manual drive MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class 2011 W204 Owner's Manual

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notices. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and to
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or product designation of your
vehicle may vary depending on:
R model
R order
R country specification
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
You cannot therefore base any claims on the
data, illustrations or descriptions contained
in this manual.
The following are integral parts of the vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Brief Instructions 1
R Service Booklet
R Supplements relating to vehicle equipment
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company1 Canada only.2045848981
É2045848981XËÍ
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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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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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LightsActivating/deactivating the
interior lighting delayed switch-off
(on-board computer) ......................180
Active light function .......................109
Automatic headlamp mode ............107
Cornering light function .................110
Daytime running lamps ..................107
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Fog lamps ...................................... 108
Hazard warning lamps ...................109
High-beam headlamps ...................108
Light switch ................................... 106
Low-beam headlamps ....................107
Rear fog lamp ................................ 108
Switching the daytime driving
lights on/off (on-board computer) . 180
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 180
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........180
Light sensor (display message) ....... 194
Loading guidelines ............................ 216
Locking Automatic ........................................ 78
Emergency locking ........................... 79
From inside the vehicle (central
locking button) ................................. 78
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 181
Low-beam headlamp (display
message) ............................................ 191
Luggage net ....................................... 217
Lumbar support ................................... 97
M
M+S tires ............................................ 154
Main-beam headlamps (display
message) ............................................ 192
Malfunction message see Display messages
Malfunctions relevant to safety
Reporting ......................................... 21
Manual drive program ...................... 142
Manual transmission
Gear lever ...................................... 137
Pulling away ................................... 134
Shift recommendation ...................138
Starting .......................................... 133
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 245
mbrace Call priority .................................... 230
Display message ............................ 185
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 230
Emergency call .............................. 227
Important safety notes ..................226
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............231
MB info call button ........................229
Remote vehicle locking ..................231
Roadside Assistance button ..........229
Self-test ......................................... 227
System .......................................... 227
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............231
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 73
Memory card (on-board computer) . 175
Memory function ............................... 102
Menu (on-board computer) AMG ............................................... 171
Assistance ..................................... 178
Audio ............................................. 175
DVD ............................................... 176
Navigation ..................................... 174
Overview of menus ........................169
Service ........................................... 178
Settings ......................................... 178
Telephone ...................................... 176
Trip ................................................ 170
Message memory .............................. 183
Messages see Display messages
Mirrors
Sun visor ........................................ 222
see Exterior mirrors or Rear-view mirror
MOExtended run-flat system ........... 259
MP3 Operating (on-board computer) .....175
see separate operating instructions
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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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Correct usage .................................. 51
Emergency Tensioning Devices ........ 54
Fastening ......................................... 52
Important safety guidelines .............50
Releasing ......................................... 53
Safety guidelines ............................. 35
Special seat belt retractor ...............58
Warning lamp ................................. 204
Warning lamp (function) ................... 54
Seat heating
Indicator lamp (Malfunction) ............98
Seats
Adaptive seat backrests (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 97
Adjusting (electrically) .....................94
Adjusting (manually and
electrically) ...................................... 94
Adjusting the head restraint ............95
Adjusting the lumbar support ..........97
Cleaning the cover .........................248
Correct driver's seat position ........... 92
Important safety notes ....................93
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 102
Switching seat heating on/off .........97
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 247
Service indicator see Service interval display
Service interval display .................... 242
Displaying a service message (on-
board computer) ............................ 243
Service menu (on-board computer) . 178
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 309
Capacities ...................................... 305
Coolant (engine) ............................ 310
Engine oil ....................................... 308
Fuel ................................................ 306
Important safety notes ..................304
Notes ............................................. 304
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 309
Washer fluid ................................... 310
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........182
On-board computer .......................178
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 171
Shift ranges ....................................... 141Shift recommendation ...................... 138
Side impact air bag ............................. 39
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 193
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Important safety information ...........83
Opening/closing .............................. 84
Resetting ......................................... 85
Troubleshooting ............................... 86
Sliding sunroof
Important safety information ...........86
Troubleshooting ............................... 90
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
see Tilt/sliding sunroof
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................74
Changing the programming .............73
Checking the battery .................70, 74
Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Display message ............................ 201
Important safety notes ....................70
Malfunction ...................................... 76
Starting the engine ........................133
Snow chains ...................................... 154
Socket ................................................ 224
Dashboard ..................................... 224
Rear compartment .........................225
SOS
see mbrace
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 298
Storage location ............................ 254
see Emergency spare wheel
Speedometer
Activating/deactivating
additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 179
Additional speedometer (on-
board computer) ............................ 171
Segments ...................................... 167
Setting the unit (on-board
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Proper use of the vehicle
To ensure proper use of the vehicle, you must
familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
GWarning!
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended to
make you and others aware of various risks.
Do not remove any of these warning labels
unless explicitly instructed to do so by
information on the label itself.
Removing warning labels may cause you and
others to be unaware of certain risks which
may result in an accident and/or personal
injury.
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
with the Mercedes-Benz Center again or, if
necessary, contact us at one of the following
addresses.
In the USA
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Reporting malfunctions relevant to
safety
For the USA only:
The following text is reproduced as required
of all manufacturers according to Title 49,
Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575
pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor
Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.
Reporting safety defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to
notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a
safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle
Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to: http://www.safercar.gov ; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA Headquarters,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building,
Washington, DC 20590.
You can also obtain additional information
about vehicle safety from:
http://www.safercar.gov .
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performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz
strongly recommends that you inform the
subsequent owner that the vehicle is
equipped with SRS. Also refer them to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags
Important safety notes
GWarning
Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence
of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:
R frontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags and driver's knee
bag)
R side impacts (side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags and pelvis air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
When the air bags are deployed, a small
amount of powder is released. The powder
generally does not constitute a health hazard
and does not indicate that there is a fire in the
vehicle. In order to prevent potential
breathing difficulties, you should leave the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have any breathing difficulty but cannot get
out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or
door.
GWarning
To reduce the risk of injuries during front air
bag inflation, the driver and front-passenger
must always be seated correctly and have
their seat belts fastened accordingly.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision, you must always be in the normal
seat position with your back against the
backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure
that it is correctly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
R Only hold the steering wheel by the rim.
Placing hands and arms inside the rim can
increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury when the driver front air
bag inflates.
R Adjust the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible from the dashboard when the
seat is occupied.
R Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
36Occupant safetySafety
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impact air bag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the side
impact air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
child restraint, infant restraint or booster
seat recommended for the size and weight
of the child.
R Canada only: children under 12 years may
only sit in the front-passenger seat if they
are seated in a child restraint system which
is compatible with BabySmart™ and
approved by Mercedes-Benz. If the child
restraint system is installed properly, the
front-passenger front air bag is deactivated
in conjunction with the BabySmart™
system installed in the vehicle. Otherwise,
the child could be struck by the air bag
when it inflates in a crash. This could lead
to serious or fatal injuries.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual.GWarning
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
A side impact air bag related injury may occur
if occupants, especially children, are not
properly seated or restrained when next to a
side impact air bag which needs to deploy
rapidly in a side impact in order to do its job.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1)Always sit as upright as possible
and use the seat belts properly.
Make sure that children 12 years
old and under use an appropriately
sized child restraint, infant
restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and
weight of the child.(2)Always wear seat belts properly.The air bags are only deployed if the airbag
control unit detects the need for deployment.
Only in the event of such a situation will they
provide their supplemental protection.
The driver and passenger should always wear
their seat belts. Otherwise, it is not possible
for the air bags to provide their supplemental
protection.
In the event of other types of impacts and
impacts below air bag deployment
thresholds, air bags will not deploy. The driver
and passengers will then be protected to the
extent possible by a properly fastened seat
belt. A properly fastened seat belt is also
needed to provide the best possible
protection in a rollover.
Air bags offer supplemental protection but
are not a substitute for seat belts. All vehicle
occupants must fasten their seat belts
regardless of whether your vehicle is
equipped with airbags or not.
It is important for your safety and that of your
passenger to have deployed air bags replaced
and to have any malfunctioning air bags
repaired. This will help to make sure the air
bags continue to perform their protective
function for the vehicle occupants in the
event of a crash.
Front air bagsGWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 36).
The front air bags increase protection for the
driver's and front-passenger's head and
chest.
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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.
Correct driver's seat position
Observe the important safety notes on
( Y page 93).
XCheck whether you have adjusted seat =
properly.
Manual and electrical seat adjustment
( Y page 94)
Electrical seat adjustment ( Y page 94)
When adjusting the seat, make sure:
R you are as far away from the driver's air
bag as possible.
R you are sitting in a normal upright
position.
R you can fasten the seat belt properly.Ryou have moved the backrest to an
almost vertical position.
R you have set the seat cushion angle so
that your thighs are gently supported.
R you can depress the pedals properly.XCheck whether the head restraint is
adjusted properly ( Y page 95).
When doing so, make sure that you have
adjusted the head restraint so that the back
of your head is supported at eye level by
the center of the head restraint.
Observe the important safety notes on
( Y page 98).
XCheck whether steering wheel : is
adjusted properly.
Adjusting the steering wheel
manually( Y page 98)
Adjusting the steering wheel electrically
( Y page 98)
When adjusting the steering wheel, make
sure:
R you can hold the steering wheel with your
arms slightly bent.
R you can move your legs freely.
R you can see all the displays in the
instrument cluster clearly.
Observe the important safety notes on
( Y page 50).
XCheck whether you have fastened seat
belt ; properly ( Y page 52).
The seat belt should:
R fit snugly across your body
R be routed across the middle of your
shoulder
R be routed in your pelvic area across the
hip jointsXBefore starting off, adjust the rear-view
mirror and the exterior mirrors
( Y page 100) in such a way that you have
a good view of road and traffic conditions.XVehicles with memory function: save the
seat, steering wheel and exterior mirror
settings ( Y page 102).92Correct driver's seat positionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors
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