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

1, 2, 3 ...
115 V socket ...................................... 263
12 V socket see Sockets
4ETS
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
4MATIC (permanent four-wheel
drive) .................................................. 175
4MATIC off-road system ................... 175
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Display message ............................ 214
Function/notes ................................ 59
Important safety notes ....................59
Warning lamp ................................. 242
Activating/deactivating cooling
with air dehumidification ................. 126
Active Blind Spot Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Function/information ....................187
Active Driving Assistance package . 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist Activating/deactivating (on-
board computer) ............................ 205
Display message ............................ 229
Function/information ....................190
Active light function ......................... 110
Active Light System Display message ............................ 224
Active service system PLUS
see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ................................. 64
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Display message ............................ 225
Function/notes ............................. 110
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Additives (engine oil) ........................ 349
Air bags Display message ............................ 221
Front air bag (driver, front
passenger) ....................................... 39
Important safety notes ....................38
Knee bag .......................................... 40
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Pelvis air bag ................................... 41
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Side impact air bag ..........................40
Window curtain air bag ....................42
Air-conditioning system
see Climate control
AIR FLOW ........................................... 127
Air pressure see Tire pressure
Air vents
Glove box ....................................... 132
Important safety notes ..................131
Rear ............................................... 133
Setting ........................................... 131
Setting the center air vents ...........132
Setting the side air vents ...............132
Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Alertness Assistant
see ATTENTION ASSIST
AMG menu (on-board computer) ..... 210
Anti-lock Braking System see ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Anti-Theft Alarm system
see ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Ashtray ............................................... 262
Assistance menu (on-board
computer) .......................................... 204
ASSYST PLUS see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system)
Activating/deactivating ...................67
Function ........................................... 67
Switching off the alarm ....................67
ATTENTION ASSIST
Activating/deactivating .................205
Display message ............................ 228
Function/notes ............................. 182
Audio menu (on-board computer) .... 201
Audio system see separate operating instructions 4Index

Authorized Mercedes-Benz Centersee Qualified specialist workshop
AUTO lights
Display message ............................ 225
see Lights
Automatic headlamp mode .............. 108
Automatic transmission Automatic drive program ...............146
Changing gear ............................... 144
Display message ............................ 236
Driving tips .................................... 144
Emergency running mode ..............149
Kickdown ....................................... 144
Manual drive program ....................147
Problem (malfunction) ...................149
Program selector button ................144
Pulling away ................................... 139
Releasing the parking lock
manually ........................................ 149
Selector lever ................................ 142
Shift ranges ................................... 146
Starting the engine ........................139
Steering wheel paddle shifters ......145
Transmission position display ........143
Transmission positions ..................143
Automatic transmission
emergency mode ............................... 149
B
Back support see Lumbar support
Backup lamp
Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 224
Bag hook ............................................ 258
BAS (Brake Assist System) ................. 59
Basic settings see Settings
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) .................................................... 60
Battery (SmartKey) Checking .......................................... 74
Important safety notes ....................74
Replacing ......................................... 74
Battery (vehicle)
Charging ........................................ 300
Display message ............................ 227
Important safety notes ..................298
Jump starting ................................. 301
Belt
see Seat belts
Blind Spot Assist
Activating/deactivating .................205
Notes/function .............................. 183
see Active Blind Spot Assist
Brake Assist System
see BAS (Brake Assist System)
Brake fluid
Display message ............................ 217
Notes ............................................. 350
Brake fluid level ................................ 282
Brake lamps Changing bulbs .............................. 116
Display message ............................ 223
Brakes
ABS .................................................. 59
BAS .................................................. 59
BAS PLUS ........................................ 60
Brake fluid (notes) .........................350
Display message ............................ 214
Driving tips .................................... 156
High-performance brake system ....158
Important safety notes ..................156
Maintenance .................................. 157
Parking brake ................................ 154
Warning lamp ................................. 241
Breakdown
see Flat tire
see Towing away/tow-starting
Bulbs
see Changing bulbs
C
California Important notice for retail
customers and lessees ....................22
Calling up a malfunction
see Display messages
Capacities
see Technical data
Car
see Vehicle
Index5

DoorsAutomatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Automatic locking (switch) ............... 78
Central locking/unlocking
(SmartKey) ....................................... 70
Control panel ................................... 34
Display message ............................ 237
Emergency locking ........................... 79
Emergency unlocking .......................79
Important safety notes ....................77
Opening (from inside) ......................78
Drinking and driving ......................... 155
Drinks holder see Cup holder
Drive program
Automatic ...................................... 146
Display ........................................... 143
Manual ........................................... 147
SETUP (on-board computer) ..........210
Drive program selector ..................... 145
Driver's door see Doors
Driver's seat
see Seats
Driving abroad
Mercedes-Benz Service .................283
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Driving lamps
see Daytime running lamps
Driving on flooded roads .................. 158
Driving safety systems ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .......59
ADAPTIVE BRAKE ............................. 64
BAS (Brake Assist System) ..............59
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System
PLUS) ............................................... 60
Electronic brake force distribution ...64
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) .......................................... 61
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ........................................... 61
Important safety information ...........59
Overview .......................................... 58
PRE-SAFE ®
Brake ............................. 65Driving systems
Active Blind Spot Assist .................187
Active Driving Assistance
package ......................................... 187
Active Lane Keeping Assist ............190
ATTENTION ASSIST ........................182
Blind Spot Assist ............................ 183
Cruise control ................................ 159
Display message ............................ 228
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 161
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode .................................. 171
HOLD function ............................... 172
Lane Keeping Assist ......................185
Lane Tracking package ..................183
Parking Guidance ........................... 178
PARKTRONIC ................................. 175
RACE START (AMG vehicles) ..........174
Rear view camera .......................... 181
Driving tips
Automatic transmission .................144
Brakes ........................................... 156
Break-in period .............................. 136
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 170
Downhill gradient ........................... 156
Drinking and driving .......................155
Driving abroad ............................... 106
Driving in winter ............................. 158
Driving on flooded roads ................158
Driving on wet roads ......................158
Exhaust check ............................... 156
Fuel ................................................ 155
General .......................................... 155
Hydroplaning ................................. 158
Icy road surfaces ........................... 159
Limited braking efficiency on
salted roads ................................... 157
Pedals ............................................ 155
Snow chains .................................. 313
Symmetrical low beam ..................106
Wet road surface ........................... 156
DVD audio (on-board computer) ...... 202
DVD video (on-board computer) ...... 202
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode ....................................... 1718Index

U
Unlocking Emergency unlocking .......................79
From inside the vehicle (central
unlocking button) ............................. 78
V
Vanity mirror (in sun visor) .............. 260
Vehicle Correct use ...................................... 24
Data acquisition ............................... 25
Display message ............................ 236
Equipment ....................................... 21
Individual settings ..........................206
Limited Warranty ............................. 25
Loading .......................................... 322
Locking (in an emergency) ...............79
Locking (SmartKey) .......................... 71
Lowering ........................................ 297
Maintenance .................................... 22
Parking for a long period ................ 154
Pulling away ................................... 139
Raising ........................................... 295
Reporting problems .........................24
Towing away .................................. 302
Transporting .................................. 304
Unlocking (in an emergency) ...........79
Unlocking (SmartKey) ......................71
Vehicle data ................................... 351
Vehicle battery
see Battery (vehicle)
Vehicle data ....................................... 351
see Technical data
Vehicle dimensions ........................... 351
Vehicle emergency locking ................ 79
Vehicle identification number see VIN
Vehicle identification plate .............. 343
Vehicle tool kit .................................. 292
Video (DVD) ........................................ 202
VIN ...................................................... 343
W
Warning and indicator lamps ABS ................................................ 242
Brakes ........................................... 241
Check Engine ................................. 246
Coolant .......................................... 247
Cruise control ................................ 160
Distance warning ........................... 249
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 249
ESP ®
.............................................. 243
ESP ®
OFF ....................................... 244
Fuel tank ........................................ 246
LIM (DISTRONIC PLUS) ..................164
Overview .......................................... 30
PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF
indicator lamp .................................. 42
Reserve fuel ................................... 246
Seat belt ........................................ 239
SPORT handling mode ...................244
SRS ................................................ 245
Tire pressure monitor ....................250
Warranty ............................................ 343
Washer fluid Display message ............................ 237
see Windshield washer system
Wheel bolt tightening torque ........... 297
Wheel chock ...................................... 294
Wheels
Changing a wheel .......................... 293
Checking ........................................ 311
Cleaning ......................................... 285
Important safety notes ..................310
Interchanging/changing ................334
Mounting a wheel .......................... 296
Removing a wheel ..........................296
Storing ........................................... 335
Tightening torque ........................... 297
Wheel size/tire size .......................335
Window curtain air bag
Display message ............................ 219
Operation ......................................... 42
Windows
Cleaning ......................................... 286
see Side windows
Windshield
Defrosting ...................................... 129
Windshield washer system .............. 281
Notes ............................................. 351
Windshield wipers
Problem (malfunction) ...................119
Rear window wiper ........................117Index19

Warning and indicator lampsFunctionPage:÷ ESP®243M
SPORT handling
mode in AMG vehicles
244
;Distance warning249=ESP ®
OFF243?Brakes (USA only)241ABrakes (Canada only)241BTurn signal109CABS242DSRS245ECheck engine246FunctionPageFTire pressure monitor250GSeat belt239HESP ®
on AMG vehicles243ICoolant247JRear fog lamp108KHigh-beam headlamps109LLow-beam headlamps107MFront fog lamps108NReserve fuel24630Instrument clusterAt a glance

XTo activate/deactivate: press button ;.
If indicator lamp : is lit, operation of the
rear side windows is deactivated.
Operation is only possible using the
switches in the driver's door. If indicator
lamp : is off, operation is possible using
the switches in the rear compartment.
Panic alarm
X To activate: press ! button : for at
least one second.
An alarm sounds and the exterior lighting
flashes.XTo deactivate: press ! button :
again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the ignition lock.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO Start/Stop button.
The KEYLESS-GO key must be in the
vehicle.i USA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
i Canada only:
This device complies with RSS-Gen of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference,
and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
The product label with FCC ID and IC
certification number can be found in the
battery case of the SmartKey.
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems overview
In this section, you will find information about
the following driving safety systems:
R ABS ( Anti-lock Braking System)
R BAS ( Brake Assist System)
R BAS PLUS ( Brake Assist System Plus*)
R ESP ®
(E lectronic Stability Program)
R EBD ( Electronic Brake force Distribution)
R ADAPTIVE BRAKE
R PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
58Driving safety systemsSafety

Important safety notes
If you fail to adapt your driving style, the
driving safety systems can neither reduce the
risk of accident nor override the laws of
physics. Driving safety systems are merely
aids designed to assist driving. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
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 310).
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 59).
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 59).
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.
Driving safety systems59SafetyZ

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.
BAS PLUS (Brake Assist System Plus)
BAS PLUS is only available in vehicles
equipped with DISTRONIC PLUS.
i Observe the "Important safety notes"
section ( Y page 59).
At speeds above approximately
20 mph (30 km/h), BAS PLUS assists you
when braking in hazardous situations and
uses the radar sensor system to evaluate the
traffic conditions.
i This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removal, tampering, or
altering of the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
With the help of the radar sensor system, BAS
PLUS can detect obstacles that are in the
path of your vehicle for an extended period of
time.
At speeds up to approximately
40 mph (70 km/h), BAS PLUS can also detect
stationary obstacles, for example stopped or
parked vehicles.
Should you approach an obstacle and BAS
PLUS has detected a risk of collision, BAS
PLUS calculates the braking force necessary
to avoid a rear-end collision. Should you apply
the brakes forcefully, BAS PLUS can
automatically increase the braking force to a
level suitable for the traffic conditions.
XKeep the brake pedal depressed until the
emergency braking situation is over.
ABS prevents the wheels from locking.
The brakes will work normally again if:
R you release the brake pedal.
R there is no longer any danger of a rear-end
collision.
R no obstacle is detected in front of your
vehicle.
BAS PLUS is then deactivated.
For BAS PLUS to assist you when driving, the
radar sensor system must be switched on and
operational, see "Radar sensor system" in the
index.
GWARNING
BAS PLUS cannot always clearly identify
objects and complex traffic situations. BAS
PLUS cannot intervene in these cases.
There is a risk of an accident. Always pay
careful attention to the traffic situation and be
ready to brake.
In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if there is:
R dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors
R snow or heavy rain
R interference by other radar sources
R the possibility of strong radar reflections,
for example in parking garages
R a narrow vehicle traveling in front, e.g. a
motorbike
R a vehicle traveling in front on a different line
GWARNING
BAS PLUS does not react:
R to people or animals
R to oncoming vehicles
R to crossing traffic
R in curves
As a result, BAS PLUS cannot intervene in
critical situations. There is a risk of an
60Driving safety systemsSafety

arrow until battery tray cover : opens.
When doing so, do not hold cover : shut.XRemove battery tray cover :.XRepeatedly tap the SmartKey against your
palm until battery = falls out.XInsert the new battery with the positive
terminal facing upwards. Use a lint-free
cloth to do so.XMake sure that the surface of the battery is
free from lint, grease and all other forms of
contamination.XInsert the front tabs of battery tray
cover : and then press to close it.XInsert the mechanical key into the
SmartKey.XCheck the function of all SmartKey buttons
on the vehicle.SmartKey75Opening/closingZ

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).
Breaking-in notes
The first 1000 miles (1500 km)
The more you look after the engine when it is
new, the more satisfied you will be with its
performance in the future.
R Drive at varying vehicle speeds and engine
speeds for the first 1000 miles (1500 km)
for this reason.
R Avoid overstraining the vehicle during this
period, e.g. driving at full throttle.
R Change gear in good time, at the latest
when the tachometer needle is 2
/ 3 of the
way to the red area in the tachometer
display.
R If possible, drive in drive program E (in AMG
vehicles in drive program C) for the first
1000 miles (1500 km).
R Do not manually shift to a lower gear to
brake the vehicle.
R If possible, do not depress the accelerator
pedal past the point of resistance
(kickdown).
R Only select shift ranges 3, 2 or 1 when
driving slowly, e.g. in mountainous terrain.
After 1000 miles (1500 km), you can increase
the engine speed gradually and bring the
vehicle up to full speed.
Additional breaking-in notes for AMG
vehicles:
R do not drive faster than 85 mph
(140 km/h) in the first 1000 miles
(1500 km).
R only allow the engine to reach a maximum
engine speed of 4500 rpm briefly.
R change gear in good time.
i You should also observe these notes on
running in if the engine or parts of the drive
train on your vehicle have been replaced.
i Always observe the respective speed
restrictions.
AMG vehicles with rear axle locking
differential
Your vehicle is equipped with a self-locking
differential on the rear axle. For better
protection of the differential on the rear axle,
carry out an oil change after a breaking-in
phase of 2000 miles (3000 km). This oil
change extends the service life of the
differential. Have the oil change carried out
at a qualified specialist workshop. Mercedes-
Benz recommends that you use an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for this purpose.
Driving
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals' range of movement.
Keep the driver's footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the pedals
still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden driving or braking maneuvers
the objects could get caught between the
pedals. You could then no longer brake or
accelerate. This could lead to accidents and
injury.
136DrivingDriving and parking