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

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
16IndexBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 16

Cleaning ......................................... 245
Guidelines to be observed .............271
Mounting a wheel .......................... 258
Removing a wheel ..........................257
Tightening torque ........................... 258
Wheel size/tire size .......................293
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 186
Operation ......................................... 40
Windows
see Side windows
Windows (cleaning instructions) ..... 246
Windshield Defrosting ...................................... 124
Windshield washer fluid (display
message) ............................................ 201
Windshield washer system Adding washer fluid .......................241
Notes ............................................. 310
Windshield wipers
Important safety notes ..................115
Replacing the wiper blades ....116, 117
Switching on/off ........................... 116
Troubleshooting ............................. 117
Winter operation ............................... 155
Winter tires M+S tires ....................................... 154
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 246Index17BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 17

ESP®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Important safety notesGWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
If ESP ®
detects that the vehicle is deviating
from the direction desired by the driver, one
or more wheels are braked to stabilize the
vehicle. If necessary, the engine output is also
modified to keep the vehicle on the desired
course within physical limits. ESP ®
assists
the driver when pulling away on wet or
slippery roads. ESP ®
can also stabilize the
vehicle during braking.
If ESP ®
intervenes, the ä warning lamp
flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWarning!
Never switch off the ESP when you see the
ESP warning lamp ä flashing in the
instrument cluster. In this case proceed as
follows:
R When driving off, apply as little throttle as
possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. The ESP cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Vehicles without 4MATIC: switch the
ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front
axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: switch off the
ignition when the parking brake is being
tested on a brake dynamometer.
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
! Vehicles with 4MATIC: function or
performance tests may only be carried out
on a 2-axle dynamometer. If you wish to
operate the vehicle on such a
dynamometer, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center in
advance. You could otherwise damage the
drive train or the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)GWarning
Observe "Important safety notes"
( Y page 61).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels
individually if they spin. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side. On vehicles with 4MATIC, more
drive torque is also transferred to the wheel
or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles)
GWarning
The ESP ®
should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP ®
when a spare
wheel is mounted.
Driving safety systems63SafetyBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 63Z

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.
64Driving safety systemsSafety
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 64

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.
Driving safety systems65SafetyBA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 65Z

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.
66Anti-theft systemsSafety
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 66

Mounting a new wheelGWarning!
Always replace wheel bolts that are damaged
or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tightened
wheel bolts can cause the wheel to come off.
This could cause an accident. Make sure to
use the correct wheel bolts.
GWarning
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts.
Other wheel bolts may come loose.
Do not tighten the wheel bolts when the
vehicle is raised. Otherwise, the vehicle could
fall off the jack.
GWarning
Make sure to use the original length wheel
bolts when remounting the original wheel
after it has been repaired.
XClean the wheel and wheel hub contact
surfaces.
! To prevent damage to the paintwork, hold
the wheel securely against the wheel hub
while screwing in the first wheel bolt.
XPlace the emergency spare wheel on the
wheel hub and push it on.XTighten the wheel bolts until they are
finger-tight.
Lowering the vehicle
XTurn the crank of the jack counter-
clockwise until the vehicle is once again
standing firmly on the ground.XPlace the jack to one side.XTighten the wheel bolts evenly in a
crosswise pattern in the sequence
indicated ( : to A). The tightening torque
must be 96 lb-ft (130 Nm) .GRisk of accident
Have the tightening torque checked
immediately after a wheel is changed. The
wheels could come loose if they are not
tightened to a torque of 96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
XTurn the jack back to its initial position and
store it together with the rest of the vehicle
tool kit in the trunk/cargo compartment.XTransport the faulty wheel in the trunk/
cargo compartment.
or
XDepending on the size of the wheel, you
may also be able to secure the faulty wheel
in the spare wheel well. In this case, you
will have to remove the stowage well casing
from the spare wheel well and stow it
securely in the trunk/cargo compartment.
i When you are driving with the collapsible
spare wheel mounted, the tire pressure
loss warning system or the tire pressure
258Flat tireBreakdown assistance
BA 204 USA, CA Edition A 2011; 1; 5, en-UShereepeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T09:17:30+02:00 - Seite 258

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