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

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 18At a glance ........................................... 23Safety ................................................... 33Opening and closing ...........................69Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....91Lights and windshield wipers ..........105Climate control ................................. 119Driving and parking ..........................129On-board computer and displays ....165Loading, stowing and features ........215Maintenance and care ......................237Breakdown assistance .....................251Tires and wheels ............................... 269Technical data ................................... 301
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Tires and wheels (important safety
information) ....................................... 270
Top Tether ............................................ 59
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........264
Installing the towing eye ................264
Removing the towing eye ...............265
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............266
Installing the towing eye ................266
Removing the towing eye ...............266
Transfer case ..................................... 144
Transmission position display ......... 138
Transmission positions .................... 139
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 170
Trip odometer Calling up ....................................... 170
Resetting (on-board computer) ......171
Trunk
Automatic opening ........................... 81
Emergency release ..........................82
Important safety guidelines .............80
Locking separately ...........................82
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 200
Turn signal (display message) ......... 191
Turn signals ....................................... 108
Type plate see Vehicle identification plate
U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................79
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 78
V
Vanity mirror Sun visor ........................................ 222
Vehicle
Data acquisition ............................... 22
Emergency unlocking .......................79
Equipment ....................................... 18
Exterior view .................................... 24
Individual settings (on-board
computer) ...................................... 178
Loading .......................................... 280
Lowering ........................................ 258
Maintenance .................................... 19
Parking up ..................................... 150
Raising ........................................... 256
Reporting problems .........................21
Towing away .................................. 264
Tow-starting ................................... 264
Transporting .................................. 266
Vehicle data
see Technical data
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 303
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 253
Video (DVD) ........................................ 176
Video DVD (on-board computer) ...... 176
VIN ...................................................... 303
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 206
Brakes ........................................... 203
Check Engine ................................. 210
Coolant .......................................... 210
ESP ®
.............................................. 207
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 208
Fuel tank ........................................ 210
Overview .......................................... 27
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only Canada) ...........46
PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp (only USA) ................41
Reserve fuel ................................... 210
Seat belt ........................................ 204
SPORT handling mode ...................208
SRS ................................................ 209
Tire pressure monitor ....................212
Warranty ............................................ 302
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 258
Wheel chock ...................................... 255
Wheels Changing/replacing .......................286
Changing a wheel .......................... 255
Checking ........................................ 271
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Exterior viewFunctionPage:Trunk lidVehicle tool kit253;Rear window heating125=Lights111?Fuel filler flap145ADefrosting the windshield124Cleaning the windows246BSliding sunroof86FunctionPageCExterior mirrors100DWindshield wipers115EOpening the hood238Engine oil239Coolant240FTowing away264GTires and wheels270Flat tire25424Exterior viewAt a glance
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4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are
permanently driven. Together with ESP ®
, it
improves the traction of your vehicle
whenever a drive wheel spins due to
insufficient grip.GWarning!
If a drive wheel is spinning due to insufficient
traction:
R While 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 4MATIC cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
! Never tow the vehicle with one axle
raised. This may damage the transfer case.
Damage of this sort is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. All
wheels must remain either on the ground
or be fully raised. Observe the instructions
for towing the vehicle with all wheels in full
contact with the ground.
i In wintry driving conditions, the maximum
effect of 4MATIC can only be achieved if
you use winter tires ( M+S tires), with snow
chains if necessary.
PARKTRONIC
Important safety notes
i PARKTRONIC is only available in Canada.
GWarning!
The PARKTRONIC is a supplemental system.
It is not intended to, nor does it replace, the
need for extreme care. The responsibility
during parking and other critical maneuvers
always remains with the driver.
GWarning!
Make sure no persons or animals are in or
near the area in which you are parking/
maneuvering. Otherwise, they could be
injured.
PARKTRONIC is an electronic parking aid with
ultrasonic sensors. It indicates visually and
audibly the distance between your vehicle
and an object.
PARKTRONIC is activated automatically when
you:
R switch on the ignition.
R shift the transmission to position D, R or
N on vehicles with automatic transmission.
R release the parking brake.
PARKTRONIC is deactivated at speeds above
11 mph (18 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.
PARKTRONIC monitors the area around your
vehicle using six sensors in the front bumper
and four sensors in the rear bumper.
:Sensors in the front bumper, left-hand
side (example)
Range of the sensors
The sensors must be free of dirt, ice and
slush; otherwise they may not function
correctly. Clean the sensors regularly, taking
care not to scratch or damage them
( Y page 247).
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Vehicle equipment ............................216
Loading guidelines ............................216
Stowage compartments ...................216
Stowage areas .................................. 217
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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.
Loading guidelines
GWarning!
Always fasten items being carried as securely
as possible using fastening materials
appropriate for the weight and size of the
load.
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.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo. Do not pile luggage or
cargo higher than the seat backrests.
The trunk is the preferred place to carry
objects. Do not place anything on the rear-
window shelf.
Never drive a vehicle with the trunk open.
Deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may
enter vehicle interior resulting in
unconsciousness and death.
The handling characteristics of a laden
vehicle are dependent on the distribution of
the load within the vehicle. For this reason,
you should observe the following notes when
transporting a load:
R When transporting a load, never exceed the
maximum permissible gross vehicle weight
or the permissible axle loads for the vehicle
(including occupants). The values are
stated on the vehicle identification plate on
the B-pillar on the driver's side.
R Position heavy loads as far forwards as
possible and as low down in the trunk as
possible.
R The load must not protrude above the
upper edge of the seat backrests.
R always place the load against the rear or
front seat backrests. Make sure that the
seat backrests are securely locked into
place.
R Always place the load behind unoccupied
seats if possible.
R Secure the load with sufficiently strong and
wear-resistant tie down. Pad sharp edges
for protection.
Stowage compartments
Important safety notes
GWarning!
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
storing objects in the vehicle. Put luggage or
cargo in the trunk if possible.
Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than the
seat backrests.
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help
to prevent stored objects from being thrown
about and injuring vehicle occupants during
R braking
R vehicle maneuvers
R an accident
Stowage compartments in the front
Glove box
i Depending on the vehicle equipment,
there is an AUX-IN connection or a Media
Interface installed in the glove box. Media
Interface is a universal interface for mobile
audio equipment, e.g. for an iPod ®
or USB
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devices; see separate COMAND operating
instructions.
iThe glove box can be ventilated
(Y page 127).
XTo open: pull handle : and open glove box
flap ;.
XTo close: fold glove box flap ; upwards
until it engages.
The glove box can only be locked and
unlocked using the mechanical key.
XTo lock: insert the mechanical key into the
lock and turn it 90° clockwise to position
2.
XTo unlock: insert the mechanical key into
the lock and turn it 90° counter-clockwise
to position 1.
Stowage compartment under the
armrest
iA small and a large stowage compartment
are located under the armrest. The small
stowage compartment can be removed for
emptying.
XTo open: press left-hand button ; or right-
hand button :.
The stowage compartment opens.
Stowage compartments in the rear
Stowage pockets
GWarning!
Storage bags are intended for storing light-
weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
storage bag. In an accident, during hard
braking, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
Storage bags cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
Storage bags are located in the rear
compartment on the driver's and front-
passenger seat backrests.
Stowage areas
Parcel nets
GWarning
Parcel nets are intended for storing light-
weight items only, such as road maps, mail,
etc.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges, or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel nets. In an accident, during hard
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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
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occupied, or the extended cargo volume is not
in use.
Check for secure locking by pushing and
pulling on the seat backrest.
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.
To help avoid personal injury during a collision
or sudden maneuver, exercise care when
transporting cargo.
iYou should always engage the rear seat
backrests if you do not need the through-
loading feature. This will prevent
unauthorized access to the trunk from the
vehicle interior.
XAdjust the head restraints if necessary
(Y page 96).
XMove the driver's or front-passenger seat
back if necessary.
Securing cargos
Lashing eyelets
Observe the following notes on securing
loads:
Rsecure the load using the cargo tie down
rings.
Rdo not use elastic straps or nets to secure
a load, as these are only intended as an
anti-slip protection for light loads.
Rdo not route tie downs across sharp edges
or corners.
Rpad sharp edges for protection.
There are four cargo tie down rings in the
trunk.
Vehicles with through-loading feature on the rearbench seat
:cargo tie down rings
Bag hooks
! The bag hook can bear a maximum load
of 6.6 lbs (3 kg). Do not use it to secure a
load.
:Bag hook
Stowage well under the trunk floor
The TIREFIT kit, the vehicle tool kit, etc. are
located in the stowage compartment.
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XTo open: pull handle : upwards.XHook handle : into rain trough ;.
! Unhook the handle before again before
closing the trunk lid and clip it in securely
to prevent the handle flap from protruding.
Otherwise, you could damage the handle.
Roof carrier
Important safety notes
GWarning!
Only use roof racks approved by Mercedes-
Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage
to the vehicle.
Follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Otherwise, an improperly
attached roof rack system or its load could
become detached from the vehicle.
Do not exceed the maximum roof load of
220 lb (100 kg).
Take into consideration that when the roof
rack is loaded, the handling characteristics
are different from those when operating the
vehicle without the roof rack loaded.
! Mercedes-Benz recommends that you
only use roof carriers that have been tested
and approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This helps to prevent damage to the
vehicle.
Position the cargo on the roof rack in such
a way that the vehicle will not sustain
damage even when it is in motion.
Depending on the vehicle equipment,
ensure that when the roof carrier is
installed you can:
Rraise the tilt/sliding sunroof fully
Ropen the panorama roof with power tilt/
sliding panel fully
Ropen the trunk lid fully
! To avoid damaging or scratching the
covers, do not use metallic or hard objects
to open them.
Fastening the roof carrier
XOpen covers : carefully in the direction of
the arrow.
XFold covers : upwards.XOnly secure the roof carrier to the
anchorage points under covers :.
XObserve the manufacturer's installation
instructions.
Features
Cup holder
Points to observe before use
GWarning
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equipment,
only use containers that fit into the cup
holder. Use lids on open containers and do
not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an
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