brake pads MERCEDES-BENZ C240 4MATIC WAGON 2003 S203 Owner's Manual

224 OperationDriving instructionsBrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.
If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, the brake fluid level in the res-
ervoir is too low.Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center immedi-
ately.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Only install brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 75).
Warning!
G
If other than recommended brake pads are
installed, or other than recommended brake
fluid is used, the braking properties of the
vehicle can be degraded to an extent that
safe braking is substantially impaired. This
could result in an accident.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 224 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

263 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
#
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The battery was charged with a battery
charger or jump started.

Have the battery checked at a service
station.
The battery is no longer charging.
Possible causes:

alternator malfunctioning


broken poly-V-belt

Stop immediately and check the
poly-V-belt.
If it is broken:

Do not continue to drive. Otherwise
the engine will overheat due to an in-
operative water pump which may re-
sult in damage to the engine. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If it is intact:

Drive immediately to the nearest au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
3
(Canada only)
;
(USA only)
BRAKE PAD WEAR
VISIT WORKSHOP!
The brake pads have reached their wear lim-
it.

Have the brake pads replaced as soon
as possible.
!Brake pad thickness must be visually
checked by a qualified technician at the
intervals specified in the Service book-
let.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 263 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

347 Index
Gear shifting malfunctions 140
Kickdown 140
Manual shifting 136
One-touch gearshifting 136
Program mode selector switch 139
Selector lever position 135
Starting with 44
Transmission fluid 237
Winter program mode 139
Auxiliary fuse box 315
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 67
Compatible child seats 67
Self-test 67
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 339
BabySmartTM compatible child
seats 339
Backrest
Folding forward 199
Folding rearward 200
Backrest tilt 33
Backup lamps 293, 298
Bulbs 293BAS 75, 339
Messages in display 262
Batteries, electronic key
Checking 86
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 287
Check lamp 85
Checking 86
Battery discharged
Jump starting 308
Battery, vehicle 239, 305
Charging 306
Disconnecting 306
Messages in display 278
Reconnecting 307
Reinstalling 306
Removing 306
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 339
Bi-Xenon type
Front lamp bulbs 295
Block heater 245
Blocking
Rear door window operation 71
Bolts
For Minispare wheel 284
For spare wheel 282Brake assist system (BAS) 339
Brake fluid 233, 330
Brake lamp bulbs 293
Brake lamp, high mounted 293
Brake pads
Message in display 263
Brakes 224
Break-in period 222
Bulbs, replacing 292
Additional turn signals 292
Backup lamps 293
Brake lamps 293
Fog lamps 292
Front lamps 292
High beam 292
High mounted brake lamp 293
License plate lamps 293, 298
Low beam 292
Parking lamps 292, 293, 295, 296
Rear fog lamp 293
Rear fog lamps 297
Side marker lamps 292, 297
Standing lamps 292, 293, 295, 296
Tail lamp assemblies 293, 297
Turn signal lamps 292, 293
S203 MY03_A.book Page 347 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

357 Index
Manual seat
Adjusting 33
Adjusting backrest tilt 33
Adjusting head restraint height 33
Adjusting head restraint tilt 34
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 33
Adjusting seat height 33
Front seat head restraints 91
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33
Manual transmission 134
Shifting into reverse 134
Starting with 44
MAXCOOL maximum cooling 156
MB Tex upholstery
Cleaning 252
Mechanical key 285
Memory function 95
Recalling positions from memory 96
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing position 97
Storing key dependent settings 96
Menu
Control system 341
Menus 108
AUDIO 112
In control system 110, 111Malfunction memory 115
NAVI 114
Settings menu 116
Standard display 112
Submenus 109
TEL* 131
Trip computer 128
Microphone
Hands-free microphone 27
Miles/kilometers in speedometer
Setting 119
Minispare wheel 282, 303, 324
Bolts 284
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position 142
Adjusting 38
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 141
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Exterior rear view mirror parking
positions 128
Inside rear view mirror 38
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing position 97
MON 233MON (Motor Octane Number) 341
Mph or km/h in speedometer 119
Multicontour seat* 93
Multifunction display 107, 341
Selecting language 120
Standard display 111
Multifunction display messages
ABS 261
BAS 262
Battery 278
Brake fluid 264
Brake pads 263
Check engine 258
Coolant 266
Coolant level 265
Display 278
Doors 268
Engine 258
Engine oil level 270
ESP 268
Fuel reserve tank 271
Hood 271
Key 271
Lamps 272–275
Parking brake 275
Steering gear oil level 276
S203 MY03_A.book Page 357 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM