anyone being harmed by
the closing procedure.


Notes:
The sliding/pop-up roof can be opened or closed manually should an electrical malfunction occur, refer to
Emergency Operation in Index. The sliding/pop-up roof can also be closed with the mechanical key or
infrared remote control while locking the vehicle door s or trunk (see Central Locking System in Index).


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