MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class SEDAN 2013 W204 Owner's Manual

Useful information
............................110
Exterior lighting ................................ 110
Interior lighting ................................. 115
Replacing bulbs ................................. 116
Windshield wipers ............................121 109Lights and windshield wipers

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 Read the information on qualified
specialist workshops: (Y page 25).Exterior lighting
General 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. Notes on driving abroad
Conversion to symmetrical low beam Switch the headlamps to symmetrical low
beam in countries in which traffic drives on
the opposite side of the road from the country
where the vehicle is registered. This prevents
glare to oncoming traffic. When using
symmetrical lights, the edge of the road is not
lit as widely and as far ahead as normal.
Have the headlamps converted at a qualified
specialist workshop as close to the border as
possible before driving in these countries.
Conversion to asymmetrical low beam
after returning Have the headlamps converted back to
asymmetrical low-beam headlamps at a
qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible after crossing the border again. Setting the exterior lighting
Setting options Exterior lighting can be set using:
R
the light switch
R the combination switch (Y page 112)
R the on-board computer (Y page 209)
Light switch Operation
0005000F
Left-hand standing lamps
00060011 Right-hand standing lamps
00070014 Parking lamps, license plate and
instrumen tcluste rlighting
000B0004 Automatic headlamp mode,
controlled by the light sensor
000C000B Low-beam/high-beam headlamps
0020000E Rear fog lamp
0012000C Fog lamp (only vehicles with front fog
lamps)
If you hear a warning tone when you leave the
vehicle, the lights may still be switched on.
X Turn the light switch to 0004.
The exterior lighting (except the parking/
standing lamps) switches off automatically if
you:
R remove the SmartKey fro mthe ignition lock
R open the driver's door with the SmartKey
in position 0. 110
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

Automatic headlamp mode
G
WARNING
When the ligh tswitch is set to 0004, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, tur nthe light switch to
000B.
The automatic headlamp feature is only an
aid. The driver is responsible for the vehicle's
lighting at all times.
0004 is the favored light switch setting. The
light setting is automatically selected
according to the brightness of the ambient
light (exception: poor visibility due to weather
conditions such as fog, snow or spray):
R SmartKey in position 1in the ignition lock:
the parking lamps are switched on or off
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light.
R With the engine running: if you have
activated the daytime running lamps
function via the on-board computer, the
daytime running lamps or the low-beam
headlamps and parking lamps are switched
on or off automatically depending on the
brightness of the ambient light.
X To switch on automatic headlamp
mode: turn the light switch to 0004.
Only for Canada:
The daytime running lamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. The
daytime running lamps function is required by
law in Canada. It cannot therefore be
deactivated.
When the engine is running and the vehicle is
stationary: if you move the selector lever from
a drive position to P, the daytime running
lamps/low-beam headlamps go out after
three minutes.
When the engine is running, the vehicle is
stationary and in high ambient light: if you turn the light switch to
0014, you turn on the
daytime running lamps and parking lamps.
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to 000B, the manual settings take
precedence over the daytime running lamps.
USA only:
The daytime running lamps improve the
visibility of your vehicle during the day. To do
this, the daytime running lamps function must
be switched on using the on-board computer
(Y page 209).
If the engine is running and you turn the light
switch to 0014or000B, the manual settings
take precedence over the daytime running
lamps.
Low-beam headlamps G
WARNING
When the light switch is set to 0004, the low-
beam headlamps may not be switched on
automatically if there is fog, snow or other
causes of poor visibility due to the weather
conditions such as spray. There is a risk of an
accident.
In such situations, turn the light switch to
000B.
Even if the light sensor does not detect that
it is dark, the parking lamps and low-beam
headlamps switch on when the ignition is
switched on and the light switch is set to the
000B position. This is a particularly useful
function in the event of rain and fog.
X To switch on the low-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000B.
The green 000Bindicator lamp in the
instrumentc luster lights up.
Front fog lamps
In conditions where visibility is poor due to
fog, snow or rain, the fog lamps improve
visibility as well as making it easier for other
road users to see you. They can be operated
together with the parking lamps or together Exterior lighting
111Lights and windshield wipers Z

with the parking lamps and low-beam
headlamps.
X
To switch on the front fog lamps: turn
the SmartKey in the ignitio nlock to position
2 or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Bor0004.
X Press the 000Cbutton.
The green 000Cindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switch off the front fog lamps: press
the 000C button.
The green 000Cindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Only vehicles with front fog lamps have the
fog lamps function.
Rear fog lamp
The rear fog lamp improves visibility of your
vehicle for the traffic behind in the event of
thick fog. Please take note of the country-
specific regulations for the use of rear fog
lamps.
X To switch on the rear fog lamps: turn the
SmartKey in the ignition lock to position 2
or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Bor0004.
X Press the 000Ebutton.
The yellow 000Eindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up.
X To switch off the rear fog lamp: press the
000E button.
The yellow 000Eindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes out.
Parking lamps
! If the battery has been excessively
discharged, the parking lamps or standing
lamps are automatically switched off to
enable the next engine start.A lways park
your vehicle safely and sufficiently lit
according to legal standards. Avoid the
continuous use of the 0014parking lamps
for several hours. If possible, switch on the
0011 right or the 000Fleft standing lamp. X
To switch on: turn the light switch to
0014.
Depending on the equipmen tlevel, the
green indicator lamp or the scale
illumination in the instrument cluster light
up.
Standing lamps
Switching on the standing lamps ensures the
corresponding side of the vehicle is
illuminated.
X To switch on the standing lamps: the
SmartKey is not in the ignition lock or it is
in position 0.
X Turn the light switch to 000F(left-hand side
of the vehicle) or 0011(right-hand side of
the vehicle). Combination switch
Turn signal 0002
High-beam headlamps
0003 Turn signal, right
0022 High-beam flasher
0021 Turn signal, left
X To indicate briefly: press the combination
switch briefly to the pressure point in the
direction of arrow 0003or0021.
The corresponding turn signal flashes three
times.
X To indicate: press the combination switch
beyond the pressure point in the direction
of arrow 0003or0021. 112
Exterior lightingLights and windshield wipers

High-beam headlamps
X
To switch on the high-beam headlamps:
turn the SmartKey in the ignition lock to
position 2or start the engine.
X Turn the light switch to 000Bor0004.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of
arrow 0002.
In the 0004position, the high-beam
headlamps are only switched on when it is
dark and the engine is running.
The 000A indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster lights up when the high-beam
headlamps are switched on.
X To switch off the high-beam
headlamps: move the combination switch
back to its normal position.
The 000A indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out.
High-beam flasher X
To switch on: turn the SmartKey in the
ignitio nlock to position 1or 2or start the
engine.
X Pull the combination switch in the direction
of arrow 0022. Hazard warning lamps The hazard warning lamps automatically
switch on if:
R
an air bag is deployed.
R the vehicle is slowed down rapidly from a
speed of over 45 mph (70 km/h) and
comes to a halt.
X To switch on the hazard warning lamps:
press button 0002.
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.
X To switch off the hazard warning
lamps: press button 0002.
If the vehicle returns to a speed of over
6m ph (10 km/h) after a full application of the
brakes, the hazard warning lamps are
deactivated automatically.
i The hazard warning lamps still operate if
the ignition is switched off. Headlamp cleaning system
The headlamps are cleaned automatically if
the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is
operated five times while the lights are on and
the engine is running (Y page 121). When you
switch off the ignition, the automatic
headlamp cleaning system is reset and
counting is resumed from 0. Active light function Exterior lighting
113Lights and windshield wipers Z

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. The
cornering light function can only be activated
when the low-beam headlamps are switched
on.
Active:
R
if you are driving at speeds below
25mph (40 km/h) and switch on the turn
signal or turn the steering wheel.
R if you are driving at speeds between
25 mph (40 km/h) and 45 mph (70 km/h)
and turn the steering wheel.
Not active: if you are driving at speeds above
25 mph (40 km/h) or switch off the turn
signals 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
G
WARNING
Adaptive Highbeam Assist does not recognize
road users:
R who have no lights, e.g. pedestrians
R who have poor lighting, e.g. cyclists
R whose lighting is blocked, e.g. by a barrier
In very rare cases, Adaptive Highbeam Assist
may fail to recognize other road users that
have lights, or may recognize them too late.
In this or similars ituations, the automatic
high-beam headlamps will not be deactivated
or activated regardless. There is a risk of an
accident.
Always carefully observe the traffic conditions
and switch off the high-beam headlamps in
good time.
You can use this function to set the
headlamps to change betwee nlow 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.
The system automatically adapts the low-
beam headlamp range depending on the
distance to the other vehicle. Once the
system no longer detects any other vehicles,
it reactivates the high-beam headlamps.
The system's optical sensor is located behind
the windshield near the overhead control
panel. 114
Exterior lightingLights and windshiel
dwipers

X
To activate: activate the Adaptive
Highbea mAssist function using the on-
board computer (Y page 210).
X Turn the light switch to 0004.
X Press the combination switch beyond the
pressure point in the direction of arrow 0002
(Y page 112).
If it is dark and the light sensor activates
the low-beam headlamps, the 0003
indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
lights up.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 28 mph (45 km/h):
The headlamp range is set automatically
depending on the distance between the
vehicle and other road users.
If you are driving at speeds above
approximately 35 mph (55 km/h) and no
other road users have been detected:
The high-beam headlamps are switched on
automatically. The 000Aindicator lamp in
the instrument cluster also lights up.
If you are driving at speeds below
approximately 30 mph (45 km/h) or other
road users have been detected or the roads
are adequately lit:
The high-beam headlamps are switched off
automatically. The 000Aindicator lamp in
the instrument cluster goes out. The 0003indicator lamp in the instrument cluster
stays on.
X To deactivate: move the combination
switch back to its normal position.
The 0003 indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster goes out. Headlamps fogged up on the inside
The headlamps may fog up on the inside if
there is high atmospheric humidity.
X Switch on the lights and drive off.
The level of moisture diminishes,
depending on the length of the journey and
the weather conditions (humidity and
temperature).
If the level of moisture does not diminish:
X Have the headlamps checked at a qualified
specialist workshop. Interior lighting
Overview of interior lighting
Front overhead control panel
0002
0001 Switches the rear interior lighting
on/off
0003 001C Switches the automatic interior
lighting control on/off
0022 0013 Switches the right-hand front
reading lamp on/off Interior lighting
115Lights and windshield wipers Z

0021
0004 Switches the front interior lighting
on/off
001F 0013 Switches the left-hand front reading
lamp on/off Rear-compartment overhead control panel
0002
0013 Switches the right-hand reading
lamp on/off
0003 0013 Switches the left-hand reading lamp
on/off Interior lighting control
General notes In order to prevent the vehicle's battery from
discharging, the interio
rlighting functions are
automatically deactivated after some time
unless the SmartKey is in position 2in the
ignition lock.
Automatic interior lighting control X
To activate/deactivate: press the001C
button.
When the automatic interior lighting
control is activated, the button is flush with
the overhead control panel.
The interior lighting automatically switches
on if you:
R unloc kthe vehicle
R open a door
R remove the SmartKey from the ignition
lock.
The interior light is activated for a short while
when the SmartKey is removed from the ignition lock. You can activate this delayed
switch-off using the on-board computer
(Y
page 210).
Manual interior lighting control X
To switch the front interior lighting on/
off: press the 0004button.
X To switch the interior lighting on/off:
press the 0001button.
X To switch the reading lamps on/off:
press the 0013button. Crash-responsive emergency lighting
The interior lighting is activated automatically
if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
X To switch off the crash-responsive
emergency lighting: press the hazard
warning lamp button.
or
X Lock and then unlock the vehicle using the
SmartKey. Replacing bulbs
Important safety notes
Xenon bulbs G
DANGER
Xenon bulbs carry a high voltage. You can get
an electric shock if you remove the cover of
the Xenon bulb and touch the electrical
contacts. There is a risk of fatal injury.
Never touch the parts or the electrical
contacts of the Xenon bulb. Always have work
on the Xenon bulbs carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
If your vehicle is equipped with Xenon bulbs,
you can recognize this by the following: the
cone of light from the Xenon bulbs moves
from the top to the bottom and back again
when you start the engine. For this to be 116
Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers

observed, the lights must be switched on
before starting the engine.
Bulbs and lamps are an important aspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly.
Other bulbs G
WARNING
Bulbs, lamps and connectors can get very hot
when operating. If you change a bulb, you
could burn yourself on these components.
There is a risk of injury.
Allow these components to cool down before
changing a bulb.
There are bulbs other than the Xenon bulbs
that you cannot replace. Replace only the
bulbs listed (Y page 117). Have the bulbs that
you cannot replace yourself changed at a
qualified specialist workshop.
If you require assistance changing bulbs,
consult a qualified specialist workshop.
Do not touch the glass tube of new bulbs with
your bare hands. Even minor contamination
can burn into the glass surface and reduce
the service life of the bulbs. Always use a lint-
free cloth or only touch the base of the bulb
when installing.
Only use bulbs of the correc ttype.
If the new bulb still does no tlight up, consult
a qualified specialist workshop.
Bulbs and lamps are an importan taspect of
vehicle safety. You must therefore make sure
that these function correctly at all times.
Have the headlamp setting checked regularly. Overview:c
hanging bulbs/bulb types
You can change the following bulbs. The bulb
type can be found in the legend. Halogen headlamps
0002
Parking lamp/standing lamp: W 5W
0003 High-bea mheadlamp: H7 55 W
0022 Low-beam headlamp: H7 55 W Bi-Xenon headlamps
0002
Cornering lamp: H7 55 W Tail lamp
0002
Backup lamp: P 21 W
0003 Brake lamp: P 21 W
0022 Brake lamp/parking lamp: P 21 W Replacing bulbs
117Lights and windshield wipers Z

Changing the front bulbs
Low-bea mheadlamps (halogen
headlamps) G
WARNING
These bulbs are pressurized.
They can explode when being changed if:
R they are still hot
R they hit an object when being removed
R they are dropped
There is a risk of injury.
You should wear eye protection and clean
gloves when you are changin gabulb. If
necessary, have bulbs changed at a qualified
specialist workshop. X
Switch off the lights.
X Open the hood.
X Turn housing cover 0002counter-clockwise
and pull it out.
X Turn bulb holder 0003counter-clockwise and
pull it out.
X Take the bulb out of bulb holder 0003.
X Inser tthe new bulb into bulb holder 0003.
X Insert bulb holder 0003into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.
X Align housing cover 0002and turn it
clockwise until it engages. High-beam headlamps (halogen
headlamps) G
WARNING
These bulbs are pressurized.
They can explode when being changed if:
R they are still hot
R they hit an object when being removed
R they are dropped
There is a risk of injury.
You should wear eye protection and clean
gloves when you are changing a bulb. If
necessary, have bulbs changed at a qualified
specialist workshop. X
Switch off the lights.
X Open the hood.
X Turn housing cover 0002counter-clockwise
and pull it out.
X Turn bulb holder 0003counter-clockwise and
pull it out.
X Take the bulb out of bulb holder 0003.
X Insert the new bulb into bulb holder 0003.
X Insert bulb holder 0003into the lamp and turn
it clockwise.
X Align housing cover 0002and turn it
clockwise until it engages. 118
Replacing bulbsLights and windshield wipers