winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS 1999 Owners Manual

Tires

Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These
indicators are located in six places on the

tread circumference and become visible at a depth of
approximately1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the
tire is considered worn and should be replaced.

The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across
the tread.





Warning !
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far. As tread depth approaches 1/16 in (1.5 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced. Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (conditions),
the tire traction varies widely.



Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This ap plies particularly if the tires are subjected to
high loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temperatures).



Warning !
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose control
of the car. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will cause excessive heat
build-up and possibly a fire.



Aquaplaning
Depending on the depth of the water layer on the road, aquaplaning may occur, even at low speeds and with new
tires.
Reduce vehicle speed, avoid track grooves in the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.



Tire Traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the condition of t he road whenever the outside temperatures areclose to the
freezing point.



Warning !
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions,
drive, steer and brake with extreme caution.



We recommend M + S radial- ply tires for the winter season for all four wheels to insure normal balanced handling
characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce y our stopping distance as compared with summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is wet or dry.


Tire Speed Rating
Model C 36 AMG only: This vehicle is factory equipped with "Z "-rated tires. All other models: Your vehicle is factory
equipped with "H"-rated tires, which have a European speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). An electronic speed
limiter prevents your vehicle from exc eeding the speed rating. Despite the tire rating, local speed limits should be
obeyed. Use prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions.

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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 th

e 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 b

rake whenever parking or leaving 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 imp

ortant 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 e

hicle 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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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.


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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.


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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.



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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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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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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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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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