Amp MERCEDES-BENZ C230 2006 W203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside
the USA or Canada......................... 13
Where to find it .................................... 14
Symbols ............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle .................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting Safety Defects ............... 18
Vehicle data recording......................... 19
Information regarding electronic
recording devices........................... 19
At a glance.......................................... 21
Cockpit ................................................. 22
Instrument cluster ................................ 24
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 26
Center console ..................................... 27
Upper part ...................................... 27
Lower part ...................................... 28
Overhead control panel ........................ 29
Door control panel................................ 30
Getting started................................... 31
Unlocking ............................................. 32
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 32
Starter switch positions .................. 33
Adjusting .............................................. 35
Seats .............................................. 35
Steering wheel ................................ 40
Mirrors ............................................ 43
Driving .................................................. 45
Fastening the seat belt ................... 45
Starting the engine ......................... 48
Parking brake ................................. 50
Driving ............................................ 51
Switching on headlamps ................. 52
Turn signals .................................... 53
Windshield wipers ........................... 53
Problems while driving.................... 56
Parking and locking .............................. 57
Parking brake ................................. 58
Switching off headlamps................. 59
Turning off engine ........................... 59
Releasing seat belts........................ 59
Locking ........................................... 60

ContentsSafety and Security........................... 61
Occupant safety................................... 62
Air bags .......................................... 63
Seat belts ....................................... 69
Active head restraint ...................... 73
Children in the vehicle .................... 74
Blocking of rear door window
operation ........................................ 85
Panic alarm* ........................................ 86
Activating ....................................... 86
Deactivating ................................... 86
Driving safety systems ......................... 87
ABS ................................................ 87
BAS ................................................ 88
ESP
®.............................................. 89
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with the ESP
®..... 92
Anti-theft systems................................ 93
Immobilizer..................................... 93
Anti-theft alarm system* ................ 93
Tow-away alarm* ........................... 95
Controls in detail............................... 97
Locking and unlocking ......................... 98
SmartKey ....................................... 98
Opening the doors from
the inside ..................................... 102
Opening the trunk ........................ 103
Closing the trunk.......................... 104
Trunk emergency release ............. 105
Valet locking ................................ 106
Automatic central locking ............ 107
Locking and unlocking from
the inside ..................................... 107
Seats ................................................. 109
Front seat active head restraints . 109
Rear seat head restraints ............. 109
Lumbar support*.......................... 112
Multicontour seats*
(Canada only) ............................... 113
Seat heating* ............................... 113
Memory function* ............................. 115
Storing positions into memory ..... 116
Recalling positions from memory . 116
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position ........................... 117Lighting ............................................. 118
Exterior lamp switch .................... 118
Combination switch ..................... 122
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps*
(C 280, C 350 4MATIC: with
Bi-Xenon* headlamps) ................. 123
Hazard warning flasher ................ 124
Interior lighting ............................ 125
Door entry lamps ......................... 126
Trunk lamp ................................... 126
Instrument cluster ............................. 127
Instrument cluster illumination .... 127
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 128
Trip odometer .............................. 128
Tachometer .................................. 129
Outside temperature indicator ..... 129
Control system .................................. 130
Multifunction display.................... 130
Multifunction steering wheel........ 131
Menus .......................................... 133
Standard display menu ................ 135
AUDIO menu ................................ 136
NAV* menu .................................. 138
Vehicle status message memory
menu............................................ 138
Settings menu .............................. 140

Contents
Trip computer menu..................... 155
TEL menu* ................................... 157
Manual transmission ......................... 160
Shifting into reverse ..................... 161
Automatic transmission* ................... 162
Gear selector lever position ......... 164
Driving tips ................................... 165
Gear ranges ................................. 166
Automatic shift program .............. 167
One-touch gearshifting................. 168
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 169
Good visibility .................................... 170
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 170
Rear view mirrors ......................... 170
Sun visors .................................... 173
Rear window sunshade* .............. 174
Rear window defroster ................. 175
Climate control .................................. 176
Deactivating the climate control
system ......................................... 179
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode ........... 179
Setting the temperature ............... 180Adjusting air distribution and
volume .......................................... 180
Adjusting air volume ..................... 181
Front defroster.............................. 181
Air recirculation mode .................. 182
Air conditioning............................. 183
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 184
Automatic climate control*
(Canada only) ..................................... 186
Deactivating the automatic climate
control system .............................. 189
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 189
Setting the temperature................ 190
Adjusting air distribution............... 190
Adjusting air volume ..................... 191
Front defroster.............................. 191
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 192
Air recirculation mode .................. 192
Charcoal filter ............................... 194
Air conditioning............................. 196
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 197
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 197Audio system...................................... 199
Audio and telephone, operation .... 199
Operating safety ........................... 199
Operating and display elements ... 200
Button and soft key operation ...... 202
Operation...................................... 202
Radio operation ............................ 207
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only) ..................................... 211
CD mode....................................... 216
GSM network phones ................... 225
TDMA or CDMA network phones .. 231
Emergency calls “911” ................. 237
Power windows .................................. 240
Opening and closing the windows 240
Synchronizing power windows ...... 242
Summer opening feature .............. 243
Convenience closing feature......... 243
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ................ 244
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 244
Synchronizing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 246
Driving systems .................................. 247
Cruise control ............................... 247

ContentsLoading .............................................. 250
Roof rack* .................................... 250
Ski sack* (Canada only) ............... 250
Split rear bench seat* .................. 253
Loading instructions ..................... 255
Cargo tie-down rings* .................. 256
Useful features .................................. 257
Storage compartments................. 257
Cup holders .................................. 259
Ashtrays ....................................... 261
Cigarette lighter ........................... 262
Power outlet ................................. 263
Telephone*................................... 264
Tele Aid* ...................................... 265
Garage door opener* ................... 273
Operation......................................... 281
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)......... 282
Driving instructions............................ 283
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 283
Drinking and driving ..................... 283
Pedals .......................................... 283
Power assistance ......................... 283
Brakes .......................................... 284
Driving off .................................... 285
Parking ......................................... 285
Tires ............................................. 286
Hydroplaning ................................ 287
Tire traction.................................. 287
Tire speed rating .......................... 288
Winter driving instructions ........... 289
Standing water ............................. 290
Passenger compartment .............. 290
Driving abroad.............................. 290
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 291
Catalytic converter ....................... 291
Emission control .......................... 292
Coolant temperature .................... 293At the gas station .............................. 294
Refueling ...................................... 294
Check regularly and before
a long trip..................................... 295
Engine compartment ......................... 297
Hood ............................................ 297
Engine oil ..................................... 298
Transmission fluid level ................ 300
Coolant level ................................ 301
Battery ......................................... 302
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 303
Tires and wheels................................ 304
Important guidelines .................... 304
Tire care and maintenance........... 305
Direction of rotation..................... 307
Loading the vehicle ...................... 307
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 314
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 316
MOExtended system*
(Canada only) ............................... 320
Tire labeling ................................. 321
Load identification ....................... 325
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 326

Contents
Maximum tire load ....................... 327
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 328
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 328
Tire ply material ........................... 330
Tire and loading terminology ........ 331
Rotating tires ............................... 335
Winter driving .................................... 336
Winter tires .................................. 336
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 337
Snow chains................................. 337
Maintenance...................................... 338
Maintenance service indicator
message....................................... 338
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display............... 339
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator........................... 340
Vehicle care ....................................... 341
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 341
Practical hints.................................. 349
What to do if … ................................... 350
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 350
Lamp in center console................. 356
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display..................... 358
Where will I find ...? ............................ 383
First aid kit.................................... 383
Vehicle tool kit .............................. 383
Minispare wheel............................ 386
Spare wheel bolts ......................... 388
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 389
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 389
Locking the vehicle ....................... 390
Fuel filler flap ................................ 391
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever ... 392
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 393
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........... 393
Resetting activated head restraints .... 394
Resetting activated head
restraints ...................................... 394
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 395
SmartKey ...................................... 396Replacing bulbs .................................. 397
Bulbs............................................. 398
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 400
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 403
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 405
Removing wiper blades ................. 405
Installing wiper blades .................. 405
Flat tire............................................... 406
Preparing the vehicle .................... 406
Mounting the Minispare wheel...... 406
MOExtended system* ................... 411
Battery ............................................... 412
Disconnecting the battery ............ 413
Removing the battery ................... 413
Charging and reinstalling the
battery .......................................... 414
Reconnecting the battery ............. 414
Jump starting...................................... 415
Towing the vehicle.............................. 417
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 420
Fuses.................................................. 421
Aids for replacing fuses ................ 421
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 422
Fuse box in engine compartment . 422
Fuse box in trunk .......................... 423

ContentsTechnical data.................................. 425
Parts service ...................................... 426
Warranty coverage ............................. 427
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet...................... 427
Identification labels............................ 428
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 429
Engine ................................................ 430
Rims and Tires ................................... 432
Same size tires ............................. 434
Mixed size tires ............................ 435
Minispare wheel ........................... 436
Electrical system................................ 437
Main dimensions................................ 438
Weights .............................................. 439Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 440
Capacities .................................... 440
Engine oils.................................... 442
Engine oil additives ...................... 442
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 442
Brake fluid .................................... 442
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 443
Gasoline additives ........................ 443
Fuel requirements ........................ 444
Coolants....................................... 444
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system* ......................... 448
Technical terms............................... 449Index................................................. 455

16 IntroductionOperating safety
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:

the safety precautions in this manual


the “Technical data” section in this
manual


traffic rules and regulations


motor vehicle laws and safety
standards
Warning!
G
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.
See 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 while the
engine is running. You should therefore
never turn off the engine while driving.
Warning!
G
Heavy blows against the vehicle underbody
or tires/wheels, for example when running
over an obstacle, road debris or a pothole,
may cause serious damage and impair the
operating safety of your vehicle. If you feel a
sudden significant vibration or ride distur-
bance, or you suspect that damage to your
vehicle has occurred, you should turn on
your hazard warning flashers, carefully slow
down, and 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.
Warning!
G
Various warning labels are attached to your
vehicle. These warning labels are intended
to make you and others aware of various
risks. You should not remove any of these
warning labels unless explicitly instructed to
do so by information on the label itself.
Removal of any of these labels may cause
you and others to be unaware of certain
risks which may result in an accident and/or
personal injury.

18 IntroductionReporting safety defectsFor the USA only:
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it
may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,
or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor ve-
hicle safety from the Hotline.

19 Introduction
Vehicle data recording
Vehicle data recording
Information regarding electronic recording devices
(Including notice pursuant to California Code § 9951)
Please note that your vehicle is equipped with devices that can record vehicle systems data and, if equipped with the Tele Aid system,
may transmit some data in certain accidents.
This information helps, for example, to diagnose vehicle systems after a collision and to continuously improve vehicle safety.
DaimlerChrysler may access the information and share it with others

for safety research or vehicle diagnosis purposes


with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee


in response to an official request by law enforcement or other government agency


for use in dispute resolution involving DaimlerChrysler, its affiliates or sales/service organization and/or


as otherwise required or permitted by law.
Please check the Tele Aid subscription service agreement for details regarding the information that may be recorded or transmitted
via that system.

23 At a glance
Cockpit
Item
Page
1
Cruise control lever
247
2
Multifunction steering
wheel
26,
131
3
Horn
4
Instrument cluster
24,
127
5
Lever for voice control
system*, see separate
operating instructions
6
Overhead control panel
29
7
Glove box lid release
257
8
Glove box lock
257
Item
Page
9
Center console
27
a
Starter switch
33
b
Hood lock release
297
c
Steering wheel adjustment
handle (manual)
40
d
Steering wheel adjustment
lever (electrical)*
41
e
Parking brake pedal
50, 58
f
Remote trunk opening
switch
104
g
Door control panel
30
h
Parking brake release
50
Item
Page
j
Combination switch

Turn signals
53


Windshield wipers
53


High beam
52
k
Exterior lamp switch
52,
118
l
Exterior rear view mirror
adjustment
43,
117
m
Headlamp washer button*
170