snow chains MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class COUPE 2012 CL204 Owner's Manual

Driver's doorsee Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................269
Symmetrical low beam ..................100
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads .................. 145
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......57
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 62
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............57
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 58
Electronic brake force distribution ...62
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 59
ETS (Electronic Traction System) .....59
Important safety information ...........56
Overview .......................................... 56
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 62
Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................174
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 174
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............177
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................169
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 170
Cruise control ................................ 146
Display message ............................ 216
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 148
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode .................................. 158
HOLD function ............................... 159
Lane Keeping Assist ......................172
Lane Tracking package ..................170
Parking Guidance ........................... 165
PARKTRONIC ................................. 162
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........161
Rear view camera .......................... 168
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................132
Brakes ........................................... 143
Break-in period .............................. 124
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 157Downhill gradient ........................... 143
Drinking and driving .......................142
Driving abroad ............................... 100
Driving in winter ............................. 145
Driving on flooded roads ................145
Driving on wet roads ......................145
Exhaust check ............................... 143
Fuel ................................................ 142
General .......................................... 142
Hydroplaning ................................. 145
Icy road surfaces ........................... 146
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 144
Pedals ............................................ 142
Snow chains .................................. 297
Symmetrical low beam ..................100
Wet road surface ........................... 143
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 190
DVD video (on-board computer) ...... 190
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode ....................................... 158
E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................197
Function/notes ................................ 94
EASY-EXIT feature
Function/notes ................................ 94
Switching on/off ........................... 197
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 204
Function/notes ................................ 62
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS (Electronic Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 77
Trunk ............................................... 80
Vehicle ............................................. 77
8Index

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

Washer fluidDisplay message ............................ 225
see Windshield washer system
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 283
Wheel chock ...................................... 280
Wheels Changing a wheel .......................... 279
Checking ........................................ 295
Cleaning ......................................... 271
Important safety notes ..................294
Interchanging/changing ................318
Mounting a wheel .......................... 282
Removing a wheel ..........................282
Storing ........................................... 319
Tightening torque ........................... 283
Wheel size/tire size .......................319
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 207
Operation ......................................... 42
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 272
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 119
Windshield washer system .............. 267
Notes ............................................. 332
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................112
Replacing the wiper blades ............111
Switching on/off ........................... 110
Winter driving
Important safety notes ..................296
Slippery road surfaces ...................146
Snow chains .................................. 297
Winter tires
M+S tires ....................................... 296
Wiper blades
Cleaning ......................................... 272
Important safety notes ..................111
Wooden trim (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 274Index19

front, for vehicle speed and for braking in
good time. Always adapt your driving style to
suit the prevailing road/weather conditions,
as well as the traffic conditions and maintain
a safe distance to the vehicle in front. Drive
carefully.
i Please note that the driving safety
systems described only work as effectively
as possible when there is adequate contact
between the tires and the road surface. Pay
particular attention to the information
regarding tires, recommended minimum
tire tread depths etc. in the "Wheels and
tires" section ( Y page 294).
In wintry driving conditions, always use
winter tires (M+S tires) and if necessary,
snow chains. Only in this way will the
driving safety systems described in this
section work as effectively as possible.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Important safety notes
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
ABS regulates brake pressure in such a way
that the wheels do not lock when you brake.
This allows you to continue steering the
vehicle when braking.
ABS works from a speed of about 5 mph
( 8 km/h) upwards, regardless of road-surface
conditions. ABS works on slippery surfaces,
even when you only brake gently.
GWARNING
If the ABS malfunctions, other driving systems
such as the BAS or the ESP ®
are also switched
off. Observe indicator and warning lamps that
may come on as well as messages in the
multifunction display that may appear.
If the ABS malfunctions, the wheels may lock
during hard braking, reducing the steering
capability and extending the braking distance.
The ! warning lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the ignition is switched
on. It goes out when the engine is running.
Braking
If ABS intervenes when braking, you will feel
a pulsing in the brake pedal.
XIf ABS intervenes: continue to depress the
brake pedal with force until the braking
situation is over.XTo make a full brake application:
depress the brake pedal with full force.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions, and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
GWARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm, steady
brake pedal pressure instead. Pumping the
brake pedal defeats the purpose of the ABS
and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.
BAS (Brake Assist System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
BAS operates in emergency braking
situations. If you depress the brake pedal
quickly, BAS automatically boosts the braking
force, thus shortening the stopping distance.
XKeep the brake pedal firmly depressed until
the emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will function as usual once you
release the brake pedal. BAS is deactivated.
GWARNING
If the BAS malfunctions, the brake system still
functions, but without the additional brake
boost available that the BAS would normally
provide in an emergency braking maneuver.
Therefore, the braking distance may increase.
Driving safety systems57SafetyZ

of the radar sensors checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. This also applies to
collisions at low speeds where there is no
visible damage to the front of the vehicle.
If BAS PLUS 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)
Important safety notes
i See the "Important safety notes" section
( Y page 56).
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 ÷ ESP®
warning
lamp flashes in the instrument cluster.
GWARNING
Under no circumstances should you
deactivate ESP ®
when the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. 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 to suit the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid. ESP ®
cannot
prevent accidents resulting from excessive
speed.
! Switch the ignition off when:
R the parking brake is being tested using a
dynamometer
R the vehicle is being towed with the front
or rear axle raised
Application of the brakes by ESP ®
may
otherwise destroy the brake system.
i Only use wheels with the recommended
tire sizes. Only then will ESP ®
function
properly.
ETS (Electronic Traction System)
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 56).
Traction control is part of ESP ®
.
If the drive wheels spin, traction control
brakes them individually. This enables you to
pull away and accelerate on slippery surfaces,
for example if the road surface is slippery on
one side.
Traction control remains active if you
deactivate ESP ®
.
Deactivating/activating ESP ®
(except
AMG vehicles)
GWARNING
ESP ®
should not be deactivated during
normal driving other than in the
circumstances described below. Disabling
the system will reduce vehicle stability in
driving maneuvers.
Do not deactivate ESP ®
when the emergency
or spare wheel is mounted.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
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
Driving safety systems59SafetyZ

GWARNING
Switch on ESP®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
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 ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster flashes. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
XTo deactivate: (Y page 192).
The å ESP®
OFF warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
When the å ESP®
OFF warning lamp is lit,
ESP ®
is deactivated.
If the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp and the
å ESP®
OFF warning lamp remain lit,
ESP ®
is not available due to a malfunction.
When ESP ®
is deactivated or not operational,
vehicle stability in standard driving
maneuvers is reduced.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road conditions and to the non-operating
status of the ESP ®
.
! Avoid spinning the driven wheels for an
extended period with ESP ®
deactivated.
You could otherwise damage the drivetrain.
XTo activate: (Y page 192).
The å ESP®
OFF 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.
ESP ®
is activated automatically when the
engine is started.
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 gravel
GWARNING
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.
60Driving safety systemsSafety

When SPORT handling mode is activated:
R ESP ®
only improves driving stability to a
limited degree.
R the engine's torque is restricted only 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 ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in the instrument cluster
flashes. ESP ®
only stabilizes the vehicle to a
limited degree.XTo activate: briefly press button :.
The M SPORT handling mode 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 SPORT handling mode 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 started.
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
Switch on ESP ®
immediately if one of the
previously stated conditions is no longer met.
Otherwise, ESP ®
cannot stabilize the vehicle
if it begins to lurch or when a wheel spins.
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 PRE-SAFE ®
Brake is no longer available,
nor is it activated if you brake firmly and
ESP ®
intervenes.
R ESP ®
still provides support when you brake
firmly.
If ESP ®
is deactivated and one or more wheels
start to spin, the ÷ ESP®
warning lamp in
the instrument cluster does not flash. In such
situations, ESP ®
will not stabilize the vehicle.
Driving safety systems61SafetyZ

To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open
a window slightly on the side of the vehicle
not facing the wind.
At the onset of winter, have your vehicle
winterproofed at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. at an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 296).
Driving with summer tires
Observe the notes in the "Winter operation"
section ( Y page 296).
Slippery road surfaces
GWARNING
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice. The road may still be icy,
especially in wooded areas or on bridges.
GWARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your vehicle's ABS will not prevent
this type of loss of control.
Drive particularly carefully on slippery road
surfaces. Avoid sudden acceleration, steering
and braking maneuvers. Do not use cruise
control or DISTRONIC PLUS.
If the vehicle threatens to skid or cannot be
stopped when moving at low speed:
XShift the transmission to position N.
i
For more information on driving with
snow chains, see ( Y page 297).
GWARNING
Make sure that you do not endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Driving systems
Cruise control
Important safety notes
Cruise control maintains a constant road
speed for you. It brakes automatically in order
to avoid exceeding the set speed. On long and
steep downhill gradients, especially if the
vehicle is laden, you must select shift range
1 , 2 or 3 in good time. By doing so, you will
make use of the braking effect of the engine,
which relieves the load on the brake system
and prevents the brakes from overheating
and wearing too quickly.
Use cruise control only if road and traffic
conditions make it appropriate to maintain a
steady speed for a prolonged period. You can
set any road speed above 20 mph
(30 km/h).
GWARNING
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always
remain responsible for the vehicle's speed
and for safe brake operation.
Only use the cruise control if the road, traffic,
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on winding roads or in heavy
traffic because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a constant speed.
R The use of the cruise control can be
dangerous on slippery roads. Rapid
changes in tire traction can result in wheel
spin and loss of control.
R Deactivate the cruise control when driving
in fog.
The "Resume" function should only be
operated if the driver is fully aware of the
previously set speed and wishes to resume
this particular preset speed.
146Driving systemsDriving and parking

cause an accident and injure yourself and
others.
Safety always remains your responsibility and
you must continue paying careful attention to
your immediate surroundings when parking
and maneuvering.GWARNING
Objects located above the height range of
Parking Guidance will not be detected when
the parking space is measured. These objects
are not taken into account when the parking
procedure is calculated, e.g. overhanging
loads, tail sections or loading ramps of goods
vehicles. Under some circumstances, Parking
Guidance might therefore issue steering
instructions too soon. This may lead to a
collision. For this reason, you should avoid
using Parking Guidance in such situations.
GWARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the maneuvering range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
! Pay particular attention to low objects or
objects with flat surfaces, such as trailer
drawbars, posts, cross beams and curbs.
These types of objects cannot be detected
by Parking Guidance and may damage the
vehicle.
When PARKTRONIC is deactivated, Parking
Guidance is also unavailable.
Use Parking Guidance for parking spaces:
R that are parallel to the direction of travel
R that are on straight roads, not bends
R that are on the same level as the road, i.e.
not on the pavement, for example. Parking
Guidance may not detect flat curbs
Parking tips:
R on narrow roads, drive past the parking
space as close as possible.
R parking spaces that are littered, overgrown
or partially occupied by trailer drawbars
might be identified incorrectly or not at all.
R snowfall or heavy rain may lead to a parking
space being measured inaccurately.
R pay attention to the PARKTRONIC
( Y page 163) warning messages during the
parking procedure.
R when transporting a load which protrudes
from your vehicle, you must not use Parking
Guidance.
R never use Parking Guidance with snow
chains or an emergency spare wheel
mounted.
R make sure that the tire pressures are
always correct. This has a direct effect on
the steering instructions.
R the way your vehicle is positioned in the
parking space after parking is dependent
on various factors. These include the
position and shape of the vehicles parked
in front and behind it and the conditions of
the location. In some cases, Parking
Guidance may guide you too far or not far
enough into a parking space. In some
cases, it may also lead you across or onto
the curb. If necessary, cancel the parking
procedure with Parking Guidance.
! If unavoidable, you should drive over
obstacles such as curbs slowly and not at
a sharp angle. Otherwise, you may damage
the wheels or tires.
Detecting a parking space:Detected parking space on the left;Parking symbol=Detected parking space on the right
Parking Guidance is automatically activated
when you drive forwards. The system is
operational at speeds of up to approximately
22 mph (35 km/h). While in operation, the
166Driving systemsDriving and parking

GWARNING
If you use your spare wheel when M+S tires
are mounted on the other wheels, be aware
that the difference in tire characteristics
impairs cornering ability and reduces driving
stability. Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare wheel replaced by a normal
wheel with an M+S tire at the nearest
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
For safety reasons, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you only use snow chains
which have been specially approved for your
vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or are of a
corresponding standard of quality.
! There is not enough space for snow
chains on some wheel sizes. Observe the
information under "Tires and wheels" in the
"Technical Data" section to avoid damage
to the vehicle or the wheels.
R Only use snow chains when driving on
roads completely covered by snow. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible speed of
30 mph (50 km/h). Remove the snow
chains as soon as possible when you are no
longer driving on snow-covered roads.
R Local regulations may restrict the use of
snow chains. Applicable regulations must
be observed if you wish to mount snow
chains.
R Snow chains must not be mounted on
emergency spare wheels.
If you intend to mount snow chains, please
bear the following points in mind:
R you may not attach snow chains to all
wheel-tire combinations; see the
information under "Wheel and tire
combinations" in the "Wheels and tires"
section.
R mount snow chains only in pairs and only
to the rear wheels. Observe the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
! If snow chains are mounted on the front
wheels, the snow chains could grind
against the bodywork or components of the
chassis. This could result in damage to the
vehicle or the tires.
! Vehicles with steel wheels: if you wish
to mount snow chains on steel wheels,
make sure that you remove the respective
wheels' hubcaps first. The hubcaps may
otherwise be damaged.
i You may wish to deactivate
ESP ®
(Y page 59) when pulling away with
snow chains mounted. This way you can
allow the wheels to spin in a controlled
manner, achieving an increased driving
force (cutting action).
Tire pressure
Tire pressure specifications
GWARNING
Follow recommended tire inflation pressures.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear excessively and/or unevenly, adversely
affect handling and fuel economy, and are
more likely to fail from being overheated.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires can
adversely affect handling and ride comfort,
wear unevenly, increase stopping distance,
and result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes etc.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified load limit as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information placard on the
driver's door B-pillar. Overloading the tires
can overheat them, possibly causing a
blowout. Overloading the tires can also result
in handling or steering problems, or brake
failure.
The recommended tire pressures for the tires
mounted at the factory can be found on the
labels described here.
Tire pressure297Wheels and tiresZ