towing MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS 2016 Owners Manual

Battery (SmartKey)
Checking .......................................... 84
Important safety notes .................... 84
Replacing ......................................... 84
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 350
Display message ............................ 269
Important safety notes .................. 347
Jump starting ................................. 352
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 248
Display message ............................ 276
Notes/function .............................. 216
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Bluetooth ®
Connecting another mobile
phone ............................................ 306
Searching for a mobile phone ........ 306
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 298
Telephony ...................................... 305
Box (trunk) ......................................... 314
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 261
Notes ............................................. 392
Brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake pedal
Pedal resistance/pedal travel .......... 45
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 68
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 72
BAS .................................................. 68
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist ............................................... 69
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 392
Display message ............................ 256
EBD .................................................. 76
High-performance brake system .... 183
Hill start assist ............................... 150
HOLD function ............................... 194
Important safety notes .................. 182 Maintenance .................................. 183
Parking brake ................................ 178
RBS warning lamp .......................... 288
Recuperative Brake System ............. 45
Riding tips ...................................... 182
Warning lamp ................................. 288
Breakdown
Where will I find...? ........................ 342
see Flat tire
see Towing away
Brightness control (instrument
cluster lighting) ................................... 35
Buttons on the steering wheel ......... 236
C California
Important notice for retail cus-
tomers and lessees .......................... 28
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Calling up the climate control bar
Multimedia system ........................ 302
Calling up the climate control
menu
Multimedia system ........................ 302
Car
see Vehicle
Care
360° camera ................................. 339
AIRPANEL ...................................... 339
Car wash ........................................ 335
Carpets .......................................... 341
Display ........................................... 340
Exhaust pipe .................................. 340
Exterior lights ................................ 338
Gear or selector lever .................... 340
General notes ................................ 335
Interior ........................................... 340
Matte finish ................................... 337
Paint .............................................. 337
Plastic trim .................................... 340
Power washer ................................ 336
Rear view camera .......................... 339
Roof lining ...................................... 341
Seat belt ........................................ 341
Seat cover ..................................... 341
Sensors ......................................... 339 Index 5

Sidewall (definition) ....................... 379
Snow chains .................................. 363
Speed rating (definition) ................ 378
Storing ........................................... 380
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 377
Summer tires in winter .................. 362
Temperature .................................. 374
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 379
Tire bead (definition) ...................... 379
Tire pressure (definition) ................ 379
Tire pressures (recommended) ...... 378
Tire size (data) ............................... 384
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 374
Tire tread ....................................... 361
Tire tread (definition) ..................... 379
Total load limit (definition) ............. 379
Traction ......................................... 373
Traction (definition) ....................... 379
Tread wear ..................................... 373
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 373
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) .................... 378
Wear indicator (definition) ............. 379
Wheel and tire combination ........... 384
Wheel rim (definition) .................... 378
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 64
Touchpad
Changing the station/music
track .............................................. 301
Character suggestions ................... 300
Deleting characters ....................... 300
Entering a space ............................ 300
Entering characters ....................... 300
Gesture control .............................. 300
Handwriting recognition ................ 300
Operating the touchpad ................. 300
Overview ........................................ 300
Quick access for Audio .................. 301
Switching ....................................... 300
Switching input line ....................... 300
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 357
Important safety notes .................. 354 Towing a trailer
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 76
Towing away
Important safety guidelines ........... 354
Insta l ling the towing eye ................ 355
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 356
Removing the towing eye ............... 355
Transporting the vehicle ................ 356
With both axles on the ground ....... 356
With the rear axle raised ................ 355
Towing eye ......................................... 343
Traffic reports
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 298
Traffic Sign Assist
Display message ............................ 277
Function/notes ............................. 215
Important safety notes .................. 215
Instrument cluster display ............. 216
Transfer case ..................................... 164
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transmission position display ......... 157
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 157
Transporting the vehicle .................. 356
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 340
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 240
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 239
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 241
Trunk
Important safety notes .................... 89
Locking separately ........................... 94
Opening/closing (automatically
from inside) ...................................... 93
Opening/closing (automatically
from outside) ................................... 91
Opening/closing (from outside,
HANDS-FREE ACCESS) .................... 92
Opening/closing (manually from
outside) ............................................ 90
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 28322
Index

Obstacle recognition ........................ 90
Opening dimensions ..................... .3 94
Opening/closing .............................. 89
Trunk load (maximum) ..................... .3 94
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 124
Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 124
Display message ............................ 267
Switching on/off ........................... 119
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 386
Installation ..................................... 386
Transmission output (maximum) .... 386
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate
U Unlocking
Emergency unlocking ....................... 89
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................ .8 8
USB devices
Connecting to the Media Inter-
face .............................................. .3 07
V
Vanity mirror (in the sun visor) ....... .3 17
Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 32
Data acquisition ............................... 32
Display message ............................ 282
Equipment ....................................... 28
Individual settings .......................... 247
Limited Warranty ............................ .3 2
Loading .......................................... 370
Locking (in an emergency) ............... 89
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 81
Lowering ........................................ 384
Maintenance .................................... 29
Operating safety .............................. 30
Parking .......................................... 177
Parking for a long period ................ 179
Pulling away ................................... 149
Raising ........................................... 381
Reporting problems ......................... 32
Securing from rolling away ............ 380
Towing away .................................. 354 Transporting .................................. 356
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 89
Unlocking (SmartKey) ...................... 81
Vehicle data ................................... 394
Vehicle data
Roof load (maximum) ..................... 394
Trunk load (maximum) ................... 394
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 394
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 89
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 387
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 197
Display message ............................ 275
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 343
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 244
see also Digital Operator's Man-
ual .................................................. 298
VIN
Seat ............................................... 388
Type plate ...................................... 387
Voice Control System
see Separate operating instructions
W
Warning
Stickers ........................................... 44
Warning and indicator lamps
ABS ................................................ 289
Brakes ........................................... 288
Check Engine ................................. 293
Coolant .......................................... 293
Distance warning ........................... 295
ESP ®
.............................................. 290
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 291
Fuel tank ........................................ 293
General notes ................................ 286
Hybrid drive system ....................... 288
Overview .......................................... 36
Parking brake ................................ 292
PASSENGER AIR BAG ...................... 47
RBS (Recuperative Brake Sys-
tem) ............................................... 288
Reserve fuel ................................... 293
Restraint system ............................ 292 Index 23

Hybrid vehicles
General notes Hybrid technology combines a fuel efficient
internal combustion engine with a powerful
electric motor.
Important safety notes
Danger of electric shock
G DANGER
The vehicle's high-voltage electrical system is
under high voltage. If you modify components
in the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
or touch damaged components, you may be
electrocuted. The components in the vehi-
cle's high-voltage electrical system may be
damaged in an accident, although the damage
is not visible. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Following an accident, do not touch any high-
voltage components and never modify the
vehicle's high-voltage electrical system. Have
the vehicle towed away after an accident and
the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system
checked by a qualified specialist workshop.
When towing a vehicle after an accident, be sure
to observe the following sections: R
Transporting the vehicle ( Y
page 356)R
Towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised
( Y
page 355)R
Towing a vehicle with both axles on the
ground ( Y
page 356)
Read the safety instructions on towing and tow-
starting ( Y
page 354). All components of the hybrid drive system are
marked with yellow warning stickers that warn
you of the danger of high voltage. The cables of
the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system are
orange in color.
The ignition must be switched off when carrying
out general tasks, such as changing bulbs or
checking the coolant level.
Automatic switching off of the hybrid
drive system If components of the restraint system are acti-
vated during an accident, the hybrid drive sys-
tem is automatically deactivated.
The hybrid drive system is not activated when
the vehicle is started if: R
an electrical short circuit is detected in the
hybrid drive system R
an electrical connection in the hybrid drive
system is disconnected
This ensures that you do not come into contact
with high voltage.
Manual switching off of the hybrid drive
system The hybrid drive system can be deactivated
manually using the high voltage switch-off
device.
! To prevent damage to the hybrid drive sys-
tem please observe the following instruc-
tions: R
only deactivate the hybrid drive system
manually in the following situations. R
work on the hybrid drive system may only
be carried out at a qualified specialist work-
shop, even when it has been deactivated
manually.
Deactivate the hybrid system manually if: R
the u restraint system warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up after an accident R
the vehicle is badly damaged, e.g. after an
accident, and the restraint system compo-
nents were not activated R
the vehicle is badly damaged and has to be
towed or transported44
Hybrid vehicles
Safety

Installing a child restraint system: X
Make sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions. X
Pull the seat belt smoothly from the belt out-
let. X
Engage seat belt tongue in belt buckle.
Activating the special seat belt retractor: X
Pull the seat belt out fully and let the inertia
reel retract it again.
While the seat belt is retracting, you should
hear a ratcheting sound. The special seat belt
retractor is enabled. X
Push the child restraint system down so that
the seat belt is tight and does not loosen.
Removing the child restraint system and deac-
tivating the special seat belt retractor: X
Make sure you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions. X
Press the release button of the seat belt
buckle and guide the seat belt tongue back
towards the belt sash guide.
The special seat belt retractor is deactivated.
Child restraint system The use of seat belts and child restraint systems
is required by law in: R
all 50 states R
the U.S. territories R
the District of Columbia R
all Canadian provinces
You can obtain further information about the
correct child restraint system from any author-
ized Mercedes-Benz Center.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly on a suitable seat, it cannot protect as
intended. The child cannot then be restrained
in the event of an accident, heavy braking or
sudden changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Make sure that you observe the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the notes on use. Please ensure,
that the base of the child restraint system is always resting completely on the seat cush-
ion. Never place objects, e.g. cushions, under
or behind the child restraint system. Only use
child restraint systems with the original cover
designed for them. Only replace damaged
covers with genuine covers.
G WARNING
If the child restraint system is installed incor-
rectly or is not secured, it can come loose in
the event of an accident, heavy braking or a
sudden change in direction. The child
restraint system could be thrown about, strik-
ing vehicle occupants. There is an increased
risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Always install child restraint systems prop-
erly, even if they are not being used. Make
sure that you observe the child restraint sys-
tem manufacturer's installation instructions.
You will find further information on stowing
objects, luggage or loads under "Loading guide-
lines" ( Y
page 308).
G WARNING
Child restraint systems or their securing sys-
tems which have been damaged or subjected
to a load in an accident can no longer protect
as intended. The child cannot then be
restrained in the event of an accident, heavy
braking or sudden changes of direction. There
is an increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Replace child restraint systems which have
been damaged or subjected to a load in an
accident as soon as possible. Have the secur-
ing systems on the child restraint system
checked at a qualified specialist workshop,
before you install a child restraint system
again.
The securing systems of child restraint systems
are: R
the seat belt system R
the LATCH-type (ISOFIX) securing rings R
the Top Tether anchorages
If it is absolutely necessary to carry a child on
the front-passenger seat, be sure to observe theChildren in the vehicle 63
Safety Z

G WARNING
Adaptive Brake Assist does not react: R
to people or animals R
to oncoming vehicles R
to crossing traffic R
when cornering
As a result, the Adaptive Brake Assist may not
intervene in all critical conditions. There is a
risk of an accident.
Always pay careful attention to the traffic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
Due to the nature of the system, particularly
complicated but non-critical driving conditions
may also cause Brake Assist to intervene.
If adaptive Brake Assist is not available due to a
malfunction in the radar sensor system, the
brake system remains available with full brake
boosting effect and BAS.
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
General notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 68).
ESP ®
monitors driving stability and traction, i.e.
power transmission between the tires and the
road surface.
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. The
engine output is also modified to keep the vehi-
cle 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.
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 68).
ETS traction control is part of ESP ®
. On vehicles
with 4MATIC, 4ETS is part of ESP ®
.
Traction control brakes the drive wheels indi-
vidually 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. In addition, more drive torque is transfer-
red to the wheel or wheels with traction.
Traction control remains active, even if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes" sec-
tion ( Y
page 68).
G WARNING
If ESP ®
is malfunctioning, ESP ®
is unable to
stabilize the vehicle. Additionally, further driv-
ing safety systems are deactivated. This
increases the risk of skidding and an accident.
Drive on carefully. Have ESP ®
checked at a
qualified specialist workshop.
When towing the vehicle with the rear axle
raised, observe the notes on ESP ®
( Y
page 355).
If the

There is a risk of an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. Always keep the SmartKey out of
reach of children. X
If the transmission is in position D or R : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever up or down to the
first point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever up or down to the first point of resist-
ance.
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically.
With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to P automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system: X
Vehicles with the Start-Stop button:
remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
All vehicles: switch the ignition on.X
Depress the brake pedal and keep it
depressed. X
Shift to neutral N .X
Release the brake pedal. X
Release the electric parking brake. X
Switch off the ignition and leave the SmartKey
in the ignition lock.
Engaging drive position D X
If the transmission is in position R or N : push
the DIRECT SELECT lever down past the first
point of resistance. X
If the transmission is in position P : depress
the brake pedal and push the DIRECT SELECT
lever down past the first point of resistance. Transmission position and drive pro-
gram display The current transmission position and drive pro-
gram appear in the multifunction display.
C
Status symbol drive program D
Transmission position

on again, the charging process resumes auto-
matically. Following an interruption in the
power supply or tripping of the building's fuse,
it may take up to 10 minutes for charging to
resume automatically.
Switch on the building protection system again
after it has been triggered. Otherwise, the
charging process cannot be continued.
General information about the charging
procedure Pay attention to the "Important safety notes"
( Y
page 168).
The vehicle socket is located in the rear bumper
on the right below the tail lamp.
The charge socket flap and the vehicle are cen-
trally locked or unlocked simultaneously.
Charging the high-voltage battery via
the electrical outlet
Charging cable for electrical outlets
Important safety notes
! Only use the charging cable to charge the
high-voltage battery. Do not use the charging
cable for other purposes. It may otherwise be
damaged.
A charging cable for connection to the electrical
outlet is included with the vehicle. Only use the
charging cable included with the vehicle or
charging cables that have been approved for the
vehicle.
i If you use the supplied 12 A charging cable
to charge a high-voltage battery: R
the charge time increases considerably R
electrical consumption increases consider-
ably
Where possible, charge the high-voltage bat-
tery at a charging station ( Y
page 174). Only
then can certified electrical energy consump-
tion levels be reached.
i The charging process can vary depending on
the power supply. Therefore, always observe
the local information.
Information about charging from a wallbox
( Y
page 173). Information on charging at a charging station
( Y
page 174).
Stowing the charging cable The charging cable can be stowed in the bag
supplied in the trunk/cargo compartment of the
vehicle and held in place with the Velcro fas-
tener.
Controls on the charging cable
C
Alternating current status indicator D
Control/protection system indicator

Parking
Important safety notes
G WARNING
Flammable material such as leaves, grass or
twigs may ignite if they come into contact with
hot parts of the exhaust system or exhaust
gas flow. There is a risk of fire.
Park the vehicle so that no flammable mate-
rials come into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle which are hot. Take particular care not to
park on dry grassland or harvested grain
fields.
G WARNING
If you leave children unsupervised in the vehi-
cle, they could set it in motion by, for example: R
release the parking brake. R
shift the automatic transmission out of the
parking position P .R
start the engine.
In addition, they may operate vehicle equip-
ment and become trapped. There is a risk of
an accident and injury.
When leaving the vehicle, always take the
SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Never
leave children unsupervised in the vehicle.
! Always secure the vehicle correctly against
rolling away. Otherwise, the vehicle or its driv-
etrain could be damaged.
To ensure that the vehicle is secured against
rolling away unintentionally: R
the electric parking brake must be applied. R
the transmission must be in position P and the
SmartKey must be removed from the ignition
lock. R
the front wheels must be turned towards the
curb on steep uphill or downhill gradients. R
the empty vehicle must be secured at the
front axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. R
a laden vehicle must also be secured at the
rear axle with a wheel chock or similar, for
example, on uphill or downhill gradients. Switching off the engine
Important safety notes
G WARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position N when you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P . Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
Vehicles with automatic transmission X
Apply the electric parking brake. X
Shift the transmission to position P .X
With the SmartKey: turn the SmartKey to
position 0 in the ignition lock and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated. X
With the Start/Stop button: press the
Start/Stop button ( Y
page 146).
The engine stops and all the indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster go out.
When the driver's door is closed, this corre-
sponds to SmartKey position 1 . When the
driver's door is open, this corresponds to
SmartKey position 0 : "SmartKey removed".
If you switch the engine off with the transmis-
sion in position R or D , the automatic transmis-
sion shifts to N automatically.
With the SmartKey: if you then open the driv-
er's door or the front-passenger door or remove
the SmartKey from the ignition, the automatic
transmission shifts to P automatically.
With the Start/Stop button: if you then open
the driver's door or the front-passenger door,
the automatic transmission shifts to P automat-
ically.
If you want the automatic transmission to
remain in neutral N , e.g. when having the vehicle
cleaned in an automatic car wash with a towing
system: X
Vehicles with the Start-Stop button:
remove the Start-Stop button from the igni-
tion lock. X
Insert the SmartKey into the ignition lock. X
All vehicles: switch the ignition on.Parking 177
Driving and parking Z

Change into a lower gear in good time on long
and steep downhill gradients. This is especially
impo rtant if the veh icle is laden. By doin g so, you
will make use of the braking effect of the engine.
This relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and wear-
ing too quic kly.
If DI ST RONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk of
a co llisio n, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. DI ST RONIC PLUS cannot prevent a
co llisio n wit hout your intervention. An intermit-
tent warning tone will then sound and the dis-
tance warning lamp will light up in the instru-
ment cluster. Brake immediately in order to
increase the dist ance to the veh icle in front or
take evasive action pro vide d it is safe to do so.
DI ST RONIC PLUS operates in range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (200 km/h).
Do not use DI ST RONIC PLUS while driv ing on
roads wit h steep gradients.
As DI ST RONIC PLUS transmits radar waves, it
can resemble the radar detectors of the respon-
sible authorities. You can refer to the relevant
chapter in the Operator's Manual if questions
are asked about this.
i USA only: This device has been appr oved by
the FCC as a "Vehicular Radar System". The
radar sensor is intended for use in an auto-
motive radar system only. Removal, tamper-
in g , or altering of the device will void any war-
ranties, and is not permitted by the FCC. Do
not tamper with, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized mod ific ation to th is device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipm ent.
i Canada only: This device co mplie s wit h
RSS -210 of In dustry Canada. Operation is
subject to the foll owin g two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful inter-
ference, and
2. This device must accept any interference
receive d, inc ludin g interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Removal, tampering, or altering of the device
will void any warranties, and is not permitte d.
Do not tamper wit h, alter, or use in any non-
approved way.
Any unauthorized mod ific ation to th is device
could void the user's authority to operate the
equipm ent. Important safety notes
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS does not react to: R
people or animals R
stationary obstacles on the road, e.g. stop-
ped or parked vehicles R
oncoming and crossing traffic
As a result, DI ST RONIC PLUS may neither give
warnings nor intervene in such situations.
There is a risk of an accident.
Alwa ys pay careful attention to the traff ic sit-
uation and be ready to brake.
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS cannot always clearly iden-
tify other road users and co mple x traffic sit-
uations.
In such cases, DI ST RONIC PLUS may: R
give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle R
neither give a warning nor intervene R
accelerate or brake unexpect edly
There is a risk of an accident.
Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLU S.
G WARNING
DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up
to 50 %o f the maximum possible deceleration.
If this braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC
PLUS warns you visually and audibly. There is
a risk of an accident.
In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.
! If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function is
activated, the vehicle brakes automatically in
certain situations.
To prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations: R
when towing the vehicle R
in the car washDriving systems 187
Driving and parking Z