change wheel 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

GWARNING
The SRS self-check has detected a
malfunction if the 6 SRS warning lamp:
R does not come on at all
R fails to go out approximately 4 seconds
after the engine was started
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving
For your safety, Mercedes-Benz strongly
recommends that you have the system
checked as soon as possible at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. Otherwise the SRS
may not be activated when it is needed in an
accident, which could result in serious or fatal
injury. The SRS might also deploy
unexpectedly and unnecessarily which could
also result in injury.
In addition, improper work on the SRS creates
a risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment. Work
on the SRS must therefore only be performed
by qualified technicians. Contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is necessary to modify an air bag system
to accommodate a person with disabilities,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for details. USA only: Call our Customer
Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) for details.
Safety guidelines for seat belts,
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and air bags
GWARNING
R Damaged seat belts or seat belts that have
been subjected to stress in an accident
must be replaced. Their anchoring points
must also be checked. Only use seat belts
installed or supplied by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
R Air bags and pyrotechnic Emergency
Tensioning Devices (ETDs) contain
perchlorate material, which may require
special handling and regard for the
environment. Check your national disposal
guidelines. California residents, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/
Perchlorate/index.cfm .
R Air bags and ETDs are designed to function
on a one-time-only basis. An air bag or ETD
that has deployed must be replaced.
R Do not pass seat belts over sharp edges.
They could tear.
R Do not make any modification that could
change the effectiveness of the seat belts.
R Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.
R No modifications of any kind may be made
to any components or wiring of the SRS.
R Do not change or remove any component
or part of the SRS.
R Do not install additional trim material, seat
covers, badges, etc. over the steering
wheel hub, front-passenger front air bag
cover, outer sides of the seat backrests,
door trim panels, or door frame trims.
R Do not install additional electrical/
electronic equipment on or near SRS
components and wiring.
R Keep area between air bags and occupants
free of objects (e.g. packages, purses,
umbrellas, etc.).
R Do not hang items such as coat hangers
from the coat hooks or handles over the
door. These items may be thrown around in
the vehicle and cause head and other
injuries when the window curtain air bag is
deployed.
R Air bag system components will be hot after
an air bag has inflated. Do not touch them.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R Improper repair work on the SRS creates a
risk of rendering the SRS inoperative or
causing unintended air bag deployment.
Work on the SRS must therefore only beOccupant safety37SafetyZ

Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
Unlocking and opening doors from
inside
You can open a door from inside the vehicle
even if it has been locked. You can only open
the rear doors from inside the vehicle if they
are not secured by the child-proof locks
( Y page 57).
Only open the door when the traffic situation
permits.
If the vehicle was previously locked with the
SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, opening the
vehicle from the inside will activate the anti-
theft alarm system. Switch off the alarm
( Y page 67).
XPull door handle ;.
If the door is locked, locking knob : pops
up. The door is unlocked and can be
opened.
Centrally locking and unlocking the
vehicle from the inside
You can centrally lock or unlock the vehicle
from the inside.
The central locking/unlocking button does
not lock or unlock the fuel filler flap.
i You cannot unlock the vehicle centrally
from the inside if the vehicle has been
locked with the SmartKey or KEYLESS-GO.
i It is only possible to lock the vehicle
centrally if the front-passenger door is
closed.XTo unlock: press button :.XTo lock: press button ;.
If the front-passenger door is closed, the
vehicle locks.
You can open a front door from inside the
vehicle even if it has been locked. Only open
the door when the traffic situation permits.
If the vehicle has been locked with the central
locking button:
R and the SmartKey is set to its factory
setting, the entire vehicle is unlocked if a
front door is opened from the inside
R and the SmartKey is set to an individual
setting, only the front door that is opened
from inside the vehicle is unlocked.
If the vehicle has been locked centrally with
the SmartKey or with KEYLESS-GO, it is not
unlocked when the release button for the
central locking is used.
Automatic locking feature
The vehicle locks automatically when the
ignition is switched on and the wheels of the
78DoorsOpening/closing

XTurn the mechanical key clockwise as far
as it will go to position 1.XTurn the mechanical key back and remove
it.XMake sure that the doors and the trunk lid
are locked.XInsert the mechanical key into the
SmartKey.
i If you lock the vehicle as described above,
the fuel filler flap is not locked. The anti-
theft alarm system is not armed.
Trunk
Important safety notes
Do not leave the SmartKey in the trunk. You
could otherwise lock yourself out.
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 unsupervised in the
vehicle, even if they are secured in a child
restraint system, and do not give them access
to an unlocked vehicle. A child's unsupervised
access to a vehicle could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury. They could:
R injure themselves on vehicle parts
R be seriously or fatally injured by extreme
heat or cold
R injure themselves or have an accident with
vehicle equipment that may still be in
operation even after the SmartKey has
been removed from the ignition, such as the
seat adjustment, steering wheel
adjustment or memory function.
If children open a door, they could cause
severe or even fatal injury to other persons; if
they get out of the vehicle, they could injure
themselves when doing so or be seriously or
even fatally injured by any passing 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 a child could be burned on these
parts.GWARNING
Do not carry heavy or hard objects in the
passenger compartment or trunk unless they
are firmly secured in place.
Unsecured or improperly positioned cargo
increases a child's risk of injury in the event
of
R strong braking maneuvers
R sudden changes of direction
R an accident
GWARNING
Make sure the trunk lid is closed when the
engine is running and while driving. Among
other dangers, deadly carbon monoxide (CO)
gases may enter the vehicle interior resulting
in unconsciousness and death.
! The trunk lid swings upwards when
opened. Therefore, make sure that there is
sufficient clearance above the trunk lid.
To open the trunk lid completely, a minimum
clearance of 5.90 ft (1.80 m) above the
ground is necessary.
The trunk lid can be:
R opened and closed manually from outside
R opened automatically from outside
R opened automatically from inside
R locked separately
80TrunkOpening/closing

The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down severely from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.XTo switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button :.
All turn signals flash. If you now switch on
a turn signal using the combination switch,
only the turn signal lamp on the
corresponding side of the vehicle will flash.XTo switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button :.
The hazard warning lamps are deactivated
automatically if the vehicle returns to a speed
of over 6 mph (10 km/h) after a full
application of the brakes.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off.
Active light function
The active light function is a system that
moves the headlamps according to the
steering movements of the front wheels. In
this way, relevant areas remain illuminated
while driving. This allows you to recognize
pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
Active: when the lights are switched on.
Cornering light function
The cornering light function improves the
illumination of the road over a wide angle in
the direction you are turning, enabling better
visibility in tight bends, for example. It can
only be activated when the low-beam
headlamps are switched on.
Active:
R if you are driving at speeds below
25 mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signals or turn the steering wheel.
R if you are driving at speeds between
25 mph (40 km/h) and
45 mph (70 km/h) or turn the steering
wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position.
The cornering light function may remain lit for
a short time, but is automatically switched off
after no more than three minutes.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
You can use this function to set the
headlamps to change between low beam and
high beam automatically. The system
recognizes vehicles with their lights on, either
approaching from the opposite direction or
traveling in front of your vehicle, and
consequently switches the headlamps from
high beam to low beam.
110Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

ANeutral
Do not shift the transmission to N
while driving. The transmission
could otherwise be damaged.
No power is transmitted from the
engine to the drive wheels.
Releasing the brakes will allow you
to move the vehicle freely, e.g. to
push it or tow it.
If ESP ®
is deactivated or faulty:
only shift the transmission to
position N if the vehicle is in danger
of skidding, e.g. on icy roads.
! Rolling in neutral N can damage
the drive train.7Drive
The automatic transmission
changes gear automatically. All
forward gears are available.
Changing gear
The automatic transmission shifts to the
individual gears automatically when it is in
transmission position D. This automatic
gearshifting behavior is determined by:
R a shift range restriction, if selected
R the selected drive program ( Y page 144)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
R the road speed
Driving tips
AMG vehicles
When shifting down, the double-clutch
function is active regardless of the currently
selected drive program. The double-clutch
function reduces load change reactions and
is conducive to a sporty driving style. The
sound generated by the double-clutch
function depends on the drive program
selected.
Kickdown
Use kickdown for maximum acceleration.
XVehicles for USA (except AMG
vehicles): fully depress the accelerator
pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada and AMG vehicles:
depress the accelerator pedal beyond the
pressure point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
Working on the vehicle
GWARNING
When working on the vehicle, engage the
parking brake and shift the automatic
transmission into park position P. Otherwise
the vehicle could roll away which could result
in an accident and/or serious personal injury.
Program selector button
General information
The program selector button allows you to
choose between different driving
characteristics.
Example: program selector button
144Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

E EconomyComfortable, economical
drivingS SportSporty driving styleM ManualManual gearshifting
i
For further information on the automatic
drive program, see ( Y page 146).
Only change from automatic drive program
E or S to manual drive program M when the
vehicle is stationary.
XPress program selector button :
repeatedly until the letter for the desired
gearshift program appears in the
multifunction display.
i When the engine is started, the automatic
transmission always switches to automatic
drive program E (drive program C in AMG
vehicles).
AMG vehicles
Drive program selector with manual drive program
C Controlled
EfficiencyComfortable, economical
drivingS SportSporty driving styleS+ SportPlusExtremely sporty driving
styleM ManualManual gearshiftingRS RACE
STARTOptimal vehicle
acceleration from a
standstilli For further information on the automatic
drive program, see ( Y page 146).
Only change from automatic drive program C,
S or S+ to manual drive program M when the
vehicle is stationary.XTurn drive program selector : until the
desired drive program appears in the
multifunction display in the speedometer.
The drive program indicator on drive
program selector : lights up in red.
i
The automatic transmission shifts to
automatic drive program C each time the
engine is started.
i RS cannot be selected during normal
driving. For further information on RACE
START, see ( Y page 174).
Steering wheel paddle shifters
:Left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter;Right-hand steering wheel paddle shifter
In the automatic drive program, you can
restrict or derestrict the shift range by using
the steering wheel paddle shifters
( Y page 146).
In the manual drive program, you can change
gear using the steering wheel paddle shifters
or the selector lever ( Y page 147).
i You can only change gear with the
steering wheel paddle shifters when the
transmission is in position D.
Automatic transmission145Driving and parkingZ

Clearing the shift range restrictionXPress and hold the selector lever towards
D+ until D is shown once more in the
multifunction display.
or
XPull and hold the right-hand steering wheel
paddle shifter until D is shown again in the
multifunction display.
The automatic transmission shifts from the
current shift range directly to D.
Selecting the ideal shift range
XPress the selector lever to the left towards
D– and hold it in position.
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter and hold it in position.
The automatic transmission shifts to the
gear which allows optimum acceleration
and deceleration. To do this, the automatic
transmission shifts down one or more
gears.
Manual drive program
Switching on the manual drive program
The manual drive program is only available for
vehicles with the dynamic handling package
and for AMG vehicles.
Manual drive program M is different from
drive program S (in AMG vehicles, drive
programs S and S+) with regard to
spontaneity, responsiveness and
smoothness of gear changes.
Manual drive program M can be selected
using the drive program selector or the
program selector button. You can change
gears using the steering wheel paddle shifters
or the selector lever in manual drive program
M if the transmission is in position D.
XPress the program selector button
( Y page 144) repeatedly until M appears in
the multifunction display.XAMG vehicles: turn the drive program
selector (Y page 145) until M appears in the
multifunction display.
The indicator M on the drive program
selector lights up in red.
Upshifting
i Vehicles with the dynamic handling
package : if the maximum engine speed for
the shift range is reached and you continue
to accelerate, the automatic transmission
shifts up, except when manual drive
program M is selected.
XBriefly press the selector lever to the right
towards D+.
or
XPull the right-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 145).
The automatic transmission shifts up to the
next gear.
Vehicles with AMG engines
! In manual drive program M, the automatic
transmission does not shift up
automatically even when the engine
limiting speed for the current gear is
reached. When the engine limiting speed is
reached, the fuel supply is cut to prevent
the engine from overrevving. Always make
sure that the engine speed does not reach
the red area of the tachometer. There is
otherwise a risk of engine damage.
Before the engine speed reaches the red area,
an upshift indicator appears in the
multifunction display.
:Gear indicator;Upshift indicatorAutomatic transmission147Driving and parkingZ

DownshiftingXBriefly press the selector lever to the left
towards D–.
or
XPull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter ( Y page 145).
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
i If you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission
will shift down to a gear that will allow the
vehicle to accelerate or pull away again.
i Vehicles with the dynamic handling
package : to avoid overrevving the engine
when downshifting, the automatic
transmission does not shift to a lower gear
if this would result in the maximum engine
speed being exceeded.
i For maximum acceleration, push the
selector lever to the left or pull and hold the
left-hand steering wheel paddle shifter until
the transmission shifts to the optimal gear
for the current speed.
Kickdown
i Vehicles with an AMG engine: it is not
possible to use kickdown in manual drive
program M.
You can also use kickdown for maximum
acceleration in manual drive program M.
XVehicles for USA: fully depress the
accelerator pedal.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.XVehicles for Canada: depress the
accelerator pedal beyond the pressure
point.
The transmission shifts to a lower gear
depending on the engine speed.
i During kickdown, you cannot change gear
using the steering wheel paddle shifters or
the selector lever.
Switching off the manual drive programXVehicles with the dynamic handling
package: press the program selector
button ( Y page 144). M is no longer shown
in the multifunction display.XAMG vehicles: turn the drive program
selector ( Y page 145) until C, S or S+
appears in the multifunction display.148Automatic transmissionDriving and parking

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