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

Our company and staff congratulate you on the purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.
Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your desire
to own an automobile that will be as easy as possible to operate and provide years of service.
Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of
ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:
•Please read this manual carefully before putting it aside. Then return it to your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
•Please abide by the recommendations contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the
operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
•Please abide by the warnings and cautions contained in this manual. They are designed to help improve the safety
of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe, pleasurable driving.
DaimlerChrysler AG

1 Contents
IntroductionProduct information .......................... 7
Operator’s manual ............................. 8
Where to find it ................................ 13
Reporting Safety Defects ................ 15Instruments and controlsInstruments and controls ............... 18
Door control panel ....................... 20
Overhead control panel ............... 21
Dashboard ..................................... 22
Center console .............................. 24OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 28
Start lock-out..................................... 30
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 30
Central locking system ................... 31
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 31
Locking and unlocking ................ 33Choosing global or selective
mode on remote control.............. 33
Opening and closing windows
and sliding / pop-up roof
from outside ................................. 34
Panic button ................................. 35
Mechanical keys .......................... 35
Doors ................................................. 36
Central locking switch.................... 38
Automatic central locking.............. 40
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 40
Trunk.................................................. 41
Trunk lid emergency release ....... 43
Antitheft alarm system................... 44
Tow-away alarm ............................... 46
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 47
Front seat adjustment..................... 48
Removal and installation of
front seat head restraints .......... 54
Front seat backrest
- locking and unlocking ............. 56
Heated seats ..................................... 58
Rear seat head restraints ............... 60Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 62
Seat belts ........................................... 62
Seat belt nonusage
warning system ........................... 63
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system .................... 69
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ........ 69
Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS)................................ 70
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR)............................. 71
Airbags .............................................. 72
Safety guidelines for the seat
belt, emergency tensioning
retractor and airbag.................... 80
Infant and child
restraint systems......................... 82
Steering wheel adjustment
(manual) ....................................... 87
Steering wheel adjustment
(electrical) .................................... 88
Rear view mirrors ............................ 89
Instrument cluster ........................... 96

2 Contents
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ............... 102
Trip and main odometer and
sub menu.................................... 106
Audio systems ................................ 108
Radio ............................................ 108
CD player ..................................... 109
Cassette player ........................... 110
Telephone ......................................... 111
Navigation system ........................... 116
Trip computer ................................. 117
Malfunction/warning
message memory ....................... 119
Individual settings......................... 121
Setting the audio volume.............. 136
Coolant temperature gauge .......... 137
Flexible service system (FSS) ...... 138
Engine oil level indicator .............. 141
Engine oil consumption ................ 142
Exterior lamp switch ..................... 143
Headlamp mode ............................. 144Night security illumination ......... 146
Locator lighting .......................... 147
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 147
Combination switch ...................... 148
Hazard warning flasher switch .... 151
Climate control .............................. 152
Automatic climate control............ 160
Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 171
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ............... 172
Operation Audio and
telephone ................................... 173
Operating safety ............................ 173
Operating and display elements .. 174
Button and soft key operation ...... 176
Component malfunctions ............. 195
Power windows .............................. 197
Sunshade for panorama
sliding/pop-up roof .................. 199
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof .... 200
Interior lighting ............................. 203
Sun visors ....................................... 205
Vanity mirrors................................ 205Interior............................................. 206
Storage compartments
and armrests ..............................206
Glove box ..................................... 207
Cup holder ...................................... 210
Ashtrays .......................................... 211
Lighter ............................................. 213
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell ....................................... 214
Split folding rear seat bench ........ 215
Luggage cover – removal
and installation ......................... 217
Loading instructions (vehicle
with enlarged cargo area) ........ 218
Cellular telephone ......................... 219
Telephone, general ........................ 220
Garage door opener ....................... 221
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 226
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 227

3 ContentsMaintenance ................................... 227
Tele Aid............................................ 228
Catalytic converter......................... 238
Emission control ............................ 239
Starter switch ................................. 240
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 242
Manual transmission .................... 244
Automatic transmission................ 246
Parking brake ................................. 256
Driving instructions ...................... 257
Drive sensibly – Save Fuel........ 257
Drinking and driving................. 257
Pedals ........................................... 257
Power assistance ........................ 258
Brakes .......................................... 258
Driving off ................................... 259
Parking ........................................ 260
Tires ............................................. 261
Snow chains ................................ 263
Winter driving instructions ...... 264
Deep water .................................. 266
Passenger compartment............ 267
Traveling abroad......................... 267Cruise control ................................ 268
Brake assist system (BAS)............ 271
Antilock brake system (ABS)....... 272
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 274
What you should know
at the gas station ...................... 278
Check regularly and before
a long trip .................................. 280
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the instrument
cluster......................................... 282
On-board diagnostic system......... 283
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp ............................ 283
Brake warning lamp .................. 284
Supplemental restraint
system (SRS) indicator lamp .... 285
Fuel reserve warning ................ 286
ABS malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 287Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 288
Seat belt nonusage warning
lamp ............................................288
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ...... 289
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp..... 289
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display ............... 290
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................ 291
BATTERY / ALTERNATOR........ 292
ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM..... 293
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 293
BRAKE PAD WEAR .................... 294
BRAKE FLUID ............................. 294
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 295
SEAT BELT SYSTEM................... 295
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) .. 296
COOLANT (coolant level) .......... 297
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................ 298
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ................... 299

8 Introduction
Operator’s manual
This Operator’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize
yourself with the vehicle before driving.
For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings
contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others.
Vehicle damage caused by failure to follow instructions is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations
for optional equipment not installed in your vehicle. If you have any questions about the operation of any equipment,
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information Booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
•New Car Limited Warranty,
•Emission System Warranty,
•Emission Performance Warranty,
•California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont Emission Control System Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont only),
•State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

13 IntroductionWhere to find it
The Operator’s Manual is divided into eight sections:
• Instruments and controls: An overview of all the controls that can be operated from the driver’s seat.
•Operation: Information on the vehicle’s equipment and its operation.
•Driving: Important information on driving.
• Instrument cluster display: Displays and indicator lamps on the instrument cluster with brief instructions.
•Practical hints: Assistance and instructions in the event of an emergency.
• Car care: Instructions on caring for your vehicle.
• Technical data: All the important technical data for your vehicle as well as consumer information such as fuels,
coolants, lubricants etc. is contained here.
•Index: Key terms to help you find a topic quickly.
Other documents may also be supplied, depending on your vehicle’s equipment.
Explanation of color used:
Warning notices for the protection of yourself and
others appear on red background.

24 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Center console1Left front seat heater switch, see page 58
2ESP (electronic stability program) control switch, ,
see page 274
3Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 151
4Central locking switch, see page 38
5Antitheft alarm system, see page 44
Switch for tow-away protection, see page 46
6Right front seat heater switch, see page 58
7AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp, see page 289
8COMAND system (optional), see separate
operating instructions, or
audio system, see page 173
9Climate control, see page 152
Automatic climate control, see page 160
Rear window defroster, see page 170
P68.20-2457-27
2
3
4
56
78913

26 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
OperationVehicle keys ...................................... 28
Start lock-out..................................... 30
General notes on the
central locking system ............... 30
Central locking system ................... 31
Radio frequency and
infrared remote control ............... 31
Locking and unlocking ................ 33
Choosing global or selective
mode on remote control .............. 33
Opening and closing windows
and sliding / pop-up roof
from outside .................................. 34
Panic button .................................. 35
Mechanical keys ........................... 35
Doors .................................................. 36
Central locking switch .................... 38
Automatic central locking .............. 40
Emergency unlocking
in case of accident ...................... 40
Trunk ................................................. 41
Trunk lid emergency release ........ 43
Antitheft alarm system ................... 44Tow-away alarm ............................... 46
Easy-entry/exit feature .................. 47
Front seat adjustment..................... 48
Removal and installation of
front seat head restraints .......... 54
Front seat backrest
- locking and unlocking ............. 56
Heated seats ..................................... 58
Rear seat head restraints ............... 60
Seat belts and integrated
restraint system .......................... 62
Seat belts .......................................... 62
Seat belt nonusage
warning system........................... 63
BabySmart
TM airbag
deactivation system.................... 69
Self-test BabySmart
TM without
special child seat installed ........ 69
Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS) ............................... 70
Emergency tensioning
retractor (ETR) ............................. 71
Airbags.............................................. 72Safety guidelines for the seat
belt, emergency tensioning
retractor and airbag.................... 80
Infant and child
restraint systems......................... 82
Steering wheel adjustment
(manual) ....................................... 87
Steering wheel adjustment
(electrical) .................................... 88
Rear view mirrors ............................ 89
Instrument cluster ........................... 96
Multifunction steering wheel,
multifunction display ............... 102
Trip and main odometer and
sub menu ................................... 106
Audio systems ................................ 108
Radio ............................................ 108
CD player ..................................... 109
Cassette player ........................... 110
Telephone ......................................... 111
Navigation system........................... 116
Trip computer ................................. 117
Malfunction/warning
message memory ....................... 119

27 Contents - Operation
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Individual settings......................... 121
Setting the audio volume.............. 136
Coolant temperature gauge .......... 137
Flexible service system (FSS) ...... 138
Engine oil level indicator .............. 141
Engine oil consumption ................ 142
Exterior lamp switch ..................... 143
Headlamp mode ............................. 144
Night security illumination.......... 146
Locator lighting .......................... 147
Headlamp cleaning system .......... 147
Combination switch....................... 148
Hazard warning flasher switch ... 151
Climate control ............................... 152
Automatic climate control ............ 160Front center console storage
compartment ventilation .......... 171
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air outlets ............... 172
Operation Audio and
telephone ................................... 173
Operating safety ............................ 173
Operating and display elements .. 174
Button and soft key operation ...... 176
Component malfunctions ............. 195
Power windows .............................. 197
Sunshade for panorama
sliding/pop-up roof .................. 199
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof .... 200
Interior lighting ............................. 203
Sun visors ....................................... 205
Vanity mirrors................................ 205
Interior ............................................ 206Storage compartments
and armrests ..............................206
Glove box ..................................... 207
Cup holder ...................................... 210
Ashtrays .......................................... 211
Lighter ............................................. 213
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell ....................................... 214
Split folding rear seat bench ........ 215
Luggage cover – removal
and installation ......................... 217
Loading instructions (vehicle
with enlarged cargo area) ........ 218
Cellular telephone ......................... 219
Telephone, general ........................ 220
Garage door opener ....................... 221

63 Restraint systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care IndexSeat belt nonusage warning system
With the electronic key in starter switch position 2, a
warning sounds for a short time if the driver’s seat belt
is not fastened.
Automatic comfort-fit seat belt:
An automatic comfort-fit feature for driver and front
passenger seat belt is activated when the electronic key
in the starter switch is turned to position 1 or 2.
The retraction force of the inertia reel is reduced,
increasing the level of seat belt comfort.
Note:
For cleaning and care of the seat belts see page 365.
Wa r n i n g !
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the backrest
reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position
can be dangerous. You could slide under the seat
belt in a collision. If you slide under it, the belt
would apply force at the abdomen or neck. That
could cause serious or even fatal injuries. The
backrest and seat belt provide the best restraint
when the wearer is in an upright position and the
belt is properly positioned on the body.