key MERCEDES-BENZ C240 2005 W203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees of
Mercedes-Benz automobiles .......... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle outside
the USA or Canada......................... 13
Where to find it .................................... 14
Symbols ............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle .................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting Safety Defects ............... 18
Vehicle data recording......................... 19
Information regarding electronic
recording devices........................... 19
At a glance.......................................... 21
Cockpit ................................................. 22
Instrument cluster ................................ 24
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 26
Center console ..................................... 27
Upper part ...................................... 27
Lower part ...................................... 28
Overhead control panel ........................ 29
Door control panel................................ 30
Getting started................................... 31
Unlocking ............................................. 32
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 32
Starter switch positions .................. 33
Adjusting .............................................. 35
Seats .............................................. 35
Steering wheel ................................ 39
Mirrors ............................................ 41
Driving .................................................. 43
Fastening the seat belt ................... 43
Starting the engine ......................... 46
Switching on headlamps ................. 49
Turn signals .................................... 50
Windshield wipers ........................... 51
Problems while driving.................... 53
Parking and locking .............................. 54
Parking brake ................................. 54
Switching off headlamps................. 55
Turning off engine ........................... 56

ContentsSafety and Security........................... 57
Occupant safety................................... 58
Air bags .......................................... 59
Seat belts ....................................... 64
Children in the vehicle .................... 67
Blocking of rear door window
operation ........................................ 75
Panic alarm* ........................................ 76
Activating ....................................... 76
Deactivating ................................... 76
Driving safety systems ......................... 77
ABS ................................................ 77
BAS ................................................ 78
ESP ................................................. 79
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with the ESP ....... 82
Anti-theft systems................................ 83
Immobilizer..................................... 83
Anti-theft alarm system* ................ 83
Tow-away alarm* ........................... 85
Controls in detail............................... 87
Locking and unlocking ......................... 88
SmartKey ....................................... 88
Opening the doors from
the inside ....................................... 92
Opening the trunk .......................... 92
Closing the trunk............................ 94
Trunk lid emergency release .......... 95
Automatic central locking .............. 96
Locking and unlocking from
the inside ....................................... 96
Seats ................................................... 98
Easy-entry/exit feature* ................ 98
Removing and installing front
seat head restraints ....................... 99
Rear seat head restraints ............. 101
Multicontour seats* ..................... 104
Seat heating* ............................... 105
Memory function* ............................. 106
Storing positions into memory ..... 107
Recalling positions from memory . 107
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position ........................... 108Lighting ............................................. 109
Exterior lamp switch .................... 109
Combination switch ..................... 113
Hazard warning flasher ................ 114
Interior lighting ............................ 115
Door entry lamps ......................... 116
Trunk lamp ................................... 116
Instrument cluster ............................. 117
Instrument cluster illumination .... 117
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 118
Trip odometer .............................. 119
Tachometer .................................. 119
Outside temperature indicator ..... 119
Control system .................................. 121
Multifunction display.................... 121
Multifunction steering wheel........ 122
Menus .......................................... 124
Standard display menu ................ 126
AUDIO menu ................................ 127
NAV* menu .................................. 130
Vehicle status message memory
menu............................................ 130
Settings menu .............................. 132
Trip computer menu..................... 148
TEL menu* ................................... 150

Contents
Manual transmission ......................... 154
Shifting into reverse ..................... 155
Automatic transmission* ................... 156
One-touch gearshifting................. 158
Gear ranges ................................. 159
Gear selector lever position ......... 160
Automatic shift program .............. 162
Driving tips ................................... 163
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) (C 55 AMG only)....... 164
Manual shift program
(C 55 AMG only)........................... 165
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 167
Good visibility .................................... 168
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 168
Rear view mirrors ......................... 168
Sun visors .................................... 171
Rear window sunshade* .............. 172
Rear window defroster ................. 173Climate control ................................... 174
Deactivating the climate control
system .......................................... 177
Setting the temperature................ 177
Adjusting air distribution and
volume .......................................... 178
Defrosting ..................................... 178
Air recirculation mode .................. 179
Air conditioning............................. 181
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 182
Audio system ...................................... 183
Audio and telephone, operation .... 183
Operating safety ........................... 183
Operating and display elements.... 184
Button and soft key operation....... 186
Operation ...................................... 186
Radio operation ............................ 191
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only) ..................................... 196
CD mode ....................................... 201
GSM network phones ................... 208
TDMA or CDMA network phones .. 214
Emergency calls “911”.................. 221Power windows .................................. 223
Opening and closing the
windows........................................ 223
Synchronizing power windows ...... 226
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ................ 227
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 227
Synchronizing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 230
Driving systems .................................. 231
Cruise control ............................... 231
Loading .............................................. 234
Roof rack* .................................... 234
Ski sack* (Canada only) ............... 234
Split rear bench seat* .................. 237
Loading instructions ..................... 239
Cargo tie-down rings*................... 240
Useful features ................................... 241
Storage compartments ................. 241
Ashtrays........................................ 245
Cigarette lighter ............................ 246
Electrical outlet in the rear
passenger compartment ............... 247
Telephone* ................................... 247
Tele Aid* ....................................... 248
Garage door opener* .................... 256

Contents
Practical hints................................ 301
What to do if … .................................. 302
Lamps in instrument cluster ........ 302
Lamp in center console................ 308
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display .................... 309
Where will I find ...? ........................... 329
First aid kit ................................... 329
Vehicle tool kit ............................. 329
Minispare wheel
(except C 55 AMG)....................... 333
Collapsible tire
(C 55 AMG only)........................... 334
Spare wheel bolts ........................ 336
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 337
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 337
Locking the vehicle ...................... 338
Fuel filler flap ............................... 339
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever .. 340
Opening/closing in an emergency..... 341
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* .......... 341Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 342
SmartKey ...................................... 343
Replacing bulbs .................................. 344
Bulbs ............................................. 344
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 347
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 351
Replacing wiper blades....................... 352
Removing wiper blades ................. 352
Installing wiper blades .................. 352
Flat tire ............................................... 353
Preparing the vehicle .................... 353
Mounting the spare wheel ............ 353
Battery................................................ 360
Disconnecting the battery............. 361
Removing the battery.................... 361
Charging and reinstalling
the battery .................................... 361
Reconnecting the battery.............. 362Jump starting...................................... 363
Towing the vehicle.............................. 365
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 368
Fuses.................................................. 369
Aids for changing fuses ................ 369
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 370
Fuse box in engine
compartment ................................ 370
Fuse box in trunk .......................... 371

32 Getting startedThe “Getting started” section provides an
overview of the vehicle’s most basic func-
tions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners
should pay special attention to the infor-
mation given here.
If you are already familiar with the basic
functions described here, the “Controls in
detail” section will provide you with further
information. The corresponding page
references are located at the end of each
segment.Unlocking
Unlocking with the SmartKeySmartKey with remote control 1‹Lock button
2ŠOpening button for the trunk lid
3ŒUnlock button
4ÂPanic button* (
page 76)

Press unlock buttonΠon the
SmartKey.
All turn signal lamps flash once. The
locking knobs in the doors move up.

Get in the vehicle and insert the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
For more information, see “Locking and
unlocking” (
page 88).
iCanada only:
Only vehicles equipped with an
anti-theft alarm system* have
SmartKeys with integrated panic
button*4.

33 Getting started
Unlocking
Starter switch positions SmartKey
Starter switch0For removing SmartKey
The steering is locked when the
SmartKey is removed from the starter
switch. If necessary, move steering
wheel slightly to allow the locking
mechanism to engage.
1Power supply to some electrical
consumers, such as seat adjustment2Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position.
All lamps in the instrument cluster
come on. If a lamp in the instrument
cluster fails to come on when the
ignition is switched on, have it checked
and replaced if necessary. If a lamp in
the instrument cluster remains on after
starting the engine or comes on while
driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument
cluster” (
page 302).
3Starting position
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and lock
the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend-
ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle
equipment may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury.

34 Getting startedUnlocking
iWhen you switch on the ignition, the
indicator and warning lamps in the
instrument cluster come on. This indi-
cates that the respective systems are
operational. They should go out when
the engine is running.iVehicles with automatic transmission:
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the gear
selector lever in positionP.
!If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the battery may not be
sufficiently charged.

Check the battery and charge it if
necessary (
page 360).


Get a jump start (
page 363).
To prevent accelerated battery
discharge and a possible dead battery,
always remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch when the engine is not in
operation.

35 Getting started
Adjusting
Adjusting
Seats
The seats can be adjusted either manually
or electrically, depending on the vehicle’s
equipment.Warning!
G
All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and
rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fas-
tening of seat belts, must be done before
the vehicle is put into motion.Warning!
G
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
back in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide un-
der the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the ab-
domen or neck.
That could cause serious or fatal injuries.
The seat back and seat belts provide the
best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly
upright position and belts are properly posi-
tioned on the body. Your seat must be ad-
justed so that you can correctly fasten your
seat belt (
page 43).
Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being ad-
justed.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, and lock
your vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch, the power seats* can be
operated when the respective door is open.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip-
ment may cause an accident and/or serious
personal injury.
Warning!
G
Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in the front seat, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmart
TM1

compatible child seat, which operates with
the BabySmart
TM system installed in the
vehicle to deactivate the passenger front
air bag when it is properly installed. Other-
wise they will be struck by the air bag when
it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious
or fatal injury will result.
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seat-
ing positions. Infants and small children
must ride in back seats and be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system,
which is properly secured with the vehicle’s
seat belt and top tether strap, or secured via
lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in
accordance with the child seat manufactur-
er’s instructions.
1BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.


39 Getting started
Adjusting
Head restraint tilt
Manually adjust the angle of the head
restraint.
Push or pull on the lower edge of the
head restraint cushion.
For more information, see “Seats”
(
page 98).
Steering wheel
Warning!
G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraint so that the center of
the head restraint supports the back of the
head at eye level. This will reduce the poten-
tial for injury to the head and neck in the
event of an accident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are
intended to help reduce injuries during an
accident.
Warning!
G
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while
driving, or driving without the adjustment
locked could cause the driver to lose control
of the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and lock
your vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch, the electrical steering wheel
adjustment feature* can be operated when
the driver’s door is open. Therefore, do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsu-
pervised use of vehicle equipment may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.

46 Getting startedDrivingStarting the engine Manual transmission
Gearshift pattern for manual transmissionFor more information, see “Manual trans-
mission” (
page 154).Starting

Depress brake pedal.

Make sure the gearshift lever is in
neutral position (no gear selected).

Fully depress clutch pedal.
Otherwise the engine cannot be
started due to the integrated safety
interlock.

Do not depress the accelerator.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position3 and hold until the engine
starts (
page 33).
For information on turning off the engine,
see “Turning off engine” (
page 56).
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as garage) which are not properly ven-
tilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes
are entering the vehicle while driving, have
the cause determined and corrected imme-
diately. If you must drive under these condi-
tions, drive only with at least one window
fully open.