length 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.

Armrest (Rear Bench Seat)

Pull down the armrest. For removal of rear seat cushion, see Index.

Cup Holder in Rear Bench Armrest

Briefly press drawer and pull out to its detent.

Caution !
Keep cup holder closed while travelling. Place only containers
that fit into the cup holder to prevent spills.
Do not fill containers to a height where the contents could spill
during vehicle maneuvers, especially hot liquids.


Adjusting Telescoping Steering Column (optional)


Warning!
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving. The telescoping
adjustment must be locked while driving. Adjusting the steering
wheel while driving, or driving without the telescoping adjustment
locked could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.


Unlocking:
Pull handle (1) out to its stop. The indicator lamp, located in the instrument cluster, comes on.
Adjusting:
To lengthen or shorten the steering column, pull out or push in steering wheel.
Locking:
Push handle (1) in until it engages. The indicator lamp, located in the instrument cluster, goes out.

Important!
With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an indicator lamp in the instrument cluster comes on. It should go
out when the engine is running. If the indicator lamp does not go out after starting the engine, the adjustable steering
column is not locked properly. Do not drive the vehicle until you have properly locked the steering column.

Fastening of Seat Belts

1. Latch plate
2. Buckle
3. Release button



Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2) until it clicks. Do not twist the belt. A twisted seat belt may cause injury.
The lap belt should be positioned as low as possible on your hips and not across the abdomen.
Tighten the lap portion to a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion up. The shoulder portion of the seat belt must
be pulled snug and checked for snugness immediately after engaging it.
Adjust seat belt so that shoulder portion is located as close as possible to the middle of your shoulder (it should
not touch the neck). For this purpose, you can adjust the height of the belt outlet.
Three positions are available





4. Button for belt outlet eight adjustment


To raise, slide belt outlet upward. To lower, press button (4) and slide belt outlet downward.

Caution !
For safety reasons, avoid adjusting the seat or seat back into positions which could affect the correct seat
belt position.


Lap Belt for Center Seating Position of the Rear Seat
Pull belt with latch plate (1) over lap so that the belt is positioned as low as possible on your hips and not
across the abdomen. Push latch plate (1) into buckle (2) until it clicks. Do not twist the belt but keep it tight.
To tighten the belt: With the latch plate engaged, pull the loose end of the belt.
To lengthen the belt: With the belt unfastened, turn the latch plate so that it is a little more than 90°
perpendicular to the belt, then extend the belt. Fasten the belt and tighten as stated above.
To disengage the belt, push red button (3) in the buckle.
If the center seat is not occupied, the belt buckle and rolled-up seat belt can be stored in the space
next to the rear armrest (to the left or right of armrest).
Note:
For cleaning and care of the seat belts, see Cleaning and Care of the Vehicle in Index.



Unfastening of Seat Belts
Push the release button (3) in the belt buckle (2). Allow the retractor
to completely rewind the seat belt by guiding the latch plate (1).
Operation:
The inertia reel stops the belt from unwinding during sudden vehicle
stops or when quickly pulling on the belt.
The locking function of the reel may be checked by quickly pulling
out the belt.

Battery

Warning !
Failure to follow these instructions can result in severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while
connecting, you might get injured. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not allow this fluid to come in
contact with eyes, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately flush affected area with water and seek
medical help if necessary. A battery will also produ ce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and explosive.
Keep flames or sparks away from battery, avoid im proper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc..

Important !
Battery maintenance information:
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor. The fluid level must be checked at every A and B service.
Always insure that the fluid level is at the specified maximum level and that only distilled water is used. Failure to
maintain proper fluid level may result in cell deterioration and possible battery rupture. The service life of the battery is
dependent on its condition of charge. The battery should alwa ys be kept sufficiently charged, in order to last an
optimum length of time.
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you have the battery charge checked frequently, and corrected if
necessary, especially if you use the vehicle less than approximately 200 miles (300 km) per month, mostly for
short distance trips, or if it is not used for long periods of time.
Only charge a battery with a battery charger after the battery has been disconnected from the vehicle electrical circuit.
Always disconnect the battery negative lead first and connect last. When removing and connecting the battery,
always make sure that all electrical consumers are off and the electronic key is in steering lock position 0. The battery
and its vent tube must always be securely installed when the car is in operation. While the engine is running the
battery terminal clamps must not be loosened or detached, otherwise the generator and other electronic components
would be damaged.

Note:
After reconnecting the battery also resynchronize the Express feature of the power windows, the
sliding/pop-up roof, and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) (see Power seats, front, Head
restraints, Power windows, Sliding/pop-up roof, and Electronic stability program in Index).

Battery Recycling
Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment with improper disposal. Large 12 Volt storage batteries
contain lead. Recycling of batteries is the preferred method of disposal. Many states require sellers of batteries to
accept old batteries for recycling.

Jump Starting

Warning !

Failure to follow these directions will cause damage to the electronic components, and can
lead to a battery explosion and severe injury or death. Never lean over batteries while
connecting or jump starting, you might get injure d. Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do
not allow this fluid to come in contact with ey es, skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek medical help if necessary. A battery will also produce
hydrogen gas, which is flammable and very explosive. Keep flames or sparks away from
battery, avoid improper connection of jumper cables, smoking etc.. Read all instructions
before proceeding.

If the battery is discharged, the engine should be start ed with jumper cables and the (12 V) battery of
another vehicle.
The battery is located in the trunk under the trunk floor.

Proceed as follows:
1 . Position the vehicle with the charged battery so that the jumper cables will reach, but never
let the vehicles touch. Make sure the jump er cables do not have loose or missing insulation.
2. On both vehicles:
• Turn off engine and all lights and accessories, except hazard warning flashers or work lights.
• Apply parking brake and shift selector lever to position "P".

Important !
3. Clamp one end of the first jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged
battery and the other end to the positive (+ ) terminal of the charged battery. Make sure
the cable clamps do not touch any other metal parts.
4. Clamp one end of the second jumper cable to the grounded negative (-) terminal of the
charged battery and the final connection to the negative (-) terminal of the discharged battery.


Important !
5. Start engine of the vehicle with the charged battery and run at high idle. Make sure the
cables are not on or near pulleys, fans, or other parts that will move when the engine is
started. Allow the discharged battery to charge for a few minutes. Start engine of the
disabled vehicle in the usual manner.
6. After the engine has started, remove jumper cables exactly reversing the above
installation sequence, starting with the last connection made first. When removing each
clamp, make sure that it does not touch any other metal while the other end is still attached.


Important !
A discharged battery can freeze at approx. +14°F (-10°C ). In that case, it must be thawed out before
jumper cables are used. A frozen battery can explode and cause personal injury.

Jumper cable specifications:
• Minimum cable cross-section of 25 mm
2 or approx. 2 AWG
• Maximum length of 11.5 ft. (3.5 m).


Note:
If engine does not run after several unsuccessful starting attempts, have it checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Excessive unbur ned fuel may damage the catalytic converter.

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)