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

Index ....................................................... 4Introduction ......................................... 21At a glance ........................................... 27Safety ................................................... 35Opening/closing ................................. 69Seats, steering wheel and mirrors ....91Lights and windshield wipers ..........105Climate control ................................. 121Driving and parking ..........................135On-board computer and displays ....193Stowing and features .......................253Maintenance and care ......................277Breakdown assistance .....................291Wheels and tires ............................... 309Technical data ................................... 341
Contents3

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

SettingsFactory (on-board computer) .........210
On-board computer .......................206
Setting the air distribution ............... 128
Setting the airflow ............................ 129
SETUP (on-board computer) ............. 210
Side impact air bag ............................. 40
Side marker lamp (display
message) ............................................ 224
Side windows Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Important safety information ...........83
Opening/closing .............................. 83
Problem (malfunction) .....................86
Resetting ......................................... 85
Sliding sunroof
Important safety notes ....................86
Opening/closing .............................. 87
Problem (malfunction) .....................89
Resetting ......................................... 87
see Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel
SmartKey
Changing the battery .......................74
Changing the programming .............73
Checking the battery .......................74
Convenience closing feature ............84
Convenience opening feature ..........84
Display message ............................ 238
Door central locking/unlocking .......70
Important safety notes ....................70
Loss ................................................. 76
Mechanical key ................................ 73
Positions (ignition lock) .................137
Problem (malfunction) .....................76
Starting the engine ........................139
Snow chains ...................................... 313
Sockets Points to observe before use .........263
Rear compartment .........................263
Spare wheel
Notes/data .................................... 337
Storage location ............................ 293
see Emergency spare wheel
Specialist workshop ............................ 24
Speed, controlling see Cruise control Speedometer
Digital ............................................ 199
In the Instrument cluster .................29
Segments ...................................... 195
Selecting the unit of
measurement ................................ 206
see Instrument cluster
SPORT handling mode
Activating/deactivating (AMG
vehicles) .......................................... 62
Warning lamp ................................. 244
SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) Display message ............................ 219
Introduction ..................................... 36
Warning lamp ................................. 245
Warning lamp (function) ................... 36
Standing lamps
Changing bulbs .............................. 115
Display message ............................ 224
Switching on/off ........................... 106
Starting (engine) ................................ 138
Station see Radio
Steering (display message) .............. 237
Steering wheel Adjusting (electrically) ...................100
Adjusting (manually) ........................99
Button overview ............................... 31
Buttons (on-board computer) ......... 195
Cleaning ......................................... 288
Important safety notes ....................99
Paddle shifters ............................... 145
Storing settings (memory
function) ........................................ 103
Steering wheel paddle shifters ........ 145
Stopwatch (RACETIMER) ................... 211
Stowage compartments Armrest (under) ............................. 255
Cup holders ................................... 259
Eyeglasses compartment ...............255
Glove box ....................................... 254
Important safety information .........254
Parcel net ...................................... 256
Rear ............................................... 256
Under driver's seat/front-
passenger seat .............................. 25616Index

Stowage well beneath the trunk
floor .................................................... 258
Summer opening see Convenience opening feature
Summer tires ..................................... 312
Sun visor ............................................ 260
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System)
Surround lighting (on-board
computer) .......................................... 207
Switching air-recirculation mode
on/off ................................................. 130
Switching off the alarm (ATA) ............ 67
T
Tachometer ........................................ 195
Tail lamps Display message ............................ 223
Tank
see Fuel tank
Tank content
Fuel gauge ....................................... 29
Technical data
Notes ............................................. 342
Tires/wheels ................................. 335
Vehicle data ................................... 351
TELEAID
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
Telephone
Accepting a call ............................. 203
Display message ............................ 237
Menu (on-board computer) ............202
Number from the phone book ........ 203
Redialing ........................................ 203
Rejecting/ending a call .................203
Temperature
Coolant .......................................... 194
Coolant (on-board computer) ......... 210
Engine oil (on-board computer) ...... 210
Outside temperature ...................... 195
Setting (climate control) ................128
Theft deterrent systems
ATA (Anti-Theft Alarm system) .........67
Immobilizer ...................................... 66
Through-loading feature ................... 256
Tilt/sliding sunroof see Sliding sunroof
Timing (RACETIMER) ......................... 211
Tiredness assistant see ATTENTION ASSIST
Tire pressure
Calling up (on-board computer) .....319
Checking manually ........................317
Display message ............................ 233
Maximum ....................................... 316
Notes ............................................. 315
Pressure loss warning ....................317
Recommended ............................... 313
Tire pressure monitoring system
Function/notes ............................. 319
Restarting ...................................... 321
Warning lamp ................................. 250
Tires
Aspect ratio (definition) .................333
Average weight of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................331
Bar (definition) ............................... 331
Characteristics .............................. 331
Checking ........................................ 311
Definition of terms .........................331
Direction of rotation ......................334
Display message ............................ 233
Distribution of the vehicle
occupants (definition) ....................334
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................... 330
DOT (Department of
Transportation) (definition) ............331
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
(definition) ..................................... 332Index17

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

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the "Notice of Purchase of Used Car"
found in the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet, or call the Mercedes-
Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the
USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes(1-800-367-6372) or
Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
Vehicle operation outside the USA
and Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign
countries, please be aware that:
R service facilities or replacement parts may
not be readily available.
R unleaded fuel for vehicles with a catalytic
converter may not be available. Leaded fuel
may cause damage to the catalytic
converter.
R the fuel may have a considerably lower
octane rating. Unsuitable fuel can cause
engine damage.
Some Mercedes-Benz models are available
for delivery in Europe through our European
Delivery Program. For details, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or write to
one of the following addresses.
In the USA
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
98 Vanderhoof Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4G 4C9
Operating safety
Safety notes
GWARNING
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because the
vehicle's electronic components are
interconnected, any modifications made may
produce an undesired effect on other
systems. Electronic malfunctions could
seriously impair the operating safety of your
vehicle.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for repairs or modifications to electronic
components.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function when the
engine is running. You should therefore never
turn off the engine while driving.
GWARNING
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody or
tires/wheels may cause serious damage and
impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Such blows can be caused, for example, by
running over an obstacle, road debris or a
pothole.
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that damage
to your vehicle has occurred:
R turn on your hazard warning flashers.
R slow down carefully.
R drive with caution to an area which is a safe
distance from the road.
Inspect the vehicle underbody and tires/
wheels for possible damage. If the vehicle
appears unsafe, have it towed to the nearest
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or other
qualified maintenance or repair facility for
further inspection or repairs.
Introduction23Z

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

XIf necessary, adjust the seat belt to the
appropriate height ( Y page 51).XIf necessary, pull upwards on the shoulder
section of the seat belt to tighten the belt
across your body.
All seat belts except the driver's seat belt are
equipped with a special seat belt retractor to
securely fasten child restraint systems in the
vehicle. For further information on special
seat belt retractors, see ( Y page 55).
For more information about releasing the seat
belt with release button ?, see "Releasing
seat belts" ( Y page 51).
Belt height adjustment
You can adjust the seat belt height on the
driver's seat and the front-passenger seat.
Adjust the height so that the upper part of the
seat belt is routed across the center of your
shoulder.
XTo raise: slide the belt sash guide upwards.
The belt sash guide engages in various
positions.XTo lower: press and hold belt sash guide
release :.XSlide the belt sash guide downwards.XRelease belt sash guide release : and
make sure that the belt sash guide has
engaged.Releasing seat beltsXPress release button ?(Y page 50) and
guide belt tongue ; back towards belt
sash guide :.
!
Make sure that the seat belt is fully rolled
up. Otherwise, the seat belt or belt tongue
will be trapped in the door or in the seat
mechanism. This could damage the door,
the door trim panel and the seat belt.
Damaged seat belts can no longer fulfill
their protective function and must be
replaced. Consult an authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center.
Belt warning for the driver and front
passenger
Regardless of whether the driver and front
passenger have fastened their seat belts
already, the 7 seat belt warning lamp
lights up for 6 seconds after every engine
start. It then goes out if the driver and the
front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened after
the engine is started, an additional warning
tone will sound. The warning tone goes out
after approximately six seconds or once the
driver's seat belt is fastened.
If the driver or front passenger have not
fastened their seat belt after 6 seconds and
the doors are closed, the 7 seat belt
warning lamp lights up.
R until the driver or the front passenger have
fastened their seat belts
R if a vehicle speed of 15 mph (25 km/h) is
exceeded once, a warning tone with
increasing intensity sounds additionally for
a maximum of 60 seconds or until the driver
or front passenger have fastened their seat
belts.
If the driver or front passenger undo their seat
belts during the journey, the 7 seat belt
warning lamp lights up and the warning tone
sounds again.
Occupant safety51SafetyZ

The warning tone ceases even if the driver or
front passenger have still not fastened their
seat belt after 60 seconds. The 7 seat belt
warning lamp stops flashing but continues to
be lit.
Once the vehicle is stationary, the warning
tone is reactivated and the 7 seat belt
warning lamp starts to flash again if the
vehicle speed exceeds 15 mph (25 km/h)
once.
The 7 seat belt warning lamp only goes
out if:
R both the driver and the front passenger
have fastened their seat belts.
or
R the vehicle is stationary and a door is open.
i For more information on the 7 seat
belt warning lamp, see "Warning and
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster,
seat belt" ( Y page 239).
Emergency Tensioning Devices, belt
force limiters
The front seat belts and the outer seat belts
in the rear are equipped with ETDs and seat
belt force limiters.
The ETDs tighten the seat belts in an accident,
pulling them close against the body.
The ETDs do not correct incorrect seat
positions or incorrectly fastened seat belts.
The ETDs do not pull vehicle occupants back
towards the backrest.
Seat belt force limiters, when triggered, help
to reduce the peak force exerted by the seat
belt on the vehicle occupant.
The seat belt force limiters for the front seats
are synchronized with the front air bags.
These take on a part of the deceleration force.
Thus, the force exerted on the occupant is
distributed over a greater area.
The ETDs can only be activated when:
R the ignition is switched on.
R the restraint systems are operational; see
"SRS warning lamp" ( Y page 36).
R
the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
each of the lap-shoulder belts in the front.
R the front-passenger seat is occupied and
the belt tongue is engaged in the buckle on
the front-passenger side.
The ETDs on the outside seats in the rear
compartment are triggered independently of
the lock status of the seat belts.
The ETDs are triggered depending on the type
and severity of an accident:
R if, in the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision, the vehicle decelerates or
accelerates rapidly in a longitudinal
direction during the initial stages of the
impact
R if, in the event of a side impact, on the side
opposite the impact the vehicle
decelerates or accelerates rapidly in a
lateral direction
If the air bags are deployed, you will hear a
bang, and a small amount of powder may also
be released. Only in rare cases will the bang
affect your hearing. The powder that is
released generally does not constitute a
health hazard. The 6 SRS warning lamp
lights up.GWARNING
Pyrotechnic ETDs that were activated must be
replaced.
For your safety, when disposing of the
pyrotechnic ETDs always follow our safety
instructions. These are available at any
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
! If the front-passenger seat is not
occupied, do not engage the seat belt
tongue in the buckle on the front-
passenger seat. Otherwise, the Emergency
Tensioning Device could be triggered in the
event of an accident.
52Occupant safetySafety