load capacity MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2011 W204 Owner's Manual

Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 171
Outside temperature ...................... 167
Setting ........................................... 123
Theft deterrent locking system
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Through-loading feature ................... 218
Tilt/sliding sunroof Opening/closing .............................. 88
Resetting ......................................... 88
Time (on-board computer) ................ 179
Timer (on-board computer) .............. 172
Tire pressure Calling up (on-board computer) .....277
Checking manually ........................275
Display message ............................ 197
Maximum ....................................... 280
Notes ............................................. 273
Pressure loss warning ....................275
Recommended ............................... 272
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 277
Restarting ...................................... 279
Warning lamp ................................. 212
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................292
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................290
Bar (definition) ............................... 290
Characteristics .............................. 290
Checking ........................................ 271
Cleaning ......................................... 272
Definition of terms .........................290
Direction of rotation ......................284
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................293
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 289
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............290
Flat tire .......................................... 254
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 291
Guidelines to be observed .............271
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 291
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................291Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......291
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........291
Labeling (overview) ........................286
Load bearing index (definition) ......292
Load index ..................................... 289
Load index (definition) ...................291
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 291
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 292
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 292
Maximum tire load .........................284
Maximum tire load (definition) .......291
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 292
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 292
Replacing ....................................... 286
Service life ..................................... 271
Sidewall (definition) .......................292
Speed index (definition) .................291
Storing ........................................... 272
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 290
Temperature .................................. 285
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 292
Tire bead (definition) ......................292
Tire pressure (definition) ................292
Tire pressures (recommended) ......290
Tire size (data) ............................... 293
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed index ....................287
Tire tread ....................................... 271
Tire tread (definition) .....................292
Total load limit (definition) .............293
Traction ......................................... 285
Traction (definition) .......................292
Tread wear ..................................... 285
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 284
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................290
Unladen weight (definition) ............291
Wear indicator (definition) .............292
Wheel rim (definition) ....................291Index15BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 15

braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Parcel nets cannot protect transported goods
in the event of an accident.
Parcel nets are located in the front-passenger
footwell and on the left-hand side of the trunk.
Rear bench seat through-loading
feature
Important safety notes
GWarning!
When expanding the cargo volume, always
fold the seat backrests fully forward.
Unless you are transporting cargo, the seat
backrests must remain properly locked in the
upright position.
In an accident, during hard braking or sudden
maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around
inside the vehicle. This can cause injury to
vehicle occupants unless the items are
securely fastened in the vehicle.
Always use the cargo tie-down rings.
The left-hand and right-hand rear seat
backrests can be folded down separately to
increase the trunk capacity.
Folding the rear seat backrest forward
XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
XOpen the trunk.XPull right-hand or left-hand rear seat
backrest release handle :.
The corresponding rear seat backrest is
released.
XFully insert the rear seat backrest head
restraints.
XFold rear seat backrest ; forwards.XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Folding the rear seat backrest back
XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
forward if necessary.
! Make sure that the seat belt does not
become trapped when folding the rear seat
backrest back. Otherwise, it could be
damaged.
XFold rear seat backrest : back until it
engages.
GWarning!
Always lock the seat backrest in its upright
position when the rear seat bench is
218Stowage areasLoading, stowing and features
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 218

XFold both plates upwards :.XFold out lower plate ;.XGuide the lugs on the lower plate fully into
openings in base plate =.
Securing the vehicle on level ground
XOn level ground: place chocks or other
suitable items under the front and rear of
the wheel that is diagonally opposite the
wheel you wish to change.
Securing the vehicle on slight downhill gradients
XOn downhill gradients: place chocks or
other suitable items in front of the wheels
of the front and rear axle.
Raising the vehicleGWarning
When jacking up the vehicle, only use the jack
which has been specifically approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle.
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking up
the vehicle at the jacking points built into both
sides of the vehicle. The jack saddle must be
placed centrally under the jacking point. The
jack must always be vertical when in use,
especially on inclines or declines.
The jack is intended only for lifting the vehicle
briefly for wheel changes. It is not suited for
performing maintenance work under the
vehicle. To help avoid personal injury, use the
jack only to lift the vehicle during a wheel
change.
Never get beneath the vehicle while it is
supported by the jack. Keep hands and feet
away from the area under the lifted vehicle.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.
Always firmly engage the parking brake and
block the wheels with wheel chocks or other
sizable objects before raising the vehicle with
the jack. Do not disengage the parking brake
while the vehicle is raised.
Make sure that the ground on which the
vehicle is standing and where you place the
jack is solid, level and not slippery. If
necessary, use a large underlay. On slippery
surfaces, such as tiled floors, you should use
a non-slip underlay, for example a rubber mat.
Do not use wooden blocks or similar objects
as a jack underlay. Otherwise, the jack may
not be able to achieve its load-bearing
capacity if it is not at its full height.
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
raised.
Also observe the notes on the jack.
256Flat tireBreakdown assistance
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 256

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
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 282

car tires must meet under Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Interchanging the wheels
GWarning
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.
GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle's rims.
The wear patterns on the front and rear tires
differ, depending on the operating conditions.
Rotate the wheels before a clear wear pattern
has formed on the tires. Front tires typically
wear more on the shoulders and the rear tires
in the center.
If your vehicle's tire configuration allows, you
can rotate the wheels according to the
intervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
book in your vehicle documents. If no
warranty book is available, the tires should be
rotated every 3000 to 6000 miles
(5000 to 10000 km), or earlier if tire wear
requires. Do not change the direction of
wheel rotation.
Clean the contact surfaces of the wheel and
the brake disc thoroughly every time a wheel
is rotated. Check the tire pressures.
Information on changing a wheel and
mounting the spare wheel ( Y page 255).
Tire labeling
Overview of tire labeling
The following markings are on the tire in
addition to the tire name (sales designation)
and the manufacturer's name:
:Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standard
( Y page 290);DOT, Tire Identification Number
( Y page 289)=Maximum tire load ( Y page 284)?Maximum tire pressure ( Y page 280)AManufacturerBTire material ( Y page 290)CTire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index ( Y page 287)DLoad index ( Y page 289)ETire name
i
Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
286Tire labelingTires and wheels
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 286

Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity and speed index:Tire width;Nominal aspect ration in %=Tire code?Rim diameterALoad bearing indexBSpeed index
i Tire data is vehicle-specific and may
deviate from the data in the example.
General: depending on the manufacturer's
standards, the size imprinted in the tire wall
may not contain any letters or may contain
one letter that precedes the size description.
If there is no letter preceding the size
description (as shown above): these are
passenger vehicle tires according to
European manufacturing standards.
If "P" precedes the size description: these are
passenger vehicle tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "LT" precedes the size description: these
are light truck tires according to U.S.
manufacturing standards.
If "T" precedes the size description: these are
compact emergency spare wheels at high tire
pressure, to be used only temporarily in an
emergency.
Tire width: tire width : shows the nominal
tire width in millimeters.
Nominal aspect ration: aspect ratio ; is
the size ratio between the tire height and the
tire width and is shown in percent. The aspect
ratio is calculated by dividing the tire width by
the tire height.
Tire code: tire code = specifies the tire type.
"R" represents radial tires. "D" represents
diagonal tires, "B" represents diagonal radial
tires.
Optionally, tires with a maximum speed of
over 149 mph (240 km/h) may have "ZR" in
the size description depending on the
manufacturer (e.g. 245/40 ZR 18).
Rim diameter: rim diameter ? is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the diameter
of the rim flange. The rim diameter is
specified in inches (in).
Load bearing index: load bearing index A
is a numerical code which specifies the
maximum load-bearing capacity of a tire.GWarning
The tire load rating must always be at least
half of the GAWR of your vehicle. Otherwise,
sudden tire failure may be the result which
could cause an accident and/or serious injury
to you or others.
Always replace rims and tires with rims and
tires having the same specifications
(designation, manufacturer and type) as
shown on the original part.
GWarning
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
Example:
The load bearing index 91 is equivalent to a
maximum load of 1356 lbs (615 kg) that the
tire can carry. For further information on the
maximum tire load in kilograms and pounds,
see ( Y page 284).
Tire labeling287Tires and wheelsBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 287Z

Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment
This is the combined weight of all standard
and optional equipment available for the
vehicle, regardless of whether it is actually
installed on the vehicle or not.
Wheel rim
This is the part of the wheel on which the tire
is mounted.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The GAWR is the maximum gross axle weight
rating. The actual load on an axle must never
exceed the gross axle weight rating. The
gross axle weight rating can be found on the
vehicle identification plate on the B-pillar on
the driver's side.
Speed index
The speed index is part of the tire
identification. It specifies the speed range for
which the tire is approved. Specifies the
speed range for which the tire is approved.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The gross vehicle weight includes the weight
of the vehicle including fuel, tools, the spare
wheel, accessories installed, occupants,
luggage and the drawbar noseweight if
applicable. The gross vehicle weight must not
exceed the gross vehicle weight rating GVWR
as specified on the vehicle identification plate
on the B-pillar on the driver's side.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The GVWR is the maximum permissible gross
weight of a fully loaded vehicle (the weight of
the vehicle including all accessories,
occupants, fuel, luggage and the drawbar
noseweight if applicable). The gross vehicle
weight rating is specified on the vehicle
identification plate on the B-pillar on the
driver's side.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The maximum weight is the sum of the
unladen weight of the vehicle, the weight of
the accessories, the maximum load and the
weight of the optional equipment installed at
the factory.
Kilopascal (kPa)
Metric unit for tire pressure. 6.9 kPa is the
equivalent of 1 psi. Another unit for tire
pressure is bar. 100 kilopascal (kPa) is the
equivalent of 1 bar.
Load index
In addition to the load bearing index, the load
index may also be imprinted on the sidewall
of the tire. This specifies the load bearing
capacity more precisely.
Unladen weight
The weight of a vehicle with standard
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant. It also includes the air-
conditioning system and optional equipment
if these are installed on the vehicle, but does
not include passengers or luggage.
Maximum tire load
The maximum tire load in kilograms or
pounds is the maximum weight for which a
tire is approved.
Definitions for tires and loading291Tires and wheelsBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 291Z

Maximum permissible tire pressure
Maximum permissible tire pressure for one
tire.
Maximum load on one tire
Maximum load on one tire. This is calculated
by dividing the maximum axle load of one axle
by two.
PSI (pounds per square inch)
Standard unit of measurement for tire
pressure.
Aspect ratio
Relationship between tire height and tire
width in percent.
Tire pressure
Pressure inside the tire applying an outward
force to every square inch of the tire's
surface. The tire pressure is specified in
pounds per square inch (psi), in kilopascal
(kPa) or in bar. The tire pressure should only
be corrected when the tires are cold. For this,
the vehicle must have been stationary for at
least three hours or not have traveled more
than 1.6 km (1 mile) in this time.
Tire tread
The part of the tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Tire bead
The tire bead ensures that the tire sits
securely on the wheel. There are several steel
wires in the bead to prevent the tire from
coming loose from the wheel rim.
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
tire bead.
Weight of optional extras
The combined weight of those optional extras
that weigh more than the replaced standard
part and more than 2.3 kilograms (5 lbs).
These optional extras, such as high-
performance brakes, level control, a roof rack
or a high-performance battery, are not
included in the unladen weight and the weight
of the accessories.
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
A unique identification number which can be
used by a tire manufacturer to identify tires,
for example for a product recall, and thus
identify the purchasers. The TIN is made up
of the manufacturer's identity code, tire size,
tire type code and the manufacturing date.
Load bearing index
The load bearing index (also load index) is a
code that contains the maximum load bearing
capacity of a tire.
Traction
Traction is the result of friction between the
tires and the road surface.
Wear indicator
This is indicated by narrow bars (tread wear
bars) that are distributed over the tire tread.
If the tire tread is level with the bars, the wear
limit of 1
/ 16 in (1.6 mm) has been reached.
292Definitions for tires and loadingTires and wheels
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 292

Vehicle modelCapacityFuel, coolant,
lubricants etc.Windshield/
headlamp
cleaning
systemC 250 45
C 250 4MATIC 45
C 300 4MATIC
C 350 4MATIC 45
C 63 AMG6.3 US qt (6.0 l)MB windshield
washer
concentrate 47
( Y page 310)
Mixing ratio for
washer fluid
( Y page 310)C 300
C 3503.7 US qt (3.5 l)Fuel
Important safety notesGWarning
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
personal injury.
Never allow sparks, flames or smoking
materials near gasoline.
Turn off the engine before refueling.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid
inhaling fumes and any skin or clothing
contact.
Direct skin contact with fuels and the
inhalation of fuel vapors are damaging to your
health.
Premium-grade unleaded gasoline
! To ensure the longevity and full
performance of the engine, only premium-
grade unleaded gasoline must be used.
If premium-grade unleaded gasoline is
unavailable and regular gasoline is used,
observe the following precautions:
R only fill the fuel tank to half full with
regular unleaded gasoline and add the
rest as soon as possible with premium-
grade unleaded gasoline.
R do not drive at the maximum speed.
Ravoid sudden acceleration.
R when the vehicle is carrying a light cargo,
e.g. two passengers without luggage, do
not allow the engine to rev above
3000 rpm.
R when the vehicle is fully loaded or being
operated in mountainous terrain, do not
depress the accelerator pedal further
than 2
/ 3 of the pedal travel.
Flexible fuel vehicles
Important safety notes
All C 300 models with automatic
transmission are flexible fuel vehicles.
Flexible fuel vehicles are identified by a label
reading Premium gasoline or E85 only on
the inside of the fuel filler flap.
Flexible fuel vehicles are designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline and ethanol
fuel (E85) or a mixture of these two. Ethanol
fuel (E85) is a mixture of approximately 85%
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
GWarning
Ethanol fuel (E85) and its vapors are highly
flammable, poisonous and highly
combustible. Ethanol fuel causes serious
injury if it ignites, if it comes into contact with
your skin or if you inhale the vapors. Avoid
inhaling ethanol vapors and ethanol coming
45 Canada only.
47 Mixed with water or premixed washer fluid with antifreeze protection.306Service products and capacitiesTechnical data
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 306