140 MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2011 W204 Owner's Manual

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 225
12 V socket ........................................ 224
4ETS see ETS/4ETS
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 159
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 189
Function/notes ................................ 62
Warning lamp ................................. 206
Accident (notes) ................................ 253
Active light function (display
message) ............................................ 194
Active service system see Service interval display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 66
Additional speedometer ................... 179
Air bags Display message ............................ 187
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 37
Important safety notes ....................36
Knee bag .......................................... 38
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........46
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................41
Pelvis air bag ................................... 40
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Side impact air bag ..........................39
Window curtain air bag ....................40
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
Air dehumidification
Activating/deactivating with
cooling ........................................... 122
Air distribution
Setting ........................................... 123
Airflow
Setting ........................................... 124
Air nozzles
see Air vents .................................. 126
Air pressure
see Tire pressure
Air-recirculation mode
Activating/deactivating .................125
Air vents ............................................. 126
Glove box ....................................... 127
Important safety information .........126
Rear ............................................... 127
Setting the center air vents ...........126
Setting the side air vents ...............126
Alarm system
see ATA
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 171
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA
Anti-theft system
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........67
Ashtray ............................................... 223
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 178
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) Activating/deactivating ...................67
Function ........................................... 67
Switching off the alarm ....................67
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 175
AUTO lights see Light sensor
Automatic car wash .......................... 244
Automatic transmission Display message ............................ 200
Driving tips .................................... 139
Emergency running mode ..............144
Kickdown ....................................... 140
Malfunction .................................... 144
Program selector button ................140
Pulling away ................................... 134
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 144
Selector lever ................................ 138
Starting .......................................... 133
B
Backrest (display message) ............. 201
Bag hook ............................................ 219
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 62
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Fuse box in the engine
compartment ................................. 267
Fuse box in the trunk .....................268
Notes ............................................. 266
G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................235
Notes ............................................. 232
Opening/closing the garage door ..234
Programming the remote control ...232
Gear indicator (on-board
computer) .......................................... 171
Gear lever ........................................... 137
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 248
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 302
Genuine wood trim and trim strips
(cleaning instructions) ...................... 248
Glove box ........................................... 216
H
Headlamp cleaning system .............. 109
Adding washer fluid .......................241
Notes ............................................. 310
Headlamp mode (daytime driving)
see Daytime running lamps
Headlamps
Cleaning ......................................... 246
Misting up ...................................... 110
Head restraints
Adjusting (electrically) .....................96
Adjusting (manually) ........................95
Adjusting (rear) ................................ 96
Installing/removing (rear) ................96
see NECK-PRO head restraints
(except AMG vehicles)
Heating
see Climate control
High beam flasher ............................. 109
Hill start assist .................................. 135
Hood Closing ........................................... 239
Display message ............................ 200
Opening ......................................... 238
Hydroplaning ..................................... 154
I
Immobilizer .......................................... 66
Instrument cluster Overview .......................................... 26
Submenu (on-board computer) ......178
Warning and indicator lamps ...........27
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 26
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting
Automatic control ..........................111
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 180
Emergency lighting ........................111
Manual control ............................... 111
Reading lamp ................................. 110
J
Jack Storage location ............................ 253
Using ............................................. 256
Jump-starting ..................................... 262
K
KEYLESS-GO Button ............................................ 132
Convenience closing feature ............85
Display message ............................ 202
Locking ............................................ 71
Starting the engine ........................133
Unlocking ......................................... 71
Key positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 132
SmartKey ....................................... 131
Kickdown ................................... 140, 143
Knee bag .............................................. 38
L
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ................................................ 58
License plate lamp (display
message) ............................................ 193
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PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only USA) ................................... 41
Pedals ................................................. 151
Permanent display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 179
Permanent four-wheel drive see 4MATIC
Plastic trim (cleaning instructions) . 247
Power washers .................................. 244
Power windows see Side windows
Product information ............................ 18
Program selector button .................. 140
Pulling away Automatic transmission .................134
Manual transmission ...................... 134
R
RACETIMER (on-board computer) .... 172
Radio Changing stations (on-board
computer) ...................................... 175
see separate operating instructions
Range (on-board computer) ............. 170
Rear compartment Setting the airflow .........................124
Setting the air vents ......................127
Rear fog lamp (display message) ..... 193
Rear seat backrest Display message ............................ 201
Folding forwards/back ..................218
Rear seat backrest (display
message) ............................................ 201
Rear view camera Function/notes ............................. 162
Rear view camera (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 247
Rear-view mirror Anti-glare (manual) ..........................99
Dipping (automatic) .......................101
Rear window blind ............................ 222
Rear window heating Malfunction .................................... 125
Switching on/off ........................... 125
Refueling ............................................ 145
Remote control
Programming (garage door
opener) .......................................... 232
Reporting
Malfunctions relevant to safety ........ 21
Reserve fuel
Display message ............................ 197
Warning lamp ................................. 210
Restraint systems
see SRS
Reverse gear
Engaging (manual transmission) ....137
Reversing lamp (display message) .. 193
Roadside Assistance (breakdown) .... 19
Roller blind see Roller sunblind
Roller sunblind
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel ..................................... 89
Rear side windows .........................222
Rear window .................................. 222
Roof carrier ........................................ 220
Roof lining and carpets (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 249
Route see Route guidance (on-board
computer)
Route guidance (on-board
computer) .......................................... 174
S
Safety Children in the vehicle .....................55
Child restraint systems ....................56
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) ............................................... 41
Overview of occupant safety
systems ........................................... 34
Safety systems
see Driving safety systems
Seat backrest
Adaptive ........................................... 97
Seat belts
Adjusting the height ......................... 53
Belt force limiters ............................ 54
Cleaning ......................................... 249
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Center consoleFunctionPage:Hazard warning lamps109;ATA indicator lamp67=Indicator lamp 45
(USA only)41
Indicator lamp 45
(Canada only)46
?COMAND/audio system;
see separate operating
instructions
ASeat heating97BPARKTRONIC (Canada
only)159
CRear window roller sunblind222FunctionPageDDynamic handling package
with sports mode158
EStowage compartment216Ashtray223Cigarette lighter224FGear lever137Selector lever138GCup holder220HStowage compartment216IAudio/COMAND controllerJSelects the drive program140Center console29At a glanceBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 29

Vehicle equipment
i This manual describes all the standard
and optional equipment of your vehicle
which was available at the time of
purchase. Country-specific differences are
possible. Bear in mind that your vehicle
may not feature all functions described
here. This also refers to safety-related
systems and functions.
Notes on breaking-in a new vehicle
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the happier you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
R Ideally, drive program C should be selected
for driving the first 1000 miles (1500 km).
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km) you may
gradually bring the vehicle up to full road and
engine speeds.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R For the first 1000 miles (1500 km), do not
exceed a speed of 85 mph (140 km/h).
R Only allow the engine to briefly reach a
maximum engine speed of 4500 rpm.
R Shift gears in good time.
i Also observe these breaking-in notes
when the vehicle's engine or axle gear have
been replaced.
i Always observe the respective limit
speeds.
AMG vehicles with rear axle locking
differential
Your vehicle is equipped with a self-locking
differential on the rear axle. Change the oil
after a breaking-in period of
2000 miles(3000 km) to improve protection
of the rear axle differential. This oil change
extends the service life of the differential.
Have the oil change carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop. Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you use an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWarning
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
130DrivingDriving and parking
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Drive program display:Drive program display
Transmission positions
BPark position
Do not shift the transmission into
position P unless the vehicle is
stationary. The parking lock should
not be used as a brake when
parking. In addition to engaging the
parking lock, you must always
apply the parking brake to secure
the vehicle.
The SmartKey can only be removed
if the transmission is in position P.
If the SmartKey is removed from
the ignition lock, the selector lever
is locked.
In the event of a fault in the vehicle
electronics, the selector lever can
be locked in position P. To release
the selector lever lock, see
"Releasing the parking lock
manually" ( Y page 144).CReverse
Only shift the transmission to R
when the vehicle is stationary.ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Driving in neutral N can
damage the drive train.7Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Gearshifting
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program
E/S or M (vehicles with the dynamic
handling package and AMG vehicles)
( Y page 140)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Driving tips
AMG vehicles
When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
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sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program
selected.
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XVehicles for USA except AMG vehicles:
fully depress the accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
XVehicles for Canada except AMG
vehicles: depress the accelerator pedal
beyond the pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Working on the vehicle
GWarning
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Program selector button
Program selector button
Program selector button on AMG vehicles
Program selector button on vehicles with thedynamic handling package
E EconomyComfortable, economical
driving
S SportSporty driving styleM ManualManual gearshifting
iFor further information on "Automatic
drive program" (Y page 141).
Only change from automatic drive program
E or S to manual drive program M when the
vehicle is stationary.
XPress program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
iThe automatic transmission switches to
automatic drive program E each time the
engine is started.
140Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
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Derestricting the shift rangeXBriefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The shift range is derestricted.
Clearing the shift range restriction
XPress and hold the selector lever towards
D+ until D is shown once more in the
multifunction display.
or
XPull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until D is shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range
XPress the selector lever to the left towards
D– and hold it in position.
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows ideal acceleration and
deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program
The manual drive program is only available for
vehicles with the dynamic handling package
and for AMG vehicles.
Manual drive program M is different from
drive program S with regard to spontaneity,
responsiveness and smoothness of gear
changes.
Manual drive program M can be selected
using the program selector button. You can
change gears using the steering wheel paddle
shifters or the selector lever in manual drive
program M if the transmission is in position
D . The gear selected is shown in the
multifunction display.XPress program selector button
( Y page 140) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.
Upshifting
i Vehicles with the dynamic handling
package: if the maximum engine speed for
the shift range is reached and you continue
to accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up, except when manual program M
is selected.
Vehicles with AMG engines
XBriefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 141).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
AMG vehicles: before the engine speed
reaches the red area, you will see an upshift
indicator in the multifunction display.
:Gear indicator;Upshift indicator142Automatic transmissionDriving and parking
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DownshiftingXBriefly press the selector lever to the left
towards D–.
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 141).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down to a gear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
i Vehicles with the dynamic handling
package: to avoid overrevving the engine
when downshifting, the automatic
transmission does not shift to a lower gear
if this would result in the maximum engine
speed being exceeded.
i If you desire maximum acceleration, push
the selector lever to the left or pull and hold
the left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
until the transmission shifts to the optimal
gear for the current speed.
Kickdown
i Vehicles with an AMG engine: it is not
possible to use kickdown in manual drive
program M.
You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive program M.
XVehicles for USA: fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada: depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure
point.
The automatic transmission shifts to a
lower gear depending on the engine speed.
i During kickdown, you cannot change gear
using the steering wheel paddle shifters or
the selector lever.
Switching off the manual drive programXAMG vehicles: press the program selector
button ( Y page 140) repeatedly until E or
S appears in the multifunction display.XVehicles with the dynamic handling
package: press the program selector
button ( Y page 140). M is no longer shown
in the multifunction display.Automatic transmission143Driving and parkingBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 143Z

Determining the maximum load
The following steps have been developed as required of all manufacturers under Title 49, Code
of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the "National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act of 1966".XStep 1: Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle's Tire and Loading Information placard.XStep 2: Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be traveling
in your vehicle.XStep 3: Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or
XXX lbs.XStep 4: The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbs passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs (1400 -
750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).X Step 5: Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
For reasons of safety, that weight must not exceed the available cargo and luggage cargo
capacity calculated in step 4.XStep 6 (if applicable): If you intend to tow a trailer behind your vehicle, the load on the
trailer is transferred to your vehicle. Consult this Operator's Manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle ( Y page 284).
The following table shows examples of how to calculate total and cargo load capacities with
varying seating configurations and number and size of occupants. The following examples use
a cargo limit of 1500 lbs (680 kg). This is for illustration purposes only. Make sure you
always use the actual load limit for your vehicle stated on the vehicle's Tire and Loading
Information placard ( Y page 281).
Example 1Example 2Example 3Step 1Combined maximum
weight of occupants
and cargo (data from
the Tire and Loading
Information placard)1500 lbs
(680 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg)1500 lbs
(680 kg)Example 1Example 2Example 3Step 2Number of people in
the vehicle (driver
and occupants)531Distribution of the
occupantsFront: 2
Rear: 3Front: 1
Rear: 2Front: 1282Loading the vehicleTires and wheels
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