light MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 Owner's Guide

Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle

Warning !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are poisonous, others are flammable.
Always follow the instructions on the particular container. Always open your car's doors or
windows when cleaning the inside. Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed for
cleaning your car.

In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying climatic conditions, but also by air
pollution, road salt, tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, bird
droppings, insects, tree resins etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint damage. Frequent
washing reduces and/or eliminates the aggr essiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.
More frequent washings are necessary to deal with unfavorable conditions; for example, near the
ocean, in industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for stone chipping or other damage. Any damage
should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of corrosion. In doing so, do not neglect
the underside of the car. A prerequisite for a t horough check is a washing of the underbody followed
by a thorough inspection. Damage d areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-base rustproofing in the body cavities which
will last for the lifetime of t he vehicle. Post-production treatment is neither necessary nor
recommended by Mercedes-Be nz because of the possibility of incompatibility between materials
used in the production proc ess and others applied later.
We have selected car care products and compiled recommendations which are specially matched to
our vehicles and which always reflect the late st technology. You can obtain Mercedes- Benz
approved car care products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Scratches, corrosive deposits, corrosion or damage due to negligent or incorrect care cannot always
be removed or repaired with the car care products recommended here. In such cases it is best to
seek aid at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. The following topics deal with the cleaning and
care of your vehicle and give important "how-to" in formation as well as references to Mercedes-Benz
approved car care products. Additional information can be found in the booklet titled "Car Care".


Engine Cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to protect electrical components and
connectors from the intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax should be applied to the engine compartment
after every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control linkage bushings and joints should be
lubricated. The poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any wax.


Car Washing
Do not use hot water or wash your car in direct sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such
as Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the car with a diffused jet of wa ter. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water an d rinse the sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry
on the finish. If the vehicle has been run through an automatic car wash - in particular one of the
older installations - rewipe the recessed sections in the taillamps (designed to prevent soiling) if
necessary. No solvents (fuels, thi nners etc.) must be used. In the winter, thoroughly remove all
traces of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the inner sides of the wheels.


Tar Stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and beco me more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.


Window Cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfac es. An automotive glass cleaner is recommended.

Wiper Blade
Clean the wiper blade rubber with a clean cloth and detergent solution. Replace blade twice a year;
once before and once after winter.


Headlamp Cleaning System
The condition of the wiper blades is important fo r satisfactory cleaning of the headlamp lenses.
We therefore recommend that the blades be insp ected regularly. Replace damaged wiper blades.


Paintwork. Painted Body Components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be a pplied when water drops on the paint surface do
not "bead up"; normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be ap plied if paint surface shows signs of dirt
embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your car is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and provisional repairs of minor paint damage
(i.e. chips from stones, car doors etc.).


Seat Belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water
and soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above 176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.

Warning !
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may severely weaken them. In a crash they
may not be able to provide adequate protection.


Hard Plastic Trim Items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto so ft lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.


Headliner and Shelf below Rear Window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry- shampoo cleaner in case of excessive dirt.


Plastic and Rubber Parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.


Steering Wheel and Gear Selector Lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.


Light Alloy Wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with Merc edes-Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft
bristle brush and a strong spray of water. Follow instructions on container.

Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could lead to corrosion.


Ornamental Moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.

Upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g.
when wet etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently discolored. By lining the seats with
a proper intermediate cover, contac t-discoloration will be prevented.


Leather Upholstery
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care. Exercise particular care when cleaning perforated leather as its underside should not
become wet. MB Tex Upholstery Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto soft lint-free cloth
and apply with light pressure.


Instrument Cluster
Use a gentle dish-washing detergent or mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use scouring agents.

Electronic Main Key Remote Control

1. Transmit buttons
2. Lamp for battery check and function control



Checking Batteries:
If one of the transmit buttons is pressed, the function control lamp briefly illuminates - indicating that the batteries
are in order.Change batteries if the function control lamp does not light up briefly.







Changing Batteries:
Move lock (1) in direction of right arrow and slide out mechanical key (2, left arrow). Insert mechanical key (2) in
side opening (3) to open latch. Press briefly (do not use key as lever) to release battery compartment.
Remove mechanical key.
Lift battery compartment (4) slightly in direction of arrow (5) and remove in direction of arrow (6). Change batteries
(7), inserting new ones under contact spring (8) with plus (+) side facing up. Return battery compartment into housing
until locked in place.

Important !
Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if disposed of improperly. Recycling of batteries is the
preferred method of disposal. For disposal, please follow manufacturer's recommendation on battery package.
Replacement battery: Lithium, type CR 2025 or equivalent.

Synchronizing Remote Control:
The remote control may have to be resynchronized, if the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked. To synchronize
insert electronic key in steering lock. The remote control should once again be operational.

Technical Data C 230 KOMPRESSOR
Model C 230 KOMMPRESSOR
(202 024)1 Rims - Tires (except Sport Package)
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
tires:;
Radial-ply tires
205/60R 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) C 230 KOMMPRESSOR - Canada only (ikl.spare wheel)
Total piston displacemen 140.8 cu.in. (2295 cm3)

Rims (steel
rims)
Wheel offset

61/2J x 15 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)

Compression ratio 8.8:1

All
season;Radial-
ply tires
Winter
tires;Radial-ply
tires

195/65 R 15 91 H
S

Output acc. to SAE J
1349
185 hp/5300 rpm
(136 kW/5300 rpm)
Rims All season Tires ( Sport Package)
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349
200 ft.lb./2500 rpm
(270 Nm/2500rpm)

Rims (light
alloy rims)
Wheel offset

7J x 16 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)

Maximum engine speed 5800 rpm

All season
tires:
Radial-ply tires205/55 R 16 91 H
Firing order 1-3-4-2 Electrical System
tPoly-V-belt routing I 1875 mm Generator
(alternator)

14 V/90 A
Poly-V-belt routing II 1339 mm Starter motor 12 V/1.7KW
Weights See certification tag Battery 12 V/100 Ah
Roof load max.
Trunk load max.

220 lb(100 kg)
220 lb(100 kg)

Spark plugs
Electrode gap
Tightening
torque

Bosch F 7 KTCR
0.039 in (1,0 mm)
15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)

Spare Wheel Main Dimensions
Rim (light alloy rim)
Wheel offset 7 J x 16 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm) Overall vehicle
length 178.2 in (4526 mm)
All season tire:
Radial-ply tire 205/55 R 16 91 H Overall vehicle
width 67.8 in (1723mm)
Overall height 56.1 in (1424 mm)
Spare Wheel ( exept Canada model with steel rims) Wheel base 105.9 in (2690 mm)
Rim (light alloy rim)
Wheel offset 7 J x 15 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm) Track, front 59.0 in (1499 mm)
All season tire:
Radial-ply tire 205/55 R 16 91 H Track, rear 57.6 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 specialbodies and special equipment,

Technical Data C 280
Model C 280 (202 029)1 Rims - Tires (except Sport Package)
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

All season
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) Weights See certification tag
Total piston displacemen 170.8 cu.in. (2799cm3) Roof load
max. 220 lb(100 kg)
Compression ratio 10.1 Trunk load
max. 220 lb(100 kg)
Output acc. to SAE J
1349 194 hp/5800 rpm
(145 kW/5800 rpm) Rims All season Tires ( Sport Package)
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349 195 ft.lb./3000 rpm
(265 Nm/3000rpm)

Rims (light
alloy rims)
Wheel
offset
7J x 16 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)
Maximum engine speed 6000 rpm

tires:
Radial-ply
tires 205/55 R 16 91 H
Firing order 1-4-3-6-2-5 Electrical System
tPoly-V-belt 2390 mm Generator
(alternator)14 V/90 A
Starter
motor 12 V/1.7KW
Spare Wheel Battery 12 V/100 Ah
Rim (light alloy rim)
Wheel offset

7 J x 15 H 2
1.46 in (37 mm)

Spark
plugs

Electrode
gap
Tightening
torque Bosch F 8 DPER
Beru 14 FGH 8 DPUR X 20.03 in (1,0 mm)
15-22ft.lb. (20-30 Mm)
All season tire:
Radial-ply tire 205/55 R 16 91 H Main Dimensions


Overall
vehicle
length 178.4 in (4526 mm)


Overall
vehicle
width 67.8 in (1723mm)
Overall
height 56.1 in (1424 mm)
Wheel
base 105.9 in (2690 mm)
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 specialbodies and special equipment,

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
81/2J x 17 H 2
1.18 in (30 mm)
No. of cylinders 8

All season
tires:
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 DPER
Beru 14 FGH 8 DPUR X 2
0.039 in (1,0 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
59.9 in (1497 mm)

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 standar d D 439: The octane number (posted at the
pump) must be 91 min. It is an average of both the Research (R) octane number and the Motor (M)
octane number: [(R+M)/2]. This is also k nown 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 exce ed 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 c ontains 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 cont aining additives that prevent the build up of
carbon deposits. After an extended period of using fu els without such additives, carbon deposits 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 malfunct ions resulting from poor fuel quality or from
blending specific fuel additives are not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

The engine compartment of model C 230 is illustrated.
1. Fuel Supply
Open flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap
to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank
has been released, then remove cap.
Failure to remove slowly could result in personal injury.
2. Tire Inflation Pressure
Check at least every two weeks.
For details see Index.
3. Coolant Level
See Adding coolant in Index.
4. Windshield Washer System,
Headlamp Cleaning System
For refilling reservoir see Index.
5. Engine Oil Level
See Engine oil level, checking in Index.
6. Brake Fluid
See Brake fluid in Index.

Vehicle Lighting: Check function and cleanliness.
For replacement of light bulbs, see Lamps, exterior in Index.