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

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

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
(definition) ..................................... 332
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) (definition) .........................332
Important safety notes ..................310
Increased vehicle weight due to
optional equipment (definition) ......332
Kilopascal (kPa) (definition) ...........332
Labeling (overview) ........................327
Load bearing index (definition) ......333
Load index ..................................... 330
Load index (definition) ...................332
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
(definition) ..................................... 332
Maximum load on a tire
(definition) ..................................... 333
Maximum permissible tire
pressure (definition) ....................... 333
Maximum tire load .........................325
Maximum tire load (definition) .......333
Optional equipment weight
(definition) ..................................... 333
PSI (pounds per square inch)
(definition) ..................................... 333
Replacing ....................................... 334
Service life ..................................... 311
Sidewall (definition) .......................333
Speed rating (definition) ................332
Storing ........................................... 335
Structure and characteristics
(definition) ..................................... 331
Temperature .................................. 327
TIN (Tire Identification Number)
(definition) ..................................... 333
Tire bead (definition) ......................333
Tire pressure (definition) ................333
Tire pressures (recommended) ......331
Tire size (data) ............................... 335
Tire size designation, load-bearing
capacity, speed rating .................... 328
Tire tread ....................................... 311
Tire tread (definition) .....................333
Total load limit (definition) .............334
Traction ......................................... 326
Traction (definition) .......................334
Tread wear ..................................... 326
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards ...................................... 326Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (definition) ....................331
Unladen weight (definition) ............332
Wear indicator (definition) .............334
Wheel rim (definition) ....................332
see Flat tire
Top Tether ............................................ 56
Towing Important safety guidelines ...........302
Installing the towing eye ................303
Removing the towing eye ...............304
With the rear axle raised ................304
Towing away
With both axles on the ground .......304
Tow-starting
Emergency engine starting ............305
Important safety notes ..................302
Transmission
see Automatic transmission
Transporting the vehicle .................. 304
Trim pieces (cleaning instructions) . 288
Trip computer (on-board
computer) .......................................... 199
Trip meter see Trip odometer
Trip odometer
Calling up ....................................... 199
Resetting (on-board computer) ......200
Trunk
Emergency release ..........................82
Important safety guidelines .............80
Locking separately ...........................82
Opening (automatically from
inside) .............................................. 81
Opening (automatically from
outside) ............................................ 81
Trunk lid
Display message ............................ 236
Opening/closing .............................. 80
Turn signals
Display message ............................ 222
Switching on/off ........................... 109
Type identification plate
see Vehicle identification plate 18Index

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

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

If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
assistance services:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or 1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
Shortly after successfully registering with the
mbrace service, a user ID and password will
be sent to you by post. You can use this
password to log in to the mbrace section
under "Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 19
.
The mbrace system is available if:
R it has been activated and is operational.
R the corresponding mobile phone network
is available for transmitting data to the
Customer Center.
R a service subscription is available.
R the starter battery is sufficiently charged.
i Determining the location of the vehicle on
a map is only possible if there is sufficient
GPS reception and the vehicle position can
be forwarded to the Customer Center.
The mbrace system
The mbrace system provides different
services, e.g.:
R automatic and manual emergency call
R Roadside Assistance call
R MB Info call
To adjust the volume during an mbrace call,
proceed as follows:
XPress the W or X button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XUse the volume controller of the audio
system.You can find further information and a
description of all available features under
"Owners Online" at http://
www.mbusa.com 20
.
System self-test
After you have switched on the ignition, the
system carries out a self-diagnosis.
GWARNING
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if one of the following conditions
occurs:
R the indicator lamp in the SOS button does
not light up during the system self-
diagnosis.
R the indicator lamp in the F Roadside
Assistance button does not light up during
the system self-diagnosis.
R The indicator lamp in the ï information
button does not light up during self-
diagnosis of the system.
R the indicator lamp in the SOS button,
F Roadside Assistance button or ï
information button continues to be lit red
after the system self-diagnosis.
R The Tele Aid Inoperative or Tele Aid
Not Activated message appears in the
multifunction display after the system self-
test.
If a malfunction is indicated as outlined above,
the system may not operate as expected. In
the event of an emergency, assistance must
be summoned by other means.
Have the system checked at the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or contact
the following service hotlines:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center under
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372)
or 1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
19 USA only.
20 USA only.Features265Stowing and featuresZ

Emergency call
Important safety notes
! A license agreement must exist in order
to activate the mbrace service. Ensure that
your system is activated and ready for use,
and press the ï MB Info call button to
register. If any of the steps mentioned is
not carried out, the system may not be
activated.
If you have questions about the activation,
contact one of the following telephone
assistance services:
R USA: Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center under
1-800-FOR-MERCedes
(1-800-367-6372) or 1-888-990-9007
R Canada: Customer Service at
1-888-923-8367
An emergency call is dialed automatically if
an air bag or Emergency Tensioning Device is
triggered.
i An mbrace emergency call that has been
initiated automatically cannot be
terminated by the customer.
An emergency call can also be initiated
manually.
As soon as the emergency call has been
initiated, the indicator lamp in the SOS button
flashes. The Connecting Call message
appears on the multifunction display.
The audio output is muted.
Once a connection has been established, the
Call Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
All important information on the emergency
is transmitted, for example:
R current location of the vehicle (as
determined by the GPS system)
R vehicle identification number
R information on the type of emergency
Shortly after the emergency call has been
initiated, a voice connection is automatically
established between the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center and the vehicle
occupants. If the vehicle occupants respond,
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center attempts to get more information on
the emergency.
i If no vehicle occupant answers, an
ambulance is immediately sent to the
vehicle.GWARNING
If the indicator lamp in the SOS button is
flashing continuously and no voice
connection to the Mercedes-Benz Customer
Assistance Center was established, then the
mbrace system could not initiate an
emergency call (e.g. the relevant cellular
phone network is not available).
The message Call Failed appears in the
multifunction display for approximately
10 seconds.
Should this occur, assistance must be
summoned by other means.
Making an emergency call
XTo initiate an emergency call
manually: press cover : briefly to open
it.XPress SOS button ; briefly.
The indicator lamp in SOS button ;
flashes until the emergency call is
concluded.266FeaturesStowing and features

XWait for a voice connection to the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center.XAfter the emergency call is ended, close
cover :.GWARNING
If you feel in any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle,
vehicle in a dangerous road location), please
do not wait for voice contact after you have
pressed the SOS button. Carefully leave the
vehicle and move to a safe location. The
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center
will automatically contact local emergency
officials with the vehicle's approximate
location if they receive an automatic SOS
signal and cannot make voice contact with the
vehicle occupants.
Roadside Assistance button
XPress and hold Roadside Assistance
button : for more than two seconds.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center. The indicator
lamp in Roadside Assistance button :
flashes while the call is active. The
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display. The audio output is
muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a cellular phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
i The display of the audio system or
COMAND shows that an mbrace call is
active. During the call, you can change to
the navigation menu by pressing the NAVI
button on COMAND, for example.
Voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants.XDescribe the type of assistance needed.
The Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center either sends a qualified Mercedes-
Benz technician or organizes for your vehicle
to be transported to the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You may be charged
for services such as repair work and/or
towing. Further details are available in your
mbrace manual.
i The mbrace system failed to initiate a
Roadside Assistance call if:
R the indicator lamp in Roadside
Assistance button : is flashing
continuously.
R no voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established.
This may be because the corresponding
mobile phone network is not available.
The Call Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.
XTo end a call: press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the audio system or on
COMAND.Features267Stowing and featuresZ

MB Info call buttonXPress and hold MB Info call button : for
more than two seconds.
This initiates a call to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center. The indicator
lamp in MB Info call button : flashes while
the connection is being established. The
Connecting Call message appears in the
multifunction display. The audio output is
muted.
If a connection can be established, the Call
Connected message appears in the
multifunction display.
If a cellular phone network is available and
there is sufficient GPS reception, the mbrace
system transmits data to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center, for example:
R current location of the vehicle
R vehicle identification number
i The display of the audio system or
COMAND shows that an mbrace call is
active. During the call, you can change to
the navigation menu by pressing the NAVI
button on COMAND, for example.
Voice output is not available.
A voice connection is established between
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center and the vehicle occupants. You can
obtain information on how to operate your
vehicle's systems, on the location of the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center,
and on further products and services offered
by Mercedes-Benz USA.
Further details on the mbrace system can be
found under http://www.mbusa.com 21
.
Log in under "Owners Online".
i The mbrace system failed to initiate an
MB Info call if:
R the indicator lamp in MB Info call
button : is flashing continuously.
R no voice connection to the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center was
established.
This may be because the corresponding
mobile phone network is not available.
The Call Failed message appears in the
multifunction display.XTo end a call: press the ~ button on the
multifunction steering wheel.
or
XPress the corresponding button for ending
a phone call on the audio system or on
COMAND.
Call priority
When service calls are active, e.g. Roadside
Assistance or MB Info calls, an emergency
call can still be initiated. In this case, an
emergency call will take priority and override
all other active calls.
The indicator lamp of the respective button
flashes until the call is ended. An emergency
call can only be terminated by the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center. All other
calls can be ended by pressing the ~
button on the multifunction steering wheel or
the corresponding button for ending a
telephone call on the audio system or on
COMAND.
i If an mbrace call is initiated, audio output
is muted. The mobile phone is no longer
connected to COMAND. However, if you
want to use your mobile phone, we
21 USA only.268FeaturesStowing and features

Rlug wrench
R towing eye
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel
The "Minispare" emergency spare wheel can
be found in the stowage well under the trunk
floor.
XLift the trunk floor up ( Y page 258).XRemove tool kit tray :.XTurn stowage well ; counterclockwise
and remove it.XRemove "Minispare" emergency spare
wheel =.
For further information on changing a wheel
and mounting the spare wheel, see
( Y page 293).
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
"Minispare" emergency spare wheel or
MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat
properties) ( Y page 297).
i Vehicle preparation is not necessary on
vehicles with MOExtended tires.
XStop the vehicle as far away as possible
from traffic on solid, non-slippery and level
ground.XSwitch on the hazard warning lamps.XFirmly depress the parking brake.XBring the front wheels into the straight-
ahead position.XVehicles with manual transmission:
engage first or reverse gear.XVehicles with automatic transmission:
move the selector lever to P.XSwitch off the engine.XVehicles without KEYLESS-GO: remove
the SmartKey from the ignition lock.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: open the
driver's door.
The on-board electronics have status 0,
which is the same as the SmartKey having
been removed.XVehicles with KEYLESS-GO: remove the
Start/Stop button from the ignition lock
( Y page 137).XAll occupants must get out of the vehicle.
Make sure that they are not endangered as
they do so.XMake sure that no one is near the danger
area while a wheel is being changed.
Anyone who is not directly assisting in the
wheel change should, for example, stand
behind the barrier.XGet out of the vehicle. Pay attention to
traffic conditions when doing so.XClose the driver's door.
Changing a wheel and mounting the
spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
GWARNING
The wheel and tire size of the emergency
spare wheel/spare wheel may differ to that of
the damaged wheel. When using an
emergency spare wheel/spare wheel the
handling characteristics of the vehicle may
change.
Adapt your style of driving accordingly.
Flat tire293Breakdown assistanceZ