towing MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS ESTATE 2014 Owners Manual

Index
....................................................... 4Introduction
......................................... 24 At a glance
........................................... 31 Safety
................................................... 41 Opening and closing
...........................89 Seats, steering wheel and mirrors
..117 Lights and windscreen wipers
.........133 Climate control
................................. 151 Driving and parking
..........................183 On-board computer and displays
....293 Stowing and features
.......................369 Maintenance and care
......................393 Breakdown assistance
.....................409 Wheels and tyres
.............................. 431 Technical data
................................... 467 Contents
3

1, 2, 3 ...
4ETS see ETS/4ETS (Electronic Trac-
tion System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 239
4MATIC off-road system ...................239
12 V socket
see Sockets
230 V power socket .......................... 386
360° camera
Cleaning ......................................... 405
Function/notes ............................ .253 A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 317
Function/notes ................................ 76
Important safety notes .................... 76
Warning lamp ................................. 357
Accident
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 63
Activating/deactivating air-recir-
culation mode ................................... .168
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 161
Active Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 311
Display message ............................ 341
Function/notes ............................ .266
Towing a trailer .............................. 269
Active Lane Keeping Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 311
Display message ............................ 340
Function/notes ............................ .269
Towing a trailer .............................. 272
Active light function ......................... 138
Active Light System
Display message ............................ 333
Active Parking Assist
Detecting parking spaces .............. 244
Display message ............................ 341
Exiting a parking space .................. 247 Function/notes ............................
.243
Important safety notes .................. 243
Parking .......................................... 245
Towing a trailer .............................. 243
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 84
Adaptive Brake Assist
Function/notes ................................ 80
Adaptive brake lights .......................... 81
Adaptive Damping System (ADS) ..... 239
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
Display message ............................ 334
Function/notes ............................ .139
Switching on/off ........................... 140
AdBlue®
Additive ......................................... 474
Display message ............................ 337
Displaying level and range ............. 309
Filling capacity ............................... 475
Important safety notes .................. 474
Low outside temperatures ............. 474
Purity ............................................. 475
Topping up ..................................... 208
Additional speedometer ................... 314
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 476
Adjusting the headlamp range ......... 136
AGILITY SELECT switch
Automatic transmission ................. 201
Climate control (THERMATIC 1-
zone) .............................................. 153
Climate control (THERMATIC 2-
zone) .............................................. 157
Climate control
(THERMOTRONIC ).......................... 160
Hybrid operation ............................ 280
Manual transmission ...................... 195
Air filter (white display message) .... 337
Air pressure
see Tyre pressure
Air vents
Important safety notes .................. 181
Rear ............................................... 182
Setting ........................................... 181
Setting the centre air vents ........... 182
Setting the side air vents ............... 182
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control 4
Index

Airbag
Introduction .................................... .51
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamps ............................................... 46
Airbags
Display message ............................3 30
Front airbag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 52
Important safety guidelines ............. 51
Kneebag .......................................... .53
Sidebag ............................................ 53
Triggering ......................................... 60
Windowbag ...................................... 53
AIRMATIC
Display message ............................ 339
Function/note s............................. 238
AIRPANEL (cleaning instructions) .... 404
Alarm
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) ......... 87
Switching off (ATA) .......................... 87
Switching the function on/off
(ATA) ................................................ 87
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Anti-glare film .................................... 391
Anti-lock braking system
see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Aquaplaning ....................................... 218
Armrest
Stowage compartment .................. 372
Ashtray ............................................... 383
Assistance display (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 308
Assistance menu (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 309
ASSYST PLUS
Displaying a service message ........ 399
Hiding a service message .............. 399
Notes ............................................. 399
Resetting the service interval dis-
play ................................................ 399
Service message ............................ 399
Special service requirements ......... 400
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ................... 87 Function ........................................... 87
Switching off the alarm .................... 87
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating ................. 311
Display message ............................ 339
Function/note s............................. 258
Authorised workshop
see Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 334
see Lights
Automatic engine start (ECO start/
stop function) .................................... 191
Automatic engine switch-off (ECO
start/stop function) .......................... 190
Automatic front-passenger front
airbag deactivation
Display message ............................ 330
Automatic front-passenger front
airbag deactivation system
Operation ......................................... 54
Problems ......................................... 59
System self-test ............................... 57
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 135
Automatic transmission
Accelerator pedal position ............. 200
AGILITY SELECT switch .................. 201
Changing gear ............................... 200
DIRECT SELECT lever ..................... 197
Display message ............................ 347
Drive program display .................... 199
Drive programs .............................. 201
Driving tips .................................... 200
Emergency running mode .............. 204
Engaging drive position .................. 199
Engaging neutral ............................ 198
Engaging park position automati-
cally ............................................... 198
Engaging reverse gear ................... 198
Engaging the park position ............ 197
Kickdown ....................................... 200
Manual shifting .............................. 202
Overview ........................................ 197
Problem (fault) ............................... 204
Pulling away ................................... 189
Starting the engine ........................ 187
Steering wheel gearshift paddle s... 202
Trailer towing ................................. 200 Index
5

Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................1
99
Transmission positions .................. 199
Automatic transmission emer-
gency running mode ......................... 204
Auxiliary heating/ventilation
Important safety notes .................. 176
Problem (display message) ............ 181
Remote control .............................. 177
Setting the departure time ............. 179
Switching on/off (on the centre
console) ......................................... 177
Axle load, permissible (trailer tow-
ing) ...................................................... 482 B
Bag hook ............................................ 376
Ball coupling
Folding in ....................................... 289
Folding out ..................................... 288
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 76
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist (Brake Assist PLUS with Cross-
Traffic Assist)
Function/notes ................................ 77
Important safety notes .................... 77
Battery (high-voltage)
see High-voltage battery
Battery (key)
Checking .......................................... 94
Important safety notes .................... 93
Replacing ......................................... 94
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 420
Display message ............................ 336
Important safety notes .................. 416
Jump starting ................................. 422
Belt
see Seat belts
Belt tensioner
Activation ......................................... 60
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 311
Display message ............................ 341
Notes/function .............................. 263
Trailer towing ................................. 264 see Active Blind Spot Assist
BlueTEC (AdBlue®) ............................ 474
BlueTEC®
Topping up AdBlue® ..................... .208
Bonnet
Active bonnet (pedestrian protec-
tion) ............................................... 394
Closing .......................................... .396
Display message ............................ 349
Important safety notes .................. 394
Opening ......................................... 395
Boot load (maximum) ........................ 478
Brake
EBD ................................................. .84
Brake Assist
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 324
Note s............................................. 476
Brake force distribution, elec-
tronic
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Brake lamps
Adaptive ........................................... 81
Display message ............................ 332
Brake pedal
Pedal resistance/pedal travel .......... 44
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 76
Adaptive Brake Assist ...................... 80
BAS .................................................. 76
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic
Assist ............................................... 77
Brake fluid (notes) ......................... 476
Display message ............................ 317
Driving tip s.................................... 217
Hill start assist ............................... 189
HOLD function ............................... 236
Important safety notes .................. 217
Parking brake ................................ 213
RBS (Recuperative Brake Sys-
tem) ................................................. 44
RBS warning lamp .......................... 364
Warning lamp ................................. 355
Breakdown
see Flat tyre
see Towing away 6
Index

ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 81
Important safety guidelines ............
.76
Overview .......................................... 75
PRE-SAFE® Brake ............................84
RBS (Recuperative Brake Sys-
tem) ................................................ .44
Driving system
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering
Assist and Stop&Go Pilot .............. .234
Driving systems
360°camera .................................. 253
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 266
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 269
Active Parking Assist ..................... 243
AIRMATIC ...................................... 238
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................ 258
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 263
Cruise control ................................ 220
Display message ............................ 339
Distronic Plus ................................ 226
Driving Assistance package ........... 266
HOLD function ............................... 236
Lane Keeping Assist ..................... .265
Lane package ................................ 263
PARKTRONIC ................................. 240
Reversing camera .......................... 248
SPEEDTRONIC ............................... 223
Traffic Sign Assist .......................... 260
Driving tips
Aquaplaning ................................... 218
Automatic transmission ................. 200
Brakes .......................................... .217
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 233
Downhill gradient ........................... 217
Driving abroad ............................... 134
Driving in winter ............................ .219
Driving on flooded roads ................ 219
Driving on wet roads ..................... .218
Fuel ................................................ 215
General .......................................... 215
Icy road surfaces ........................... 219
Limited braking efficiency on sal-
ted roads ....................................... 218
New brake disks ............................ 218
New brake pads/linings ................ 218
Running-in tips ............................... 184
Snow chains .................................. 435 Symmetrical dipped bea
m............. 134
The first 1500 km .......................... 184
Towing a trailer .............................. 287
Wet road surface ........................... 218
DVD video
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 305 E
EASY-ENTRY feature Function/note s............................. 126
EASY-EXIT feature
Function/note s............................. 126
EASY-PACK luggage compartment
management system ........................ 379
EBD (electronic brake force distri-
bution)
Display message ............................ 320
Function/note s................................ 84
ECO display
Function/note s............................. 215
On-board computer ....................... 300
ECO start/stop function
Automatic engine start .................. 191
Automatic engine switch-off .......... 190
Climate control
(THERMOTRONIC ).......................... 160
Deactivating/activating ................. 191
General information ....................... 190
Important safety notes .................. 190
Introduction ................................... 190
Electric motor
Power display ................................ 275
see Hybrid operation
Electric motor power display ........... 275
Electromagnetic compatibility
Declaration of conformity ................ 27
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
Emergency
Automatic measures after an acci-
dent ................................................. 63
Emergency key
Unlocking the driver's door .............. 99
Emergency key element
Function/note s................................ 93
Inserting .......................................... 93
Locking vehicle .............................. 100 10
Index

Position of exterior mirror, front-
passenger side ...............................1
29
Reversing camera .......................... 248
see PARKTRONIC
Parking aid
Active Parking Assist ..................... 243
see Exterior mirrors
see PARKTRONIC
Parking assistance
see PARKTRONIC
Parking brake
Display message ............................ 320
Electric parking brake .................... 213
Warning lamp ................................. 361
Parking lamps
Display message ............................ 333
Switching on/off ........................... 136
PARKTRONIC
Deactivating/activating ................. 242
Driving system ............................... 240
Function/notes ............................ .240
Important safety notes .................. 240
Problem (fault) ............................... 243
Sensor range ................................. 240
Trailer towing ................................. 240
Warning displa y............................. 241
PASSENGER AIR BAG
Indicator lamps ................................ 46
PASSENGER AIR BAG indicator
lamp
Problem (malfunction) ................... 330
Perfume atomizer
Operating ....................................... 170
Perfume vial ................................... 170
Problem (malfunction) ................... 172
Petrol .................................................. 472
Pets in the vehicle ............................... 75
Plastic trim (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 407
Power windows
see Side windows
Pre-entry climate control (via key)
Problems (malfunctions) ................ 174
PRE-SAFE® (anticipatory occupant
protection)
Operation ......................................... 62 PRE-SAFE® (preventive occupant
safety system)
Display message ............................ 325
PRE-SAFE® Brake
Activating/deactivating ................. 311
Display message ............................ 325
Function/note s................................ 84
Important safety notes .................... 84
Warning lamp ................................. 365
PRE-SAFE® PLUS (anticipatory
occupant protection PLUS)
Operation ......................................... 62
Protection against theft
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system )......... 87
Immobiliser ...................................... 86
Interior motion sensor ..................... 88
Tow-away protection ........................ 87
Protection of the environment
General notes .................................. 24
Pulling away
Automatic transmission ................. 189
Hill start assist ............................... 189
Hybrid operation ............................ 280
Manual transmission ...................... 188
Trailer ............................................ 189 Q
Qualified specialist workshop ........... 27 R
Radiator cover ................................... 396
Radio
Selecting a station ......................... 304
Radio-based vehicle components
Declaration of conformity ................ 27
Rain closing feature
Panorama sliding sunroof .............. 113
Sliding sunroof ............................... 112
RBS (Recuperative Brake System)
Driving safety systems ..................... 44
Important safety notes .................... 44
Warning lamp ................................. 364
Reading lamp ..................................... 140
READY indicator ................................ 279
Rear compartment
Setting the air vents ...................... 182 Index
17

Telephone compartment ................3
72
Temperature
Coolant (display in the instrumentcluster) .......................................... 295
Coolant (display in the on-board
computer) ...................................... 309
Outside temperature ..................... .295
Setting (climate control) ................ 163
TEMPOMAT
Function/notes ............................ .220
TIREFIT kit .......................................... 414
Top Tether ............................................ 65
Total distance recorder .................... 300
Tow-away protection
Activating ......................................... 88
Deactivating ..................................... 88
Function .......................................... .87
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............ 428
Important safety notes .................. 424
Towing
Important safety notes .................. 424
Notes for 4MATIC vehicles ............ 427
With the rear axle raised ................ 426
Towing a trailer
Active Blind Spot Assist ................. 269
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............ 272
Active Parking Assist ..................... 243
Axle load, permissibl e.................... 482
Bulb failure indicator for LED
lamps ............................................. 290
ESP® (Electronic Stability Pro-
gram) ............................................... 83
General notes ................................ 287
Pulling away with a traile r.............. 189
Trailer tow hitch display message .. 349
Towing away
Fitting the towing eye .................... 426
Removing the towing eye ............... 426
With both axles on the ground ....... 427
Towing eye ......................................... 411
Traffic Sign Assist
Activating ....................................... 261
Activating/deactivating the warn-
ing function .................................... 310
Display message ............................ 342
Function/note s............................. 260
Important safety notes .................. 261 Instrument cluster display ............. 261
Trailer coupling
see Towing a trailer
Trailer towing
7-pin connecto r............................. 290
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 264
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch ......... 406
Coupling up a traile r...................... 288
Decoupling a trailer ....................... 289
Driving tip s.................................... 287
Folding in the ball coupling ............ 289
Folding out the ball coupling .......... 288
Important safety notes .................. 286
Lights display message .................. 331
Mounting dimensions .................... 478
Parktronic ...................................... 240
Power supply ................................. 290
Problem (fault) ............................... 292
Trailer load s................................... 480
Transfer case ..................................... 204
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
see Manual transmission
Transmission position display ......... 199
Transmission position display
(DIRECT SELECT lever) ...................... 199
Transporting the vehicle .................. 427
Trim pieces (cleaning instruc-
tions) .................................................. 407
Trip computer (on-board com-
puter) .................................................. 301
Trip meter
Calling up ....................................... 300
Resetting (on-board computer) ...... 301
Turn signals
Changing bulbs (front) ................... 144
Changing bulbs (rear) .................... 144
Switching on/of f........................... 137
TV
Operating (on-board computer) ..... 306
Two-way radio
Frequencies ................................... 468
Installation ..................................... 468
Transmission output (maximum) .... 468
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate Index
21

Tyre pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) ..... 437
Display message ............................ 345
Important safety notes .................. 437
Not reached (TIREFIT) .................... 415
Reached (TIREFIT) .......................... 415
Recommended ............................... 436
Tyre pressure loss warning
General notes ................................ 440
Important safety notes .................. 440
Restarting ...................................... 441
Tyre pressure monitor
Checking the tyre pressure elec-
tronically ........................................ 438
Function/note s............................. 437
General notes ................................ 437
Important safety notes .................. 438
Radio type approval for the tyre
pressure monitor ........................... 440
Restarting ...................................... 439
Warning lamp ................................. 366
Warning message .......................... 439
Tyres
Changing a whee l.......................... 441
Checking ........................................ 433
Direction of rotation ...................... 442
Display message ............................ 345
Important safety notes .................. 432
MOExtended tyre s......................... 434
Replacing ....................................... 442
Service life ..................................... 433
Storing ........................................... 442
Summer tyres in winter ................. 434
Tyre size (data ).............................. 448
Tyre tread ...................................... 433
Wheel and tyre combinations ........ 449
see Flat tyre U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking ....................... 99
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 97 V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 383Vehicle
Correct use ...................................... 28
Data acquisition ............................... 28
Display message ............................ 347
Electronics ..................................... 468
Equipment ....................................... 25
Implied warranty .............................. 28
Individual settings .......................... 309
Leaving parked up ......................... 215
Locking (in an emergency) ............. 100
Locking (key) ................................... 91
Lowering ........................................ 447
Operating safety .............................. 25
Pulling away ................................... 188
Raising ........................................... 443
Registration ..................................... 28
Securing from rolling away ............ 443
Towing away .................................. 424
Transporting .................................. 427
Unlocking (in an emergency) ........... 99
Unlocking (key) ................................ 91
Vehicle data ................................... 478
Vehicle data
Boot load (maximum) ..................... 478
Roof load (maximum) ..................... 478
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 478
Vehicle emergency locking .............. 100
Vehicle identification number
see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 470
Vehicle level
AIRMATIC ...................................... 238
Display message ............................ 339
Vehicle maintenance
see ASSYST PLUS
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 411
Video
Operating the DVD ......................... 305
VIN ...................................................... 470 W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 357
Brakes ........................................... 355
Distance warning signal ................. 365
ESP® ............................................. 359
ESP® OFF ...................................... 360 22
Index

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all mod-
els, series and optional equipment for your
vehicle that were available at the time of
going to press. National variations are pos- sible. Note that your vehicle may not be
equipped with all of the functions descri-
bed. This is also the case for systems and
functions relevant to safety.
i Read the information on qualified special-
ist workshops: (Y page 27). 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.
Do not touch any high-voltage components
after an accident and never modify the vehi-
cle'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 427)
R Towing the vehicle with the rear axle raised
(Y page 426)
R Towing the vehicle with both axles on the
ground (Y page 427)
Read the safety instructions on towing and
tow-starting (Y page 424). All components of the hybrid 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 colour.
The ignition must be switched off when car-
rying out general tasks, such as changing
bulbs or checking the coolant level.
Automatic deactivation of the hybrid
system G
DANGER
If the restraint system is malfunctioning,
restraint system components may be trig-
gered unintentionally or might not be trig-
gered at all in the event of an accident with a high rate of vehicle deceleration. This can
effect belt tensioners or airbags, for example. In addition, the vehicle's high-voltage electri-
cal system may not be deactivated as inten-
ded in the event of an accident. Touching
damaged components of the vehicle's high-
voltage electrical system could result in an
electric shock. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal. 42
Hybrid vehiclesSafety

PRE-SAFE
®
(anticipatory occupant
protection)
Introduction PRE-SAFE
®
takes pre-emptive measures to
protect occupants in certain hazardous sit-
uations.
Important safety notes !
Make sure that there are no objects in the
footwell under or behind the seats when
moving the seats back. There is a risk that
the seats and/or the objects could be dam-
aged.
Although your vehicle is equipped with a PRE-
SAFE ®
system, the possibility of injury in the
event of an accident cannot be ruled out.
Always adapt your driving style to suit the
prevailing road and weather conditions and
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front. Drive carefully.
Function PRE-SAFE
®
intervenes:
R in emergency braking situations, e.g. when
BAS is activated
R in critical driving situations, e.g. when phys-
ical limits are exceeded and the vehicle
understeers or oversteers severely
R vehicles with the Driving Assistance pack-
age: when a driver assistance system inter-
venes powerfully or the radar sensor sys-
tem detects an imminent danger of colli-
sion in certain situations
PRE-SAFE ®
takes the following measures
depending on the hazardous situation detec-
ted:
R the front seat belts are pre-tensioned.
R if the vehicle skids, the sliding sunroof and
the side windows are closed so that only a
small gap remains. The panorama sliding
sunroof is completely closed.
R vehicles with the memory function for the
front-passenger seat: the front-passenger seat is adjusted if it is in an unfavourable
position.
If the hazardous situation passes without
resulting in an accident, PRE-SAFE ®
slackens
the belt pre-tensioning. All settings made by
PRE-SAFE ®
can then be reversed.
If the seat belt pre-tensioning is not reduced:
X Move the seat backrest or seat back
slightly when the vehicle is stationary.
Seat belt pre-tensioning is reduced and the
locking mechanism is released.
The seat-belt adjustment is an integral part of
the PRE-SAFE ®
convenience function. You
will find information on the convenience func-
tion under "Belt adjustment" (Y page 50). PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS (anticipatory occu-
pant protection PLUS)
Introduction PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS is only available in vehicles
with the Driving Assistance package.
Using the radar sensor system, PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS is able to detect that a head-on or rear-
end collision is imminent. In certain hazard-
ous situations, PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS takes pre-
emptive measures to protect the vehicle
occupants.
Important safety notes The intervention of PRE-SAFE
®
PLUS cannot
prevent an imminent collision.
The driver is not warned when PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS intervenes.
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS does not intervene:
R if the vehicle is reversing
R when the vehicle is towing a trailer and
there is a risk of a rear-end collision
PRE-SAFE ®
PLUS does not perform braking
actions while the vehicle is in motion or when
Parking Guidance is active. 62
Occupant safetySafety