tires MERCEDES-BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR 2003 W203 Owner's Guide

325 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Spare wheel
Your vehicle is equipped with either a spare wheel with full size tire or Minispare wheel.
Spare wheel with full size tire
Minispare wheel
C 230 Kompressor Sport
C 240 (all models)
C 320 (all models)
C32AMG
Rim (light alloy)
-
71/2J x 17 H2
Rim (steel)
7J x 16 H2
-
Wheel offset
1.46 in (37 mm)
1.42 in (36 mm)
All season tire (radial-ply tire)
205/55 R16 91 H
225/45 R17 91 Y
C 230 Kompressor Sport
C 240 (all models)
C 320 (all models)
Rim (steel)
3.5B x 16 H2
Wheel offset
0.67 in (17 mm)
All season tire (radial-ply tire)
T 125/90 R16 M 98
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.

339 Technical data
Consumer information
Consumer information
The following text is published as required
of all manufacturers of passenger cars un-
der Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regula-
tions, Part 575 pursuant to the “National
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of
1966”.Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found, where appli-
cable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.Tread Wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (
1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
Tread wear
Traction
Temperature
200
AA
A
Warning!
G
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.

340 Technical dataConsumer informationTemperature
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Warning!
G
The temperature grade for this tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underin-
flation, or excessive loading, either sepa-
rately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.

345 Technical terms
Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, roadside assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

352 IndexCruising range, fuel 335
Cup holder
Cleaning 252
In front seat armrest 204
In rear seat armrest 205
Opening 204
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) 341
D
Daytime running lamp mode 103
Setting 125
Deactivating
Air conditioner 154
Air recirculation mode 152, 161, 162
Alarm 80
Anti-theft alarm system 80
Automatic climate control* 157
Central locking (control system) 129
Climate control 149
Climate control system 153
Cruise control 194
Defrosting 152, 160
Engine with the key 53
ESP 76
Exterior lamps 102
Exterior lamps delayed shut-off 126
Front fog lamps 126Hazard warning flasher 104
Headlamps 52
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 127
Rear window defroster 153, 162
Seat heater* 97
Tow-away alarm 80
Deep water see Standing water 229
Defogging
Windshield 151, 159
Defrosting 151, 160
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 126
Interior lighting 127
Dialing
A number (telephone) 135
Difficulties
While driving
see Problems while driving 49
With starting 45
Digital speedometer 116
Direction of rotation (tires) 243
Discharged battery
Jump starting 306
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 304Display elements
Audio system 166
Displays
Digital speedometer 116
Messages 238, 261
Selecting 124
Service indicator 247
Showing malfunctions 119
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 132
Door control panel 28
Door entry lamps 106
Door handle 28
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 216
Doors
Message in display 272
Opening from inside vehicle 87
Opening from outside 85
Downhill driving
Cruise control 194
Downshifting 137, 139
Drink holder see Cup holder 204
Drinking and driving 223

364 IndexSelector lever 23
Lock 44
Position
(automatic transmission) 23, 138
Self-test
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 67
Tele Aid* 210
Service
Calling up the service indicator 248
Major service (Service B) 247
Minor service (Service A) 247
Overdue 247
Spare parts 316
Types 247
When due 247
Service and Warranty Booklet
Loss of 317
Service and warranty information 10
Service indicator 247
Calling up 248
Clearing 247, 248
Service life (tires) 243
Service see maintenance 247
Service System see FSS 247Setting
Convenience functions 121, 129
Cruise control 194
Daytime running lamp mode 125
Higher speed in cruise control 195
Hours (clock) 122
Individual vehicle settings 119
Instrument lighting 107, 108
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 127
Key dependent memory 131
Lamps and lighting
(control system) 125
Language, multifunction display 124
Locator lighting 126
Lower speed in cruise control 195
Miles/kilometers in
speedometer 123
Minutes (clock) 122
Night security illumination 126
Parking position* for exterior rear
view mirrors 131
Slower speed in cruise control 195
Speed in cruise control 195
Speedometer display mode 123
Station selection mode 128
Temperature (Interior) 158Temperature (interior) 150
Temperature indicator 123
Time display mode (Clock) 123
Units
Speedometer 123
Temperature 123
Settings
Convenience functions 129
Factory, SmartKey 85
Individual (SmartKey) 131
Lighting (control system) 125
Menus and submenus 113
Resetting all (control system) 120
Resetting in the submenu 120
Selective 85
Settings menu
Functions in 119
Individual vehicle settings 119
Submenus 120
Shift lock 344
Shifting
Gear selector lever positions 141
Gearshift lever 137
Into optimal gear range
(automatic transmission) 139

367 Index
Technical data 332
Brake fluid 332
Coolant 329
Coolants 336
Electrical system 326
Engine oil 332
Engine oil additives 332
Flexible fuel vehicles 334
Fuel requirements 333
Fuels 329
Gasoline additives 334
Lubricants 329
Main dimensions 327
Premium unleaded gasoline 333
Rims and tires 322
Weights 328
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning* system 331, 338
Tele Aid* 209
Emergency calls 211
Information 214
Initiating an emergency call
manually 212
Messages in display 277
Remote door unlock 216
Roadside assistance 213SOS button 212
Stolen vehicle tracking services 217
System self-check 210
Tele Aid System 210, 345
Upgrade signals 215
Telematics* 345
Telephone* 24, 208
Answering a call 135
Dialing a number from
the phone book 135
Emergency call 185
Ending a call 135
Hands-free microphone 27
Loading phone book* 135
Messages in display 277
Operation 134, 182
Redialing 136
Signal strength 134
Temperature
Display mode 123
Grades of tires 340
Setting interior
temperature 150, 158
Setting units in display 123
Tires 244Tightening torque
(Wheel bolts) 301, 345
Tilt
Head restraint 34
Time
Setting hours 122
Setting minutes 122
Time display
Setting 123
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 234, 243
Tire speed rating 227, 345
Tire traction 227
Tires 242, 322, 339
Consumer information 339
Direction of rotation 243
Driving instructions 226
Retreads 242
Rims and tires 322
Service life 243
Temperature 244
Temperature grades 340
Tread depth 245
Wear pattern 244
Winter 245
Tools 279

368 IndexTow-away alarm 25, 80
Arming 80
Disarming 80
Disarming for transport 80
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 311
Towing the vehicle 308
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 217
Traction 142, 339, 345
Transmission see Automatic or
manual transmission 238
Transmission selector lever 288
Unlocking manually 288
Tread depth (tires) 245
Tread Wear 339
Trip computer 132
Trip odometer
Resetting 109
Trunk
Auxiliary fuse box 313
Closing the lid 89
Lamp 106
Opening 86, 88
Opening from inside vehicle 88Separately locking 90
Separately unlocking 91
Trunk lid emergency release 89
Trunk lid
Closing 89
Message in display 272
Turn signal lamps
Replacing bulbs 290, 291
Turn signals 47
Additional in mirrors 290
Cleaning lenses 251
Front bulbs 290, 292, 294
Indicator lamps 23
Rear bulbs 291, 295
Turning off
Engine 53
U
Units
Setting speedometer units 123
Setting temperature units 123
Unlocking 30, 84
Centrally from inside 92
Driver’s door in an emergency 285
Fuel filler flap 233
Global 85
In an emergency 285Selective settings 85
Separately the trunk 91
Transmission selector lever
manually 288
Vehicle in an emergency 216
With the SmartKey 30
Upgrade signals
Tele Aid* 215
Uphill driving
Cruise control 194
Upshifting 139
Useful features 203
Ashtrays 207
Cigarette lighter 208
Garage door opener 217
Tele Aid* 209
Telephone* 208
V
Vehicle
Individual settings 119, 121
Locking 25
Locking in an emergency 286
Lowering 301
Performance in cold weather 335
Performance in hot weather 335
Proper use of 16

369 Index
Service battery 303
Towing 308
Unlocking 25
Unlocking in an emergency 285
With flexible fuel 334
Vehicle battery 303
Vehicle care 249
Cup holder 252
Engine cleaning 250
Gear selector lever 252
Hard plastic trim items 252
Headlamps 251
Instrument cluster 252
Leather upholstery 253
Light alloy wheels 252
MB Tex upholstery 253
Ornamental moldings 251
Paintwork 250
Plastic and rubber parts 252
Power washer 250
Seat belts 252
Steering wheel 252
Tail lamps 251
Tar stains 250
Turn signals 251Vehicle washing 251
Window cleaning 251
Wiper blades 251
Vehicle identification number (VIN) 318
Vehicle jack 280
Vehicle lighting
Checking 234
Vehicle tool kit 279
Alignment bolt 279
Removing 279
Spare fuses 279
Special fuse puller 279
Towing eye bolt 279
Vehicle jack 279
Wheel bolts 279
Wheel wrench 279
Vehicle washing 251
Ventilated storage compartment 155
Ventilation
Storage compartment 155
VIN (Vehicle Identification
Number) 318, 345
Voice control system* 345
Hands-free microphone 27W
Warning lamps
see Lamps, indicator and warning
Warning sounds
Drivers seat belts 61
Parking brake 46
Warranty coverage 317
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washing the vehicle 249
Wear pattern (tires) 244
Weights 328
Wheel change
Tightening torque 301
Wheels
Rotating 244
Tires and wheels 242
Window curtain airbags 61
Windows see Side windows
Windshield
Defogging 151, 159
Refilling washer fluid 241
Replacing wiper blades 296
Washer fluid 241, 338
Washer system 338

370 IndexWindshield washer fluid 338
Message in display 278
Mixing ratio 338
Refilling 241
Wiping with 49
Windshield washer system 338
Windshield wipers 48
Fast wiper speed 48
Replacing wiper blades 296
Single wipe 49
Switching on 48
Wiping with windshield
washer fluid 49
Winter driving 245
Block heater 246
Snow chains 246
Tires 245
Transmission program mode 142
Winter driving instructions 228
Winter tires 245Wiper blades
Cleaning 251
Installing 296
Removing 296
Replacing 296
Replacing insert 296
Wiping
Interval 48
With windshield washer fluid 49
X
Xenon headlamps
Bi-Xenon* 341