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

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

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

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

High-beam headlamps ...................109
Light switch ................................... 106
Low-beam headlamps ....................107
Parking lamps ................................ 106
Rear fog lamp ................................ 108
Switching Adaptive Highbeam
Assist on/off ................................. 207
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (on-board
computer) ...................................... 207
Switching the daytime running
lamps on/off (switch) ....................107
Switching the exterior lighting
delayed switch-off on/off (on-
board computer) ............................ 207
Switching the surround lighting
on/off (on-board computer) ..........207
Turn signals ................................... 109
see Changing bulbs
see Interior lighting
Light sensor (display message) ....... 225
LIM indicator lamp Cruise control ................................ 160
DISTRONIC PLUS ........................... 164
Loading guidelines ............................ 254
Locking see Central locking
Locking (doors)
Automatic ........................................ 78
Emergency locking ........................... 79
From inside (central locking
button) ............................................. 78
Locking centrally
see Central locking
Locking verification signal (on-
board computer) ............................... 208
Low-beam headlamps Changing bulbs .............................. 114
Display message ............................ 222
Setting for driving abroad
(symmetrical) ................................. 106
Switching on/off ........................... 107
Lumbar support
Adjusting ......................................... 97
Adjusting the 4-way lumbar
support ............................................ 97
Luxury head restraints ....................... 96M
M+S tires ............................................ 312
Maintenance see ASSYST PLUS service interval
display
Malfunction message
see Display messages
Matte finish (cleaning
instructions) ...................................... 285
mbrace Call priority .................................... 268
Display message ............................ 218
Downloading destinations
(COMAND) ..................................... 269
Emergency call .............................. 266
Important safety notes ..................264
Locating a stolen vehicle ...............270
MB info call button ........................268
Remote vehicle locking ..................270
Roadside Assistance button ..........267
Search & Send ............................... 269
Self-test ......................................... 265
System .......................................... 265
Vehicle remote unlocking ..............269
Mechanical key
Function/notes ................................ 73
Locking vehicle ................................ 79
Unlocking the driver's door ..............79
Memory card (audio) ......................... 202
Memory function ............................... 103
Message memory (on-board
computer) .......................................... 213
Messages see Display messages
Mirrors
see Exterior mirrors
see Rear-view mirror
see Vanity mirror
Mobile phone
Menu (on-board computer) ............202
Modifying the programming
(SmartKey) ........................................... 73
MOExtended run-flat system ........... 297
MP3 Operation ....................................... 202
see separate operating instructions 12Index

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

Useful information
i This Operator's Manual describes all
models and all standard and optional
equipment of your vehicle available at the
time of publication of the Operator's
Manual. Country-specific differences are
possible. Please note that your vehicle may
not be equipped with all features
described. This also applies to safety-
related systems and functions.
i Please read the information on qualified
specialist workshops ( Y page 24).
Exterior lighting
Important safety notes
For reasons of safety, Mercedes-Benz
recommends that you drive with the lights
switched on even during the daytime. In some
countries, operation of the headlamps varies
due to legal requirements and self-imposed
obligations.
Information about driving abroad
Converting to symmetrical low beam
when driving abroad: switch the headlamps
to symmetrical low beam in countries in
which traffic drives on the opposite side of the
road to the country where the vehicle is
registered. This prevents glare to oncoming
traffic. Symmetrical lights do not illuminate
as large an area of the edge of the road.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop, e.g. an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, as close to the border
as possible before driving in these countries.
Converting to asymmetrical low beam
after returning: have the headlamps
converted back to asymmetrical low beam at
a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, as soon as
possible after crossing the border again.
Light switch
Operation
Depending on the date of manufacture of your
vehicle, the c or à symbol for the
automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps is located on the light switch.
Illustration: light switch with the à symbol for
the automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting4 ÃAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsBRRear fog lampCNFront fog lamps 77
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the fog lamps function.106Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Illustration: light switch with the c symbol for
the automatic headlamp mode/daytime running
lamps
1 WLeft-hand standing lamps2XRight-hand standing lamps3TParking lamps, license plate and
instrument cluster lighting4 cAutomatic headlamp mode/daytime
running lamps5 LLow-beam/high-beam headlampsBRRear fog lampCNFront fog lamps 7
The turn signals, high-beam headlamps and
the high-beam flasher are operated using the
combination switch ( Y page 109).
! Switch off the parking lamps and standing
lamps when you leave the vehicle. This
prevents the battery from discharging.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
XTurn the light switch to c or à .Low-beam headlampsXTo switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L.
The L indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up.
Daytime running lamps
Daytime running lamps in Canada
The daytime running lamps function is
required by law in Canada. It cannot therefore
be deactivated.
XTurn the light switch to c or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P (vehicles with automatic
transmission) or if the parking brake is
applied, the low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light
brightness: if you turn the light switch
to T , the daytime running lamps and the
parking lamps are switched on.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to L, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
Daytime running lamps in the USA
This function is only available on vehicles with
daytime running lamps.
In the USA, the daytime running lamps are
deactivated upon delivery from the factory.
XTo activate the daytime running lamps
(vehicles with a luxury multifunction 7 Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the fog lamps function.Exterior lighting107Lights and windshield wipers

steering wheel): you can activate the
daytime running lamps function using the
on-board computer ( Y page 207).XTurn the light switch to c or à .
With the engine running: depending on the
ambient light, the daytime running lamps or
the low-beam headlamps are switched on.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
It is only possible to activate the high-beam
headlamps if the brightness of the ambient
light is at a low level.
However, the high-beam flasher can always
be used.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to T or L , the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Automatic headlamp mode
XTo switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to c or
à .
SmartKey in position 1 in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
With the engine running: depending on the
brightness of the ambient light, the daytime
running lamps 8
or the low-beam headlamps
are switched on or off automatically.
When the low-beam headlamps are
switched on, the L indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.GWARNING
If the light switch is set to c or à , the
low-beam headlamps will not come on
automatically if it is foggy. This could
endanger you and others. Therefore, turn the
light switch to L in fog.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
Front fog lamps
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
fog lamps function.
GWARNING
If you suspect that driving conditions will be
foggy, turn the light switch to L before you
start your journey. Otherwise, your vehicle
may not be visible and you could endanger
yourself and others.
XTo switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignition lock to position
2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or c or
à .XPress the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XTo switch off the front fog lamps: press
the N button.
The green N indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Rear fog lamp
XTo switch on the rear fog lamp: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or c or
à .
If the light switch is set to c or à ,
the rear fog lamp only lights up if the low-
beam headlamps are on.8 Only if daytime running lamps have been activated via the on-board computer.108Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

XPress the R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.XTo switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
R button.
The yellow R indicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated ten times while the lights are on and
the engine is running ( Y page 116).
Combination switch
Turn signals
:High-beam headlamps;Right turn signal=High-beam flasher?Left turn signalXTo indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow ; or ?.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.XTo indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow ; or ?.High-beam headlampsXTo switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2 or start the engine.XTurn the light switch to L or c or
à .XPress the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow :.
In the c or à position, the high-
beam headlamps are only switched on
when it is dark and the engine is running.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.XTo switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The K indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher
XTo switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignition lock to position 1 or 2 or start the
engine.XPull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow =.
Hazard warning lamps
Exterior lighting109Lights and windshield wipersZ

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