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

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In this Operator's Manual, you will find the
following symbols:GWARNING
Warning notes draw your attention to hazards
that endanger your health or life, or the health
or life of others.
! These warning notes draw your attention
to hazards that could cause damage to your
vehicle.
i This symbol indicates useful instructions
or further information that could be helpful
to you.XThis symbol designates an
instruction you must follow.XSeveral consecutive symbols
indicate an instruction with several
steps.Y PageThis symbol tells you where you
can find further information on a
topic.YYThis symbol indicates a warning or
an instruction that is continued on
the next page.DisplayThis font indicates a display
message in the multifunction
display/COMAND display.
Parts of the software in the vehicle are
subject to copyright according to ©
2005
The FreeType Project
http://www.freetype.org. All rights
reserved.

Welcome to the world of Mercedes-Benz
Before you drive off, please familiarize
yourself with your vehicle and read this
manual, especially the safety and warning
notes. This will help you to obtain the
maximum pleasure from your vehicle and
avoid endangering yourself and others.
The equipment or model designation of your
vehicle may differ according to:
R model
R order
R country variant
R availability
Mercedes-Benz is constantly updating its
vehicles to the state of the art.
Mercedes-Benz therefore reserves the right
to introduce changes in the following areas:
R design
R equipment
R technical features
Therefore, you cannot base any claims on the
illustrations or text content in this Operator's
Manual.
The following are integral components of the
vehicle:
R Operator's Manual
R Service Booklet
R Equipment-dependent supplements
Keep these documents in the vehicle at all
times. When you sell the vehicle, always pass
the documents on to the new owner.
The technical documentation team at
Daimler AG wishes you safe and pleasant
motoring.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
A Daimler Company2045843582 É2045843582ÇËÍ

COMANDsee separate operating instructions
Combination switch .......................... 109
Compass Calibrating ..................................... 276
Calling up ....................................... 275
Setting ........................................... 275
Consumption statistics (on-board
computer) .......................................... 199
Convenience closing feature .............. 84
Convenience opening feature ............ 84
Coolant (engine) Checking the level .........................280
Display message ............................ 225
Notes ............................................. 350
Temperature (on-board computer) . 210
Temperature gauge ........................ 194
Warning lamp ................................. 247
Cooling
see Climate control
Cornering light function
Changing bulbs .............................. 115
Display message ............................ 222
Function/notes ............................. 110
Crash-responsive emergency
lighting ............................................... 113
Cruise control Cruise control lever .......................160
Deactivating ................................... 161
Display message ............................ 233
Driving system ............................... 159
Function/notes ............................. 159
Important safety notes ..................159
LIM indicator lamp .........................160
Setting a speed .............................. 160
Storing and maintaining current
speed ............................................. 160
Cup holder
Center console .............................. 260
Important safety notes ..................259
Rear compartment .........................260
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 25
Customer Relations Department ....... 25D
Dashboard see Cockpit
Data
see Technical data
Daytime running lamps
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Switching on/off (switch) ..............107
Delayed switch-off
Exterior lighting (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Interior lighting .............................. 208
Digital speedometer ......................... 199
Display (cleaning instructions) ........ 288
Display messages Calling up (on-board computer) .....213
Driving systems ............................. 228
Engine ............................................ 225
General notes ................................ 213
Hiding (on-board computer) ...........213
KEYLESS-GO .................................. 238
Lights ............................................. 222
Safety systems .............................. 214
Service interval display ..................282
SmartKey ....................................... 238
Tires ............................................... 233
Vehicle ........................................... 236
Distance display (on-board
computer) .......................................... 204
Distance recorder ............................. 199
see Odometer
see Trip odometer
Distance warning (warning lamp) .... 249
DISTRONIC PLUS Deactivating ................................... 169
Display message ............................ 231
Displays in the multifunction
display ........................................... 168
Driving tips .................................... 170
Function/notes ............................. 161
Important safety notes ..................161
Setting the specified minimum
distance ......................................... 168
Warning lamp ................................. 249Index7

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

E
EASY-ENTRY feature Activating/deactivating .................209
Function/notes ............................. 100
EASY-EXIT feature
Crash-responsive ........................... 101
Function/notes ............................. 100
Switching on/off ........................... 209
EBD (electronic brake force
distribution) Display message ............................ 216
Function/notes ................................ 64
Electrical fuses
see Fuses
Electronic brake force distribution
see EBD (electronic brake force
distribution)
Electronic Stability Program
see ESP ®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Electronic Traction System
see ETS/4ETS (Electronic
Traction System)
Emergency release
Driver's door .................................... 79
Fuel filler flap ................................. 151
Trunk ............................................... 82
Vehicle ............................................. 79
Emergency spare wheel
Storage location ............................ 293
Emergency Tensioning Devices
Function ........................................... 52
Safety guidelines ............................. 37
Emissions purification
Service and warranty information ....21
Engine
Check Engine warning lamp ........... 246
Display message ............................ 225
Emergency starting ........................305
Engine number ............................... 344
Irregular running ............................ 141
Starting problems ..........................141
Starting the engine with the
SmartKey ....................................... 139
Starting with KEYLESS-GO .............139
Switching off .................................. 153
Engine electronics
Problem (malfunction) ...................141Engine oil
Adding ........................................... 279
Additives ........................................ 349
Checking the oil level ..................... 279
Checking the oil level using the
dipstick .......................................... 279
Display message ............................ 227
Filling capacity ............................... 346
Notes about oil grades ................... 349
Notes on oil level/consumption ....279
Temperature (on-board computer) . 210
Viscosity ........................................ 349
ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program) AMG menu (on-board computer) ...210
Deactivating/activating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 62
Deactivating/activating (except
AMG vehicles) ................................ 204
Deactivating/activating (notes;
except AMG vehicles) ......................62
Display message ............................ 214
ETS/4ETS ........................................ 61
Function/notes ................................ 61
Important safety information ...........61
Warning lamp ................................. 243
ETS/4ETS (Electronic Traction
System) ................................................ 61
Exhaust check ................................... 156
Exhaust tail pipe (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 287
Exterior lighting see Lights
Exterior mirrors
Adjusting ....................................... 101
Dipping (automatic) .......................102
Folding in/out (automatically) .......102
Folding in/out (electrically) ...........101
Folding in when locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 209
Out of position (troubleshooting) ...102
Setting ........................................... 102
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Storing the parking position ..........102
Eyeglasses compartment ................. 255Index9

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

Product information
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion
parts and accessories that have been
approved for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz tests genuine parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories which have
been specifically approved for your vehicle for
their reliability, safety and suitability. Despite
ongoing market research, Mercedes-Benz is
unable to assess other parts. Therefore,
Mercedes-Benz accepts no responsibility for
the use of such parts in Mercedes-Benz
vehicles, even if they have been
independently or officially approved. The use
of non-approved parts could affect your
vehicle's operating safety. Mercedes-Benz
therefore recommends that you use genuine
Mercedes-Benz parts, conversion parts and
accessories that have been approved for the
type of vehicle. Genuine Mercedes-Benz
parts, approved conversion parts and
accessories are available from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Here, you will receive
advice about permissible technical
modifications, and the parts will be
professionally installed.
Operator's Manual
Notes on the Operator's Manual
This Operator's Manual contains a great deal
of helpful information. We urge you to read it
carefully and familiarize yourself with the
vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of
the vehicle, we urge you to follow the
instructions and warnings contained in this
Operator's Manual. Ignoring them could
result in damage to the vehicle or personal
injury to you or others. Vehicle damage
caused by failure to follow instructions is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Vehicle equipment
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. The equipment in your vehicle may
therefore differ from that shown in the
descriptions and illustrations. All the systems
found in your vehicle are listed in the original
purchase agreement of your vehicle. Should
you have any questions concerning
equipment and operation, please consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
The Operating Instructions and the
Maintenance Booklet are important
documents and should be kept in the vehicle.
Service and vehicle operation
Service and literature
Your vehicle is covered under the terms of the
warranties printed in the Service and
Warranty Information booklet. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
exchange or repair any defective parts
originally installed in the vehicle in
accordance with the terms of the following
warranties:
R New Vehicle Limited Warranty
R Emission Systems Warranty
R Emission Performance Warranty
R California, Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island and Vermont Emission
Control Systems Warranty
R State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon
Laws)
Introduction21

On-board diagnostics interfaceGWARNING
If you connect equipment to the on-board
diagnostics interface, it can affect the
operation of the vehicle systems. This can
impair the operating safety of your vehicle
while driving. There is a risk of accident.
Do not connect any equipment to the on-
board diagnostics interface.
GWARNING
Loose equipment or equipment cables which
are connected to the on-board diagnostics
interface can obstruct the area around the
pedals. The equipment or the cables could get
between the pedals in the event of sudden
braking or acceleration. You may then no
longer be able to brake, operate the clutch or
accelerate as intended. There is a risk of
accident.
Do not attach any equipment or cables in the
driver footwell.
Connecting equipment to the on-board
diagnostics interface can lead to emissions
monitoring information being reset. This may
lead to the vehicle failing to meet the
requirements at the next special emissions
test or main inspection.
If the engine is switched off and equipment
on the on-board diagnostic interface is used,
the starter battery may discharge.
The on-board diagnostics interface is only
intended for the connection of diagnostic
equipment at a qualified specialist workshop.
Qualified specialist workshop
An authorized Mercedes-Benz Center is a
qualified specialist workshop. It has the
necessary specialist knowledge, tools and
qualifications to correctly carry out the work
required on your vehicle. This is especially the
case for work relevant to safety.
Observe the notes in the service booklet.
Always have the following work carried out at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center:
R work relevant to safety
R service and maintenance work
R repair work
R alterations, installation work and
modifications
R work on electronic components
Proper use
GWARNING
There are various warning stickers affixed to
your vehicle. Their purpose is to alert you and
others to various dangers. Therefore, do not
remove any warning stickers unless the
sticker clearly states that you may do so.
If you remove any warning stickers, you or
others could fail to recognize certain dangers
and be injured.
The proper use of the vehicle requires that
you familiarize yourself with the following
information and rules:
R safety notes in this Operator's Manual
R technical data in this Operator's Manual
R traffic rules and regulations
R laws and safety standards pertaining to
motor vehicles
Problems with your vehicle
If you should experience a problem with your
vehicle, particularly one that you believe may
affect its safe operation, we urge you to
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
immediately to have the problem diagnosed
and rectified. If the problem is not resolved to
your satisfaction, please discuss the problem
again with a Mercedes-Benz Center or
contact us at one of the following addresses.
24Introduction

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

performed by qualified technicians.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R For your protection and the protection of
others, when scrapping the air bag unit or
ETD, our safety instructions must be
followed. These instructions are available
from any authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
R Given the considerable deployment speed,
required inflation volume, and the material
of the air bags, there is the possibility of
abrasions or other, potentially more serious
injuries resulting from air bag deployment.
If you sell your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz
strongly recommends that you inform the
subsequent owner that the vehicle is
equipped with SRS. Also, refer them to the
applicable section in the Operator's Manual.
Air bags
Important safety notes
GWARNING
Air bags are designed to reduce the incidence
of injuries and fatalities in certain situations:
R frontal impacts (driver's and front-
passenger front air bags and driver's knee
bag)
R side impacts (side impact air bags, window
curtain air bags and pelvis air bags)
However, no system available today can
completely eliminate injuries and fatalities.
When the air bags are deployed, a small
amount of powder is released. The powder
generally does not constitute a health hazard
and does not indicate that there is a fire in the
vehicle. In order to prevent potential
breathing difficulties, you should leave the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you
have any breathing difficulty but cannot get
out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates,
then get fresh air by opening a window or
door.
GWARNING
To reduce the risk of injuries during front air
bag inflation, the driver and front-passenger
must always be seated correctly and have
their seat belts fastened accordingly.
For maximum protection in the event of a
collision, you must always be in the normal
seat position with your back against the
backrest. Fasten your seat belt and make sure
that it is correctly positioned on your body.
Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
R Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
R Move the driver's seat as far back as
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Do not lean your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
R Only hold the steering wheel by the rim.
Placing hands and arms inside the rim can
increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury when the driver front air
bag inflates.
R Adjust the front-passenger seat as far back
as possible from the dashboard when the
seat is occupied.
R Occupants, especially children, should
never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the side
impact air bag inflates. This could result in
38Occupant safetySafety