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

Driving Instructions

Warning !
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage
to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on the hazard flashers, carefully slow down, and drive with
caution to an area which is a safe distance from the roadway.
Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible da mage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have
it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz or tire dealer for repairs.

Power Assistance
Warning !
When the engine is not running, the brake and steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effo rt is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.


Brakes
Warning !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to
wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat reduced and increased pedal
pressure may be necessary. Be sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating th ereby significantly reducing their effectiveness.
It may not be possible to stop the car in sufficient time to avoid an accident.

The condition of the parking brake system is checked each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required service .

If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in
the reservoir is too low. Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an aut horized Mercedes-Benz dealer immediately.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake system s hould be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid recommended by Mercedes-Benz.


Warning !
If other than recommended brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the
braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired.
This could result in an accident.


Caution !
When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the brakes by shifting into a lower gear. This helps prevent
overheating of the brakes and reduces brak e pad wear. After hard braking, it is advisable to drive on for some time, rather
than
immediately parking, so the air stream will cool down the brakes faster.

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 applies 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 the road whenever the outside temperatures are close 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 your stopping distance as compared with summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is not snow or ice covered.

Drinking and Driving


Warning !
Drinking and driving can be a very dangerous combination. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can
affect your reflexes, perceptions and judgement. The possibility of a serious or even fatal accident is
sharply increased when you drink and drive. Please don't drink and drive or allow anyone to drive after
drinking.


Parking Brake
To engage, firmly depress parking brake pedal. When the electronic key is in steering lock position 2, the brake
warning lamp in the instrument cluster should come on brightly. To release the parking brake, pull handle on
instrument panel. The brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster should go out. A warning sounds, if you start
to drive without having released the parking brake. Also see Brake Warning Lamp Test in Index.


Driving Off
Apply the service brakes to test them briefly after driving off. Perform this procedure only when the road is clear
of other traffic. Warm up the engine smoothly. Do not place full load on the engine until the operating temperature has
been reached. When starting off on a slippery surface, do not allow one drive wheel to spin for an extended period
with the ASR or ESP switched off. Doing so may cause serious damage to the drive train which is not covered by
the Mercedes - Benz Limited Warranty.


Warning !
Keep driver's foot area clear at all times. Objects stored in this area may impair pedal movement.

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.

Brake Assist System (BAS)

Warning !

BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase braking
efficiency beyond that afforded by the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the traction afforded.
The BAS cannot prevent accidents, including those resulting from excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a BAS equipped car must never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user's safety or the safety of others.

The Brake Assist System is designed to maximize the vehicle's braking capability during emergency braking
maneuvers by having maximum power boost applied to the br akes more quickly in emergency braking conditions
than might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver's braking style. This can help reduce braking distances over
what ordinary driving and braking style might do. The BAS complements the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply continuous full braking power during the stopping sequence.
Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivat ed The malfunction indicator lamps for the ASR and ESP are
combined with the BAS malfunction indicator lamp.
The BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster come on with the electronic key in
steering lock position 2 and should go out with the engine running.
If the BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp comes on permanently while the engine is running,
a malfunction has been detected in either system. As a resul t, it is possible that now only partial engine output will be
available, and pressing the accelerator pedal will require more effort. If the BAS malfunctions. The brake system
functions in the usual manner, but wi thout BAS. If the charging voltage falls be low 10 volts, the malfunction indicator
lamp comes on and the BAS is switched off. When the volt age is above this value again, the malfunction indicator
lamp should go out and the BAS is operational. With t he ABS malfunctioning, the BAS, ASR or ESP are also
switched off.
Both malfunction indicator lamps come on with the engine running. Have the BAS, ASR or ESP checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer as soon as possible .

Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
The acceleration slip regulation will engage at all vehicle speeds, if one or both drive wheels begin to lose traction
and spin in acceleration. While engaged, the yellow warning 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 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), the engine must be shut off
(electronic key in steering lock position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ASR 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 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 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 rotate at different speeds,
therefore the ASR may activate (yellow ASR 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, the ASR will immediately be engaged
and will apply the rear wheel brakes. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ASR is only achieved
with Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S rated radial-ply 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 continuously 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 portion of the ASR system remains active, 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 serious damage
to the drive train which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The ASR warning lamp, located in the speedometer 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 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.

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), 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.

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 dial come on with the electronic key
in steering lock position 2. They should go out with the 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 tires will cause the wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the electronic
stability program may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer dialcomes 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, the electronic stability program will
immediately
be engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes. In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the ESP is only
achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended M+S rated radial-ply tires and/or snow chains.

Synchronizing ESP

If the power supply was interrupted(battery disconnected or empty), the BAS/ESP multifunction indicator lamp
may be illuminated with the engine running. Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to the right. The
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator lamp should go out.

ESP Control Switch




ESP control switch located on 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 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 conditions. A portion of the ESP system remains active, 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 serious damage to the drive train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. The ESP warning lamp, located in the speedometer 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).

Caution !
Vehicles with Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
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 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 engi ne 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.