transmission MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS COUPE 2003 Owners Manual

ContentsControls in detail ............................... 81
Locking and unlocking ......................... 82 SmartKey ........................................ 82
Opening the doors from the inside . 85
Opening the trunk lid ...................... 85
Closing the trunk lid ....................... 86
Trunk lid emergency release .......... 86
Automatic central locking .............. 87
Locking and unlocking from
the inside ....................................... 87
Seats .................................................... 89 Easy-entry/exit feature* ................ 89
Head restraints............................... 90
Heated seats* ................................ 91
Memory function* ................................ 93 Storing positions into memory ....... 94
Recalling positions from memory ... 94
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position ............................. 95
Lighting ................................................ 96 Exterior lamp switch ....................... 96
Combination switch ........................ 99
Hazard warning flasher ................... 99
Interior lighting ............................. 100 Instrument cluster ............................. 102
Instrument cluster illumination .... 102
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 102
Trip odometer .............................. 103
Tachometer .................................. 103
Outside temperature indicator ..... 104
Control system .................................. 105 Multifunction display .................... 105
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 106
Menus .......................................... 108
Standard display menu ................ 110
AUDIO menu ................................ 110
NAV menu .................................... 112
Malfunction memory menu .......... 112
Settings menu .............................. 114
Trip computer menu ..................... 125
TEL menu* ................................... 126
Manual transmission ......................... 130 Shifting into reverse ..................... 131
Automatic transmission* ................... 132 One-touch gearshifting ................. 133
Gear ranges .................................. 134
Gear selector lever position ......... 135
Program mode selector switch ..... 136
Accelerator position ..................... 137 Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 137
Good visibility .................................... 138 Rear view mirror ........................... 138
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 140
Sun visors .................................... 141
Climate control .................................. 142 Setting the temperature ............... 145
Adjusting air distribution and
volume ......................................... 145
Defrosting .................................... 146
Air recirculation mode .................. 146
Rear window defroster ................. 147
Air conditioning ............................ 148
Ventilated storage compartment . 148
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents ...................... 149
Deactivating the climate control
system ......................................... 149
Automatic climate control*
(Canada only) .................................... 150 Setting the temperature ............... 152
Adjusting air distribution .............. 153
Adjusting air volume .................... 153
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ....... 154
Defrosting .................................... 154

Contents
Air recirculation mode .................. 154
Charcoal filter .............................. 156
Rear window defroster ................. 156
Air conditioning ............................ 157
Residual heat and ventilation* ..... 158
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents ...................... 158
Audio system ..................................... 159 Audio and telephone, operation ... 159
Operating safety ........................... 159
Operating and display elements ... 160
Button and soft key operation ...... 162
Operation ..................................... 162
Radio mode .................................. 165
Cassette mode ............................. 168
CD changer* operating mode ...... 172
Telephone* operation .................. 176
Power windows .................................. 182 Opening and closing the windows 182
Synchronizing power windows ..... 184
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* ......... 185 Opening and closing the
sunshades for the panorama
sliding/pop-up roof ...................... 185
Opening and closing the panorama
sliding/pop-up roof ...................... 186 Synchronizing the panorama
sliding / pop-up roof ..................... 188
Driving systems ................................. 189 Cruise control .............................. 189
Loading .............................................. 192 Roof rack* ................................... 192
Luggage cover ............................. 192
Split folding rear bench seat ......... 192
Loading instructions .................... 194
Useful features .................................. 195 Interior storage spaces ................ 195
Ashtrays ....................................... 198
Cigarette lighter ........................... 199
Telephone* ................................... 200
Tele Aid* ...................................... 201
Garage door opener ...................... 209
Operation ......................................... 213
The first 1000 miles (1500km) .......... 214
Driving instructions ........................... 215 Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 215
Drinking and driving ..................... 215
Pedals .......................................... 215
Power assistance .......................... 216
Brakes........................................... 216 Driving off .....................................217
Parking .........................................217
Tires ..............................................218
Hydroplaning ................................ 219
Tire traction ..................................219
Tire speed rating ...........................219
Winter driving instructions ............220
Standing water .............................221
Passenger compartment ...............221
Driving abroad ..............................221
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ....................................222
Catalytic converter .......................222
Emission control ...........................223
Coolant temperature ....................223
At the gas station ...............................224 Check regularly and before a
long trip ........................................225
Engine compartment .......................... 226 Hood .............................................226
Engine oil ......................................227
Transmission fluid level ................229
Coolant level .................................229
Battery ..........................................231
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ...........232

ContentsTires and wheels ................................ 233Important guidelines .................... 233
Life of tire ..................................... 234
Direction of rotation ..................... 234
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 234
Rotating wheels ............................ 235
Winter driving..................................... 236 Winter tires ................................... 236
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 237
Snow chains ................................. 237
Maintenance ...................................... 238 Clearing the service indicator....... 238
Service term exceeded ................. 238
Calling up the service indicator .... 239
Resetting the service indicator ..... 239
Vehicle care ....................................... 240 Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 240
Practical hints .................................. 245
What to do if … .................................. 246 Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 246
Lamp in center console ................ 251
Messages in the display ............... 252
Where will I find ... ............................. 271 First aid kit ................................... 271
Spare wheel ................................. 271
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 272
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 274 Unlocking the vehicle ................... 274
Locking the vehicle ...................... 275
Changing batteries ....................... 276
Fuel filler flap ............................... 277
Manually unlocking the
transmission selector lever .......... 277
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 278 Panorama sliding/pop-up roof ..... 278
Replacing bulbs ................................. 280 Bulbs ............................................ 280
Replacing bulbs for front lamps ... 282
Side marker lamp bulb ................. 285
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 285 Replacing wiper blades ...................... 287
Removing ..................................... 287
Installing ...................................... 287
Flat tire .............................................. 288 Preparing the vehicle ................... 288
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 288
Battery ............................................... 294 Disconnecting the battery ............ 295
Removing the batteries ................ 295
Charging and reinstalling
batteries ...................................... 295
Reconnecting the batteries .......... 295
Jump starting ..................................... 297
Towing the vehicle ............................. 299 Installing towing eye bolt ............. 302
Fuses ................................................. 303 Fuse box in passenger
compartment ............................... 303
Fuse box in engine compartment . 303
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk ............ 304

25
At a glance
Center console
Center console
Item
Page
1
Seat heater*, driver‘s side
91
2
ESP control switch
75
3
Hazard warning flasher
switch – switching on/off
99
4
Central locking switch
87
5
Anti-theft alarm system in-
dicator lamp
78
Tow-away alarm switch
79
6
Seat heater*, passenger
side
91
7
Indicator lamp
7
67
8
Audio system, or
159
COMAND* (see separate
operating instructions)
Item
Page
9
Climate control
142
10
Ashtray
198
11
Storage compartment
196
12
Armrest
197
13
Program mode selector for
automatic transmission
136
14
Gearshift lever for manual
transmission
Selector lever for automat-
ic transmission
44
45

31
Getting started
Unlocking
Starter switch positionsStarter switch0
For removing key
The steering is locked when the key is
removed from the starter switch. If
necessary, move steering wheel slight-
ly to allow the locking mechanism to
engage.
1 Power supply to some electrical con-
sumers, such as seat adjustment
2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
3 Starting position
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and lock
the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend-
ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle
equipment may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury.iVehicles with automatic transmission:
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the gear
selector lever in position P.
!If the key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of
time, it can no longer be turned in the
starter switch.

Remove the key from the starter
switch and reinsert.
If the key can still not be turned, the
battery may not be sufficiently
charged.


Check the battery and charge it if
necessary (
page 294).


Get a jump start (
page 297).
To prevent accelerated battery dis-
charge and a possible dead battery, al-
ways remove the key from the starter
switch.

44 Getting startedDriving

Ensure that the seat belt is always fit-
ted snugly. You should avoid wearing
bulky clothing, such as winter coats,
when traveling in the vehicle.
Starting the engineManual transmission
Gearshift pattern for manual transmission
Make sure that the gearshift lever is in
Neutral position.

Do not depress accelerator.

Fully depress clutch pedal.
Otherwise the engine cannot be start-
ed due to the integrated safety inter-
lock.
Warning!
G
Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the effective-
ness of the belts.
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced by
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as garage) which are not properly ven-
tilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes
are entering the vehicle while driving, have
the cause determined and corrected imme-
diately. If you must drive under these condi-
tions, drive only with at least one window
fully open.

45
Getting started
Driving

Turn the key in the starter switch to
position
3. Release only when the en-
gine is firing regularly (
page 31).
More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (page 130).
Automatic transmission*
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmissionP Park position with selector lever lock
R Reverse gear
N Neutral
D Drive position

Make sure that the gear selector lever
is set to P.

Do not depress accelerator.
Starting

Turn the key in the starter switch to
position 3 and hold until the engine
starts (
page 31).

Depress the brake pedal.
The selector lever lock is released.
For information on turning off the engine
with the key see “Turning off the engine”
(
page 52) Starting difficulties
If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:

Turn key in starter to position
0 and re-
peat starting procedure.
Remember that extended starting at-
tempts can drain the battery

Get a jump start (
page 297).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
iYou can also use the “touch-start”
function. Turn the key to position 3 and
release it again immediately. The en-
gine then starts automatically.

46 Getting startedDrivingParking brake 1 Release handle
2 Parking brake

Release the parking brake by pulling on
handle 1.
The indicator lamp
;
(USA only) or
3
(Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Driving

Depress the brake pedal.

Move selector lever to position D or R
(manual transmission: first or reverse
gear).

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto-
matic central locking system engages
and the locking knobs drop down. After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion engages at a higher revolution. This al-
lows the catalytic converter to reach its
operating temperature earlier.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the starter switch and lock the ve-
hicle. Do not leave children unattended in
the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Children could release the parking
brake, which could result in an accident
and/or serious injury.
iYou can open a locked door from the
inside. Open door only when conditions
are safe to do so.
!If you hear a warning signal when driv-
ing off, you have forgotten to release
the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.iVehicles with automatic transmission:
Wait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.

47
Getting started
Driving
More information on driving can be found
in the “Operation” section (
page 215).
Switching on headlampsExterior lamp switch1
Off
2 Low beam headlamps on
Turn the switch to
B
.
More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (page 96).
Turn signals and high beam
The combination switch is on the left of the
steering column.Combination switch1 Turn signals, right
2 Turn signals, left
Press the combination switch up 1 or
down 2.
Warning!
G
Vehicles with automatic transmission: It is
dangerous to shift the selector lever out of P
or N if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose control
of the vehicle and hit someone or some-
thing. Only shift into gear when the engine is
idling normally and when your right foot is
firmly on the brake pedal.Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.

51
Getting started
Parking and locking
Parking and locking
You have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Parking brake
1 Release handle
2 Parking brake
Step firmly on parking brake 2.
When the engine is running, the indica-
tor lamp
;
(USA only) or
3
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated.
Warning!
G
Wait until the vehicle is stationary before re-
moving the key from the starter switch. The
vehicle cannot be steered when the key is
removed.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
system. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to stop or steer the vehi-
cle.
Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.


Firmly depress parking brake pedal.


Move the selector lever to position P
(manual transmission: first or reverse
gear).


Slowly release brake pedal.


When parked on an incline, turn front
wheels towards road curb.


Turn the key to starter switch position 0
and remove.


Take the key and lock vehicle when leav-
ing.