ABS 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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BatteryCharging ........................................ 261
Checking (SmartKey) .......................74
Display message ............................ 196
Important safety guidelines
(SmartKey) ....................................... 74
Jump-starting ................................. 262
Replacing (SmartKey) ......................74
Safety notes .................................. 259
Belt
see Seat belts
Brake fluid
Notes ............................................. 309
Brake fluid level ................................ 242
Brake lamp (display message) ......... 192
Brakes ABS .................................................. 62
BAS .................................................. 62
Brake fluid (notes) .........................309
Display message ............................ 190
High-performance brake system ....153
Important safety notes ..................151
Maintenance .................................. 152
Parking brake ................................ 149
Warning lamp ................................. 203
Breakdown
see Accident (notes)
see Flat tire
Bulbs
Backup lamp .................................. 115
Brake lamp .................................... 115
High-beam headlamps ...................113
Low-beam headlamps ....................113
Overview ........................................ 112
Parking lamps ................................ 114
Rear fog lamp ................................ 115
Replacing ....................................... 114
Side marker lamp .......................... 115
Standing lamps (front) ...................114
Tail lamp ........................................ 115
Turn signal lamp ............................ 115
Turn signals (front) ......................... 114C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) .........21
California
Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................19
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Care
Carpets .......................................... 249
Car wash ........................................ 244
Display ........................................... 247
Gear or selector lever ....................248
Headlamps ..................................... 246
Matte finish ................................... 245
Notes ............................................. 243
Paint .............................................. 245
Plastic trim .................................... 247
Power washer ................................ 244
Rear view camera .......................... 247
Roof lining ...................................... 249
Seat belt ........................................ 249
Seat covers .................................... 248
Sensors ......................................... 247
Steering wheel ............................... 248
Tail pipes ....................................... 247
Trim strips ..................................... 248
Washing by hand ........................... 244
Wheels ........................................... 245
Windows ........................................ 246
Wiper blades .................................. 246
Wooden trim .................................. 248
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 219
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 175
Center console ..................................... 29
Central locking Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 181
SmartKey ......................................... 70
Changing bulbs
Headlamps ..................................... 111
Changing gears .................................. 139
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Display messagesBrakes ........................................... 189
Calling up (on-board computer) .....183
Clearing (on-board computer) ........183
Driving systems ............................. 197
Engine ............................................ 194
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 202
Lamps ............................................ 191
Safety systems .............................. 184
Service interval display ..................242
SmartKey ....................................... 201
Tires ............................................... 197
Vehicle ........................................... 200
Distance recorder ............................. 170
Door Automatic locking ............................ 78
Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 181
Display message ............................ 201
Emergency locking ........................... 79
Emergency unlocking .......................79
Opening (from inside) ......................78
Door control panel
Overview .......................................... 31
Doors
Important safety notes ....................77
Drinking and driving ......................... 151
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 141
Manual ........................................... 142
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........171
Drive program display ...................... 139
Driving abroad ................................... 155
Driving on flooded roads .................. 154
Driving safety system EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) ..................................... 66
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 63
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 63
Important safety information ...........61
Driving safety systems
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......62
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 66BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............62
Overview .......................................... 61
Driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 156
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode .................................. 158
PARKTRONIC ................................. 159
Rear view camera .......................... 162
Driving tips ........................................ 139
Braking .......................................... 153
Downhill gradients .........................152
Driving on flooded roads ................154
Wet road surface ........................... 152
Winter ............................................ 155
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 175
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode ....................................... 158
E
EASY-ENTRY feature ............................ 99
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 181
EASY-EXIT feature ............................... 99
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 181
Crash-responsive ............................. 99
EBD (Electronic Brake force
Distribution) Display message ............................ 190
Function/notes ................................ 66
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic Brake force
see EBD
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®

Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS
Emergency call
see mbrace
Emergency release
Fuel filler flap ................................. 146
Trunk ............................................... 82
Vehicle ............................................. 79
Emergency running mode
Automatic transmission .................144
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Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 270
Top Tether ............................................ 59
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........264
Installing the towing eye ................264
Removing the towing eye ...............265
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............266
Installing the towing eye ................266
Removing the towing eye ...............266
Transfer case ..................................... 144
Transmission position display ......... 138
Transmission positions .................... 139
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 170
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 170
Resetting (on-board computer) ......171
Trunk
Automatic opening ........................... 81
Emergency release ..........................82
Important safety guidelines .............80
Locking separately ...........................82
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 200
Turn signal (display message) ......... 191
Turn signals ....................................... 108
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................79
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 78
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 222
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 22
Emergency unlocking .......................79
Equipment ....................................... 18
Exterior view .................................... 24
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 178
Loading .......................................... 280
Lowering ........................................ 258
Maintenance .................................... 19
Parking up ..................................... 150
Raising ........................................... 256
Reporting problems .........................21
Towing away .................................. 264
Tow-starting ................................... 264
Transporting .................................. 266
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 303
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 253
Video (DVD) ........................................ 176
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 176
VIN ...................................................... 303
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 206
Brakes ........................................... 203
Check Engine ................................. 210
Coolant .......................................... 210
ESP ®
.............................................. 207
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 208
Fuel tank ........................................ 210
Overview .......................................... 27
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........46
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................41
Reserve fuel ................................... 210
Seat belt ........................................ 204
SPORT handling mode ...................208
SRS ................................................ 209
Tire pressure monitor ....................212
Warranty ............................................ 302
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 258
Wheel chock ...................................... 255
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................286
Changing a wheel .......................... 255
Checking ........................................ 271
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Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:High beam108;ESP®
OFF207=Low beam107?Turn signal108AESP ®207BTurn signal108CSPORT handling mode in
AMG vehicles
208
DTire pressure monitor212ESRS209FunctionPageFABS206GSeat belt204HFog lamp108IRear fog lamp108JCoolant210KBrakes (USA only)203LBrakes (Canada only)203MCheck Engine210NReserve fuel210Instrument cluster27At a glanceBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 27

If an infant or child is traveling in the vehicle:XSecure the child using an infant or child
restraint system appropriate to the age and
weight of the child.XMake sure that the infant or child is
properly secured at all times while the
vehicle is in motion.
Child restraint systems
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 55).
We recommend all infants and children be
properly restrained using the child restraint
systems at all times while the vehicle is in
motion.
The use of infant or child restraints is required
by law in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, the U.S. territories and all
Canadian provinces.
Infants and small children should always be
seated in an infant or child seat restraint
system appropriate for the size and weight of
the child. They must be properly secured in
accordance with the manufacturer's
installation instructions for the infant or child
seat restraint system. All infant and child seat
restraint systems must comply with the US
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 213
and 225 and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards 213 and 210.2.
A statement by the child restraint
manufacturer of compliance with these
standards can be found on the instruction
label on the restraint system. You will also
find the statement in the instruction manual
provided with the child restraint system.
When using an infant restraint system, child
restraint system or booster seat, make sure
to carefully read and follow all manufacturer's
instructions for installation and use.
Please read the warning labels affixed to the
interior of the vehicle or to the infant restraint
or child restraint system.GWarning
Accident statistics show that children
secured in the rear seats are safer than
children secured in the front-passenger seat.
For this reason, we strongly advise that you
always secure children in the rear seats.
Regardless of the seat position, children
under 12 years must be secured correctly in
a suitable infant or child restraint system or
booster seat suitable for the size and weight
of the child.
The infant or child restraint system must be
correctly secured using the vehicle's seat
belt, the seat belt and Top Tether belt or the
lower anchorages and the Top Tether belt in
complete accordance with the child seat
manufacturer's instructions.
Occupants, in particular children, must sit as
upright as possible, fasten the seat belt
correctly and use a suitable infant restraint
system, child restraint system or booster seat
suitable for the size and weight of the child.
Children can be seriously or even fatally
injured by an air bag deploying. Observe the
following important information if it is
absolutely necessary to carry a child on the
front-passenger seat:
R USA only: Your vehicle is equipped with air
bag technology that is designed to
deactivate the front-passenger front air
bag, when the system on the front-
passenger seat detects the weight of a
typical 12-month old child in a standard
child restraint.
R USA only: For children that weigh more
than a typical 12-month old child, the front-
passenger front air bag can be activated or
deactivated. Always make sure that the
45 indicator lamp is illuminated
indicating that the front-passenger front air
bag is deactivated.
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operation is possible using the switches in
the rear compartment.
Panic alarm
X To activate: press and hold !
button : for about one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO Start-Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.
i USA only:
This device complies with the part 15 of the
FCC regulations. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
i Canada only:
This device complies with the RSS-210
regulations of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. This device must withstand any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Overview of driving safety systems
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake-power Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
Important safety notes
GWarning
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle. They cannot increase braking or
steering efficiency beyond that afforded by
the condition of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver can
prevent accidents.
The capabilities of a vehicle equipped with the
driving safety systems described in this
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section must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user's safety or the safety of others.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
keep a safe distance to other road users and
objects on the street.
If a driving system malfunctions, other driving
safety systems may also switch off. Observe
indicator and warning lamps that may come
on as well as messages in the multifunction
display that may appear.
i In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
GWarning
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about
5 mph (8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-
surface conditions. ABS works on slippery
surfaces, even when you only brake gently.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.GWarning
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
BAS (Brake Assist)
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWarning
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
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XInsert the front tabs of the battery tray's
cover first and then press to close it.XCheck the function of all SmartKey buttons
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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.
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