inflation pressure MERCEDES-BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR SPORT 2004 W203 Owner's Manual

ContentsOperation......................................... 237
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km) ......... 238
Driving instructions ............................ 239
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 239
Drinking and driving ..................... 239
Pedals .......................................... 239
Power assistance ......................... 239
Brakes .......................................... 240
Driving off..................................... 241
Parking ......................................... 241
Tires ............................................. 242
Hydroplaning ................................ 242
Tire traction .................................. 243
Tire speed rating .......................... 243
Winter driving instructions ........... 244
Standing water ............................. 245
Passenger compartment .............. 246
Driving abroad .............................. 246
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 246
Catalytic converter ....................... 247
Emission control........................... 247
Coolant temperature .................... 248At the gas station .............................. 249
Refueling ...................................... 249
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 251
Engine compartment ......................... 252
Hood ............................................ 252
Engine oil ..................................... 253
Transmission fluid level ................ 256
Coolant level ................................ 257
Battery ......................................... 258
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 259
Tires and wheels ................................ 260
Important guidelines .................... 260
Life of tire..................................... 261
Direction of rotation ..................... 261
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 261
Rotating wheels ........................... 262Winter driving .................................... 263
Winter tires .................................. 263
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 264
Snow chains................................. 264
Maintenance...................................... 265
Clearing the service indicator ...... 265
Service term exceeded ................ 265
Calling up the service indicator .... 266
Resetting the service indicator .... 266
Vehicle care....................................... 267
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 267

251 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant level
For more information on coolant, see
“Coolant level” (
page 257).
2Brake fluid (fuse box cover removed)
Removing fuse box cover
(
page 333).
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*
For more information on filling up the
washer reservoir, see “Windshield
washer system and headlamp cleaning
system*” (
page 259).Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level,
see “Engine oil” (
page 253).
Opening hood (
page 252).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (page 310).
Exterior lamp switch (page 102).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
(
page 261).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks immediately.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately. Do not add brake
fluid as this will not solve the problem.
For more information, see “Practical
hints” (
page 275).

261 Operation
Tires and wheels
Life of tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:

Driving style


Tire pressure


Distance driven
Direction of rotation
Unidirectional tires offer added advan-
tages, such as better hydroplaning perfor-
mance. To benefit, however, you must
make sure the tires rotate in the direction
specified.
An arrow on the sidewall indicates the
intended direction of tire rotation.Checking tire inflation pressure
Correct the tire pressure only when tires
are cold.
Regularly check your tire pressure at
intervals of no more than 14 days. If the tires are warm you should only
correct the tire pressure if it is too low for
current operating conditions.
A table on the fuel filler flap lists the
specified tire inflation pressures for warm
and cold tires as well as for various
operating conditions.
Warning!
G
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
six years, regardless of the remaining tread.!Keep unmounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease and gasoline.
Warning!
G
If the tire pressure drops repeatedly:

Check the tires for punctures from
foreign objects.


Check to see whether air is leaking from
the valves or from around the rim.
iThe pressures listed for light loads are
minimum values offering high driving
comfort.
Increased inflation pressures listed for
heavier loads may also be used for light
loads. These higher pressures produce
favorable handling characteristics. The
ride of the vehicle, however, will be
somewhat harder. Never exceed the
max. values or inflate tires below the
min. values listed in the fuel filler flap.

262 OperationTires and wheelsTire pressure changes by approx. 1.5 psi
(0.1 bar) per 18°F (10°C) of air tempera-
ture change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure where the tempera-
ture is different from the outside tempera-
ture.
Tire temperature and tire pressure are also
increased while driving, depending on the
driving speed and the tire load.
Check the spare tire periodically for condi-
tion and inflation. Spare tires will age and
become worn over time even if never used,
and thus should be inspected and replaced
when necessary.
Rotating wheels
On vehicles with the same wheel size all
around, wheels can be rotated every 3 000
to 6 000 miles (5 000 to 10 000 km), or
sooner if necessary, according to the
degree of tire wear. The same direction of
tire rotation must be retained.Rotate the wheels before the characteris-
tic tire wear pattern becomes visible
(shoulder wear on front wheels and tread
center wear on rear wheels).
Thoroughly clean the inner side of the
wheels after each rotation. Check and
ensure proper tire inflation pressure.
Warning!
G
Follow recommended inflation pressures.
Do not overinflate tires. Overinflated tires
can result in sudden deflation (blowout)
because they are more likely to become
punctured or damaged by road debris,
potholes, etc.
Do not underinflate tires. Underinflated tires
wear unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail
from being overheated.
Do not overload the tires by exceeding the
specified vehicle capacity weight (as indi-
cated by the label on the pillar in the driver’s
door opening). Overloading the tires can
overheat them, possibly causing a blowout.Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if they are
of the same size.
Warning!
G
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
80 lb-ft (110 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel
bolts specified for your vehicle's rims.

342 Technical dataRims and Tires
Rims and TiresOnly use tires and rims which have been
specifically developed for your vehicle and
tested and approved by Mercedes-Benz.
Other tires and rims can have detrimental
effects, such as

poor handling characteristics


increased noise


increased fuel consumption
!Moreover, tires and rims not approved
by Mercedes-Benz may, under load,
exhibit dimensional variations and
different tire deformation characteris-
tics that could cause them to come into
contact with the vehicle body or axle
parts. Damage to the tires or the
vehicle may be the result.
iFurther information on tires and rims is
available at any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. A tire inflation
pressure table is located on the fuel
filler flap of the vehicle. The tire pres-
sure should be checked regularly and
should only be adjusted on cold tires.
Follow tire manufacturer’s mainte-
nance recommendation included with
vehicle.

368 Index
Head restraint height, front seats
Manual seat 34
Power seat* 35
Head restraint height, rear seats 94
Head restraint tilt, front seats
Manual seat 34
Power seat* 36
Head restraint tilt, rear seats 96
Head restraints, rear seats
Folding back 95
Folding back with release
switch 95
Placing upright 95
Instrument cluster illumination 109
Interior rear view mirror 38
Manual seat 33
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 97
Power seat* 35
Rear seat head restraints 94Seat belt height 42
Seat cushion depth 97
Seat cushion tilt
Manual seat 33
Power seat* 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment
Manual seat 33
Power seat* 35
Seat height
Manual seat 33
Power seat* 35
Seats 32
Steering column height,
electrical* 38
Steering column height,
manual 37
Steering column length,
electrical* 38
Steering column length,
manual 37
Steering wheel 36Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off
Automatic climate control* 170
Climate control 160
Turning on
Automatic climate control* 170
Climate control 160
Air conditioning refrigerant 352
Air distribution
Adjusting
Automatic climate control* 166
Climate control 157
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode
Activating
Automatic climate control* 167
Climate control 158
Deactivating
Automatic climate control* 168
Climate control 159

372 IndexCenter console 25
Lower part 26
PASS. AIRBAG OFF
indicator lamp 279
Upper part 25
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 127
Central locking
Automatic 90
From inside 91
Switch 91
Switching on/off
(control system) 133
Unlocking from inside 91
Central locking switch 91
Certification label 338
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 307
CDs 189
Key setting 133
Charcoal filter 169Charging
Vehicle battery 324
CHECK ENGINE
malfunction indicator lamp 276
Checking
Brake fluid 251
Coolant level 251, 257
Engine oil level 251, 254
Tire inflation pressure 251
Vehicle lighting 251
Child safety 63
Airbags 56
Infant and child restraint
systems 60, 63
LATCH-type child seat anchors 69
Child safety switch see
Blocking of rear door window operation
Child seat anchors
see LATCH-type child seat anchors
Cigarette lighter 221Cleaning
Cloth upholstery 272
Cup holder 271
Gear selector lever 271
Hard plastic trim items 271
Headlamps 148
Headliner and shelf below
rear window 271
Instrument cluster 270
Leather upholstery 271
Light alloy wheels 270
MB Tex upholstery 272
Plastic and rubber parts 272
Seat belts 271
Steering wheel 271
Upholstery 271
Windows 270
Windshield 48
Wiper blades 270
Wood trims 272

394 IndexTime display
Setting 127
Tire inflation pressure
Checking 251, 261
Tire speed rating 243, 365
Tire traction 243
Tires 260, 342
Consumer information 359
Direction of rotation 261
Driving instructions 242
Retreads 260
Rims and tires 342
Service life 261
Temperature 262
Temperature grades 360
Tread depth 263
Wear pattern 262
Winter 263
Tools 300Tow-away alarm* 25, 79
Arming 80
Disarming 80
Disarming for transport 80
Towing eye bolt (vehicle tool kit)
Installing 331
Towing the vehicle 328
Tracking services
For stolen vehicle 230
Traction 147, 359, 365
Transmission gear selector lever
Unlocking manually 308
Transmission see
Automatic* or Manual transmission
Tread depth (tires) 263
Tread Wear 359
Trip computer 136
Trip odometer
Resetting 111Trunk
Auxiliary fuse box 334
Closing the lid 87
Lamp 108
Opening 84
Opening from inside vehicle 87
Separately locking 89
Separately unlocking 90
Trunk lid emergency release 88
Trunk lid
Closing 87
Emergency release 88
Message in display 299
Turn signal lamps
Replacing bulbs 310, 311
Turn signals 47
Additional in mirrors 310
Cleaning lenses 269
Front bulbs 310, 312, 314
Indicator lamps 23
Rear bulbs 311, 315
Turning off
Engine 52