tire type MERCEDES-BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR COUPE 2004 CL203 Owner's Manual

228 OperationDriving instructionsTire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru-
dent driving speeds appropriate to prevail-
ing conditions.C 230 Kompressor (standard in U.S.A.;
optional in Canada), C 320
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“W”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 168 mph (270 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
C 230 Kompressor (standard in canada;
Canada only)
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“H”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 130 mph (210 km / h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km / h).
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to positionN or,
in case of manual transmission declutch.
Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action.
Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at greater than the maximum
speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire fail-
ure, causing loss of vehicle control and pos-
sibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
iFor information on tire speed rating for
winter tires, see “Winter driving”
(page 247).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 248).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.

244 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation. They can also offer ad-
vice concerning tire service and purchase
Retreaded tires are not tested or recom-
mended by Mercedes-Benz, since previous
damage cannot always be recognized on
retreads. Mercedes-Benz can therefore
not assure the operating safety of the vehi-
cle when such tires are used.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter for information on tested and recom-
mended rims and tires for summer and
winter operation.
Important guidelines

Use only sets of tires and rims of the
same type and make.


Tires must be of the correct size for the
rim.


Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate
speeds.


Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can
cause tire pressure loss and damage to
the tire beads


If vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
pressure and correct as required.


Do not allow your tires to wear down
too far. Adhesion properties on wet
roads are sharply reduced at tread
depths under
1/8in (3 mm).


When replacing individual tires, you
should mount new tires on the front
wheels first (on vehicles with
same-sized wheels all around).
Warning!
G
Replace rims or tires with the same designa-
tion, manufacturer and type as shown on the
original part. See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion. If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted:

The wheel brakes or suspension compo-
nents can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer guar-
anteed.
Warning!
G
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the
tire tread is badly worn, or if the tires have
sustained damage, replace them.
When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can re-
sult in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

345 Technical terms
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.
Tele Aid* System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on D
e-
mand)
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-
vided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.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.).

355 Index
Messages in display 238, 276
Viscosity 342
Engine oil level see Oil level 235
ESP 23, 75, 342
Messages in display 266
Switching off 76
Switching on 77
Synchronizing 266
Warning lamp 261
ETD 342
Safety guidelines 60
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 64
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 233
Switching fuels 334
Exterior lamp switch 98
Exterior lamps
Delayed shut-off 127
Exterior rear view mirror
Activating parking position 147Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 40
Parking position for 132
F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 123
Fastening the seat belts 41
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 196
First aid kit 284
Flat tire 301
Inflating the spare tire 304
Lowering the vehicle 306
Mounting the spare wheel 301
Preparing the vehicle 301
Spare wheel 285
Flexible fuel vehicles 334
At the gas station 233
Switching fuels 334
Flexible Service System (FSS) 249, 342Fog lamp, front 101
Fog lamp, rear 101, 294
Fog lamps
Replacing bulbs 293
Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 278
Replacing bulbs 294
Front airbags 61
Front fog lamp
Switching on 101
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon type 296
Halogen-type 295
Messages in display 277, 279
Replacing bulbs 293, 295
Switching on 98
Front seat backrest
Folding backrest back 37
Folding backrest forward 36

366 IndexRON 234
RON (Research Octane Number) 344
Roof rack 197
Rotating wheels 246
Rubber parts
Cleaning 256
S
Safety
Occupant 56
Safety belts see Seat belts 41
Safety systems
Driving 73
Saving current speed 195
Searching
Radio station 115
Seat belt force limiter 64
Seat belt outlet height adjustment 43
Seat belts 62
Cleaning 255
Fastening 41Height adjustment 43
Proper use of 43, 63
Safety guidelines 60
Warning lamp 262
Seat heater*
Switching off 94
Switching on 94
Seats 89
Adjusting 32
Easy entry/exit feature 89
Heater 93
Manual 33
Rapid seat heating 94
Split rear bench seat 197
Selecting
Display 125
Selector lever 23
Lock 45
Position
(automatic transmission) 23, 139Self-test
BabySmartTM
airbag deactivation system 68
Tele Aid* 207
Service
Calling up the service indicator 250
Major service (Service B) 249
Minor service (Service A) 249
Overdue 249
Spare parts 320
Types 249
When due 249
Service and Warranty Booklet
Loss of 321
Service indicator 249
Calling up 250
Clearing 249, 250
Service life (tires) 245
Service System see FSS 249
Setting
Convenience functions 121, 129
Cruise control 195