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

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles
traveling on a different line. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.
Other vehicles changing lane
DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the
vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this
vehicle will be too short.
Narrow vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the
vehicle in front on the edge of the road,
because of its narrow width. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.
Obstructions and stationary vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for
obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
example, the detected vehicle turns a corner
and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle,
DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.
Crossing vehicles
DISTRONIC PLUS may mistakenly detect
vehicles that are crossing your lane.
Activating DISTRONIC PLUS at traffic lights
with crossing traffic, for example, could cause
your vehicle to pull away unintentionally.
Dynamic handling package with
sports mode
General notes
The most important part of the dynamic
handling package with sports mode is the
adjustable suspension system. This
automatically controls and adapts the
suspension to the respective driving
situation.
Driving systems171Driving and parkingZ

The calibration of the suspension depends
on:
R your driving style
R the road surface conditions
R your individual selection; see the following
description
If your vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, the dynamic handling package
with sports mode also includes steering
wheel paddle shifters ( Y page 145) with a
manual drive program ( Y page 147).
Example: position of dynamic handling package
with sports mode button
XStart the engine.
Sports tuning
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in
sports mode ensures even better contact
with the road. Select this mode when
employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on
winding country roads.
Your selection remains stored until you
switch off the engine.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : lights up. Sports
suspension tuning is selected. Depending
on the engine output, the accelerator pedal
is more responsive. On vehicles with
automatic transmission, drive program S is
selected.Comfort tuning
In Comfort mode, the driving characteristics
of your vehicle are more comfortable. Select
this mode if you prefer a more comfortable
driving style, but also when driving fast on
straight roads, e.g. highways.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : goes out. Comfortable
suspension tuning is selected. On vehicles
with automatic transmission, drive
program E is selected.
HOLD function
General notes
The HOLD function can assist the driver in the
following situations:
R when pulling away, especially on steep
slopes
R when maneuvering on steep slopes
R when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the
driver having to depress the brake pedal.
The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD
function deactivated when you depress the
accelerator pedal to pull away.
Activation conditions
You can activate the HOLD function if:
R the vehicle is stationary.
R the engine is running.
R the driver's door is closed or your seat belt
is fastened.
R the parking brake is not applied.
R the hood is closed.
R the transmission is in position D, R or N.
R DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated.
172Driving systemsDriving and parking

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).
Important safety notes
Consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
if you require information on approved and
recommended tires and wheels for summer
and winter operation. Advice on purchasing
and caring for tires is also available there.
GWARNING
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWARNING
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.GWARNING
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle appears
unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or tire
dealer for repairs.
GWARNING
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
might lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
i Further information about Tires and
wheels can be obtained from any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Operation
Notes on driving
R If the vehicle is heavily laden, check the tire
pressures and correct them if necessary.
R When parking your vehicle, make sure that
the tires do not get deformed by the curb
or other obstacles. If it is necessary to drive
over curbs, speed humps or similar
elevations, try to do so slowly and at an
obtuse angle. Otherwise, the tires,
particularly the sidewalls, can get
damaged.
310OperationWheels and tires

TiresSummer tiresAlloy wheelsV1V2V3V4BA225/45 R17 91 W
MOExtended 27, 287.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)###—FA

RA225/45 R17 91 W
MOExtended 27
245/40 R17 91 W
MOExtended 27, 297.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 2.28 in (58 mm)###—FA

RA225/40 R18 92 Y XL

255/35 R18 94 Y XL 297.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)###—FA

RA225/40 R18 92 Y XL

255/35 R18 94 Y XL 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.97 in (50 mm)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)###—FA

RA225/40 ZR18 92 Y XL

255/35 ZR18 94 Y XL 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.97 in (50 mm)
8.5 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)###—FA

RA235/40 ZR18 95 Y XL

255/35 ZR18 94 Y XL 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)
9.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)———#FA

RA235/35 ZR19 XL

255/30 ZR19 XL 298.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)
9.0 J x 19 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)———#27 MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure loss
warning system or tire pressure monitor.
28 Not in combination with sports suspension code 486, dynamic handling package code 483 or Sports package
code 950/952.
29 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.Wheel and tire combinations337Wheels and tiresZ

All-weather tiresAlloy wheelsV1V2V3V4BA205/55 R16 91 H M+S307 J x 16 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)#———BA225/45 R17 91 H M+S 287.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)##——FA

RA225/45 R17 91 H M+S

245/40 R17 91 H M+S 297.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)
8.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 2.28 in (58 mm)###—Winter tiresAlloy wheelsV1V2V3V4BA205/55 R1 6 91 H
M+S i 307 J x 16 H2
Wheel offset: 1.69 in (43 mm)#———BA225/45 R17 91 H M+S i7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)###—BA225/45 R17 91 H
M+S i MOExtended 277.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset: 1.85 in (47 mm)###—BA225/40 R18 92 V XL
M+S i8.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)———#BA235/40 R18 95 V XL
M+S i 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)———#FA

RA235/40 R18 95 V XL
M+S i
255/35 R18 94 V XL
M+S i 298.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 1.77 in (45 mm)
9.0 J x 18 H2
Wheel offset: 2.13 in (54 mm)———#30 Not in combination with Sports package code 950/952.
28 Not in combination with sports suspension code 486, dynamic handling package code 483 or Sports package
code 950/952.
29 Use of snow chains is not permitted. Observe the notes in the "Snow chains" section.
27 MOExtended tires (tires with run-flat characteristics) only in combination with an activated tire pressure loss
warning system or tire pressure monitor.338Wheel and tire combinationsWheels and tires

protection and to provide protection from
overheating. In the Service Booklet, you can
find information on the intervals for renewal.
The renewal interval is determined by the
coolant type and the engine cooling system
design. The renewal interval in the Service
Booklet is only valid if the coolant is renewed
or filled up with Mercedes-Benz approved
products. Therefore, only use MB 325.0 or
326.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze or another
Mercedes-Benz approved product of the
same specification.
Information on other products with the same
specifications that are approved by
Mercedes-Benz can be obtained at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or on the
Internet at http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com.
The coolant is checked at every maintenance
interval at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
The antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor
concentration in the engine cooling system
should:
R be at least 50%. This will protect the engine
cooling system against freezing down to
approximately -35 ‡ (-37 † ).
R not exceed 55% (antifreeze protection to
-49 ‡ [-45 † ]); otherwise, heat will not
dissipate as effectively.
If the coolant level is too low, MB 325.0 or
326.0 anticorrosion/antifreeze should be
added. Have the engine cooling system
checked for possible leaks.
Windshield/headlamp cleaning
system
GWARNING
Washer solvent/antifreeze is highly
flammable. Do not spill washer solvent/
antifreeze on hot engine parts, because it may
ignite and burn. You could be seriously
burned.
Use MB SummerFit windshield washer
concentrate at temperatures above freezing:XMix 1 part MB SummerFit with 100 parts
water.
Use MB WinterFit windshield washer
concentrate at temperatures below freezing:
XAt temperatures down to 14 ‡ ( Ò 10 †):
mix 1 part MB WinterFit with 2 parts water.XAt temperatures down to Ò 4 ‡ ( Ò 20 †):
mix 1 part MB WinterFit with 1 part water.XAt temperatures down to Ò 20.2 ‡
( Ò 29 †): mix 2 parts MB WinterFit with 1
part water.
! Only SummerFit and WinterFit can be
mixed. Otherwise, the jets could become
blocked.
Vehicle data
Please note that for the specified vehicle
data:
R the heights specified may vary as a result
of:
- tires
- load
- condition of the suspension
- optional equipment
Missing values were not available at time of
going to print.
All modelsVehicle length182.3 in (4630 mm )Vehicle width
including exterior
mirrors79.1 in (2008 mm)Vehicle height56.9 in (1444 mm)Wheelbase108.7 in (2760 mm )Front track60.7 in (1541 mm)Rear track60.8 in (1544 mm)Vehicle data351Technical dataZ