towing MERCEDES-BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE 2002 CL203 Owner's Manual

4 Contents
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 300
LIGHT SENSOR........................... 302
DOOR............................................ 302
TRUNK OPEN ............................. 303
HOOD ........................................... 303
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION........ 304
TELE AID ..................................... 304
WASHER FLUID.......................... 305
RESTRAINT SYSTEM ................. 306
KEY ............................................... 306
FUEL RESERVE .......................... 307
UNDERVOLTAGE ........................ 307
STEERING WHEEL ADJUST. ..... 308
Practical hintsFirst aid kit...................................... 310
Stowing things in the vehicle ...... 311
Fuses ................................................ 311
Hood ................................................. 315
Automatic transmission
fluid level ................................... 317
Adding engine oil........................... 318
Coolant level ................................... 319Adding coolant ............................ 319
Windshield and headlamp
washer system .......................... 320
Spare wheel, storage
compartment ............................. 321
Vehicle tools and air pump .......... 322
Vehicle jack .................................... 323
Wheels ............................................ 324
Tire replacement........................ 324
Rotating wheels ......................... 325
Spare wheel .................................... 326
Changing wheels ........................... 327
Inflating the collapsible
spare tire ..................................... 333
Storing spare wheel in
wheel well ................................... 334
Tire inflation pressure ................. 335
Battery............................................. 336
Jump starting.................................. 338
Towing the vehicle ........................ 341
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking .................. 344
Exterior lamps ............................... 345
Replacing bulbs ......................... 345Changing batteries in the
electronic main key .................. 351
Synchronizing remote
control .......................................... 353
Emergency engine shut-down ..... 353
Fuel filler flap, manual release ... 354
Replacing wiper blade insert ....... 356
Roof rack ......................................... 357
Vehicle careCleaning and care of
the vehicle.................................. 360
Power washer.............................. 361
Tar stains ..................................... 361
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................. 361
Engine cleaning.......................... 362
Vehicle washing ......................... 362
Ornamental moldings................ 363
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 363
Window cleaning........................ 363
Wiper blade ................................. 363

40 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Automatic central locking
With the automatic central locking system activated, the
doors and trunk are locked at vehicle speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or more. The fuel filler
flap remains unlocked.
The automatic central locking function can be switched
on or off in the individual setting menu “VEHICLE” –
“AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK”, see page 121.
Notes:
If doors are unlocked with the central locking switch
after activating the automatic central locking, and
neither door is opened, then the doors remain unlocked
even at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph
(15 km / h) or more.
If a door is opened from the inside at speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or less with the
automatic central locking activated, the door will again
be automatically locked at speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.If a door is opened from the inside, the complete vehicle
is unlocked, if the vehicle was previously centrally
unlocked using the remote control.
Important!
When towing the vehicle, or with the vehicle on a
dynamometer test stand, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter switch position 2, the vehicle
doors will lock if the left front wheel as well as the right
rear wheel spin at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
Emergency unlocking in case of accident
The doors unlock automatically a short time after an
accident in which an airbag or emergency tensioning
retractor deploys (this is intended to aid rescue and
exit).

46 Tow-away alarm
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tow-away alarm (optional for Canada)
The switch is located in the center console.
1Press to switch off tow-away alarm
2Indicator lamp
Once the alarm system has been armed, the exterior
vehicle lamps will flash and an alarm will sound when
someone attempts to raise the vehicle.The alarm will last approximately 3 minutes in form of
flashing exterior lamps. At the same time an alarm will
sound for 30 seconds. The alarm will stay on even if the
vehicle is immediately lowered. To cancel the alarm,
insert the electronic key in the starter switch or press
buttonŒ or‹ on the electronic key.
If the alarm stays on for more than 20 seconds, an
emergency call is initiated automatically. See Tele Aid
on page 228.
To pr even t tr igger in g t he tow-away alarm feature, switch
off the tow-away alarm before towing the vehicle, or
when parking on a surface subject to movement, such
as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 0 or 1, or remove electronic key from starter
switch. Press tow-away alarm switch (1). The indicator
lamp (2) illuminates briefly.
Exit vehicle, and lock vehicle with the electronic key.
The tow-away alarm remains switched off until the
vehicle is locked again with the electronic key, at which
time it is automatically reactivated.

206 Interior equipment
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Interior Storage compartments and armrests
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing
things. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if
possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than
the seat backs. Do not place anything on the
luggage cover below the rear window.Luggage nets cannot secure hard or heavy objects.
Wa r n i n g !
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help to
prevent stored objects from being thrown about
and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident.

232 Tele Aid
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Roadside Assistance button 
Located below the center armrest cover is the Roadside
Assistance button. Pressing and holding the
button (for longer than 2 seconds) will initiate a call to a
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher. The
button will flash while the call is in progress. The
message “ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE – CONNECTING
CALL” will appear in the multifunction display. When
the connection is established, the message “ROADSIDE
ASSISTANCE – CALL CONNECTED” appears in the
multifunction display. The Tele Aid system will transmit
data generating the vehicle identification number,
model, color and location (subject to availability of
cellular and GPS signals).A voice connection between the Roadside Assistance
dispatcher and the occupants of the vehicle will be
established. When a voice connection is established the
audio system mutes and the message “TELE AID –
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CALL ACTIVE” appears in the
multifunction display. The nature of the need for
assistance can then be described. The Mercedes-Benz
Roadside assistance dispatcher will either dispatch a
qualified Mercedes-Benz technician or arrange to tow
your vehicle to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center.
For services such as labor and/or towing charges may
apply. Refer to the Roadside Assistance manual for more
information.
These programs are only available in the USA:
•Sign and Drive services: Services such as jump start,
a few gallons of fuel or the replacement of a flat tire
with the vehicle spare tire are obtainable,
•Remote Vehicle Diagnostics: This function permits
the Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance dispatcher
to download malfunction codes and actual vehicle
data.
Wa r n i n g !
If you feel at any way in jeopardy when in the
vehicle (e.g. smoke or fire in the vehicle, vehicle in
a dangerous road location), please do not wait for
voice contact after you have pressed the emergency
button. Carefully leave the vehicle and move to a
safe location. The Response Center will
automatically contact local emergency officials
with the vehicle’s approximate location if they
receive an automatic “SOS” signal and cannot make
voice contact with the vehicle occupants.

274 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash when ESP is in
operation.Important!
If the ESP warning lampv flashes:
•During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
•While driving ease up on the accelerator.
•Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
•Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
page 341, “Towing the vehicle”), the engine must be
shut off (electronic key in starter switch position 0 or 1).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and
will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded. The ESP cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, or aquaplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent accidents.
The capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must
never be exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.

309 Contents - Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit...................................... 310
Stowing things in the vehicle ...... 311
Fuses ................................................ 311
Hood ................................................. 315
Automatic transmission
fluid level ................................... 317
Adding engine oil........................... 318
Coolant level ................................... 319
Adding coolant............................ 319
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ........................... 320
Spare wheel, storage
compartment.............................. 321Vehicle tools and air pump .......... 322
Vehicle jack .................................... 323
Wheels ............................................ 324
Tire replacement........................ 324
Rotating wheels ......................... 325
Spare wheel .................................... 326
Changing wheels ........................... 327
Inflating the collapsible
spare tire ..................................... 333
Storing spare wheel in
wheel well ................................... 334
Tire inflation pressure ................. 335
Battery............................................. 336
Jump starting.................................. 338Towing the vehicle......................... 341
Transmission selector lever,
manually unlocking ................... 344
Exterior lamps ................................ 345
Replacing bulbs .......................... 345
Changing batteries in the
electronic main key .................. 351
Synchronizing remote
control .......................................... 353
Emergency engine shut-down ..... 353
Fuel filler flap, manual release ... 354
Replacing wiper blade insert ....... 356
Roof rack ......................................... 357

311 Fuses
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Stowing things in the vehicle Fuses
Most of your vehicle’s electrical components are fused
with safety fuses. With the exception of the brake lights,
all individual lighting system components are
electronically fused. Before replacing a blown safety
fuse, determine the cause of the short circuit. Always
observe amperage and color of fuse.
The circuit for components is protected by a cycled
circuit breaker interrupted if too much current is being
drawn. The circuit closes automatically after a short
time; the circuit is broken again if the malfunction
reoccurs.
Always use a new fuse for replacement. Never attempt to
repair or bridge a blown fuse.
A fuse chart is located in fuse box (1).
A special fuse puller is located in the auxiliary fuse box
in the trunk, see page 314.
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing
things. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if
possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than
the seat backs. Do not place anything on the shelf
below the rear window.

321 Spare wheel
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Spare wheel, storage compartment
1Spare wheel
2Storage tray with vehicle tool kit, towing eye bolt,
wheel bolts and jack
3Mounting screw for spare wheel / cover for vehicle
toolsLift trunk floor and engage handle in upper edge of
trunk.
Always lower trunk floor before closing trunk lid.
To remove the spare wheel (1):
Turn the mounting screw (3) counterclockwise and
remove the spare wheel.
To store spare wheel:
Place spare wheel in wheel well and turn mounting
screw (3) clockwise to its stop.
P68.00-2648-26

341 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Towing the vehicle
Important!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter switch position 2, the vehicle
doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the right rear
wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking. See the
individual setting menu “VEHICLE” – “AUTOMATIC
DOOR LOCK” on page 132.
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame
or suspension parts.
Notes:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and
the electronic key cannot be turned in the starter switch
if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See battery
on page 336 or jump starting on page 338.
Transmission selector lever, manually unlocking, see
page 344.
Wa r n i n g !
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in
starter switch position 2.If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the switch. In this case, the
steering is locked. To unlock, remove electronic key
from starter switch and reinsert.