brake fluid MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class COUPE 2012 CL204 Owner's Manual

Automatic transmissionAutomatic drive program ...............134
Changing gear ............................... 132
Display message ............................ 224
Driving tips .................................... 132
Emergency running mode ..............137
Kickdown ....................................... 132
Manual drive program ....................135
Problem (malfunction) ...................137
Program selector button ................132
Pulling away ................................... 127
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 137
Selector lever ................................ 130
Shift ranges ................................... 134
Starting the engine ........................127
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......133
Transmission position display ........131
Transmission positions ..................131
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 137
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 110
Display message ............................ 212
Bag hook ............................................ 245
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 57
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 58
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 72
Important safety notes ....................72
Replacing ......................................... 72
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 286
Display message ............................ 215
Important safety notes ..................284
Jump starting ................................. 287
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................193
Notes/function .............................. 170
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 205
Notes ............................................. 331
Brake fluid level ................................ 268
Brake lamps Changing bulbs .............................. 110
Display message ............................ 211
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 57
BAS .................................................. 57
BAS PLUS ........................................ 58
Brake fluid (notes) .........................331
Display message ............................ 202
Driving tips .................................... 143
High-performance brake system ....145
Important safety notes ..................143
Maintenance .................................. 144
Parking brake ................................ 141
Warning lamp ................................. 229
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................21
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Care
Carpets .......................................... 275
Car wash ........................................ 270
Display ........................................... 274
Exterior lights ................................ 273
Gear or selector lever ....................274
Index5

Specifications ................................ 329
Tank content/reserve fuel .............328
Fuel filler flap
Opening/closing ............................ 138
Fuel level
Calling up the range (on-board
computer) ...................................... 187
Fuel tank
Capacity ........................................ 328
Problem (malfunction) ...................140
Fuse allocation chart (vehicle tool
kit) ...................................................... 278
Fuses Allocation chart ............................. 291
Before changing ............................. 291
Fuse box in the engine
compartment ................................. 291
Fuse box in the trunk .....................292
Important safety notes ..................291
G
Garage door opener Clearing the memory .....................260
Notes ............................................. 256
Opening/closing the garage door ..259
Programming (button in the rear-
view mirror) ................................... 257
Gasoline ............................................. 138
Gear indicator (on-board
computer) .......................................... 198
Gear or selector lever (cleaning
guidelines) ......................................... 274
Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts ......... 324
Glove box ........................................... 243
H
Handbrake see Parking brake
Hazard warning lamps ...................... 103
Headlamp cleaning system Notes ............................................. 332
Headlamps
Adding fluid to cleaning system .....267
Cleaning system (function) ............103
Fogging up ..................................... 105
see Automatic headlamp mode
Head restraints
Adjusting ......................................... 91
Adjusting (electrically) .....................91
see NECK-PRO head restraints
Heating
see Climate control
High-beam headlamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 108
Display message ............................ 211
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 104
Switching on/off ........................... 103
Hill start assist .................................. 128
HOLD function Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ............................. 159
Hood
Closing ........................................... 265
Display message ............................ 225
Opening ......................................... 264
Hydroplaning ..................................... 145
I
Ignition lock see Key positions
Immobilizer .......................................... 64
Indicator lamps see Warning and indicator lamps
Indicators
see Turn signals
Instrument cluster
Overview .......................................... 29
Settings ......................................... 194
Warning and indicator lamps ...........30
Instrument cluster lighting ................ 29
Instrument lighting see Instrument cluster lighting
Interior lighting ................................. 106
Automatic control ..........................106
Delayed switch-off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 196
Emergency lighting ........................106
Manual control ............................... 106
Overview ........................................ 106
Reading lamp ................................. 106
10Index

Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 91
Adjusting the head restraint ............91
Cleaning the cover .........................274
Correct driver's seat position ........... 88
Folding the backrests forward/
back ................................................. 91
Important safety notes ....................89
Seat backrest display message .....225
Seat backrest display message
(12-button multifunction steering
wheel) ............................................ 225
Seat heating problem ......................92
Seat ventilation problem ..................93
Storing settings (memory
function) .......................................... 97
Switching seat heating on/off .........92
Switching seat ventilation on/off ....92
Sensors (cleaning instructions) ....... 273
Service see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Service interval display
Displaying service messages .........269
Hiding service messages ...............269
Notes ............................................. 269
Service messages ..........................268
Service menu (on-board computer) . 194
Service products Brake fluid ..................................... 331
Capacities ...................................... 328
Coolant (engine) ............................ 331
Engine oil ....................................... 330
Fuel ................................................ 328
Important safety notes ..................326
Refrigerant (air-conditioning
system) .......................................... 330
Washer fluid ................................... 332
Settings
Factory (on-board computer) .........198
On-board computer .......................194
Setting the air distribution ............... 118
Setting the airflow ............................ 118
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 198
Side impact air bag ............................. 40
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 212Side windows
Convenience closing feature ............82
Convenience opening feature ..........82
Important safety information ...........81
Opening/closing .............................. 81
Problem (malfunction) .....................83
Resetting ......................................... 83
Sliding sunroof
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................72
Changing the programming .............71
Checking the battery .......................72
Convenience closing feature ............82
Convenience opening feature ..........82
Display message ............................ 226
Door central locking/unlocking .......68
Important safety notes ....................68
Loss ................................................. 74
Mechanical key ................................ 71
Positions (ignition lock) .................125
Problem (malfunction) .....................74
Starting the engine ........................127
Snow chains ...................................... 297
Sockets Points to observe before use .........249
Rear compartment .........................249
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 321
Storage location ............................ 279
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 23
Speed, controlling see Cruise control
Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 187
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 183
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 194
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 60
Warning lamp ................................. 232Index15

XTo open: turn rotary catch :90° in the
direction of the arrow and remove side trim
panel ;.XTo close: insert side trim panel ; and turn
release knob : 90° in the opposite
direction to the arrow.
Tail lamp
XSwitch off the lights.XOpen the trunk.XOpen the side trim panel ( Y page 109).XRemove the tail lamp connectorXSimultaneously press retaining lugs : in
the direction of the arrow and slightly pull
out the bulb holder with the bulbs.XRemove the connector for LED light
functions from the top of the bulb holder.XPull the bulb holder out with the bulbs.:Backup lamp;Brake lamp=Parking lamp/brake lampXPress the respective bulb :, ; or = back
and turn it counter-clockwise to remove it
from the bulb holder.XInsert the new bulb into the bulb holder and
turn it clockwise.XReinsert the connector for LED light
functions in the bulb holder.XInsert the bulb holder again and lock it in
place.XInsert the tail lamp connector.XClose the side trim panel ( Y page 109).
Windshield wipers
Switching the windshield wipers on/
off
GWARNING
Wiper blades are components that are subject
to wear and tear. Replace the wiper blades
twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
Otherwise the windshield will not be wiped
properly. As a result, you may not be able to
observe surrounding traffic conditions and
could cause an accident.
! Do not operate the windshield wipers
when the windshield is dry, as this could
damage the wiper blades. Moreover, dust
that has collected on the windshield can
scratch the glass if wiping takes place when
the windshield is dry.
! If the windshield wipers leave smears on
the windshield after the vehicle has been
washed in an automatic car wash, wax or
other residues may be the reason for this.
Clean the windshield using washer fluid
after washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash.
110Windshield wipersLights and windshield wipers

Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roadsGWARNING
The layer of salt on the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings may cause a delay in the
braking effect, resulting in a significantly
longer braking distance, which could lead to
an accident.
To avoid this danger, you should:
R occasionally brake carefully, without
putting other road users at risk, when you
are driving on salted roads. This helps to
remove any salt that may have started to
build up on the brake discs and the brake
pads/linings.
R maintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead and drive with particular care.
R carefully apply the brakes at the end of a
trip and immediately after commencing a
new trip, so that salt residues are removed
from the brake discs.
Servicing the brakes
! If the red brake warning lamp lights up in
the instrument cluster and you hear a
warning tone while the engine is running,
the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in
the multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines.
Have the brake system checked
immediately. This work should be carried
out at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
All checks and maintenance work on the
brake system must be carried out at a
qualified specialist workshop. This work
should be carried out at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Have the brake pads replaced and the brake
fluid renewed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
GWARNING
If brake pads or brake fluid other than those
recommended are used, the braking
properties of the vehicle can be degraded to
an extent that safe braking is substantially
impaired. This could result in an accident.
! A function or performance test should
only be carried out on a 2-axle
dynamometer. If you are planning to have
the vehicle tested on such a dynamometer,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center to obtain further information first.
Otherwise, you could damage the drive
train or the brake system.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
must be switched off (SmartKey in position
0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/Stop
button in position 0 or 1) while the parking
brake is being tested on a brake
dynamometer (maximum 10 seconds).
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
! As the ESP ®
system operates
automatically, the engine and the ignition
system must be switched off (SmartKey in
position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock or Start/
Stop button in position 0 or 1) when:
R testing the parking brake on a brake
dynamometer.
R you intend to have the vehicle towed with
the front axle raised.
Braking maneuvers triggered automatically
by ESP ®
may seriously damage the brake
system.
If your brake system is subject only to
moderate loads, you should test the
functionality of your brakes at regular
intervals by pressing firmly on the brake pedal
at high speeds. This improves the grip of the
brake pads.
144Driving tipsDriving and parking

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Brake ImmediatelyA malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or
DISTRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. The tone becomes
louder if you attempt to lock the vehicle.
You cannot start the engine.XPaying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message
disappears.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y page 280).
You can restart the engine.$ (USA
only) J (Canada
only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.GWARNING
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Display messages205On-board computer and displaysZ

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsMGRisk of accident
The hood is open.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XApply the parking brake.XClose the hood.CAt least one door is open.XClose all the doors._
Lock Seat Backrest
Front Left or Lock
Seat Backrest
Front RightThe driver's or front passenger's seat backrest is not engaged. A
warning tone also sounds.XPush the backrest back until it engages.D
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
The power steering is malfunctioning.
You will need to use more force to steer.
A warning tone also sounds.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop.Phone No ServiceYour vehicle is outside the network provider's transmitter/
receiver range.XWait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol
appears in the multifunction display.¥
Check Washer FluidThe washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum.XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 267).Display messages225On-board computer and displaysZ

Safety systemsProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
The red brake system
warning lamp comes on
while the engine is
running. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
There is not enough brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop immediately.XObserve the additional display messages in the multifunction
display.
Do not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.
GWARNING
Driving with the brake warning lamp illuminated can result in an accident. Have your brake system
checked immediately if the brake warning lamp stays on. Do not add brake fluid before checking
the brake system.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the
brake fluid catching fire. You can be seriously burned.
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster229On-board computer and displaysZ

GWARNING
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Driving systems
ProblemPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions·
The red distance
warning lamp lights up
while the vehicle is in
motion. A warning tone
also sounds.GRisk of accident
The warning is issued if you approach a stationary vehicle or a
vehicle driving ahead of you at too high a speed.
XBe prepared to brake immediately.XPay careful attention to the traffic situation. You may have to
brake or take evasive action.
More information about DISTRONIC PLUS ( Y page 148) and
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ( Y page 62).
Warning and indicator lamps in the instrument cluster237On-board computer and displaysZ

Example: washer fluid reservoir
XMix the windshield washer fluid in a
container beforehand.XAt temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB SummerFit).XAt temperatures below freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with a mix of water
and windshield washer concentrate (e.g.
MB WinterFit). Adapt the mixing ratio to the
outside temperature. For information on
the mixing ratio ( Y page 332).XTo open: pull cap : upwards by the tab.XAdd the premixed washer fluid.XTo close: press cap : onto the filler neck
until it engages.
Brake fluid level
! If you notice that the brake fluid level in
the brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
MIN mark or less, check the brake system
immediately for leaks. Also check the
thickness of the brake linings. Contact a
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not
correct the error.
Only check the brake fluid level when the
vehicle is stationary and on a level surface.
The brake fluid level is correct if it is between
MIN marking ; and MAX marking : on the
brake fluid reservoir.
Maintenance
Service interval display
Service messages
Information on the type of service and service
intervals (see separate Service Booklet).
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or at
http://www.mbusa.com (USA only).
The service interval message informs you of
the next service due date.
The multifunction display shows a service
message for several seconds, e.g.:
Next Service A in .. days
Service A Due
Service A Exceeded by ... days
The letter indicates which service is due. A
stands for a minor service and B for a major
service. A number or another letter may be
displayed after the letter. This figure indicates
any necessary additional maintenance work
to be performed.
You can obtain further information from an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The service interval display does not take into
account any periods of time during which the
battery is disconnected.
268MaintenanceMaintenance and care