inflation pressure MERCEDES-BENZ C WAGON 2005 S203 Owner's Manual

ContentsOperation......................................... 255
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ......... 256
Driving instructions ............................ 257
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 257
Drinking and driving ..................... 257
Pedals .......................................... 257
Power assistance ......................... 257
Brakes .......................................... 258
Driving off..................................... 259
Parking ......................................... 259
Tires ............................................. 260
Hydroplaning ................................ 260
Tire traction .................................. 261
Tire speed rating .......................... 261
Winter driving instructions ........... 262
Standing water ............................. 263
Passenger compartment .............. 263
Driving abroad .............................. 263
Control and operation of radio
transmitter ................................... 264
Catalytic converter ....................... 264
Emission control........................... 265
Coolant temperature .................... 266At the gas station .............................. 267
Refueling ...................................... 267
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 269
Engine compartment ......................... 270
Hood ............................................ 270
Engine oil ..................................... 272
Transmission fluid level ................ 274
Coolant level ................................ 275
Battery ......................................... 276
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 277
Tires and wheels ................................ 278
Important guidelines .................... 278
Life of tire..................................... 279
Direction of rotation ..................... 279
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 279
Rotating tires ............................... 281Winter driving .................................... 282
Winter tires .................................. 282
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 283
Snow chains................................. 283
Maintenance...................................... 284
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 285
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 285
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 285
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 286
Vehicle care....................................... 287
Cleaning and care of the
vehicle ......................................... 287

269 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant
2Brake fluid (fuse box cover removed)
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). For more information,
see “Coolant level” (
page 275) and see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(
page 373).
Brake fluid
Removing fuse box cover (
page 358).Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*
For more information on filling up the
washer reservoir, see “Windshield washer
system and headlamp cleaning system*”
(
page 277).
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level,
see “Engine oil” (
page 272).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (page 332).
Exterior lamp switch (page 108).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
(
page 279).
iOpening the hood, see (
page 270).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks immediately.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately. Do not add brake
fluid as this will not solve the problem.
For more information, see “Practical
hints” (
page 295).

279 Operation
Tires and wheels
Life of tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advan-
tages, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of tire rotation.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.
Regularly check your tire pressure at
intervals of no more than 14 days.
If the tires are warm you should only
correct the tire pressure if it is too low for
current operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the
specified tire inflation pressures for warm
and cold tires as well as for various
operating conditions.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Warning!
G
If the tire pressure drops repeatedly:

Check the tires for punctures from
foreign objects.


Check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim.

280 OperationTires and wheels
Tire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi
(0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air tempera-
ture change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure where the tempera-
ture is different from the outside tempera-
ture.
Tire temperature and tire pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the
driving speed and the tire load.
Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tires will age and
b e c o m e w o r n o v e r t i m e e v e n i f n e v e r u s e d ,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.
iThe pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.
Increased inflation pressures listed for
heavier loads may also be used for light
loads. These higher pressures produce
favorable handling characteristics. The
ride of the vehicle, however, will be
somewhat harder. Never exceed the
max. values or inflate tires below the
min. values listed in the fuel filler flap.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes, etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indi-
cated by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.

281 Operation
Tires and wheels
Rotating tires
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all
around. If your vehicle is equipped with
tires of the same dimension all around,
tires can be rotated, observing a a
front-to-rear rotation pattern that will
maintain the intended rotation (spinning)
direction of the tire (
page 279).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle
is equipped with mixed-size tires (different
tire dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation
is not possible.If applicable to your vehicle's tire configu-
ration, tires can be rotated according to
the tire manufacturer's recommended in-
tervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should
be rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles
(5 000 to 10 000 km), or sooner if neces-
sary, according to the degree of tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained (
page 279).
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder
wear on front tires and tread center wear
on rear tires).
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of
wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner side
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation.
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation
pressure.For information on wheel change, see the
“Practical hints” section (
page 321) and
(
page 342).
Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs.
rear), tire rotation is not possible.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

367 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Rims and Tires
Only use tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and
different tire deformation characteris-
tics that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the
vehicle may be the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A tire inflation
pressure table is located on the fuel
filler cap of the vehicle. The tire pres-
sure should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.

392 Index
Mirrors 41
Multicontour seat* 103
Placing upright rear seat
head restraints 101
Power seat* 38
Rear seat head restraints 100
Seat belt height 45
Seat cushion depth 103
Seat cushion tilt, manual seat 36
Seat cushion tilt, power seat* 38
Seat fore and aft adjustment,
manual seat 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment,
power seat* 38
Seat height, manual seat 36
Seat height, power seat* 38
Seats 35
Steering column height,
electrical* 41
Steering column height,
manual 40Steering column length,
electrical* 41
Steering column length,
manual 40
Steering wheel 39
Adjusting air distribution
and volume 170
Adjusting sound functions 179
Adjusting the volume 179
Aids for changing fuses 357
Air bags 61
BabySmart
TM
deactivation system 72, 385
Children 62
Front 65
Passenger 65
Safety guidelines 64
Side impact 66
Window curtain 66
Air conditioning (cooling) 173
Turning off 173
Turning on 173Air conditioning refrigerant 375
Air distribution
Adjusting 170
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode 171
Activating 171
Deactivating 172
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 174
Air volume
Adjusting 170
Alarm
Audible 78, 85
Canceling 86, 88
Visual 85
Alarm system
Anti-theft* 85
Tow-away* 87
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 344, 385
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 380
Antiglare
Automatic* 162
Manual 161

396 IndexChecking
Brake fluid 269
Coolant level 269, 275
Engine oil level 269, 272
Tire inflation pressure 269
Vehicle lighting 269
Washer reservoir level 269
Child safety 69
Air bags 62
Infant and child
restraint systems 66, 69
LATCH-type child seat anchors 75
Child safety switch see
Blocking of rear door window operation
Child seat anchors see
LATCH-type child seat anchors
Cigarette lighter 239
Cleaning
Cloth upholstery 292
Cup holders 291
Gear selector lever 291
Hard plastic trim items 291Headlamps 161
Headliner and shelf below
rear window 291
Instrument cluster 290
Leather upholstery 291
Light alloy wheels 290
MB Tex upholstery 292
Plastic and rubber parts 292
Rear window 53
Seat belts 291
Steering wheel 291
Upholstery 291
Windows 290
Windshield 52
Wiper blades 290
Wood trims 292
Climate control 166
Clock 25, 119, 135, 136
Closing
Cup holder, in rear seat armrest 238
Glove box 234
Hood 271
Tailgate 94Tilt/sliding sunroof* 219
Tilt/sliding sunroof*
in an emergency 329
Tilt/sliding sunroof*
with SmartKey 221
Windows 215, 216
Windows with SmartKey 217
Cloth upholstery
Cleaning 292
Cockpit 22, 385
Cockpit Management and
Data System see COMAND*
Collapsible wheel chock 323
COMAND* 386
COMAND* see
separate operating instructions
Combination switch 112
High beam flasher 49
Rear window wiper 53
Turn signals 50
Windshield wipers 50
Consumer information 382
Control and operation of
radio transmitter 264

418 IndexTire inflation pressure
Checking 269, 279
Tire speed rating 261, 389
Tire traction 261
Tires 278, 367
Consumer information 382
Direction of rotation 279
Driving instructions 260
Retreads 278
Rims and tires 367
Rotating 281
Service life 279
Temperature 280
Temperature grades 383
Traction 382
Tread depth 282
Wear pattern 281
Winter 282
Tools 321Tow away alarm*
Canceling alarm 88
Tow-away alarm* 87
Arming 87
Disarming 87
Disarming for transport 87
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 355
Towing the vehicle 352
Traction 158, 389
Traction (Tires) 382
Transmission gear selector lever
Unlocking manually 328
Transmission see Automatic transmission
Traveling abroad 263
Tread depth (tires) 282
Tread wear 382
Trim panel
Closing 359
Opening 359Trip computer 146
Trip odometer
Resetting 117
Trunk see Cargo compartment
Turn signal lamps, front
Messages in display 318
Replacing bulbs 333
Turn signal lamps, in mirrors
Messages in display 318
Turn signal lamps, rear
Messages in display 318
Replacing bulbs 333
Turn signals 50
Additional in mirrors 333
Cleaning lenses 289
Front bulbs 333
Indicator lamps 25
Rear bulbs 333
Turning inward
Swiveling cup holder,
in front of seat armrest 237