open hood MERCEDES-BENZ C280 2007 W203 Owner's Manual

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

23 At a glance
Cockpit
ItemPage
1Cruise control lever227
2Multifunction steering
wheel26,
122
3Horn
4Instrument cluster24,
118
5Overhead control panel29
6Glove box lid release237
7Glove box lock237
8Center console27
9Starter switch32
ItemPage
aHood lock release274
bSteering wheel release
handle (manual)39
cSteering wheel adjustment
stalk (electrical)*40
dParking brake pedal48, 54
eRemote trunk opening
switch97
fDoor control panel30
gParking brake release48
ItemPage
hCombination switch

Turn signals50

Windshield wipers51

High beam50
jExterior lamp switch50,
109
kExterior rear view mirror
adjustment42,
160
lHeadlamp washer button*160

89 Safety and Security
Anti-theft systems
Anti-theft systems
Immobilizer
The immobilizer prevents unauthorized
persons from starting your vehicle.
Activating
Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
Deactivating
Switch on the ignition (page 32).
Anti-theft alarm system*
Once the alarm system has been armed, a
visual and audible alarm is triggered when
someone opens

a door

the trunk

the hood
The alarm will stay on even if the activating
element (e. g. a door) is immediately
closed.The alarm system will also be triggered
when

opening the vehicle with the
mechanical key

someone opens a door from the inside

someone opens the trunk with the
emergency release button
iStarting the engine will also deactivate the
immobilizer.
In case the engine cannot be started (yet the ve-
hicle’s battery is charged), the system is not op-
erational. Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the
USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).
iIf the alarm stays on for more than
30 seconds, a call to the Response Center is ini-
tiated automatically by the Tele Aid system*
(
page 247) provided Tele Aid service was
subscribed to and properly activated, and that
necessary cellular service and GPS coverage are
available.

119 Controls in detail
Instrument cluster
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is on the
left side in the instrument cluster
(
page 24).
Resetting trip odometer
Make sure you are viewing the trip
odometer and main odometer in the
multifunction display (
page 121).
If it is not displayed, press buttonè
orÿ on the multifunction steering
wheel (
page 122) until the trip
odometer appears in the multifunction
display.
Press and hold the reset button in the
instrument cluster (
page 118) until
the trip odometer is reset.
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is badly
overheated can cause some fluids which
may have leaked into the engine
compartment to catch fire. You could be
seriously burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the hood. Stay away from
the engine if you see or hear steam com-
ing from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.
!Excessive coolant temperature triggers a
warning in the multifunction display
(
page 346).
The engine should not be operated with the cool-
ant temperature above 248°F (120°C). Doing so
may cause serious engine damage which is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warran-
ty.
iDuring severe operating conditions, e.g.
stop-and-go traffic, the coolant temperature may
rise close to 248°F (120°C).

258 Controls in detail
Useful features
Programming tips
If you are having difficulty programming
the integrated remote control, here are
some helpful tips:

Check the frequency of hand-held re-
mote control5 (typically located on
the reverse side of the remote). The in-
tegrated remote control is compatible
with radio-frequency devices operating
between 280-390 MHz.

Put a new battery in hand-held remote
control5. This will increase the likeli-
hood of the hand-held remote control
sending a faster and more accurate sig-
nal to the integrated remote control.

While performing step 3, hold
hand-held remote control5 at differ-
ent lengths and angles from the signal
transmitter button (2, 3 or4) you
are programming. Attempt varying an-
gles at the distance of 2 to 5 inches
(5 to 12 cm) away or the same angle at
varying distances.

If another hand-held remote control is
available for the same device, try the
programming steps again using that
other hand-held remote control. Make
sure new batteries are in the hand-held
remote control before beginning the
procedure.

Straighten the antenna wire from the
garage door opener assembly. This
may help improve transmitting and/or
receiving signals.
iCertain types of garage door openers are in-
compatible with the integrated remote control. If
you should experience further difficulties with
programming the integrated remote control,
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center, or
call Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA only) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in
Canada) at 1-800-387-0100.
iUSA only:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and
(2) this device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this device
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

270 Operation
Driving instructions
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to
keep the toxic components of the exhaust
gases within permissible limits required by
law.
These systems, of course, will function
properly only when maintained strictly
according to factory specifications. Any
adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by qualified
Mercedes-Benz Center authorized techni-
cians. Engine adjustments should not be
altered in any way. Moreover, the specified
service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing
requirements. For details refer to the
Maintenance Booklet.
Coolant temperature
During severe operating conditions and
stop-and-go city traffic, the coolant
temperature may rise close to
approximately 248°F (120°C).The engine should not be operated with
the coolant temperature over 248°F
(120°C). Doing so may cause serious
engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Warning!G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause
unconsciousness and possible death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as a garage) which are not properly
ventilated. If you think that exhaust gas
fumes are entering the vehicle while driving,
have the cause determined and corrected
immediately. If you must drive under these
conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open at all times.
Warning!G

Driving when your engine is badly
overheated can cause some fluids,
which may have leaked into the engine
compartment, to catch fire. You could
be seriously burned.

Steam from an overheated engine can
cause serious burns and can occur just
by opening the hood. Stay away from
the engine if you see or hear steam com-
ing from it.
Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle
and do not stand near the vehicle until the
engine has cooled down.

273 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant
2Brake fluid (fuse box cover removed)
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). For more information,
see “Coolant level” (
page 278) and see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(
page 409).
Brake fluid
Removing fuse box cover (
page 392).Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*
For more information on filling up the
washer reservoir, see “Windshield washer
system and headlamp cleaning system*”
(
page 280).
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level,
see “Engine oil” (
page 276).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (
page 367).
Exterior lamp switch (
page 109).
Tire inflation pressure
More information on tire inflation pressure
(
page 290).
iOpening the hood, see (page 274).
!If you find that the brake fluid in the brake
fluid reservoir has fallen to the minimum mark or
below, have the brake system checked for brake
pad thickness and leaks immediately. Notify an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Do not add brake fluid as this will not solve the
problem. For more information, see “Practical
hints” (
page 324).

274 Operation
Engine compartment
Hood
Opening
Warning!G
Do not pull the release lever while the
vehicle is in motion. Otherwise the hood
could be forced open by passing air flow.
This could cause the hood to come loose
and injure you and/or others.
Warning!G
If you see flames or smoke coming from the
engine compartment, or if the coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheated, do not open the hood. Move
away from vehicle and do not open the hood
until the engine has cooled. If necessary,
call the fire department.
Warning!G
You could be injured when the hood is open
- even when the engine is turned off.
Parts of the engine can become very hot. To
prevent burns, only touch owner serviceable
components described in the Operator’s
Manual and comply with all relevant safety
precautions.
Warning!G
To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of
moving parts when the hood is open and the
engine is running.
The radiator fan may continue to run for
approximately 30 seconds or even restart
after the engine has been turned off. Stay
clear of fan blades.
Warning!G
The engine is equipped with a transistorized
ignition system. Because of the high voltage
it is dangerous to touch any components
(ignition coils, spark plug sockets, diagnos-
tic socket) of the ignition system

with the engine running

while starting the engine

if ignition is “on” and the engine is
turned manually

275 Operation
Engine compartment
The hood lock release lever is located to
the left of the steering wheel under the
dashboard.
1Hood lock release lever
Pull lever1 downwards.
The hood is unlocked and handle2
will extend out of the radiator grille. 2Handle for opening the hood
Pull handle2 to its stop out of
radiator grille.
Pull up on the hood (do not pull up on
the handle) and then release it.
The hood will be automatically held
open at shoulder height by gas-filled
struts. Closing
Let the hood drop from a height of
approximately 1 ft (30 cm).
The hood will lock audibly.
Check to make sure the hood is fully
closed.
If you can raise the hood at a point
above the headlamps, then it is not
properly closed. Open it again and let it
drop with somewhat greater force.
!To avoid damage to the windshield wipers or
hood, never open the hood if the wiper arms are
folded forward away from the windshield.
Warning!G
When closing the hood, use extreme caution
not to catch hands or fingers.
Be careful that you do not close the hood on
anyone.
Make sure that the hood is securely en-
gaged before driving off. Do not continue
driving if the hood can no longer engage af-
ter an accident, for example. The hood could
otherwise come loose while the vehicle is in
motion and injure you and/or others.

276 Operation
Engine compartment
Engine oil
The amount of oil your engine needs will
depend on a number of factors, including
driving style. Higher oil consumption can
occur when

the vehicle is new

the vehicle is driven frequently at
higher engine speeds
Engine oil consumption checks should only
be made after the vehicle break-in period.
Checking engine oil level
When checking the oil level

the vehicle must be parked on level
ground

with the engine at operating tempera-
ture, the vehicle must have been sta-
tionary for at least 5 minutes with the
engine turned off

with the engine not at operating tem-
perature yet, the vehicle must have
been stationary for at least 30 minutes
with the engine turned off
1Oil dipstick
2Upper (max) mark
3Lower (min) mark
To check the engine oil level with the oil
dipstick, do the following:
Open the hood (page 274).
Pull out oil dipstick1.
Wipe oil dipstick1 clean.
Fully insert oil dipstick1 into the
dipstick guide tube.
Pull out oil dipstick1 again after
approximately 3 seconds to obtain ac-
curate reading.
The oil level is correct when it is be-
tween the lower (min) mark3 and
upper (max) mark2 of oil dipstick1.
If necessary, add engine oil.
For adding engine oil, see “Adding en-
gine oil” (
page 277).
For more information on engine oil, see
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(
page 409).
iDo not use any special lubricant additives,
as these may damage the drive assemblies. Us-
ing special additives not approved by
Mercedes-Benz may cause damage not covered
by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. More
information on this subject is available at any
Mercedes-Benz Center.iThe filling quantity between the upper and
lower marks on the oil dipstick is approximately
2.1 US qt. (2.0 l).