wheel bolts MERCEDES-BENZ C240 2005 W203 Owner's Manual

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

286 OperationTires and wheelsSee an 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 an 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 an 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.

289 Operation
Tires and wheels
Rotating tires
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all
around. If your vehicle is equipped with
tires of the same dimension all around,
tires can be rotated, observing a a
front-to-rear rotation pattern that will
maintain the intended rotation (spinning)
direction of the tire (
page 287).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle
is equipped with mixed-size tires (different
tire dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation
is not possible.If applicable to your vehicle's tire configu-
ration, tires can be rotated according to
the tire manufacturer's recommended in-
tervals in the tire manufacturer's warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should
be rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles
(5 000 to 10 000 km), or sooner if neces-
sary, according to the degree of tire wear.
The same rotation (spinning) direction
must be maintained (
page 287).
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder
wear on front tires and tread center wear
on rear tires).
Thoroughly clean the mounting face of
wheels and brake disks, i.e. the inner side
of the wheels/tires, during each rotation.
Check for and ensure proper tire inflation
pressure.For information on wheel change, see the
“Practical hints” section (
page 329) and
(
page 353).
Warning!
G
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs.
rear), tire rotation is not possible.
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.

329 Practical hints
Where will I find ...?
Where will I find ...?
First aid kit
The first aid kit is located in the trunk on
the left side secured by a hook and loop
fastener.
1First aid kit
2Hook and loop fastener
Unfasten hook and loop fastener2.

Remove first aid kit1.
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is located in the storage
compartment underneath the trunk floor.
The following is included:

Towing eye bolt


Wheel wrench


Alignment bolt


Vehicle jack


Spare wheel bolts


Spare fuses


Valve extractor (C 55 AMG only)


Protective wrap (C 55 AMG only)


Collapsible wheel chock


A pair of gloves Removing the vehicle tool kit (except
C55AMG)

Lift up trunk floor cover and engage
trunk floor handle in upper edge of
trunk.
1Retaining screw
2Storage well casing

Loosen retaining screw1 by turning it
counterclockwise.

Remove storage well casing2.
iCheck expiration dates and contents
for completeness at least once a year
and replace missing/expired items.


331 Practical hints
Where will I find ...?
1Vehicle jack
2Collapsible wheel chock and spare
wheel bolts
3Towing eye bolt
4Alignment bolt
5Wheel wrench
6Spare fuses and valve extractor
7Electric air pumpVehicle jackThe vehicle jack is located in the storage
compartment underneath the trunk floor.
Storage position
Remove vehicle jack from its
compartment.

Push crank handle up.
Warning!
G
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets
built into both sides of the vehicle. To help
avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift
the vehicle during a wheel change. Never
get beneath the vehicle while it is supported
by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from
the area under the lifted vehicle. Always
firmly set parking brake and block wheels
before raising vehicle with jack.
Do not disengage parking brake while the
vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is
always vertical (plumb line) when in use,
especially on hills. Always try to use the jack
on level surface. Make sure the jack arm is
fully seated in the jack take-up bracket.
Always lower the vehicle onto sufficient
capacity jackstands before working under
the vehicle.

336 Practical hintsWhere will I find ...?In the case of a flat tire, you may
temporarily use the collapsible tire when
observing the following restrictions:

Do not exceed a vehicle speed of
50 mph (80 km/h).


Drive to the nearest tire repair facility
to have the flat tire repaired or
replaced as appropriate.


Do not operate vehicle with more than
one collapsible tire mounted.
For more information, see “Rims and Tires”
(
page 380).
Spare wheel bolts
1Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2Wheel bolt for Minispare wheel,
collapsible tire, or other steel rims
(located in trunk with spare wheel)
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when
mounting the Minispare wheel,
collapsible tire, or other steel rims. The
use of any wheel bolts other than wheel
bolts2 for the Minispare wheel,
collapsible tire, or other steel rims will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes. Warning!
G
Make sure to use the original length wheel
bolts when remounting the original wheel
after it has been repaired.

353 Practical hints
Flat tire
Flat tire
Preparing the vehicle
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
moving traffic on a hard surface.

Turn on the hazard warning flasher
(page 114).

Turn the steering wheel so that the
front wheels are in a straight ahead
position.

Set the parking brake (
page 54).

Move the gear selector lever toP
(manual transmission to first or reverse
gear).

Turn off the engine (
page 56).

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.

Have any passenger exit the vehicle at
a safe distance from the roadway.
Mounting the spare wheel
Preparing the vehicle
Prepare the vehicle as described
(page 353).
Vehicles with Minispare wheel:

Take the wheel wrench, the wheel
bolts, and the jack out of the trunk
(page 329).

Take the Minispare wheel out of the
trunk (
page 333).
Vehicles with collapsible tire
(C 55 AMG only):

Take the collapsible tire, wheel wrench,
wheel bolts, jack, and electric air pump
out of the trunk (
page 330).
Warning!
G
The dimensions of the spare wheel
(Minispare or collapsible tire) are different
from those of the road wheels. As a result,
the vehicle handling characteristics change
when driving with a spare wheel mounted.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
The spare wheel is for temporary use only.
When driving with spare wheel mounted,
ensure proper tire pressure and do not ex-
ceed a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Drive to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Center
as soon as possible to have the spare wheel
replaced with a regular road wheel.
Never operate the vehicle with more than
one spare wheel mounted.
iOpen doors only when conditions are
safe to do so.

354 Practical hintsFlat tireLifting the vehicle
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away
by blocking wheels with wheel chocks
or other sizable objects.
One wheel chock is included with the
vehicle tool kit (
page 329).
When changing wheel on a level surface:

Place the wheel chock in front of and
another sizable object behind the
wheel that is diagonally opposite to the
wheel being changed.
When changing wheel on a hill:

Place the wheel chock and another
sizable object on the downhill side
blocking both wheels of the other axle.

On wheel to be changed, loosen but do
not yet remove the wheel bolts
(approximately one full turn with
wrench).
Warning!
G
The jack is designed exclusively for jacking
up the vehicle at the jack take-up brackets
built into both sides of the vehicle. To help
avoid personal injury, use the jack only to lift
the vehicle during a wheel change. Never
get beneath the vehicle while it is supported
by the jack. Keep hands and feet away from
the area under the lifted vehicle. Always
firmly set parking brake and block wheels
before raising vehicle with jack.
Do not disengage parking brake while the
vehicle is raised. Be certain that the jack is
always vertical (plumb line) when in use,
especially on hills. Always try to use the jack
on level surface. Make sure the jack arm is
fully seated in the jack take-up bracket. Al-
ways lower the vehicle onto sufficient ca-
pacity jackstands before working under the
vehicle.

355 Practical hints
Flat tire
The jack take-up brackets are located
directly behind the front wheel housings
and in front of the rear wheel housings.
1Take-up bracket
2Jack
Place jack2 on firm ground.

Position jack2 under take-up
bracket1 so that it is always vertical
(plumb-line) as seen from the side,
even if the vehicle is parked on an
incline.

Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is a
maximum of 1.2 in (3 cm) from the
ground. Never start engine while
vehicle is raised.Removing the wheel
1Alignment bolt

Unscrew upper-most wheel bolt and
remove.

Replace this wheel bolt with alignment
bolt1 supplied in the tool kit.

Remove the remaining bolts.

Remove the wheel.
Warning!
G
The jack is intended only for lifting the
vehicle briefly for wheel changes. It is not
suited for performing maintenance work
under the vehicle.

Never start the engine when the vehicle
is raised.


Never lie down under the raised vehicle.
!Do not place wheel bolts in sand or dirt.
This could result in damage to the bolts
and wheel hub threads.

356 Practical hintsFlat tireMounting the spare wheel
1Wheel bolt for light alloy rims
2Wheel bolt for Minispare wheel,
collapsible tire, or other steel rims
(located in trunk with spare wheel)

Clean contact surfaces of wheel and
wheel hub.

Guide spare wheel onto the alignment
bolt and push it on.

Insert wheel bolts and tighten them
slightly.
!Wheel bolts2 must be used when
mounting the Minispare wheel,
collapsible tire, or other steel rims. The
use of any wheel bolts other than wheel
bolts2 for the Minispare wheel,
collapsible tire, or other steel rims will
physically damage the vehicle’s
brakes.
!To avoid paint damage, place wheel flat
against hub and hold it there while
installing first wheel bolt.Warning!
G
Always replace wheel bolts that are
damaged or rusted.
Never apply oil or grease to wheel bolts.
Damaged wheel hub threads should be
repaired immediately. Do not continue to
drive under these circumstances! Contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or call
Roadside Assistance.
Incorrect wheel bolts or improperly tight-
ened wheel bolts can cause the wheel to
come off. This could cause an accident.
Make sure to use the correct wheel bolts.