contents MERCEDES-BENZ C280 2007 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 .......... 19At 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................................ 30Getting started................................... 31
Unlocking ............................................. 32
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 32
Starter switch positions .................. 32
Adjusting .............................................. 34
Seats .............................................. 34
Steering wheel ................................ 38
Mirrors ............................................ 41
Driving .................................................. 43
Fastening the seat belt ................... 43
Starting the engine ......................... 46
Parking brake ................................. 48
Driving ............................................ 48
Switching on headlamps ................. 50
Turn signals .................................... 50
Windshield wipers ........................... 51
Problems while driving.................... 53
Parking and locking .............................. 54
Parking brake ................................. 54
Switching off headlamps................. 55
Turning off engine ........................... 55
Releasing seat belts........................ 56
Locking ........................................... 56

Contents
Safety and Security........................... 57
Occupant safety................................... 58
Air bags .......................................... 59
Occupant Classification System ..... 64
Seat belts ....................................... 69
Active head restraint ...................... 73
Children in the vehicle .................... 74
Blocking of
rear door window operation ........... 80
Panic alarm* ........................................ 81
Activating ....................................... 81
Deactivating ................................... 81
Driving safety systems ......................... 82
ABS ................................................ 82
BAS ................................................ 84
ESP
®............................................... 85
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with the ESP
®..... 88
Anti-theft systems................................ 89
Immobilizer..................................... 89
Anti-theft alarm system* ................ 89
Controls in detail............................... 91
Locking and unlocking ......................... 92
SmartKey ....................................... 92
Checking the batteries ................... 95
Loss of SmartKey
or mechanical key .......................... 95
Opening the doors from the inside . 96
Opening the trunk .......................... 96
Closing the trunk............................ 97
Trunk emergency release ............... 98
Valet locking .................................. 99
Automatic central locking .............. 99
Locking and unlocking
from the inside ............................. 100
Seats ................................................. 101
Front seat active head restraints . 101
Rear seat head restraints ............. 101
Lumbar support............................ 105
Multicontour seats*
(Canada only) ............................... 105
Seat heating* ............................... 106
Memory function* ............................. 107
Storing positions into memory ..... 108
Recalling positions from memory . 108Lighting ............................................. 109
Exterior lamp switch .................... 109
Combination switch ..................... 113
Corner-illuminating front
fog lamps* (C 230 (Canada only),
C 280, C 350 and models
with 4MATIC: with
Bi-Xenon* headlamps)................. 113
Hazard warning flasher ................ 115
Interior lighting ............................ 116
Door entry lamps ......................... 117
Trunk lamp ................................... 117
Instrument cluster ............................. 118
Adjusting
instrument cluster illumination .... 118
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 119
Resetting trip odometer ............... 119
Tachometer.................................. 120
Outside temperature indicator ..... 120
Control system .................................. 121
Multifunction display.................... 121
Multifunction steering wheel........ 122
Menus .......................................... 124
Standard display menu ................ 126
AUDIO menu ................................ 127
NAV* menu .................................. 129

Contents
Vehicle status
message memory menu ............... 130
Settings menu .............................. 131
Trip computer menu..................... 144
TEL menu* ................................... 146
Manual transmission ......................... 149
Shifting into reverse ..................... 150
Automatic transmission* ................... 151
Gear selector lever ....................... 151
Shifting procedure ....................... 152
Gear selector lever positions ....... 153
Driving tips ................................... 155
Gear ranges ................................. 156
Automatic shift program .............. 157
One-touch gearshifting................. 158
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 159
Good visibility .................................... 160
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 160
Rear view mirrors ......................... 160
Sun visors .................................... 161
Rear window sunshade* .............. 162
Rear window defroster ................. 163Climate control ................................... 164
Deactivating the
climate control system ................. 167
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 167
Setting the temperature................ 168
Adjusting air
distribution and volume ................ 168
Adjusting air volume ..................... 169
Front defroster.............................. 169
Air recirculation mode .................. 170
Air conditioning............................. 172
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 173
Automatic climate control .................. 174
Deactivating the automatic
climate control system ................. 177
Operating the automatic
climate control system
in automatic mode ........................ 177
Setting the temperature................ 178
Adjusting air distribution............... 178
Adjusting air volume ..................... 179
Front defroster.............................. 179
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 180
Air recirculation mode .................. 181Charcoal filter ............................... 183
Air conditioning ............................ 184
Residual heat and ventilation
(Canada only)................................ 185
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents ...................... 186
Audio system...................................... 187
Audio and telephone, operation .... 187
Operating safety ........................... 187
Operating and display elements ... 188
Button and soft key operation ...... 190
Operation...................................... 190
Radio operation ............................ 194
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only) ..................................... 197
CD mode....................................... 201
GSM network phones ................... 208
TDMA or CDMA network phones .. 214
Emergency calls “911” ................. 219
Power windows .................................. 221
Opening and closing
the windows ................................. 221
Synchronizing power windows ...... 222
Summer opening feature .............. 223
Convenience closing feature......... 223

Contents
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ................ 224
Opening and closing
the power tilt/sliding sunroof ...... 224
Synchronizing
the power tilt/sliding sunroof ...... 226
Driving systems ................................. 227
Cruise control............................... 227
Loading .............................................. 230
Roof rack* .................................... 230
Ski sack* (Canada only) ............... 230
Split rear bench seat* .................. 233
Loading instructions ..................... 235
Cargo tie-down rings* .................. 236
Useful features .................................. 237
Storage compartments................. 237
Cup holders .................................. 239
Ashtrays ....................................... 241
Cigarette lighter ........................... 242
Power outlet ................................. 243
Telephone*................................... 244
Tele Aid* ...................................... 247
Garage door opener* ................... 253
Operation......................................... 259
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)......... 260
Driving instructions............................ 261
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 261
Drinking and driving ..................... 261
Pedals .......................................... 261
Power assistance ......................... 262
Brakes .......................................... 262
Driving off .................................... 263
Parking ......................................... 264
Tires ............................................. 264
Hydroplaning ................................ 265
Tire traction.................................. 265
Tire speed rating .......................... 266
Winter driving instructions ........... 267
Standing water ............................. 268
Passenger compartment .............. 268
Driving abroad.............................. 268
Control and operation
of radio transmitters .................... 268
Catalytic converter ....................... 269
Emission control .......................... 270
Coolant temperature .................... 270At the gas station .............................. 271
Refueling ...................................... 271
Check regularly
and before a long trip................... 273
Engine compartment ......................... 274
Hood ............................................ 274
Engine oil ..................................... 276
Transmission fluid level................ 277
Coolant level ................................ 278
Battery ......................................... 279
Windshield washer system
and headlamp cleaning system* .. 280
Tires and wheels................................ 281
Important guidelines .................... 281
Tire care and maintenance........... 282
Direction of rotation..................... 284
Loading the vehicle ...................... 284
Recommended
tire inflation pressure ................... 289
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 290
MOExtended system* .................. 294
Tire labeling ................................. 295
Load identification ....................... 299
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 299
Maximum tire load ....................... 301

Contents
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 301
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 302
Tire ply material ........................... 304
Tire and loading terminology ........ 304
Rotating tires ............................... 307
Winter driving .................................... 308
Winter tires .................................. 308
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 309
Snow chains................................. 309
Maintenance ...................................... 310
Maintenance service indicator
message....................................... 310
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display............... 312
Resetting the
maintenance service indicator ..... 312
Vehicle care ....................................... 313
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 313
Practical hints.................................. 321
What to do if … ................................... 322
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 322
Lamp in center console................. 331
Vehicle status messages
in the multifunction display........... 333
Where will I find ...? ............................ 356
First aid kit .................................... 356
Vehicle tool kit .............................. 356
Minispare wheel............................ 359
Spare wheel bolts ......................... 360
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 361
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 361
Locking the vehicle ....................... 362
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever ... 363
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 364
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........... 364
Resetting activated head restraints .... 365
Resetting
activated head restraints .............. 365
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 366
SmartKey ...................................... 366Replacing bulbs .................................. 367
Bulbs............................................. 368
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 370
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 373
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 375
Removing and installing
wiper blades ................................. 375
Flat tire............................................... 377
Preparing the vehicle .................... 377
Mounting the Minispare wheel...... 377
MOExtended system* ................... 382
Battery ............................................... 383
Disconnecting the battery ............ 384
Removing the battery ................... 384
Charging and
reinstalling the battery.................. 385
Reconnecting the battery ............. 385
Jump starting...................................... 386
Towing the vehicle.............................. 388
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 390
Fuses.................................................. 391
Main fuse box
in passenger compartment ........... 392
Fuse box
in engine compartment................. 392
Fuse box in trunk .......................... 394

Contents
Technical data.................................. 395
Parts service ...................................... 396
Warranty coverage ............................. 397
Loss of Service and Warranty
Information Booklet...................... 397
Identification labels............................ 398
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ................. 400
Engine ................................................ 401
Rims and Tires ................................... 403
Same size tires ............................. 404
Mixed size tires ............................ 405
Minispare wheel ........................... 406
Electrical system................................ 407
Main dimensions and weights............ 408
Main dimensions .......................... 408
Weights ........................................ 408Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc. ......... 409
Capacities .................................... 409
Engine oils.................................... 412
Engine oil additives ...................... 412
Air conditioning refrigerant .......... 412
Brake fluid .................................... 412
Premium unleaded gasoline ......... 413
Gasoline additives ........................ 413
Fuel requirements ........................ 414
Flexible Fuel Vehicles
(C 230/C 230 Sport only) ............ 414
Coolants....................................... 416
Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 418Index................................................. 419

14 Introduction
Where to find it
This Operator’s Manual is designed to pro-
vide comprehensive support information
for you, the vehicle operator. Each section
has its own reference color.
At a glance
Here you will find an overview of all the
controls that can be operated from the
driver’s seat.
Getting started
Here you will find all the information you
need for your first drive. You should read
this section first if this is your first
Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are rent-
ing or borrowing this vehicle.
Safety and Security
Here you will find descriptions of the safety
and security features of your vehicle.
Controls in detail
Here you will find detailed information
about the equipment installed in your vehi-
cle. This section expands on the “Getting
started” section and also describes techni-
cal innovations. If you are already familiar
with the basic functions of your vehicle,
this section will be of particular interest to
you.
Operation
Here you will find all the information you
need for the proper operation of your vehi-
cle.
Practical hints
This section provides fast assistance for
dealing with problems you may encounter.
Technical data
All important technical data for your vehi-
cle can be found in this section.
Indexes
The table of contents and the index are de-
signed to help you find information quickly
and easily.
The following publications are part of your
vehicle documentation:

this Operator’s Manual

the Maintenance Booklet
Separate operating instructions will be
provided as required depending on the
equipment options installed in your
vehicle.

239 Controls in detail
Useful features
Parcel net in front passenger footwell
(all models, except C 280 4MATIC and
C 350 4MATIC)
A small convenience parcel net is located
in the front passenger footwell. It is for
small and light items, such as road maps,
mail, etc.Cup holders
Cup holders in front of seat armrest
Underneath the swiveling cup holder is
another stationary cup holder. You can
only use this when the swiveling cup holder
is pulled out and completely turned
outward.
Warning!G
The parcel net is intended for storing
light-weight items only.
Heavy objects, objects with sharp edges or
fragile objects may not be transported in the
parcel net. In an accident, during hard brak-
ing, or sudden maneuvers, they could be
thrown around inside the vehicle and cause
injury to vehicle occupants.
The parcel net cannot protect transported
goods in the event of an accident.
Warning!G
In order to help prevent spilling liquids on
vehicle occupants and/or vehicle equip-
ment, only use containers that fit into the
cup holder. Use lids on open containers and
do not fill containers to a height where the
contents, especially hot liquids, could spill
during braking, vehicle maneuvers, or an ac-
cident. Liquids spilled on vehicle occupants
may cause serious personal injury. Liquids
spilled on vehicle equipment may cause
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
When not in use, keep the cup holder
closed. An open cup holder may cause injury
to you or others when contacted during
braking, vehicle maneuvers, or in an acci-
dent.
Keep in mind that objects placed in the cup
holder may come loose during braking, vehi-
cle maneuvers, or in an accident and be
thrown around in the vehicle interior.
Objects thrown around in the vehicle interi-
or may cause an accident and/or serious
personal injury.

356 Practical hints
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 fuses

Collapsible wheel chock

A pair of gloves Removing the vehicle tool kit
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.