flat tire MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2000 W202 Owner's Manual

Drive Sensibly - Save Fuel

Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving habits and operating conditions. To save fuel you should:
• keep tires at the recommended inflation pressures,
• remove unnecessary loads,
• remove roof rack when not in use,
• allow engine to warm up under low load use,
• avoid frequent acceleration and deceleration,
• have all maintenance work performed at regular intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly country.





MERCEDES-BENZ
24 HOUR
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
1-800-FOR MERCEDES
1-0800-367-6372 USA.
1-800-387-0100 Canada









What You Should Know
at the Gas Station


• Fuel:
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, fully insert filler nozzle unit. Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle
unit cuts out - do not overfill. Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can cause the "Check Engine" lamp to
illuminate. Use premium unleaded gasoline: Posted Octane Index 91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON).
Fuel tank capacity approx. 16.4 US gal (62.0 I).
This includes approx. 2.1 US gal (8.0 I) reserve.

Warning !
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous, it burns violently and can cause serious injury. Whenever you are
around gasoline, avoid inhaling fumes and skin contact, extinguish all smoking materials. Never allow sparks, flame
or smoking materials near gasoline!


• Engine Oil:
Engine oil level check, see Index.
Fill quantity between upper and lower dipstick marking level: 2.1 US qt (2.0 I).
Recommended engine oils, see Index.

• Spark Plugs:
Approved spark plugs, refer to "Technical Data".


• Coolant:
For normal replenishing, use water (potable water quality).
For further information (e.g. anticorrosion/antifreeze), refer to Index.

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.

Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type as shown on the original part. See your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for further information. See your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for information
on tested and recommended rims and tires for summer and wi nter operation. They can also offer advice concerning
tire service and purchase.


Tire Replacement
Front tires should be replaced in sets. Rims and tires must be of the correct size and type. For dimensions, see
"Technical Data". We recommend that you break in new ti res for approx. 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed. It is
imperative that the wheel mounting bolts be fastened to a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm) whenever wheels are
mounted. For rim and tire specifications, refer to "Technical Data".

Warning !
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained damage, replace
them. When replacing rirns, use only genuine Mercedes-Benz w heel bolts specified for the particular rim type. Failure
to do so can result in the bolts loosening and possibly an accident.


Rotating Wheels
Rotation of wheels with summer tires does not apply to m odel C 43 AMG. The wheels can be rotated according to the
degree of tire wear while retaining the same direction of travel. Rotating, however, should be carried out at the
scheduled service intervals, before the characteristic tire wear pattern (shoulder wear on front wheels and tread
center wear on rear wheels) becomes visible, as otherwise the driving properties deteriorate.

Important !
Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward
movement.

Notes:
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the wheels any time you rotate the wheels or wash the vehicle underside. The use
of retread tires is not recommended. Retread tires may adversely affect the handling charac teristics and safety of the
vehicle. Dented or bent rims can caus e tire pressure loss and damage to the tire beads. For this reason, check rims
for damage at regular intervals. The rim flanges must be checked for wear before a tire is mounted. Remove burrs, if
any. Check and ensure proper tire inflation pressure after rotating the wheels. For Tire Inflation Pressure refer to
Index.


Spare Wheel (except C 43 AMG)

Important !
The spare wheel rim is mounted with a full size tire of the same type as on the vehicle, and is fully functional.
However, that spare wheel rim is weight optimized an d has a limited service life of 12 000 miles (20 000 km) use
before a standard wheel rim must replace it. In the case of a flat tire, you may temporarily use the spare wheel. Do
not operate vehicle with more than one spare wheel mounted.
Unidirectional tires must always be mounted with arrow on tire sidewall pointing in direction of vehicle forward
movement. If the arrow on tire side wall does not point in direction of vehicle forward movement when using the spare
wheel, observe the following restrictions:

• Drive to the nearest tire repair facility as soon as possible.

For rim and tire specifications, refer to "Technical Data".

Warning !
The spare wheel rim is for temporary use only. Use for over a total of 12 000 miles
(20 000 km) may cause wheel rim failure leading to an accident and possible injuries.

Spare Wheel for Model C 43 AMG


The spare wheel rim size is 71/2 J x 17 H2
In the case of a flat tire or breakdown, you may temporarily use a 71/2 J x 17 H 2 instead of the
81/2 J x 17 H 2 wheel rim on the rear axle, when observing the following restrictions:
• Do not exceed vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
• Drive to the nearest repair facility to have the flat tire repaired or replaced as appropriate.
For additional information, refer to "Technical Data".


Warning !

The dimensions of the spare wheel are different from those of road wheels. As a result, the
vehicle handling characteristics change when driving with a mounted spare wheel.
The spare wheel should only be used temporarily, and replaced with a regular road
wheel as quickly as possible.



1. Wheel bolt for model
C 43 AMG
2. Wheel bolt for model
C 230 Kompressor and C 280 with light alloy rims
3. Wheel bolt for Canada model
C 230 Kompressor with steel rims
Replace rims or tires with the same designation, manufacturer and type
as shown on the original part. See your authorized Mercedes-Benz
dealer for further information.

Warning !
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up the vehicle at the jack tubes built into either side
of the vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change. Never get beneath the vehicle while it is supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle. Always firmly set parking brake and block wheels
before raising vehicle with jack. Do not disengage parking brake while the vehicle is raised. Be
certain that the jack is always vertical when in use, especially on hills. Always try to use the jack
on level surface. Be sure that the jack arm is fully inserted in the jack tube. Always lower the
vehicle onto sufficient capacity jackstands before working under the vehicle.

Changing Wheels

Move vehicle to a level area which is a safe distance from the road way.
1. Set parking brake and turn on hazard warning flasher.
2. Move selector lever to position "P" and turn off engine.
3. Prevent vehicle from rolling away by blocking wheels with wheel chocks
(not supplied with vehicle) or sizable wood block or stone. When changing a wheel
on a hill, place chocks on the downhill side blocking both wheels of the other axle.
On a level road, place one chock in front of and one behind the wheel that is
diagonally opposite to the wheel being changed.
4. Using the wrench, loosen but do not yet remove the wheel bolts.




5. Remove the protective cover from the jack support tube opening by inserting the
screwdriver (supplied in the tool kit) in the opening and prying it out. The tube
openings are located directly behind the front wheel housings and in front of the
rear
wheel housings.



6. Insert jack arm fully into the tube hole up to the stop.
Place jack on firm ground. Position the jack so that it is always vertical (plumb-line)
as seen from the side (see arrow), even if the vehicle is parked on an incline.
7. Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground.
Never start engine while vehicle is raised.
8. Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt and install alignment bolt (1) supplied in the
tool kit. Remove the remaining bolts. Keep bolt threads protected from dirt and
sand.



9. Remove wheel. Grip wheel from the sides. Keep hands from beneath the wheels.
10.Clean contact surfaces of wheel and wheel hub. Install spare wheel on wheel hub.
Insert wheel bolts and tighten them slightly. To avoid paint damage, place wheel
flat
against hub and hold it there while installing first wheel bolt.
Unscrew the alignment bolt (1) to install the last wheel bolt.
11.Lower car. Remove jack and insert jack tube cover.
Before storing the jack, the jack arm must be lowered almost to the base of the jack.



Warning !
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts. Damaged wheel hub threads should
be repaired immediately.
Incorrect mounting bolts or improperly tightened mounting bolts can cause the
wheel to come off. This could cause an accident. Be sure to use the correct
mounting bolts.


12. Using the wrench, tighten the five bolts evenly, following the sequence illustrated,
until all bolts are tight. Observe a tightening torque of 80 ft.lb. (110 Nm).
13. Ensure proper tire pressure.

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.

Consumer Information

This has been prepared as required of all manufacturers of passenger cars under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal
Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966".

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Refer to the tire sidewall for the specific tire grades for t he tires with which this vehicle is equipped. All passenger car
tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on t he wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For ex ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (11/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire grad ed 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart signi ficantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C, Those grade represent the tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked "C" ma y have poor traction performance.

Warning !
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests and does not
include cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C co rresponds to a level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Warning !
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build up and possible tire failure.

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.