brake light 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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Multifunction steering wheelOperating the on-board computer . 167
Overview .......................................... 28
N
Navigation On-board computer .......................174
see separate operating instructions
NECK-PRO head restraints (except
AMG vehicles) Operation ......................................... 49
Resetting triggered ..........................50
Notes on breaking-in a new
vehicle ................................................ 130
O
Occupant Classification System
(OCS) Faults ............................................... 45
Operation ......................................... 41
System self-test ............................... 44
Occupant safety
Children in the vehicle .....................55
System overview .............................. 34
Octane number (fuel) ........................ 307
Odometer ........................................... 170
Off-road 4MATIC .......................................... 159
Oil
see Engine oil
On-board computer
AMG menu ..................................... 171
Assistance menu ........................... 178
Audio menu ................................... 175
Convenience submenu ..................181
Display messages ..........................183
Factory settings ............................. 182
Important safety notes ..................166
Instrument cluster submenu ..........178
Lighting submenu .......................... 180
Message memory .......................... 183
Navigation menu ............................ 174
Operating video DVD .....................176
Operation ....................................... 167
Overview of menus ........................169
Service menu ................................. 178
Settings menu ............................... 178
Standard display submenu ............170
Telephone menu ............................ 176
Time/Date submenu .....................179
Trip menu ...................................... 170
Vehicle submenu ........................... 181
Opening and closing the side trim
panels ................................................. 114
Operating system see On-board computer
Outside temperature
Display ........................................... 167
Overhead control panel
Overview .......................................... 30
Override feature
Rear side windows ...........................60
P
Paint code number ............................ 303
Paintwork (cleaning instructions) ... 245
Panic alarm .......................................... 61
Panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel Opening/closing .............................. 89
Resetting ......................................... 90
Parking ............................................... 148
Parking aid PARKTRONIC ................................. 159
Rear view camera .......................... 162
Parking brake .................................... 149
Parking lamp (display message) ...... 193
Parking lock Releasing manually (automatic
transmission) ................................. 144
Parking position
Exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side ............................... 101
PARKTRONIC
Activating/deactivating .................161
Function/notes ............................. 159
Malfunction .................................... 162
Problem ......................................... 162
Range of the sensors .....................159
Warning display ............................. 160
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator
lamp (only Canada) ............................. 46
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CockpitFunctionPage:Steering wheel paddle
shifters
141
;Cruise control lever156=Instrument cluster26?HornAPARKTRONIC warning
display (Canada only)
159
BOverhead control panel30COperates the automatic
climate control system
120
DIgnition lock131Start/Stop button132FunctionPageEAdjusts the steering wheel
manually
98
FAdjusts the steering wheel
electrically
98
GCombination switch108HParking brake148IOn-board diagnostics
socketJOpens the hood238KReleases the parking brake148LLight switch106Cockpit25At a glanceBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 25

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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ESP®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWarning!
Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle
if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin.
If you deactivate ESP ®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels can spin. The spinning of
the wheels results in a cutting action, which
provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you
brake.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ä warning lamp in the
instrument cluster flashes. In such situations,
ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
XTo deactivate: (Y page 178).
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.GWarning
When the å ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the ä ESP warning lamp and the
å ESP OFF warning lamp are on
continuously, ESP is not operational due to a
malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational,
the vehicle's stability during standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road conditions/weather conditions and to
the non-operating status of ESP.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP switched off. This
could cause serious damage to the drive
train.XTo activate: (Y page 178).
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(AMG
vehicles)
Activating/deactivating SPORT handling
mode
GWarning
The SPORT handling mode should not be
switched on during normal driving.
Switching on the SPORT handling mode will
result in the following:
R no restriction to the engine torque
R system supported traction control is
limited
The SPORT handling mode is designed for
driving on closed tracks when the vehicle's
own natural oversteer and understeer
characteristics are desired and requires a
highly skilled and experienced driver able to
handle these critical driving situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch on the SPORT handling mode.
Do not switch on the SPORT handling when a
spare wheel is mounted.
SPORT handling mode is active automatically
as long as the engine is running.
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It may be best to activate SPORT handling
mode in the following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravelGWarning
Switch off the SPORT handling mode and
switch on the ESP ®
immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not apply
anymore. Otherwise the SPORT handling
mode will only stabilize the vehicle to a limited
extent when it is starting to skid or a wheel is
spinning.
When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R the engine's torque is restricted to a limited
degree and the drive wheels can spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If SPORT handling mode is activated and one
or more wheels start to spin, the ä
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.
XTo activate: briefly press button :.
The M warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up. The SPORT handling mode message appears in the multifunction
display.XTo deactivate: briefly press button :.
The M warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Activating/deactivating ESP ®
GWarning!
The ESP
®
should not be switched off during
normal driving.
Disabling of the system will result in the
following:
R no restriction to engine torque
R loss of system-supported traction control
"ESP ®
OFF" is designed for driving on closed
tracks when the vehicle’s natural oversteer
and understeer characteristics are desired
and requires a highly skilled and experienced
driver able to handle these critical driving
situations.
You could lose control of your vehicle and
cause an accident.
Please be aware of these limits when you
switch off the ESP ®
.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is running.
It may be best to deactivate ESP ®
in the
following situations:
R when using snow chains
R in deep snow
R on sand or gravel
GWarning!
Activate ESP ®
as soon as the situations
described above no longer apply. ESP ®
will
otherwise not be able to stabilize the vehicle
if the vehicle starts to skid or a wheel starts
to spin.
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If you deactivate ESP®
:
R ESP ®
no longer improves driving stability.
R the engine's torque is no longer limited and
the drive wheels are able to spin. The
spinning of the wheels results in a cutting
action, which provides better grip.
R traction control is still activated.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ä warning lamp in the
instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.XTo deactivate: press button : until the
å warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster.
The message ESC-OFF appears in the
multifunction display.GWarning
When the å ESP OFF warning lamp lights
up, ESP is switched off.
When the ä ESP warning lamp and the
å ESP OFF warning lamp are on
continuously, ESP is not operational due to a
malfunction.
When ESP is switched off or not operational,
the vehicle's stability during standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your driving style to suit the prevailing
road conditions/weather conditions and to
the non-operating status of ESP.
! Avoid spinning a drive wheel for an
extended period with ESP switched off. This
could cause serious damage to the drive
train.XTo activate: briefly press button :.
The å warning lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. The message ESC-ON
appears in the multifunction display.
EBD
GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
EBD monitors and controls the brake
pressure on the rear wheels to improve
driving stability while braking.
GWarning!
If the EBD malfunctions, the brake system will
still function with full brake boost. However,
the rear wheels could lock up during
emergency braking situations, for example.
You could lose control of the vehicle and
cause an accident.
Adapt your driving style to the changed
driving characteristics.
Adaptive Brake
ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances braking safety
and offers increased braking comfort. In
addition to the braking function, ADAPTIVE
BRAKE also features the hill start assist
function ( Y page 135). For further
information, see Driving tips ( Y page 152).
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents your vehicle from
being started without the correct key.
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Seats
Important safety notes
GWarning
In order to avoid possible loss of vehicle
control, all seat, head restraint, steering
wheel and rear view mirror adjustments, as
well as fastening of seat belts, must be done
before setting the vehicle in motion.
GWarning
Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never travel in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide under
the seat belt in a collision. If you slide under
it, the seat belt would apply force at the
abdomen or neck. This could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer is
in a position that is as upright as possible and
seat belts are properly positioned on the
body.
GWarning
Your seat belt must be adjusted so that you
can correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R adjust the seat backrest until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering
wheel.
R adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as possible
with the driver still able to operate the
controls properly.
R adjust the head restraint so that it is as
close to the head as possible and the center
of the head restraint supports the back of
the head at eye level.
R never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.GWarning
The electrically adjustable seats can be
operated at any time. Therefore, do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child's
unsupervised access to a vehicle could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
GWarning!
According to accident statistics, children are
safer when properly restrained in the rear
seating positions than in the front seating
position. Thus, we strongly recommend that
children be placed in the rear seats whenever
possible. Regardless of seating position,
children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint, toddler
restraint, or booster seat recommended for
the size and weight of the child. For additional
information, see "Children in the vehicle".
A child's risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and/
or the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
GWarning
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust the head restraint so that it is as close
to the head as possible and the center of the
head restraint supports the back of the head
at eye level. This will reduce the potential for
injury to the head and neck in the event of an
accident or similar situation.
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Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the key in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
In Canada, the "daytime running lamps"
function is required by law. It can therefore
not be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to c.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, either the daytime running
lamps or the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
If the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
With the engine running while the vehicle is
stationary: if you shift the selector lever to P
from a driving position (vehicles with
automatic transmission), or if the parking
brake is applied, the low-beam headlamps
switch off automatically after 3 minutes.
With the engine running while the vehicle is
stationary: if you set the light switch to
T , the parking lamps and the low-beam
headlamps switch on.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
This function is only available on vehicles
equipped with daytime running lamps.
The daytime running lamps are deactivated
ex works on vehicles for the USA.
XTo switch on the daytime running
lamps (vehicles with luxury
multifunction steering wheel): switch onthe "daytime running lamps" function via
the on-board computer ( Y page 180).XTurn the light switch to c.
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, either the daytime running
lamps or the low-beam headlamps are
switched on.
If the low-beam headlamps are switched
on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
You can only switch on the high-beam
headlamps if there is little ambient light.
However, the headlamp flashers can always
be applied.
If you set the light switch to T or L
while the engine is running, the manual
setting overrides the daytime running lamps.
Automatic headlamps
GRisk of accident
If the light switch is set to c, the low-beam
headlamps will not come on automatically if
it is foggy. This could endanger you and
others. Therefore, turn the light switch to
L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c.
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 9
or the low-beam headlamps
are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.9 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.Exterior lighting107Lights and windshield wipersBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 107Z