snow chains MERCEDES-BENZ C COUPE 2005 CL203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 320
Tire ply material ........................... 322
Tire and loading terminology ........ 323
Rotating tires ............................... 326
Winter driving .................................... 328
Winter tires .................................. 328
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 329
Snow chains................................. 329
Maintenance...................................... 330
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator........................... 331
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 331
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator........................... 331
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator........................... 332
Vehicle care ....................................... 333
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 333
Practical hints.................................. 339
What to do if … ................................... 340
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 340
Lamp in center console................. 345
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display..................... 347
Where will I find ...? ............................ 373
First aid kit.................................... 373
Vehicle tool kit .............................. 373
Spare wheel .................................. 375
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 377
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 377
Locking the vehicle ....................... 379
Fuel filler flap ................................ 379
Manually unlocking the gear
selector lever ................................ 380
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 381
Panorama roof with power
tilt/sliding panel* ......................... 381
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 382
SmartKey ...................................... 383
Replacing bulbs .................................. 384
Bulbs ............................................. 384
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 386
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 390Replacing wiper blades ...................... 393
Removing ...................................... 393
Installing ....................................... 393
Flat tire............................................... 394
Preparing the vehicle .................... 394
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 394
Battery ............................................... 401
Disconnecting the battery ............ 402
Removing the battery ................... 402
Charging and reinstalling battery .. 402
Reconnecting the battery ............. 403
Jump starting...................................... 404
Towing the vehicle.............................. 406
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 409
Fuses.................................................. 410
Aids for changing fuses ................ 410
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 411
Fuse box in engine compartment . 411
Fuse box in trunk .......................... 412

81 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will re-
spond even to light brake pressure.
The - indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 24) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.

Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the pul-
sation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an indica-
tion of hazardous road conditions and
functions as a reminder to take extra care
while driving.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of ac-
cidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS and ESP cannot reduce this
risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.
iIn winter operation, the maximum ef-
fectiveness of the ABS and ESP is only
achieved with winter tires (M + S tires),
or snow chains as required.Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

84 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systemsFor more information, see “Practical hints”
(page 343).Switching off the ESP
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP in driving situations where it would
be advantageous to have drive wheels spin
and thus cut into surfaces for better grip
such as:


starting out on slippery surfaces and in
deep snow in conjunction with snow
chains


sand or gravelWhen you switch off the ESP


the ESP does not stabilize the vehicle


the engine output is not limited, which
allows the drive wheels to spin and
thus cut into surfaces for better grip


the traction control will still brake a
spinning wheel


the ESP continues to operate when you
are braking
!Because of the ESP’s automatic opera-
tion, the engine must be shut off
(SmartKey in starter switch position0
or1) when

the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer


the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP
may otherwise seriously damage the
rear axle brake system.
The ESP will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size.
Warning!
G
The ESP should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.!Turn on the ESP immediately if the
aforementioned circumstances do not
apply anymore.
iWhen the ESP is switched off and one
or more drive wheels are spinning, the
ESP warning lampv in the speed-
ometer flashes. However, the ESP will
then not stabilize the vehicle.

283 Operation
Driving instructions
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to positionN or,
in case of manual transmission declutch.
Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible
after driving is resumed.
For more information on winter driving, see
“Winter driving” (
page 328).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 329).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monox-
ide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior
resulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road sur-
face is free of ice.

329 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:


Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations.


Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer's mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. An autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to advise you on this subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(page 83) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the vehi-
cle’s traction.
!Use of snow chains is not permissible
with tire sizes:

245/40 R17


165 - 15 89P


165/70 - 16 92P

421 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Mixed size tiresModel
C230 Kompressor (standard in USA; optional in Canada)
Evolution Package
C320
Evolution Package
Front axle:Rims (light alloy)
71/2Jx17
Wheel offset
1.46 in (37 mm)
Summer tires (radial-ply tires)
225/45 R17 91W
Rear axle:Rims (light alloy)
81/2Jx17 H2
Wheel offset
1.34 in (34 mm)
Summer tires (radial-ply tires)
245/40 R17 91W
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.

422 Technical dataRims and TiresSpare wheel
C 230 Kompressor
C320
Rim (light alloy)
4.5Bx15H2
4.5Bx16H2
Wheel offset
0.47 in (12 mm)
0.47 in (12 mm)
Collapsible Tire
165 - 15 89P
1
165/70 - 16 92P
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.

463 Index
Sidewall 325
Simultaneous wiping and washing
Windshield wipers 54
Single wipe 54
SmartKey 90
Locking and unlocking 90
Opening and closing the panorama roof
with power tilt/sliding panel* 244
Opening and closing windows 239
Replacing batteries 382, 383
Unlocking with 32
Snow chains 329
Soft keys
Audio system 198
Sound system* 200
Spare tire
Inflating 398
Spare wheel 375
Bolts 376
Mounting 394
Removing 375
Speed
Setting current 248
Speed settings
Cruise control 249Speedometer 25
Settings units 137
Speedometer display mode
Selecting 137
Split rear bench seat 250
SRS 441
Indicator lamp 344
Message in display 356
Standing lamps 110
Replacing bulbs 385, 388, 390
Standing water
Driving instructions 284
Starter switch 23, 33
Positions 33
Starting difficulties 49
Starting position 33
Starting the engine 48
Station (satellite radio)
Selecting 210
Steering column
Height adjustment 41, 42
Length adjustment 41, 42
Steering gear oil
Message in display 371Steering wheel
Adjusting 40
Buttons 26
Cleaning 337
Electrical adjustment* 41
Height adjustment 42
Manual adjustment 41
Stolen vehicle
Tracking services 269
Stopping
Panorama roof with power tilt/sliding
panel* 244
Windows 239
Storage compartments 254
Cup holders 256
Glove box 254
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 257
Storing
Station (Satellite radio) 212
Storing (Memory function*)
Positions into memory 108

468 IndexW
Warning lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Warning sounds
Drivers seat belts 66
Parking brake 50
Warranty coverage 415
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washing the vehicle 333
Wear pattern (tires) 326
Weights 425
Wheel bolts
Tighten 400
Wheels
Collapsible wheel chock 375
Tires and wheels 300
Window curtain air bags 66
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Defogging 187
Climate control 176
Refilling washer fluid 299
Replacing wiper blades 393
Washer fluid 299, 435
Washer system 435Windshield washer fluid 435
Checking 290
Message in display 372
Mixing ratio 435
Refilling 299
Wiping with 54
Windshield washer system 435
Windshield wipers 53
Fast wiper speed 53
Intermittent wiping 54
Replacing wiper blades 393
Single wipe 54
Switching on 53
Wiping with windshield washer
fluid 54
Winter driving 328
Block heater 329
Snow chains 329
Tires 328
Winter driving instructions 283
Winter tires 328
Wiper blades
Cleaning 336
Installing 393
Removing 393
Replacing 393Wiping
And washing simultaneously 54
Intermittent wiping 54
Interval 53
Single wipe 54
With windshield washer fluid 54
Wood trims
Cleaning 338
Working on the vehicle
Automatic transmission 165
X
Xenon headlamps*
Bi-Xenon 437