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

CareCarpets .......................................... 289
Car wash ........................................ 284
Display ........................................... 288
Exterior lights ................................ 287
Gear or selector lever ....................288
Matte finish ................................... 285
Notes ............................................. 283
Paint .............................................. 285
Plastic trim .................................... 288
Power washer ................................ 284
Rear view camera .......................... 287
Roof lining ...................................... 289
Seat belt ........................................ 289
Seat cover ..................................... 288
Sensors ......................................... 287
Steering wheel ............................... 288
Tail pipes ....................................... 287
Trim pieces .................................... 288
Washing by hand ........................... 284
Wheels ........................................... 285
Windows ........................................ 286
Wiper blades .................................. 286
Wooden trim .................................. 288
Cargo tie down rings ......................... 258
Car wash (care) ................................. 284
CD player/CD changer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 202
Cell phone see Mobile phone
Center console ..................................... 32
Central locking Automatic locking (on-board
computer) ...................................... 208
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........70
Changing bulbs
Brake lamps ................................... 116
Cornering light function .................115
High-beam headlamps ...................115
Important safety notes ..................113
Low-beam headlamps ....................114
Overview of bulb types ..................114
Parking lamps ................................ 115
Reversing lamps ............................ 116
Standing lamps (front) ...................115
Child-proof locks
Important safety notes ....................57
Rear doors ....................................... 57Children
In the vehicle ................................... 53
Restraint systems ............................ 53
Child seat
LATCH-type (ISOFIX) child seat
anchors ............................................ 55
Special seat belt retractor ...............55
Top Tether ....................................... 56
Cigarette lighter ................................ 262
Climate control Automatic climate control (3-
zone) .............................................. 125
Controlling automatically ...............127
Cooling with air dehumidification ..126
Defrosting the windows .................130
Defrosting the windshield ..............129
Dual-zone automatic climate
control ........................................... 123
Important safety notes ..................122
Indicator lamp ................................ 127
Maximum cooling .......................... 130
Notes on using automatic climate
control ................................... 124, 126
Overview of systems ......................122
Problems with cooling with air
dehumidification ............................ 127
Problem with the rear window
defroster ........................................ 130
Rear control panel .........................125
Refrigerant ..................................... 350
Setting the air distribution .............128
Setting the airflow .........................129
Setting the air vents ......................131
Setting the climate mode (AIR
FLOW) ............................................ 127
Setting the temperature ................128
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ............................................ 130
Switching on/off ........................... 126
Switching residual heat on/off ......131
Switching the rear window
heating on/off ............................... 130
Switching the ZONE function on/
off .................................................. 129
Cockpit
Overview .......................................... 28
see Instrument cluster 6Index

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

Cockpit ................................................. 28
Instrument cluster ..............................29
Multifunction steering wheel .............31
Center console .................................... 32
Overhead control panel ......................33
Door control panel .............................. 3427At a glance

Center consoleFunctionPage:Audio system/COMAND;
see the separate operating
instructions;c Seat heating98=s Seat ventilation98?5 PARKTRONIC
(Canada only)
175
A£ Hazard warning
lamps
109
B45 Indicator lamp42Cu Rear window roller
sunblind
261
FunctionPageDM Dynamic driving
package with sports mode
171
EStowage compartment254Ashtray262Cigarette lighter262Power socket263FSelector lever142GCup holder259HStowage compartment254IAudio/COMAND controllerJSelects the drive program14432Center consoleAt a glance

Your vehicle has adaptive, two-stage front air
bags. In the event of a collision, the air bag
control unit evaluates the vehicle
deceleration. In the first deployment stage,
the front air bag is filled with enough
propellant gas to reduce the risk of injuries.
The front air bag is fully deployed if a second
deployment threshold is exceeded within a
few milliseconds.
The deployment of the front-passenger front
air bag is also influenced by the weight
category of the front passenger, which is
determined by the Occupant Classification
System (OCS) ( Y page 42).
The lighter the passenger side occupant, the
higher the vehicle deceleration rate required
(predicted at the start of the impact) for
second stage inflation of the front-passenger
front air bag. In the second stage, the front
air bags are inflated with the maximum
amount of propellant gas available.
The front air bags are not deployed in
situations where a low impact severity is
predicted. You will then be protected by the
fastened seat belt.
The front-passenger front air bag will only
deploy if:
R the system, based on the OCS weight
sensor readings, detects that the front-
passenger seat is occupied.
R the 45 indicator lamp in the center
console is not lit, ( Y page 42).
R the air bag control unit predicts a high
impact severity.Driver's knee bag
Driver's knee bag : provides additional
protection for the driver against:
R knee injuries
R thigh injuries
R lower leg injuries
Driver's knee bag : deploys below the
steering wheel. During a frontal impact, if the
system determines that air bag deployment
can offer additional protection to that
provided by the seat belt, driver's knee
bag : is deployed along with the driver's air
bag. The driver's knee bag : operates best
in conjunction with a properly positioned and
fastened seat belt.
Side impact air bags
GWARNING
The pressure sensors for side impact air bag
control are located in the doors. Do not
modify any components of the doors or door
trim panels including, for example, the
addition of door speakers.
Improper repair work on the doors or the
modification or addition of components to the
doors create a risk of rendering the side
impact air bags inoperative or causing
unintended air bag deployment. Work on the
doors must therefore only be performed by
qualified technicians. Contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
40Occupant safetySafety

Problems with the transmissionProblemPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsThe transmission has
problems shifting gear.The transmission is losing oil.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.The acceleration ability
is deteriorating.
The transmission no
longer changes gear.The transmission is in emergency mode.
It is only possible to shift into second gear and reverse gear.XStop the vehicle.XShift the transmission to position P.XSwitch off the engine.XWait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine.XShift the transmission to position D or R.
If D is selected, the transmission shifts into second gear; if R is
selected, the transmission shifts into reverse gear.XHave the transmission checked at a qualified specialist
workshop, e.g. an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
immediately.Releasing the parking lock manually
In the event of an electrical malfunction, it is
possible to release the selector lever lock
manually to move it out of position P, e.g. if
you wish to tow the vehicle away.
! Do not use any sharp-edged objects to
remove the selector lever gaiter from the
center console. This could damage the
selector lever gaiter.
XApply the parking brake.XPry off selector lever gaiter : with a flat,
blunt object, (e.g. a screwdriver wrapped in
cloth) from the right-hand edge, pulling it
up and out.XPress release buttons ; down and
simultaneously move the selector lever out
of position P.
The selector lever can now be moved freely
until it is returned to position P.
Transfer case
This section is only valid for vehicles with 4-
wheel drive (4MATIC). Power is always
transmitted to both axles.
! Performance tests may only be carried
out on a 2-axle dynamometer. The brake
system or transfer case could otherwise be
damaged. Contact a qualified specialist
workshop for a performance test.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you use
Automatic transmission149Driving and parkingZ

XStop as soon as you hear a warning tone,
The vehicle has reached the position in
which you need to countersteer.
The Please steer to the left or
Please steer to the right message
appears in the multifunction display.XCountersteering: while the vehicle is
stationary, turn the steering wheel in the
specified direction until the arrow is white
and a warning tone sounds.XTo reverse into the parking space:
maintain the steering wheel angle and
reverse carefully.XStop as soon as you hear a warning tone,
at the latest when PARKTRONIC sounds the
continuous warning tone.
The Parking Guidance finished
message appears in the multifunction
display and a warning tone sounds. You
may be asked to steer in a different
direction and then change gear. In this
case, further displays in the multifunction
display will direct you to the final position.XManeuver if necessary.XAlways observe the warning messages
displayed by PARKTRONIC ( Y page 177).
Canceling Parking Guidance
XPress the PARKTRONIC button on the
center console ( Y page 177).
Parking Guidance is canceled immediately
and PARKTRONIC is deactivated.
Parking Guidance is canceled automatically if
it is no longer possible to guide you into the
parking space, or if a malfunction occurs.
The parking space symbol goes out and a
warning tone sounds. The Parking
Guidance Canceled message appears in the
multifunction display.
Rear view camera
Important safety notes
The rear view camera is an optical parking aid.
It shows the area behind your vehicle in the
COMAND display.
GWARNING
Make sure that no persons or animals are in
the maneuvering range. Otherwise, they
could be injured.
The rear view camera is located in the handle
strip of the trunk lid.
:Rear view camera
View through the camera
The area behind the vehicle is displayed in a
mirror-inverted manner, as in the rear-view
mirror.
GWARNING
The rear view camera is only an aid and may
display obstacles
R from a distorted perspective
R inaccurately
R may not display obstacles at all
The rear view camera does not relieve you of
the responsibility to be cautious. Take care
and pay careful attention. The rear view
camera may not show objects which are
R very close to the rear bumper
R under the rear bumper
R above the trunk handle
Driving systems181Driving and parkingZ

thrown around in the vehicle interior. Objects
thrown around in the vehicle interior may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Cup holder in the front-compartment
center console:Cup holders
Cup holder in the rear seat armrest
! Do not sit on or support your body weight
on the rear seat armrest when it is folded
down, as you could otherwise damage it.
! Close the cup holder before folding the
rear seat armrest up. Otherwise, the cup
holder could be damaged.
XFold down the rear seat armrest.XTo open: raise the rear seat armrest cover.XPress release catch :.
Cup holder ; folds out forwards.XSwing the rear seat armrest cover back
down, if necessary.XTo close: raise the rear seat armrest cover.
Swing cup holder ; back until it engages.
Sun visors
Overview of sun visors
GWARNING
Do not use the vanity mirror while driving.
Keep the vanity mirrors in the sun visors
closed while the vehicle is in motion.
Reflected glare can endanger you and others.
:Mirror light;Bracket=Retaining clip, e.g. for a car park ticket?Vanity mirrorAMirror cover
Vanity mirror in the sun visor
Mirror light : only functions if the sun visor
is clipped into retainer ; and mirror cover
A has been folded up.
Glare from the side
XFold down the sun visor.XPull the sun visor out of retainer ;.XSwing the sun visor to the side.260FeaturesStowing and features

XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo extend or retract: briefly press
button :.
The roller sunblind fully extends or fully
retracts.
Ashtray
Ashtray in the front-compartment
center console
i You can remove the ashtray insert and
use the resulting compartment for
stowage.
! The stowage space under the ashtray is
not heat resistant. Before placing lit
cigarettes in the ashtray, make sure that
the ashtray is properly engaged. Otherwise,
the stowage space could be damaged.
XTo open: slide cover : forwards until it
engages.XTo remove insert: hold insert = by the
ribbing at the sides and lift it up ; and out.XTo re-install the insert: press insert =
into the holder until it engages.XTo close: press cover : briefly at the
front.
The cover moves back.
Ashtray in the rear-compartment center
console
XTo open: pull cover ; out by its top edge.XTo remove the insert: press release
button = and lift the insert up and out.XTo install the insert: put insert : from
above into the holder and press down into
the holder until it engages.
Cigarette lighter
GWARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take
the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave children unattended in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, 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. The children
could:
R injure themselves on parts of the vehicle
R be seriously or fatally injured through
excessive exposure to extreme heat or cold
R injure themselves or cause an accident with
vehicle equipment that can be operated
262FeaturesStowing and features

even if the SmartKey is removed from the
ignition lock or removed from the vehicle,
such as seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment, or the memory function
If children open a door, they could injure other
persons or get out of the vehicle and injure
themselves or be injured by following traffic.
Do not expose the child restraint system to
direct sunlight. The child restraint system's
metal parts, for example, could become very
hot, and the child could be burned on these
parts.GWARNING
Never touch the heating element or sides of
the lighter; they are extremely hot. Hold the
knob only.
Make sure any children traveling with you do
not injure themselves or start a fire with the
hot cigarette lighter.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
ignition lock.XTo open: slide cover : forwards until it
engages.XPress in cigarette lighter ;.
Cigarette lighter ; will pop out
automatically when the heating element is
red-hot.XTo close: press cover : briefly at the
front.
The cover moves back.12 V sockets
Points to observe before use
The sockets can be used for accessories, e.g.
lamps or mobile phone chargers with a
maximum current draw of 180 W (15 A).
If you use the sockets for long periods when
the engine is switched off, the battery may
discharge.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 1 in the
ignition lock.
i An emergency cut-out ensures that the
on-board voltage does not drop too low. If
the on-board voltage is too low, the power
to the sockets is automatically cut. This
ensures that there is sufficient power to
start the engine.
Socket in the rear-compartment center
console
XPull cover ; out by its top edge.XLift up the cover of socket :.
115 V power socket
GWARNING
The 115V AC socket operates at high voltage.
Use the 115V AC socket in the vehicle with
the same caution and prudence that you
exercise when using power outlets at home.
Keep any fluids away from the 115V AC
socket. Do not clean the socket with fluids or
tapered objects. Keep the 115V AC socket
Features263Stowing and featuresZ