technical data MERCEDES-BENZ C240 4MATIC 2004 W203 Owner's Guide

360 Technical dataConsumer informationTemperature
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s
resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level
of performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Warning!
G
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.

361 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
BabySmart
TM1
airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is
installed on the front passenger seat.
The system will automatically deacti-
vate the passenger front airbag when
such a seat is properly installed
(PASS. AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
located in the center console comes
on). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability. BabySmart
TM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the
passenger front airbag if a
BabySmartTM compatible child seat is
installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking
situations. The system is activated
when it senses an emergency based on
how fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more
intense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service
center, which can help you with any
questions about your vehicle and
provide assistance in the event of a
breakdown.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control
vehicle functions such as door locking
or windshield wiping depending on
vehicle settings and/or ambient
conditions.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the
passenger compartment needed for
vehicle operation and monitoring.
1BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.

364 Technical termsPower train
Collective term designating all
components used to generate and
transmit motive power to the drive
axles, including


engine


clutch/torque converter


transmission


transfer case


drive shaft


differential


axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic trans-
mission between standard operationS
and comfort operationC.Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and
current location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for
subscribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the
vehicle interior for a short time after
the engine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective
functions complement one another.RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired deto-
nation (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission gear
selector lever from being moved out of
positionP without SmartKey turned
and brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning
device and airbags. Though indepen-
dent systems, they are closely inter-
faced to provide effective occupant
protection.

376 IndexE
Easy-entry/exit feature* 92
Activating 134
Interrupting movement 92, 134
Electrical fuses 332
Electrical system
Technical data 346
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
Emergency call system* 223
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 226
Telephone* 198
With Tele Aid* 224
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 147
Emergency operations
Closing sliding/pop-up roof* 309
Locking the vehicle 306
Opening sliding/pop-up roof* 309
Releasing trunk lid from inside 88
Remote door unlock 230
Unlocking the vehicle 305Emergency Tensioning Device see ETD
Emission control 247
Emission control label 338
Ending
A call (telephone*) 139
Engine
Compartment 252
Starting with
automatic transmission* 44
Starting with
manual transmission 43
Starting with the SmartKey
Automatic transmission* 44
Manual transmission 43
Technical data 340
Turning off with the SmartKey 52
Engine cleaning 269
Engine compartment 252
Fuse box in 333
Hood 252
Engine malfunction
indicator lamp 23, 276Engine number 338, 362
Engine oil 253, 352
Adding 255
Additives 352
Checking level 251, 254
Consumption 253
Display messages 254, 291–292
Filler neck
C 230 Kompressor Sport 256
C 240, C 320, and C 32 AMG 256
Messages in display 254, 291–292
Viscosity 362
Engine oil level
Checking 251, 254
ESP 23, 74, 362
Four wheel electronic
traction system with ESP 77
Messages in display 282–283
Switching off 75
Switching on 76
Synchronizing 282
Warning lamp 277

378 IndexFSS 265, 362
Fuel 250
Additives 354
Cruising range 355
E85 (Ethanol fuel) 355
Fuel reserve warning lamp 278
Gasoline additives 354
Message in display 293
Premium unleaded
gasoline 250, 350, 353
Requirements 353, 354
Reserve warning 23
Switching (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) 354
Technical data 350
Fuel additives 354
Fuel cap
Message in display 293
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 137
Since last reset 137Fuel filler flap 249
Locking 249
Opening in an emergency 308
Unlocking 249
Fuel requirements 353
For ethanol fuel 354
Fuel reserve tank
Message in display 293
Fuel tank
Capacity 350
Filler flap 249
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Capacities 349
Functions (control system) 114, 117
Resetting 124
Fuse box
Auxiliary in trunk 334
In engine compartment 333
In passenger compartment 332Fuse chart 332
Fuse extractor 334
Fuses 332
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk 334
Fuse box in engine compartment 333
Fuse box in
passenger compartment 332
Fuse chart 332
Fuse extractor 334
Spare fuses 334
G
Garage door opener 27, 231
Gasoline additives 354
Gasoline see Fuel
Gear range 362
Automatic transmission* 144
Limiting 144
Shifting into optimal 143
Gear range limit
Canceling 143

381 Index
K
Key dependency memory
Settings 135
Key positions in starter switch 31
Key, mechanical 305
Key, SmartKey
Battery check lamp 83
Checking the batteries 84
Factory setting 83
Global locking 83
Global unlocking 83
Loss of 85
Messages in display 293
Positions in starter switch 31
Remote control 82
Restoring to factory setting 83
Selective setting 83
Starting the engine
Automatic transmission* 44
Manual transmission 43
Turning off the engine 52Unlocking the trunk lid 84
Unlocking with 30
Kickdown 147, 363
Kilometers/miles in speedometer 128
Km/h or mph in speedometer 128
L
Labels, identification 338
Lamp bulbs, exterior 310
Lamps, exterior
Front 310
Light sensor 294
Messages in display 293–296
Rear 311
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 274
Battery (SmartKey) 83
Brakes 275
CHECK ENGINE 276
Engine diagnostics 276, 278
ESP 277
Fuel reserve 278Instrument cluster 274–278
PASS. AIRBAG OFF 59, 279
Seat belts 278
SRS 55, 278
Turn signals 23
Language
Multifunction display 128
Setting 128
LATCH-type child seat anchors 69
Folding back 69
Layout of poly-V-belt drive 339
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 271
License plate lamps
Messages in display 294
Replacing bulbs 311, 315
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 270
Technical data 343
Light sensor 294
Lighter see Cigarette lighter

382 IndexLighting 102
Automatic headlamp mode 103
Combination switch 105
Daytime running lamp mode 104
Door entry lamps 108
Exterior lamp switch 102
Front fog lamps 105
High beams 106
Instrument cluster illumination 109
Instruments 109
Interior 107
Locator lighting 104
Low beam 102
Manual headlamp mode 103
Night security illumination 104
Parking lamps 102
Rear fog lamp 105
Settings (control system) 129
Trunk lamp 108
Limiting the gear range 144
Limp Home Mode 147Loading 209
Instructions 214
Roof rack* 209
Ski sack* 209
Split rear bench seat* 212
Locator lighting 104
Setting 130
Lock button 363
Locking 50, 82
Automatic while driving 90
Centrally from inside 91
Fuel filler flap 249
Global, SmartKey 83
Separately the trunk 89
Vehicle in an emergency 306
Loss of keys 85
Loss of Service and
Warranty Information Booklet 337
Low beam headlamps
Messages in display 295
Replacing bulbs 310, 312
Lowering
Vehicle 321Lubricants
Technical data 349
M
Main dimensions 347
Maintenance 12, 265
Vehicles with E85 fuel 355
Malfunction
Displaying 122
Malfunction memory 122
Calling up 122
Clearing 122
Manual headlamp mode 103
Manual operations
Fuel filler flap 308
Interior lighting control 107
Locking the trunk 89
Locking the vehicle 306
Sliding/pop-up roof* 309
Unlocking the driver’s door 305
Unlocking the trunk 90, 306
Unlocking transmission
gear selector lever 308

391 Index
Sliding/pop-up roof* 203
Closing 203, 309
Closing with SmartKey 204
Messages in display 299
Opening 203, 309
Opening with SmartKey 204
Stopping 204
Synchronizing 205
SmartKey 82
Changing batteries 307
Locking and unlocking 82
Opening and closing the
sliding/pop-up roof* with 204
Opening and closing
windows with 202
Unlocking with 30
Snow chains 264
Soft keys
Audio system 176
Spare fuses 334
Spare parts service 336Speed
Setting current 207
Speed settings
Cruise control 208
Speedometer 23
Settings units 128
Speedometer display mode
Selecting 128
Split rear bench seat* 212
SRS 62, 364
Indicator lamp 278
Message in display 297
Standing lamps 102
Replacing bulbs 310, 311, 313, 314
Standing water
Driving instructions 245
Starter switch 21, 31
Positions 31
Starting difficulties 44
Starting position 31
Starting the engine 43Station (radio)
Search 119
Station selection
Setting 132
Steel rims
Technical data 343
Steering column
Height adjustment, electrical* 38
Height adjustment, manual 37
Length adjustment, electrical* 38
Length adjustment, manual 37
Message in display 298
Steering gear oil
Message in display 298
Steering wheel
Adjusting 36
Buttons 24
Cleaning 271
Electrical adjustment* 37
Manual adjustment 37
Stolen vehicle
Tracking services 230

393 Index
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant 352
Brake fluid 352
Coolant 350
Coolants 356
Electrical system 346
Engine oil additives 352
Engine oils 352
Flexible fuel vehicles 354
Fuel requirements 353
Fuels 350
Gasoline additives 354
Lubricants 349
Main dimensions 347
Premium unleaded gasoline 353
Rims and tires 342
Weights 348
Windshield washer 351
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning* system 351, 358Tele Aid* 223
Emergency calls 224
Information 227
Initiating an emergency call
manually 226
Message in display 299
Remote door unlock 230
Roadside assistance 226
SOS button 226
Stolen vehicle tracking services 230
System self-check 224
Tele Aid System 223, 365
Upgrade signals 229
Telematics* 365
Telephone* 24, 222
Answering a call 139
Dialing a number from
the phone book 140
Emergency call 198
Ending a call 139
Hands-free microphone 27Loading phone book 140
Message in display 299
Operation 138, 193
Redialing 140
Signal strength 139
Temperature
Display mode 127
Grades of tires 360
Setting interior temperature
Automatic climate control* 165
Climate control 156
Setting units in display 127
Tires 262
Tightening torque
(Wheel bolts) 321, 365
Tilt
Head restraint
Manual seat 34
Power seat* 36
Time
Setting hours 126
Setting minutes 126

Service and Literature
Your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center has trained technicians and original Mercedes-Benz parts to service your vehicle properly.
For expert advice and quality service, see your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If you are interested in obtaining service literature for your vehicle, please contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
We consider this the best way for you to obtain accurate information for your vehicle.
For further information you can find us on the Mercedes-Benz web-site www.mbusa.com or www.mercedes-benz.ca.
We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of this Operator’s Manual.
Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our prior authorization in writing.
Title illustration no. P00.01-2283-31
Press time 08/14/03
GSP/TIP
Printed in Germany
Warning!
G
To help avoid personal injury, be extremely careful when performing any service work or repairs. Improper or incomplete service or the use of
incorrect or inappropriate parts or materials may damage the vehicle or its equipment, which may in turn result in personal injury.
If you have questions about carrying out any type of service, turn to the advice of an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.