octane MERCEDES-BENZ C230 2006 W203 Owner's Manual

13 Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operating your vehicle outside the USA or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in for-
eign countries, please be aware that

service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available,


unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,


gasoline may have a considerably low-
er octane rating, and improper fuel can
cause engine damage.Certain Mercedes-Benz models are avail-
able for delivery in Europe under our
European Delivery Program. For details,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or write to:
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

430 Technical dataEngineModel
C 230 (203.052)
1
C 230 Sport (203.052)
1
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the corresponding data of all special bodies and special equipment.
C 280 (203.054)
1
C 280 4MATIC (203.092)
1
Engine
272
272
Mode of operation
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
No. of cylinders
6
6
Bore
3.46 in (88.00 mm)
3.46 in (88.00 mm)
Stroke
2.69 in (68.40 mm)
3.23 in (82.10 mm)
Total piston displacement
152.3 cu in (2 496 cm
3)
182.8 cu in (2 996 cm
3)
Compression ratio
11.2:1
11.1:1
Output acc.
to SAE J 1349
201 hp/6 200 rpm
2
(150 kW/6 200 rpm)
2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.
228 hp/6 000 rpm
2
(170 kW/6 000 rpm)
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349
181 lb-ft/2 700 – 5 000 rpm
(245 Nm/2 700 – 5 000 rpm)
221lb-ft/2700–5000rpm
(300 Nm/2 700 – 5 000 rpm)
Maximum engine speed
6500 rpm
6500 rpm
Firing order
1-4-3-6-2-5
1-4-3-6-2-5
Poly-V-belt
2404 mm
2404 mm

431 Technical data
Engine
Model
C 350 (203.056)
1
C 350 Sport (203.056)
1
C 350 4MATIC (203.087)
1
Engine
272
Mode of operation
4-stroke engine, gasoline injection
No. of cylinders
6
Bore
3.65 in (92.90 mm)
Stroke
3.38 in (86.00 mm)
Total piston displacement
213.5 cu in (3 498 cm
3)
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Output acc.
to SAE J 1349
268 hp/6 000 rpm
2
(200 kW/6 000 rpm)
Maximum torque acc.
to SAE J 1349
258 lb-ft/3 000 rpm
(350 Nm/3 000 rpm)
Maximum engine speed
6700 rpm
Firing order
1-4-3-6-2-5
Poly-V-belt
2404 mm
1The quoted data apply only to the standard vehicle. See an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for the
corresponding data of all special bodies and special equipment.2Premium fuel required. Performance may vary with fuel octane rating.

441 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin
CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 2.1oz (60g)
each
High temperature roller bearing grease
Brake system
0.5 US qt (0.5 l)
MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling system
approx. 7.5 US qt (7.1 l)
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/antifreeze
agent
Fuel tank
including
a reserve of
16.4 US gal (62.0 l)
2.1 US gal (8.0 l)
Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86 MON)
Air conditioning system
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubri-
cant oil (never R-12)
Windshield washer
3.2 US qt (3.0 l)
MB Windshield Washer Concentrate
1
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*
6.4 US qt (6.0 l)
1Use MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and water for temperatures above freezing point or MB Windshield Washer Concentrate “S” and commercially available
premixed windshield washer solvent/antifreeze for temperatures below freezing point. Follow suggested mixing ratios (page 448).

443 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Premium unleaded gasoline
Gasoline additives
A major concern among engine
manufacturers is carbon build-up caused
by gasoline. Mercedes-Benz recommends
only the use of quality gasoline containing
additives that prevent the build-up of
carbon deposits.
After an extended period of using fuels
without such additives, carbon deposits
can build up especially on the intake valves
and in the combustion area, leading to
engine performance problems such as:

Warm-up hesitation


Unstable idle


Knocking/pinging


Misfire


Power loss
Warning!
G
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous.
It burns violently and can cause serious
injury. Whenever you are around gasoline,
avoid inhaling fumes and skin contact, extin-
guish all smoking materials. Never allow
sparks, flame or smoking materials near
gasoline!
!To maintain the engine’s durability and
performance, premium unleaded gaso-
line must be used. If premium unleaded
is not available and low octane fuel is
used, follow these precautions:

Have the fuel tank only partially
filled with unleaded regular and fill
up with premium unleaded as soon
as possible.


Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt
acceleration.


Do not exceed an engine speed of
3 000 rpm if the vehicle is loaded
with a light load such as two
persons and no luggage.


Do not exceed
2/3 of maximum
accelerator pedal position if the
vehicle is fully loaded or operating
in mountainous terrain.

444 Technical dataFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.In areas where carbon deposits may be
encountered due to lack of availability of
gasolines which contain these additives,
Mercedes-Benz recommends the use of
additives approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Refer to Factory
Approved Service Products pamphlet for a
listing of approved product(s). Follow
directions on product label.
Do not blend other fuel additives with fuel.
This only results in unnecessary cost and
may be harmful to engine operation.
Damage or malfunction resulting from
poor fuel quality or from blending
additional fuel additives other than those
tested and approved by us for use on
Mercedes-Benz vehicles listed in the
Factory Approved Service Products
pamphlet are not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Fuel requirements
Only use premium unleaded fuel:

The octane number (posted at the
pu mp ) m ust b e 91 m i n. It is an a ve ra ge
of both the Research (R) octane num-
ber and the Motor (M) octane number:
(R+M)/2. This is also known as the
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Unleaded gasoline containing oxygenates
such as ethanol, IPA, IBA and TBA can be
used provided the ratio of any one of these
oxygenates to gasoline does not
exceed 10%; MTBE must not exceed 15%.
The ratio of methanol to gasoline must not
exceed 3% plus additional cosolvents.
Using mixtures of ethanol and methanol is
not allowed. Gasohol, which contains 10%
ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline, can
be used.
These blends must also meet all other fuel
requirements, such as resistance to spark
knock, boiling range, vapor pressure, etc.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which
provides:

Corrosion protection


Freeze protection


Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and
corrosion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective
to -22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the
coolant in the pressurized cooling system
is reached at approx. 266°F (130°C).

452 Technical termsMON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a
gasoline’s ability to resist undesired
detonation (knocking). The average of
both the MON (Motor Octane Number)
and ->RON (Research Octane Number)
is posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Multifunction display
Display field in the instrument cluster
used to present information provided
by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for
operating the control system.
Normal occupant weight
(
page 332)OCS
(O
ccupant C
lassification S
ystem)
The system automatically turns the
front passenger front air bag on or off
based on the classified occupant size
category determined by weight sensor
readings from the seat.
Occupant distribution
(
page 332)
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this
engine speed range, as it may result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power train
Collective term designating all
components used to generate and
transmit motive power to the drive
axles, including


engine


clutch/torque converter


transmission


transfer case


drive shaft


differential


axle shafts/axles
Production options weight
(
page 333)
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic
transmission* between standard
operationS and comfort operationC.

453 Technical terms
PSI
(P
ounds per s
quare i
nch) (
page 333)
Recommended tire inflation pressure
(
page 333)
Restraint systems
Seat belts, child restraints, lower
anchors and tethers for children
(LATCH). As independent systems,
their protective functions complement
one another.
Rim
(page 333)
RON
(Research O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line’s ability to resist undesired deto-
nation (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission gear
selector lever from being moved out of
positionP without SmartKey turned
and brake pedal depressed.
Sidewall
(
page 333)
SRS
(Supplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Air bags, air bag control unit (with
crash sensor), emergency tensioning
device. Though independent systems,
they are closely interfaced to provide
effective occupant protection.Tele Aid* System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and
manual emergency, roadside assis-
tance and information. Tele Aid is
initially activated by completing a
subscriber agreement and placing an
acquaintance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational
provided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not
damaged and cellular and GPS
coverage is available.

461 Index
Fuel 294, 443
Additives 443
Capacities, Fuel tank 441
Filling the tank 294
Fuel filler flap and cap, Multifunction
display messages 352, 353, 376
Fuel gauge 25
Fuel reserve warning lamp 354
Requirements, Octane rating 444
Technical data 441, 443
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 155
Since last reset 156
Fuel filler flap 294
Opening in an emergency 391
Fuel reserve warning lamp 25
Fuel tank
Capacity 441
Filler flap 294
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities 440Fuses 421
Aids for changing fuses 421
Fuse box (main) in passenger
compartment 422
Fuse box in engine compartment 422
Fuse box in trunk 423
Fuse chart 421
Fuse extractor 421, 423
Replacing 421
Spare fuses 421
G
Garage door opener* 273
Gasoline see Fuel
GAWR 331
Gear range 450
Automatic transmission* 166
Limiting 166
Shifting into optimal 169
Gear selector lever 48, 49, 161, 162
Cleaning 347
Lock 49
Position indicator 163
Position, Automatic
transmission* 130, 162, 164
Unlocking in an emergency 392Global locking/unlocking see Key
Global Positioning System see GPS
Glove box 257
Good visibility 170
GPS 451
Gross Axle Weight Rating see GAWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight see GVW
GVW 332
GVWR 332
H
Halogen headlamp see Headlamps
Hands-free microphone 29
Hard plastic trim items, cleaning 347
Hazard warning flasher 124
Head restraints 37, 109
Active head restraint 73, 394
Front seat,
Removing and installing 109
Manual seat, Adjusting 37
Power seat*, Adjusting 39
Rear seat, Folding back 110
Rear seat, Removing and
installing 111
Resetting activated head
restraints 394

464 IndexLight alloy wheels
Cleaning 346
Technical data 434, 435
Light sensor see Lamp sensor
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting
Parking lamps 118
Lighting, Exterior and interior 118
Limp Home Mode 169
Loading see Vehicle loading
Loading terminology 331
Loading the vehicle 307
Locator lighting 121, 150
Locking knob 451
Loss of keys 102
Loss of Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 427
Low beam headlamps
Indicator lamp 25
Messages in display 378, 379
Replacing bulbs 398, 401
Switching on 52
Lubricants 440
Technical data 440
Lumbar support* 112M
Main dimensions 438
Main fuse box
In passenger compartment 422
Mainodometer 130
Maintenance 12, 338
Calling up service indicator
display 339
Clearing service indicator
message 339
FSS (Canada vehicles) 338
Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 338
Resetting service indicator 340
Service indicator message 338
Service term exceeded 339
Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 338, 451
Manual headlamp mode see Headlamps
Manual seat see Seat, Manual 36
Manual transmission 160, 161
Gearshift lever 48, 161
Shift positions 161
Starting the engine 49
Maximum load rating, Tires 332
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 332Maximum tire inflation pressure 332
MB Tex upholstery, Cleaning and
care of 348
Mechanical key 389
Memory function* see Steering wheel
Menus see Control system
Microphone, Hands-free 29
Minispare wheel see Spare wheel
Mirrors
Adjusting 43
Auto-dimming* 171
Exterior rear view mirror 43
Exterior rear view mirror,
Parking position* 117, 154, 172
Interior rear view mirror 43, 170
MOE tires see MOExtended system*
(Canada only)
MOExtended system* 411
MOExtended system* (Canada only) 320
MON 452
Motor Octane Number see MON
Multicontour seats* (Canada only) 113
Multifunction display 130, 452
Changing settings see Contro system
menus and Control system
submenus