warning MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS SALOON 2011 Owners Manual

More information on suitable mobile phones,
mobile phone brackets and on connecting
Bluetooth ®
capable mobile phones to Audio
20 or COMAND Online can be obtained:
R at your Mercedes-Benz Service Centre
R on the Internet at http://www.mercedes-
benz.com/connect
i The functions and services available when
you use the phone depend on your mobile
phone model and service provider.
Inserting the mobile phone X
Open the telephone compartment
(Y page 303).
X Place the mobile phone bracket into the
pre-installed bracket (see the separate
mobile phone bracket installation instruc-
tions).
X Insert the mobile phone into the mobile
phone bracket (see the separate mobile
phone bracket installation instructions).
If the mobile phone is inserted in the mobile
phone bracket, you can speak to the person
you are calling using the hands-free system.
i On some mobile phone brackets, you first
have to connect the mobile phone via Blue-
tooth ®
to a mobile phone bracket (see the
separate operating instructions for the
mobile phone bracket).
On these mobile phone brackets, the
mobile phone does not have to be inserted
into the bracket for you to be able to use
the telephone functions. In this case, the
charging function and aerial function are
not available.
Operating the mobile phone You can operate the telephone using the
6 and~ buttons on the luxury multi-
function steering wheel. You can operate
other mobile phone functions via the on-
board computer (Y page 235). If you take the key out of the ignition lock, the
mobile phone stays on but you can no longer
use the hands-free system.
If you are making a call and you would like to
take the key out of the ignition lock, first
remove the mobile phone from the bracket.
Otherwise, the call will be ended.
i When a mobile phone bracket is used that
is connected to the mobile phone via Blue-
tooth ®
: if you want to continue a call in
"Private mode", you have to perform the
necessary steps on the mobile phone (see
the separate mobile phone operating
instructions).
You can fold the pre-installed bracket up to
improve access to the stowage space
beneath it. Depending on the vehicle's equip-
ment, a USB connection and an AUX-IN con-
nection/Media Interface are fitted in the
stowage compartmen t(Ypage 303). X
To fold the bracket up: press button:.
X To fold the bracket down: press the
bracket down and allow it to engage. Floormat on the driver's side
G
WARNING
Make sure that there is sufficient clearance
around the pedals when floormats are used,
and that the floormats are properly secured.
The floormats must be correctly secured at all
times using retainers and press-studs. Features
319Stowing and features
Z

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available to your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-
specific deviations are possible. Please
note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all features described. This also
applies to safety-relevan tsystems and
functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 28).Engine compartment
Bonnet
Opening the bonnet G
WARNING
Do no tpull the release leve rwhile the vehicle
is in motion. If you do so, the bonnet may open
up and block your view. G
WARNING
There is a risk of injury if the bonnet is open,
even if the engine is not running.
Some engine components can become very
hot.
To avoid the risk of burns, only touch those
components described in the Owner's Manual
and observe the relevant safety notes. G
WARNING
The radiator fan between the radiator and the
engine can start automatically, even if the key
has been removed from the ignition lock. For
this reason, you must not reach into the fan
rotation area. You could otherwise be injured. Vehicles with
apetrol engine: The elec-
tronic ignitio nsystem uses high voltage. For
this reason, you mus tnever touch ignition
system components (ignition coil, ignition
cables, spark plug connectors or test socket)
while:
R the engine is running
R the engine is being started
R the ignition is switched on and the engine
is being cranked by hand
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
Vehicles with adiesel engine: The elec-
tronic injection control uses high voltage. For
this reason, you must never touch injection
system components while:
R the engine is running
R the engine is being started
R the ignition is switched on
You could otherwise suffer an electric shock
and be seriously or even fatally injured.
X Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off. G
WARNING
The windscreen wipers and wiper linkage
could be set in motion.
When the bonnet is open, you or others could
be injured by the wiper linkage.
Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
switched off. Remove the key or make sure
that no ignition position has been selected
with KEYLESS-GO. All indicator lamps must be
off in the instrument panel. 322
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

X
Pull release lever :on the bonnet.
The bonnet is released.
! Make sure that the windscreen wipers are
not folded away from the windscreen .Oth-
erwise, you could damage the windscreen
wipers or the bonnet. X
Reach into the gap, pull bonnet catch han-
dle ;up and lift the bonnet.
If you lift the bonnet by approximately
40 cm, the bonnet is opened and held open
automatically by the gas-filled strut.
Closing the bonnet G
WARNING
Make sure tha tnobody can become trapped
as you close the bonnet. X
Lower the bonnet and let it fall from a
height of approximately 20 cm.
X Check that the bonnet has engaged prop-
erly.
If the bonnet can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. Open it again and close
it with a little more force. Radiator
i Vehicles with diesel engine: do not
cover the radiator. Do not use thermal
mats, insect protection covers or anything
similar. Doing so can cause the Onboard
Diagnostics System to display inaccurate
values. Some of these values are legally
required and must be correct. Engine oil
Notes on the oil level Depending on driving style, the vehicle con-
sumes a maximum of 0.8 l oil per 1000 km.
The oil consumption may be higher than this
when the vehicle is new or if you frequently
drive at high engine speeds.
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick
Example: vehicles with a petrol engine Engine compartment
323Maintenance and care Z

Example: vehicles with a diesel engine
X
Park the vehicle on a level surface.
To check the oil level with the engine at
normal operating temperature, switch the
engine off and wait for approximately five
minutes.
X Pull oil dipstick :outoft he oil dipstick
tube.
X Wipe off oil dipstick :.
X Slowly slide oil dipstick :into the guide
tube to the stop, and take it out again.
If the level is between MIN mark =and
MAX mark ;, the oil level is correct.
X If the oil level has dropped to MIN mark
= or below it, top up with
0.5 to 1.0 litres of engine oil.
Adding engine oil G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot
engine parts, it may ignite and you could burn
yourself. Do not spill any engine oil on hot
engine parts. H
Environmental note
When topping up the oil, take care not to spill
any. If oil enters the soil or waterways, it is
harmful to the environment.
! Do not add too much oil. If the oil level is
above the "max" mark on the dipstick, too
much oil has been added. This can lead to
damage to the engine or the catalytic con-
verter. Have excess oil siphoned off. Example: engine oil cap
X
Turn cap :anti-clockwise and remove it.
X Top up the engine oil.
If the oil level is at or below the MIN mark
on the dipstick, top up with
0.5 to 1.0 litres of engine oil.
X Replace cap :on the filler neck and turn
clockwise.
Make sure that the cap locks into place
securely.
X Check the oil level again with the oil dip-
stick (Y page 323).
Further information on engine oil
(Y page 381). Checking and adding other service
products
Checking the coolant level Only check the coolant level when the vehicle
is on a level surface and the engine has cooled
down.
X Turn the key to position 2(Y page 153) in
the ignition lock.
On vehicles with KEYLESS-GO, press the
Start/Stop button twice (Y page 153).
X Check the coolant temperature display in
the instrument cluster. G
WARNING
The cooling system is pressurised. Therefore,
only unscrew the cap once the engine has
cooled down. The coolant temperature gauge 324
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care

must display less than 70
†.Otherwise, you
could be scalded if hot coolant escapes. X
Slowly tur ncap : half a turn anti-clock-
wise and allow excess pressure to escape.
X Turn cap :further anti-clockwise and
remove it.
If the coolant is at the level of marker bar
= in the fille rneck when cold, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank ;.
If the coolant level is approximately 1.5 cm
above marker bar =in the filler neckw hen
warm, there is enough coolant in coolant
expansion tank ;.
X If necessary, top up with coolant that has
been tested and approved by Mercedes-
Benz.
X Replace cap :and turn it clockwise as far
as it will go.
For further information on coolant, see
(Y page 383).
Windscreen washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system The washer fluid reservoir is used for both the
windscreen washer system and the headlamp
cleaning system.
i
Components and service products must
be matched. Mercedes-Benz recommends
that you use products tested and approved
by Mercedes-Benz. They are listed in this
Mercedes-Ben zOwner's Manual in the
appropriate section. You can identify service products approved
by Mercedes-Ben
zby th efollowing inscrip-
tions on the container:
R MB-Freigabe (e.g. MB-Freigabe 371.0)
R MB-Approval (e.g. MB-Approval 371.0)
Other labels and recommendations that
make reference to quality level or a speci-
fication according to an MB Sheet no. (e.g.
MB 371.0) are not necessarily approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
You can obtain further information from
any Mercedes-Benz Service Centre. G
WARNING
Windscreen washer fluid is highly flammable.
Fire, naked flames and smoking are prohibi-
ted when handling washer fluid concentrate.
! Only use washer fluid concentrate which
is suitable for plastic lamp lenses. Unsuit-
able washer fluid concentrate could dam-
age the plastic lamp lenses of the head-
lamps.
! Do not use distilled or de-ionised water in
the washer fluid reservoir. Otherwise, the
level sensor may be damaged.
i Add windscreen washer concentrate, e.g.
MB SummerFit, to the washer fluid all year
round. Example: washer fluid reservoir
X
Mix the windscreen washer fluid in a con-
tainer beforehand.
X At temperatures above freezing: fill the
washer fluid reservoir with amix of water Engine compartment
325Maintenance and care Z

the necessary service work has been carried
out.
You can obtain further information, e.g.
regarding service work, fro maMercedes-
Benz Service Centre or directly from
Mercedes-Benz.
! If the ASSYST PLUS service interval dis-
play has been inadvertently reset, this set-
ting can be corrected at a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
Have service work carried out as described
in the Service Booklet. This may otherwise
lead to increased wear and damage to the
major assemblies or the vehicle.
Driving abroad
An extensive Mercedes-Benz Service network
is also available in other countries. The
Service Hotline's current telephone numbers
for use when you are abroad are to be found
in the "Mercedes-Benz Service24h" section
of the Service Booklet. Care
Notes on care
Regular care of your vehicle is a condition for
retaining the quality in the long term.
Use care products and cleaning agents rec-
ommended and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
! For cleaning your vehicle, do not use any
of the following:
R dry, rough or hard cloths
R abrasive cleaning agents
R solvents
R cleaning agents containing solvents
Do not scrub.
Do not touch the surfaces or protective
films with hard objects, e.g. a ring or ice
scraper. You could otherwise scratch or
damage the surfaces and protective film. H
Environmental note
Dispose of empty packaging and cleaning
cloths in an environmentally responsible man-
ner.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up. Care of the exterior
Automatic car wash G
WARNING
Braking efficiency is reduced after washing
the vehicle. This could cause an accident. For
this reason, following a car wash, drive with
particular care until the brakes are dry.
You can wash the vehicle in an automatic car
wash from the very start.
If the vehicle is very dirty, pre-wash it before
cleaning it in an automatic car wash.
! Make sure that the automatic transmis-
sion is in position Nwhen washing your
vehicle in a tow-through car wash. The vehi-
cle could be damaged if the transmission is
in another position.
! Make sure that:
R the side windows and sliding sunroof are
closed completely.
R the blower for the ventilation/heating is
switched off (OFF button is depressed).
R the windscreen wiper switch is at posi-
tion 0.
The vehicle could otherwise be damaged.
After using an automatic car wash, wipe off
wax from the windscreen and the wiper Care
327Maintenance and care Z

blades. This will preven
tsmears and reduce
wiping noises caused by residue on the wind-
screen.
Washing by hand In some countries, washing by hand is only
allowed at specially equipped washing bays.
Observe the legal requirements for each indi-
vidual country.
X Do not use hot water and do not wash the
vehicle in direct sunlight.
X Use a soft sponge to clean.
X Use a mild cleaning agent, such as a car
shampoo approved by Mercedes-Benz.
X Thoroughly hose down the vehicl ewith a
gentle jet of water.
X Do not point the water jet directly towards
the air inlet.
X Use plenty of water and rinse out the
sponge frequently.
X Rinse the vehicle with clean water and dry
thoroughly with a chamois.
X Do not let the cleaning agent dry on the
paintwork.
When using the vehicle in winter, remove all
traces of road salt deposit scarefully and as
soon as possible.
High-pressure cleaning equipment G
WARNING
Do no tuse high-pressure cleaners with circu-
lar-jet nozzles (dirt grinders) to clean your
vehicle, in particular the tyres. You could oth-
erwise damage the tyres and cause an acci-
dent.
! Always maintain a distance of at least
30 cm between the vehicle and the high-
pressure cleaner nozzle. Information about
the correct distance is available from the
equipment manufacturer.
Move the high-pressure cleaner nozzle
around when cleaning your vehicle. Do not aim directly at any of the following:
R
tyres
R door gaps, roof gaps, joints etc.
R electrical components
R battery
R connectors
R lights
R seals
R trim elements
R ventilation slots
Damaged seals or electrical components
can lead to leaks or failures.
Cleaning the wheels !
Do not use acidic wheel cleaning products
to remove brake dust. This could damage
wheel bolts and brake components.
! Do not park up the vehicle for an extended
period straight after cleaning it, particularly
after having cleaned the wheels with wheel
cleaner. Wheel cleaners could cause
increased corrosion of the brake discs and
brake pads/linings. For this reason, you
should drive for a few minutes after clean-
ing. Braking heats the brake discs and the
brake pads/linings, thus drying them. The
vehicle can then be parked up.
Cleaning the paintwork Scratches, corrosive deposits, areas affected
by corrosion and damage caused by inade-
quate care cannot always be completely
repaired. In such cases, visit a qualified spe-
cialist workshop, e.g. a Mercedes-Benz
Service Centre.
X
Remove impurities immediately,w here
possible, whilst avoiding rubbing too hard.
X Soak insect remains with insect remover
and rinse off the treated areas afterwards.
X Soak bird droppings with water and rinse
off the treated areas afterwards. 328
CareMaintenance and care

X
Remove coolant, brake fluid, tree resin,
oils, fuels and greases by rubbing gently
with a cloth soaked in petroleum ether or
lighte rfluid.
X Use tar remover to remove tar stains.
X Use silicone remover to remove wax.
! Do not affix:
R stickers
R films
R magnetic plates or similar items
to painted surfaces. You could otherwise
damage the paintwork.
Care and treatment of matt paintwork If your vehicle has a clear mat
tfinish, observe
the following instructions in order to avoid
damage to the paintwork due to incorrect
care.
These notes also apply to light alloy wheels
with a clear mat tfinish.
! Neve rpolish the vehicle or the light alloy
wheels. Polishing makes the paintwork
shiny.
! The following may cause the paint to
become shiny and thus reduce the matt
effect:
R Vigorous rubbing with unsuitable mate-
rials.
R Frequent use of car washes.
R Washing the vehicle in direct sunlight.
! Never use paint cleaner, buffing or pol-
ishing products, or gloss preserver, e.g.
wax. These products are only suitable for
high-gloss surfaces. Their use on vehicles
with matt finish leads to considerable sur-
face damage (shiny, spotted areas).
Always have paintwork repairs performed
at a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a
Mercedes-Benz Service Centre.
! Do not use wash programs with a hot wax
treatment under any circumstances. i
The vehicle should preferably be washed
by hand using a soft sponge, car shampoo
and plenty of water.
i Use only insect remover and car shampoo
from the range of recommended and
approved Mercedes-Benz care products.
Cleaning the windows G
WARNING
Switch off the windscreen wipers and remove
the key from the ignition lock before cleaning
the windscreen or the wiper blades. On vehi-
cles with KEYLESS-GO, press the Start/Stop
button repeatedly until all indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster have gone off. The
windscreen wipers could otherwise move and
injure you.
! Only fold the windscreen wipers away
from the windscreen when vertical. Other-
wise, you will damage the bonnet.
X Clean the inside and outside of the win-
dows with a damp cloth and a cleaning
agent that is recommended and approved
by Mercedes-Benz.
! Do not use dry cloths, abrasive products,
solvents or cleaning agents containing sol-
vents to clean the inside of the windows.
Do not touch the insides of the windows
with hard objects, e.g. an ice scraper or
ring. There is otherwise a risk of damaging
the windows.
! Clean the water drainage channels of the
windscreen and the rear window at regular
intervals. Deposits such as leaves, petals
and pollen may under certain circumstan-
ces prevent water from draining away.T his
can lead to corrosion damage and damage
to electronic components.
Cleaning the wiper blades G
WARNING
Switch off the windscreen wipers and remove
the key from the ignition lock before cleaning Care
329Maintenance and care
Z

Cleaning the exhaust tail pipes
Impurities combined with th
eeffects of road
grit and corrosive environmental factors may
cause flash rust to form on the surface. You
can restore the original shine of the exhaust
tail pipe by cleaning it regularly, especially in
winter and after washing.
! Do not clea nthe exhaust tail pipes with
alkaline-based cleaning agents, such as
wheel cleaner.
X Cleant he exhaust tail pipes with a chrome
care product tested and approved by
Mercedes-Benz.
Cleaning the trailer tow hitch The ball coupling must be cleaned if it
becomes dirty or corroded.
X Remove rust, e.g. with a wire brush.
X Remove dirt with a clean, lint-free cloth or
a brush.
! Do not clean the ball coupling with a high-
pressure cleaner. Do not use solvents. X
After cleaning, lightly oil or grease ball cou-
pling :.
X Check that the vehicle's trailer tow hitch is
working properly.
! Observe the note on care provided by the
trailer manufacturer.
i You can also have the maintenance work
on the ball coupling and the trailer tow hitch
carried out by a qualified specialist work-
shop. H
Environmental note
Dispose of oily and greasy cloths in an envi-
ronmentally-responsible manner. Interior care
Cleaning the display X
Before cleaning the display, make sure that
it is switched off and has cooled down.
X Cleant he display surface using a commer-
cially-available microfibre cloth and TFT/
LCD display cleaner.
X Dry the display surface using a dry micro-
fibre cloth.
! For cleaning, do not use any of the fol-
lowing:
R alcohol-based thinner or petrol
R abrasive cleaning agents
R commercially-available household clean-
ing agents
These may damage the display surface. Do
not put pressure on the display surface
when cleaning. This could lead to irrepara-
ble damage to the display.
Cleaning the plastic trim G
WARNING
When cleaning the steering wheel boss and
dashboard, do not use cockpit sprays or
cleaning agents containing solvents. Cleaning
agents containing solvents cause the surface
to become porous, and as aresult plastic
parts may break away and be thrown around
the interior when an airbag is deployed, which
may result in severe injuries.
! Do not affix the following to plastic surfa-
ces:
R stickers
R films
R scented oil bottles or similar items
You could otherwise damage the plastic. Care
331Maintenance and care Z

Useful information
i This Owner's Manual describes all models
and all standard and optional equipment
available to your vehicle at the time of pub-
lication of the Owner's Manual. Country-
specific deviations are possible. Please
note that your vehicle may not be equipped
with all features described. This also
applies to safety-relevan tsystems and
functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops (Y page 28).Where will I find...?
Warning triangle
Removing the warning triangle Saloon:
the warning triangle is secured on
the inside of the boo tlid.
X Open the boot lid. X
Press warning triangle holder :up in the
direction of the arrow, open it and remove
the warning triangle.
Estate: the warning triangle is located in the
stowage well under the luggage compartment
floor.
X Open the tailgate.
X Lift the luggage compartmen tfloor up
(Y page 312). X
Remove warning triangle :fromt he stow-
age well.
Setting up the warning triangle X
Fold feet =down and out to the side.
X Pull side reflectors ;upwards to form a
triangle and lock them at the top using
upper press-stud :. First-aid kit
Saloon: depending on the vehicle's equip-
ment, the first-aid kit is located either in an
open stowage space or behind the left-hand
side trim panel.
X Saloon: open the boot lid. 334
Where will I find...?Breakdown assistance