Transmission MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 Owner's Manual

Tire Speed Rating

Model C 43 AMG only: This vehicle is factory equipped with "Z"-rated tires. All other models: These vehicles are factory
equipped with "H"-rated tires, which have a European spee d rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). An electronic speed limiter
prevents your vehicle from exceeding the speed rating. Despit e the tire rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use
prudent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions.

Warning !

Even 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 reduce the 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 the electronic key and lock vehicle when leaving.

Important !

It is advisable to set the parking brake 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 most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to driv e 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 produce t he 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 prerequisite 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 observi ng the safety rules in the previous paragraph.


Warning !
If the vehicle 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 riot drive through flooded areas or water of unknown dept h. 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 transmission t hat 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. The trunk is the preferred place to carry objects.

Automatic Transmission

The automatic transmission selects individual gears automatically, dependent upon
• Selector lever position
• Program mode selector
• Accelerator position
• Vehicle speed

The gear shifting is process is continuously adapted, dependent on the driving style, the driving situation and the road
characteristics.

Important !
When parking the car or before working on the vehicle with the engine running, firmly depress the parking brake
pedal and shift the selector lever into "P".

Driving
The selector lever is automatically locked while in position "P". To move the selector lever out of position "P", the
service brake pedal must be firmly depressed before the shift lock will release. Shift selector leverto the desired
position only when the engine is idling normally and the service brake is applied. Do not release the brake until
ready to drive. The vehicle may otherwise start creeping when the selector lever is in drive or reverse position.

Warning !
It is dangerous to shift the selector lever out of "P" or "N" if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the car could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You
could lose control of the car and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling
normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Important !
After selecting any driving position from "N" or "P", wait a moment to allow the gear to fully engage before
accelerating, especially when the engine is cold.


Accelerator Position
Partial throttle = early upshifting = normal acceleration
Full throttle = later upshifting = rapid acceleration
Kickdown (depressing the accelerator beyond full throttle) = downshifting to a lower gear maximum acceleration.
Once the desired speed is attained, ease up on the accelerator - the transmission shifts up again.





Selector Lever Positions
The automatic gear shifting process can be adapted to specific operating conditions using the selector lever.
P - Parking position.
The parking position is to be used when parking the vehicle. Engage only with the car stopped. The parking
position is not intended to serve as a brake when the vehicle is parked. Rather, the driver should always use
the parking brake in addition to placing the selector lever in park to secure the vehicle.

Note:
The electronic key can be removed from the steering lock only with the foot off the brake pedal and the selector
lever in position "P". With the electronic key removed, the selector lever is locked in position "P".

R - Reverse gear. Shift to reverse gear only with the car stopped.
N - Neutral.
No power is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can be
moved freely (pushed or towed). Do not engage "N" while driving except to coast when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g. on icy roads, see Winter driving Instructions in Index).

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 1st gear.
Use this position while descending very steep or l engthy 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, if the engine's speed limit would be exceeded. In this case there
will be no downshift, even when the vehicle speed reaches t he engine's speed limit of that gear, e.g. by applying the
service brakes. Continue driving in the usual manner. The transmission will then shift down automatically.
To prevent the engine from laboring at low RPM when driv ing uphill gradients or with your vehicle heavily loaded, the
automatic transmission will downshift when necessary 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 drive wheel
slip and reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle's AB S will not prevent this type of loss of control.

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 ABS 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 vehicle speed by gradually releasing
the
brakes. Accelerate gently and never abruptly step on the ac celerator. To rock a vehicle out of soft ground (mud or
snow),
alternately shift from forward to revers e, while applying slight partial throttle. Rocking a vehicle 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 the vehicle with the service brake. When stopping the
vehicle
on an uphill gradient, do not hold it with the accelerator, use the brake. This avoids unnecessary transmission heat
build up.

Warning !
Getting out of your vehicle with the selector lever not fully engaged in position "P" is dangerous. Also,
when parked on an incline, position "P" alone may not prevent your vehicle from moving, possibly hitting
people or objects. Always set the parking brake in a ddition to shifting to position "P". When parked on
an incline, also turn front wheel against curb.

Program Mode Selector Switch
The transmission is provided with a selector switch for Standard "S" and Winter/Wet (snow and ice) "W" program
modes.


Important !
Always be certain of the program mode selected since the vehicle driving characteristics change with the selection of
the program mode.

S - Standard mode Press switch on symbol "S". Use this mode for all regular driving. The vehicle starts out in 1st
gear.
Accelerator Operation:
Fast on = depressing the accelerator pedal quickly (not into kickdown position) while driving continuously, rather
than depressing the accelerator pedal in the usual manner, will cause the automatic transmission to shift down
into a lower gear.
This gear shifting process is dependent on the current vehicle speed.
Fast off = there will be no upshift when releasing the accelerator pedal quickly, e.g. using the engine's braking
power during performance driving
W - Winter/Wet (snow and ice) mode Press switch on symbol "W".
The vehicle starts out in 2nd gear, except with selector lever in 1st gear, or with accelerator pedal in kick-down
position. The "W" mode helps to improve traction and driving stability of the vehicle.
The gear shifting process occurs at lower vehicle and engine speeds than in the "S,' program mode.

Important
Dependent on the program mode selector switch position "S" or "W" and the gear selector lever in position "13", the
ratio of power transmission changes.

Emergency Operation (Limp Home Mode)
If vehicle acceleration worsens, or the transmission no longer shifts, the transmission is most likely operating in Limp
Home Mode which engages when there is a malfunction at the transmission. This condition may be accompanied by
the "CHECK ENGINE" malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster coming on.
In this mode only the 2nd gear or reverse gear can be activated.

To engage 2nd gear or reverse:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move selector lever to position "P".
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Wait 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6. Move selector lever to position "D" (for 2nd gear), or move selector lever
to position "R" (for reverse gear).

Have the transmission checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible.

Cruise Control



Cruise Control
Any given speed above approximately 25 mph (40 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 speed. 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. After 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 briefly tip the lever in the appropriate direction for
increases or decreases in 0.6 mph (1 km/h) increments. When the lever is released, the newly set speed remains.
3. Cancelling
To cancel the cruise control, briefly push lever to position 3.
When you step on the brake pedal or the vehicle speed drops below approx. 25 mph (40 km/h), for example when
driving upgrade, the cruise control will be cancelled. If the cruise control cancels by itself and remains inoperative
until the engine is restarted, have the system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as
possible.
4. Resume
If the lever is briefly pushed to position 4 when driving at a speed exceeding approx. 25 mph (40 km/h), the vehicle
resumes the speed which was set prior to the cancellation of the cruise control. The last memorized speed is
cancelled when the electronic key in the steering lock is turned to position 1 or 0.


Note:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the cruise
control may be exceeded. In this case the automatic transmission shifts down (max. to 3rd gear) to maintain the set
cruise control speed by using the engine's braking power. As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position. Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control is switched off. Use the lever to resume the previously set
speed.

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 driver is fully aware of the previously set speed and
wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

Odometer Display Field
(Models C 280 and C 43 AMG)

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2 and wait until the symbols and appears in the
odometer display field. Within 1 second press button 0 twice.


The following messages are available:
"OK"
"-1.0 Q" (Canada: -1.0 L)
"-1.5 Q" (Canada: -1.5L)
"-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L)
If the message "-2.0 Q" (Canada: -2.0 L) blinks and a signal sounds, add oil to upper (max) mark of the dipstick.
"HI"
The message "Hi" blinks and a signal sounds.


Do not overfill the engine.

Excessive oil must be drained or siphoned. It could cause damage to engine and catalytic converter not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The symbol flashes in the odometer field if a proper oil level check cannot be performed. The oil level check
can be repeated after a short while. Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot be completed via the
odometer display field. In this case we recommend that you have the system checked at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Notes:
If the symbols and are continuously illuminated after pressing button 0 twice and there is no change in the
odometer display field or the low engine oil level warning lamp comes on, a malfunction has occurred to the system .
Perform the engine oil level check with the dipstick. If no oil leaks are noted continue to drive to the nearest
Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the system checked.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Level
The transmission has a permanent fill of automatic transmission fluid. Regular automatic transmission fluid
level checks and changes are not required. For this reason the dipstick is omitted. If you notice fluid leaks or
gear shifting malfunctions, have your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer check the transmission fluid level.

Towing the Vehicle






Warning!
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the ground, make
certain that the electronic key is in steering lock position 2.
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, the steering is locked. To unlock, remove
electronic key from steering lock and reinsert.


Important !
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the electronic key inn steering lock position 2, the vehicle
doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the right rear wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approx. 9 mph (15
km/h) or more. To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking, deactivate the automatic central locking.


All except C 43 AMG
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 Kompressor 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.



C 43 AMG

Model C 43 AMG
Cover removal:
Hold left and right end of cover 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 wheels 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 flasher 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.

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, coolants,
lubricants etc
Engine with
oil filter C 230
Konpressor 6.1US qt (5.8 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
Kompressor 8.5 US qt (8.0 l)
C 280 8.5 US qt (7.5 l)
C 43 AMG 9.6 US qt (9.1 l)
Automatic
transmission fluid
Rear axle C 230
Kompressor
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
washer
concentrate "S"
1
Cooling system C 230 approx. 9.6 US qt (9.5 I
C 280
C 43 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 Octane 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
Concentrate "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.