MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN 2012 W204 Owner's Manual

iIf the battery voltage is too low, the seat
ventilation may switch off.XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
2 in the ignition lock.XTo switch on: press button : repeatedly
until the desired ventilation level is set.
i You can open the side windows and the
sliding sunroof using the "Convenience
opening" feature ( Y page 84). The seat
ventilation of the driver's seat
automatically switches to the highest level.
XTo switch off: press button : repeatedly
until all the indicator lamps go out.
Problems with the seat ventilation
The seat ventilation has switched off
prematurely or cannot be switched on. The
vehicle's electrical system voltage is too low
because too many electrical consumers are
switched on.
XSwitch off electrical consumers which you
do not need, such as the rear window
defroster or interior lighting.
Steering wheel
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.
Adjusting the steering wheel while driving, or
driving without the steering wheel adjustment
feature locked could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
The electrical steering wheel adjustment
feature can be operated at any time.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. A child's unsupervised access to a
vehicle could result in an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
Adjusting the steering wheel
manually
:Release lever;To adjust the steering wheel height=To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)XPush release lever : down completely.
The steering column is unlocked.XAdjust the steering wheel to the desired
position.XPush release lever : up completely.
The steering column is locked.XCheck if the steering column is locked.
When doing so, try to push the steering
wheel up or down or try to move it in the
fore-and-aft direction.Steering wheel99Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

Adjusting the steering wheel
electrically:To adjust the steering wheel height;To adjust the steering wheel position
(fore-and-aft adjustment)
i Other topics:
R EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature
( Y page 100)
R storing settings ( Y page 103)
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT system
Important safety notes
The EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature makes getting
in and out of your vehicle easier.
You can activate and deactivate the EASY-
ENTRY/EXIT feature in the on-board
computer ( Y page 209).
GWARNING
You must make sure no one can become
trapped or injured by the moving steering
wheel when the easy-entry/exit feature is
activated.
To stop steering wheel movement, move
steering wheel adjustment stalk or press the
memory position switch.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Children could open the driver's door and
unintentionally activate the easy-entry/exit
feature, which could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
GWARNING
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in
motion. All steering wheel adjustment must
be completed before setting the vehicle in
motion. Driving off with the steering wheel
still adjusting could cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle.
Position of the steering wheel when the
EASY-ENTRY/EXIT feature is active
The steering wheel swings upwards when
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door and KEYLESS-GO is
in position 1
R open the driver's door and the SmartKey is
in position 0 or 1 in the ignition lock
i The steering wheel only moves upwards if
it has not already reached the upper end
stop.
Position of the steering wheel for
driving
The steering wheel is moved to the last
selected position when:
R the driver's door is closed.
R you insert the SmartKey into the ignition
lock.
or
R you press the Start/Stop button once on
vehicles with KEYLESS-GO.
When you close the driver's door with the
ignition switched on, the steering wheel is
also automatically moved to the previously
set position.
The last position of the steering wheel is
stored after each manual setting or when you
store the setting with the memory function
( Y page 103).
100Steering wheelSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

Crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature
If the crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
triggered in an accident, the steering column
will move upwards when the driver's door is
opened. This occurs irrespective of the
position of the SmartKey in the ignition lock.
This makes it easier to exit the vehicle and
rescue the occupants.
The crash-responsive EASY-EXIT feature is
only operational if the EASY-EXIT/ENTRY
feature is activated in the on-board computer.
Mirrors
Rear-view mirror
Rear-view mirror (manual anti-glare)
Xanti-glare mode: flick anti-glare
switch : forwards or back.
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting the exterior mirrors
GWARNING
Exercise care when using the passenger-side
exterior rear view mirror. The mirror surface
is convex (outwardly curved surface for a
wider field of view). Objects in mirror are
closer than they appear. Check your interior
rear view mirror and glance over your
shoulder before changing lanes.
The exterior mirrors are automatically heated
if the rear window defroster is switched on
and the outside temperature is low.XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.XPress button : for the left-hand exterior
mirror or button ; for the right-hand
exterior mirror.
The indicator lamp in the corresponding
button lights up in red.
The indicator lamp goes out again after
some time. You can adjust the selected
mirror using adjustment button = as long
as the indicator lamp is lit.XPress adjustment button = up, down, to
the right or to the left until the exterior
mirror is set to a position that provides you
with a good overview of traffic conditions.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
electrically
This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
Mirrors101Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

XMake sure that the SmartKey is in position
1 or 2 in the ignition lock.XBriefly press button :.
Both exterior mirrors fold in or out.
i Make sure that the exterior mirrors are
always folded out fully while the vehicle is
in motion, as they may otherwise vibrate.
i If you are driving faster than
9 mph (15 km/h), you can no longer fold in
the exterior mirrors.
Setting the exterior mirrors
This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
If the battery has been disconnected or
completely discharged, the exterior mirrors
must be reset. The exterior mirrors will
otherwise not fold in when you select the
"Fold in mirrors when locking" function in the
on-board computer ( Y page 209).
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 1 in the ignition lock.XBriefly press button :.
Folding the exterior mirrors in or out
automatically
This function is only available in vehicles for
Canada.
If the "Fold in mirrors when locking" function
is activated in the on-board computer
( Y page 209):
R the exterior mirrors fold in automatically as
soon as you lock the vehicle from the
outside.
R the exterior mirrors fold out again
automatically as soon as you unlock the
vehicle and then open the driver's or front-
passenger door.
i The mirrors do not fold out if they have
been folded in manually.
Exterior mirror out of position
If an exterior mirror has been pushed out of
position, proceed as follows:
XVehicles without electrically folding
exterior mirrors: move the exterior mirror
into the correct position manually.XVehicles with electronically folding
mirrors 6
: press the mirror-folding button
( Y page 101) repeatedly until you hear the
mirror engage in position.
The mirror housing is engaged again and
you can adjust the exterior mirrors as usual
( Y page 101).
Automatic anti-glare mirrors
GWARNING
If incident light from headlamps is prevented
from striking the sensor in the rear-view
mirror, for instance, by luggage piled too high
in the vehicle, the mirror's automatic anti-
glare function will not operate.
Incident light could then blind you. This may
distract you from the traffic conditions and,
as a result, you may cause an accident.
The rear-view mirror and the exterior mirror
on the driver's side automatically go into anti-
glare mode if the ignition is switched on and
incident light from headlamps strikes the
sensor in the rear-view mirror.
The mirrors do not go into anti-glare mode if
reverse gear is engaged or the interior lighting
is switched on.
Parking position for the exterior
mirror on the front-passenger side
Setting and storing the parking position
You can position the front-passenger side
exterior mirror in such a way that you can see
the rear wheel on that side as soon as you
6 Canada only102MirrorsSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

engage reverse gear. You can store this
position.XMake sure that the vehicle is stationary and
that the SmartKey is in position 2 in the
ignition lock.XPress button ; for the exterior mirror on
the front-passenger side.XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the preset parking position.XUse adjustment button = to adjust the
exterior mirror to a position that allows you
to see the rear wheel and the curb.
The parking position is stored.
i If you shift the transmission to another
position, the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side returns to the driving
position.
i You can also store the parking position
using memory button M ? .
XMake sure that the SmartKey is in
position 2 in the ignition lock.XWith the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side activated, use
adjustment button = to adjust the
exterior mirror to a position which
allows you to see the rear wheel and
the curb.XPress memory button M ? and one of
the arrows on adjustment button =
within three seconds.
The parking position is stored if the
exterior mirror does not move.If the mirror moves out of position, repeat
the steps.
Calling up a stored parking position
settingXTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XAdjust the exterior mirror on the front-
passenger side with the corresponding
button ( Y page 101).XEngage reverse gear.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves to the stored parking position.
The exterior mirror on the front-passenger
side moves back to its original position:
R as soon as you exceed a speed of 6 mph
(10 km/h)
R about ten seconds after you have
disengaged reverse gear
R if you press button : for the exterior
mirror on the driver's side
Memory function
Storing settings
With the memory function, you can store up
to three different settings, e.g. for three
different people.
The following settings are stored as a single
memory preset:
R position of the seat, backrest and head
restraint
R driver's side: steering wheel position
R driver's side: position of the exterior
mirrors on the driver's and front-passenger
sides
GWARNING
Do not activate the memory function while
driving. Activating the memory function while
driving could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle.
Memory function103Seats, steering wheel and mirrorsZ

XAdjust the seat (Y page 94).XOn the driver's side, adjust the steering
wheel (Y page 100) and the exterior mirrors
( Y page 101).XPress memory button M and one of the
storage position buttons 1, 2 or 3 within
three seconds.
The settings are stored in the selected
preset position. A tone sounds when the
settings have been completed.
Calling up a stored setting
! If you want to move the seat from the fully
reclined position to a stored seat position,
first raise the backrest. The seat could
otherwise be damaged.
XPress and hold the relevant storage
position button 1, 2 or 3 until the seat,
steering wheel and exterior mirrors are in
the stored position.
i The setting procedure is interrupted as
soon as you release the storage position
button.
104Memory functionSeats, steering wheel and mirrors

Useful information ............................106
Exterior lighting ................................ 106
Interior lighting ................................. 112
Replacing bulbs ................................. 113
Windshield wipers ............................116105Lights and windshield wipers

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 24).
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
Information about driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border again.
Light switch
Operation
Depending on the date of manufacture of your
vehicle, the c or à symbol for the
automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps is located on the light switch.
Illustration: light switch with the à symbol for
the automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting4 ÃAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsBRRear fog lampCNFront fog lamps 77
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the fog lamps function.106Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Illustration: light switch with the c symbol for
the automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting4 cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsBRRear fog lampCNFront fog lamps 7
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 109).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
XTurn the light switch to c or à .Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The daytime running lamps function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to c or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P (vehicles with automatic
transmission) or if the parking brake is
applied, the low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps are switched on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
This function is only available on vehicles with
daytime running lamps.
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
XTo activate the daytime running lamps
(vehicles with a luxury multifunction 7 Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the fog lamps function.Exterior lighting107Lights and windshield wipers

steering wheel): you can activate the
daytime running lamps function using the
on-board computer ( Y page 207).XTurn the light switch to c or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
It is only possible to activate the high-beam
headlamps if the brightness of the ambient
light is at a low level.
However, the high-beam flasher can always
be used.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c or
à .
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 8
or the low-beam headlamps
are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
If the light switch is set to c or à , the
low-beam headlamps will not come on
automatically if it is foggy. This could
endanger you and others. Therefore, turn the
light switch to L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
fog lamps function.
GWARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or c or
à .XPress the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or c or
à .
If the light switch is set to c or à ,
the rear fog lamp only lights up if the low-
beam headlamps are on.8 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.108Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers