winter tires 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

72 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systems
Driving safety systemsIn this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)


4MATIC (Four Wheel Electronic
Traction System)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even with light brake pressure.
The- indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 22) comes on when you
turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to
position2. It goes out when the engine is
running.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, ESP and
4MATIC (if so equipped) is only
achieved with winter tires (M + S tires),
or snow chains as required.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP and 4MATIC (if so
equipped) cannot reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

237 Operation
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)
Driving instructions
At the gas station
Engine compartment
Tires and wheels
Winter driving
Maintenance
Vehicle care

243 Operation
Driving instructions
Tire traction
The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or
icy road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperatures are close to the freezing
point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends M+S rated
radial-ply tires with a minimum tread depth
of approximately
1/6in (4 mm) on all four
wheels for the winter season to ensure
normal balanced handling characteristics.
On packed snow, they can reduce your
stopping distance compared to summer
tires. Stopping distance, however, is still considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise ap-
propriate caution.
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use
prudent driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions.
Warning!
G
If ice has formed on the road, tire traction
will be substantially reduced. Under such
weather conditions, drive, steer and brake
with extreme caution.
!Avoid spinning of one drive wheel. This
may cause serious damage to the drive
train which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!
G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.

244 OperationDriving instructionsC240, C2404MATIC, C320, and
C3204MATIC
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).
C 230 Kompressor Sport, and
C320Sport
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“W”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 168 mph (270 km/h) or with “Y”-rated
tires, which have a speed rating of
186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
130 mph (210 km/h).C32AMG
Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 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.
iFor information on tire speed rating for
winter tires, see “Winter tires”
(page 263).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 264).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not
prevent this type of control loss.

260 OperationTires and wheels
Tires and wheelsSee your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation. They can also offer
advice 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
vehicle when such tires are used.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center for information on tested and
recommended rims and tires for summer
and winter operation.
Important guidelines

Only use 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
components can be damaged.


The correct operating clearance of the
wheels and the tires are no longer
guaranteed.
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, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can
result in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.

263 Operation
Winter driving
Winter driving
Before the onset of winter, have your
vehicle winterized at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. This service
includes:

Check of anticorrosion and antifreeze
concentration.


Addition of cleaning concentrate to the
water of the windshield and headlamp
cleaning system. Add MB Concentrate
“S” to a premixed windshield washer
solvent/antifreeze which is formulated
for below freezing temperatures
(page 358).


Battery test. Battery capacity drops
with decreasing ambient temperature.
A well charged battery helps to ensure
that the engine can be started, even at
low ambient temperatures.


Tire change. Mercedes-Benz recom-
mends M+S rated radial-ply tires with a
minimum tread depth of approximately 1/6in (4 mm) on all four wheels for the
winter season.
Winter tires
Always use winter tires at temperatures
below 45°F (7°C) and whenever wintry
road conditions prevail. Use of winter tires
is the only way to achieve the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, ESP and 4MATIC
in winter operation.
For safe handling, ensure that all mounted
winter tires are of the same make and have
the same tread design.Always observe the speed rating of the
winter tires installed on your vehicle. If the
maximum speed for which your tires are
rated is below the speed rating of your
vehicle, you must place a notice to this
effect where it will be seen by the driver.
Such notices are available from your tire
dealer or from any authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.Warning!
G
Winter tires with a tread depth under
1/6in
(4 mm) must be replaced. They are no
longer suitable for winter operation.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

264 OperationWinter drivingBlock heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow.
Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:

Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations.


Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer's mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
be glad to advise you on this subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(page 74) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the
vehicle‘s traction.
!Even on vehicles with all-wheel-drive
use snow chains on rear tires only.
Use of snow chains is not permissible
with tire sizes:

225/45 R17 91H M+S


225/45 R17 91W


245/40 R17 91W


245/40 R17 91Y


245/40 ZR17 91Y


T 125/90 R16 98M


T 125/80 R17 99M

343 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Same size tiresModel
C240
C 240 4MATIC
C320
C 320 4MATIC
C230KompressorSport
C 320 Sport
C230KompressorSport
C320Sport
C32AMG
Rims
(light alloy)
7 J x 16 H2
71/2 J x 17
71/2 J x 17
-
Rims
(steel - Canada only)
7 J x 16 H2
-
-
-
Wheel offset
1.46 in (37 mm)
1.42 in (36 mm)
1.46 in (37 mm)
-
All-season tires
(radial-ply tires)
205/55 R16 91H
-
-
-
Summer tires
(radial-ply tires)
-
-
225/45 R17 91W
1
1Must not be used with snow chains.
-
Winter tires
(radial-ply tires)
205/55 R16 91H M+S
225/45 R17 91H M+S
225/45 R17 91H M+S
205/50 R17 89H M+S
2
or
225/45 R17 91H M+S
1, 2
2Only on rim 7
1/2 J x 17 H2

375 Index
Defrosting
Automatic climate control* 167
Climate control 158
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 131
Interior lighting 132
Dialing
A number (telephone*) 140
Difficulties
While driving
see Problems while driving
With starting 44
Digital speedometer 118
Direction of rotation (tires) 261
Discharged battery
Jump starting 326
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 324
Display
Messages in display 290
Display elements
Audio system 174Displays
Digital speedometer 118
Messages 280
Selecting 129
Service indicator 265
Showing malfunctions 122
Symbol messages 284
Text messages 281
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 138
Door control panel 28
Door entry lamps 108
Door handle 28
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 230
Doors
Message in display 290
Opening from inside vehicle 85
Opening from the outside 83
Downhill driving
Cruise control 207Downshifting
Automatic transmission* 143
Manual transmission 141
Drink holder see Cup holder
Drinking and driving 239
Driving
Driving abroad 246
General instructions 40, 239
Hydroplaning 242
In winter 244
Problems 49
Safety systems 72
Through standing water 245
Driving abroad 246
Driving instructions 239
Driving off 241
Driving safety systems
4MATIC 77
ABS 72
BAS 73
ESP 74
Driving systems 206
Cruise control 206
Driving safety systems 72