Coolant level MERCEDES-BENZ C300 2008 W204 Owner's Manual

Contents
At the gas station .............................. 322
Refueling ...................................... 322
Check regularly and
before a long trip.......................... 324
Engine compartment ......................... 325
Hood ............................................ 325
Engine oil ..................................... 327
Transmission fluid level ................ 328
Coolant level ................................ 329
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 330
Tires and wheels ................................ 331
Important guidelines .................... 331
Tire care and maintenance........... 332
Direction of rotation ..................... 334
Loading the vehicle ...................... 334
Recommended tire
inflation pressure ......................... 339
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 341
Tire labeling.................................. 348
Load identification ....................... 352
DOT,
Tire Identification Number (TIN) ... 352
Maximum tire load ....................... 353
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 354Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) .............. 354
Tire ply material ............................ 356
Tire and loading terminology......... 356
Rotating tires ................................ 359
Winter driving ..................................... 360
Winter tires ................................... 360
Snow chains.................................. 361
Maintenance....................................... 362
Maintenance
service indicator message ............ 362
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display ............... 363
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator ........................... 363
Vehicle care........................................ 364
Cleaning and care of vehicle ......... 364
Practical hints.................................. 373
What to do if …? ................................. 374
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 374
Air bag off indicator lamp ............. 385
Vehicle status messages in
the multifunction display .............. 387
Where will I find ...? ............................ 420
First aid kit.................................... 420
Vehicle jack, vehicle tool kit,
luggage bowl, Minispare wheel ..... 420
Unlocking/locking in an emergency .. 424
Unlocking the vehicle ................... 424
Locking the vehicle ....................... 425
Fuel filler flap ................................ 426
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever ... 426
Resetting activated head restraints.... 427
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 428
Replacing bulbs .................................. 430
Bulbs............................................. 431
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 432
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 436
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 438
Removing wiper blades ................. 439
Installing wiper blades .................. 439

132 Controls in detail
Driving and parking
Problems while driving
The engine runs erratically and misfires

An ignition cable may be damaged.

The engine electronics may not be op-
erating properly.

Unburned gasoline may have entered
the catalytic converter and damaged it.
Give very little gas.
Have the problem repaired at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as
possible.The coolant temperature is above
248°F (120°C)
The coolant is too hot and is no longer
cooling the engine.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location as
soon as possible and turn off the en-
gine. Allow engine and coolant to cool
off.
Check the coolant level and add cool-
ant if necessary (
page 329).In case of accident
If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:
Do not start the engine under any cir-
cumstances.
Move away from vehicle.
Notify local fire and/or police authori-
ties.
If the extent of the damage cannot be de-
termined:
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If no damage can be determined on the

major assemblies

fuel system

engine mount:
Start the engine in the usual manner.
iTo signal minor directional changes such as
changing lanes, press combination switch only
to point of resistance and release. The corre-
sponding turn signals will flash three times.
iExcessive coolant temperatures trigger a
warning message in the multifunction display
(
page 402).

324 Operation
At the gas station
Check regularly and before a long trip
1Coolant level
2Brake fluid
3Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*Windshield washer system and head-
lamp cleaning system*
For more information on refilling the wash-
er reservoir, see “Windshield washer sys-
tem and headlamp cleaning system*”
(
page 330).
Coolant
For more information on coolant, see
“Coolant level” (
page 329) and see “Fu-
els, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(
page 476).
Brake fluid
For information on brake fluid, see “Brake
fluid” (
page 480).Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil, see
“Engine oil” (
page 327).
Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (
page 430).
For more information, see “Lighting”
(
page 108).
Tire inflation pressure
For information on tire inflation pressure,
see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
(
page 341).iOpening the hood (page 325).!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 376) and (page 400).

329 Operation
Engine compartment
Coolant level
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze. To check
the coolant level, the vehicle must be
parked on level ground and the engine
must be cool.
The coolant expansion tank is located on
the passenger side of the engine compart-
ment.
1Cap
2Coolant expansion tank
3Fluid level bridgeUsing a rag, turn cap1 slowly approx-
imately a half-turn counterclockwise to
release any excess pressure.
Continue turning the cap1 counter-
clockwise and remove it.
The coolant level is correct if the level

for cold coolant: reaches the white
marking (plastic bridge)3 inside the
coolant expansion tank2

for warm coolant: is approximately
0.6 in (1.5 cm) higher
Add coolant as required.
Replace and tighten cap1.
For more information on coolant, see the
“Technical data” section (
page 484).
Warning!G
In order to avoid potentially serious burns:

Use extreme caution when opening the
hood if there are any signs of steam or
coolant leaking from the cooling system,
or if the coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates that the coolant is overheated.

Do not remove pressure cap on coolant
reservoir if coolant temperature is
above 158°F (70°C). Allow engine to
cool down before removing cap. The
coolant reservoir contains hot fluid and
is under pressure.

Using a rag, slowly open the cap approx-
imately a half-turn to relieve excess
pressure. If opened immediately, scald-
ing hot fluid and steam will be blown out
under pressure.

Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine
parts. Antifreeze contains ethylene gly-
col which may burn if it comes into con-
tact with hot engine parts.

405 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display Possible cause/consequencePossible solution
BCheck
Coolant Level
See Operator’s Manu-
alThe coolant level is too low.Add coolant (page 329).
If you have to add coolant frequently, have
the cooling system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!G
Do not spill antifreeze on hot engine parts.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which
may burn if it comes into contact with hot
engine parts. You could be seriously burned.
!Do not ignore the low engine coolant level
warning. Extended driving with the message and
symbol displayed may cause serious engine
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.
Do not drive without a sufficient amount of cool-
ant in the cooling system. The engine will over-
heat, causing major engine damage.

483 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Switching fuels
For best performance and driveability it is
recommended to use either one or the oth-
er fuel. A refueling pattern that alternates
between the two different fuels should be
avoided if possible.
When switching fuels, make sure:

Fuel level is below half full.

Fuel level is above reserve (reserve
warning lamp is not lit).

Amount of added fuel is more than
5 gallons (20 liters).

Ignition is off during refill.

Immediately after refueling engine is
started and operated for at least five
minutes.
These precautions and recommendations
are supposed to prevent any difficulties
when starting and operating the engine
which otherwise may be experienced
before the engine has fully adapted to the
different fuel.If in spite of these recommendations the
engine does not perform properly, adding
more gasoline (at least 3 gallons
[12 liters]) to the fuel may improve the
engine behavior.
Cruising range
E85 fuel contains less energy per gallon
than gasoline. To ensure that engine per-
formance with Ethanol fuel is similar to
that when using gasoline, the engine must
burn more Ethanol fuel. As a result, it is to
be expected that the fuel consumption will
increase when using E85 compared to
gasoline operation.
Maintenance
Please inform your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center if you use or have
used E85 fuel when your vehicle is deliv-
ered for maintenance or repairs.Cold weather performance
It is possible that starting times will signif-
icantly increase at temperatures below
32°F (0°C). At low temperatures the use
of a block heater is recommended (see an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for fur-
ther information). Rough idling may also be
experienced at such temperatures before
the engine is fully warmed up.
Hot weather performance
At ambient temperatures above 95°F
(35°C) start times may increase and be
accompanied by a rough idle following the
start.iUse of E85 may reduce your driving range.
!E85 fuel is unsuitable for use when ambient
temperatures fall below 14°F (-10°C).

484 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Coolants
The engine coolant is a mixture of water
and anticorrosion/antifreeze, which pro-
vides:

Corrosion protection

Freeze protection

Boiling protection (by increasing the
boiling point)
The cooling system was filled at the factory
with a coolant providing freeze protection
to approximately -22°F (-30°C) and corro-
sion protection.
If the antifreeze mixture is effective to
-22°F (-30°C), the boiling point of the cool-
ant in the pressurized cooling system is
reached at approximately 266°F (130°C).The coolant solution must be used year
round to provide the necessary corrosion
protection and increase boil-over protec-
tion. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for re-
placement interval.
Coolant system design and coolant used
determine the replacement interval. The
replacement interval published in the
Maintenance Booklet is only applicable if
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze solu-
tion or other Mercedes-Benz approved
products of equal specification are used to
renew the coolant concentration or bring it
back up to the proper level.
For information on other Mercedes-Benz
approved products of equal specification,
refer to the Factory Approved Service
Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact
an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
To provide important corrosion protection,
the solution must be at least 50% anticor-
rosion/antifreeze (equivalent to freeze
protection to approximately –35°F
[–37°C]).If you use a solution that is more than 55%
anticorrosion/antifreeze (freeze protec-
tion to approximately –49°F [–45°C]), the
engine temperature will increase due to
the lower heat transfer capability of the so-
lution. Therefore, do not use more than
this amount of anticorrosion/ antifreeze.
If the coolant level is low, water and
MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
should be used to bring it up to the proper
level (have cooling system checked for
signs of leakage).
The water in the cooling system must meet
minimum requirements, which are usually
satisfied by normal drinking water. If you
are not sure about the water quality,
consult an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
!Add premixed coolant solution only. Adding
water and MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
separately from each other, could cause engine
damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.

490 Index
Dual-zone automatic climate
control 250
Front defroster 255
Rear climate control 268
Rear window defroster 256, 265
Residual engine heat and
ventilation 266
Setting the temperature 262
Temperature 253
Windshield, defogging 255
Clock 151
Setting time 170
Cockpit 24
Cold weather performance 483
COMAND* see separate COMAND
operating instructions
Combination switch 112
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 112
High beam flasher 112
Turn signals 131
Windshield wipers 117
Control system 151
Multifunction display 151
Multifunction steering wheel 152
Resetting to factory default 165Control system menu 151
AUDIO 158
Menus overview 154
Navi* 158
Service menu 164
Settings menu 165
Standard display 156
TEL* 160
Trip computer 156
Vehicle status message
memory 164
Control system submenus 153, 155
Convenience 174
Instrument cluster 168
Lighting 171
Time/Date 170
Vehicle 173
Coolant 329
Adding 329
Anticorrosion/antifreeze mixing ratio
and quantity 484
Checking level 329
Messages in display 405
Temperature 321
Temperature gauge 27, 148Coolant level
Checking 329
Corner-illuminating front fog lamps* 112
Replacing bulbs 431
Cruise control 241
Activating 242
Canceling 243
Driving downhill 243
Driving uphill 243
Setting current speed 242
Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function) 245
Cruising range, fuel 483
Cup holder
In front seat armrest 287
In rear seat armrest 287
Curb weight 356

492 Index
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Maximum cooling MAX COOL 256
Dual-zone automatic climate control see
Climate control system
E
Easy-entry/exit feature*
(Canada only) 95, 174
EBP 61
Electrical fuses see Fuses
Electrical outlet
Glove box 293
Rear passenger compartment 293
Electrical system, Technical Data 473
Electronic Brake Proportioning see EBP
Electronic Stability Program see ESP
®
Electronic traction system 63
Emergency call system 295
Emergency calls, Tele Aid* 296
Emergency operation (Limp-Home
Mode) 146Emergency operations
Gear selector lever*, Unlocking 426
Locking the vehicle 424
Releasing from inside 271
Remote door lock* 302
Remote door unlock* 301
Unlocking the trunk 425
Unlocking the vehicle 424
Emergency tensioning device see ETD
Emergency, In case of
Battery, Jump starting 451
First aid kit 420
Flat tire 440
Fuses 456
Instrument cluster, Indicator
lamps 374–383
Roadside Assistance 12
Roadside Assistance* (Tele
Aid*) 299
Towing the vehicle 453
Emission control 320
Emission control information label 463
Emission control system warranties 10Engine
Adding engine oil 328
Belt layout 464
Cleaning 366
Compartment 325
Coolant 329, 478, 484
Malfunction indicator lamp 27, 378
Number 462, 463
Oil 327, 476, 480
Residual heat and ventilation 266
Starting 127
Technical data 465
Turning off 134
Engine coolant see Coolant
Engine oil 327
Adding 328
Additives 480
Checking level (Dipstick) 327
Consumption 327
Dipstick 327
Filler neck 327, 328
Recommended engine oils and oil
filters 476

498 Index
M
Maintenance 11, 362
Automatic Call (Tele Aid*) 302
Calling up service indicator
display 363
Clearing service indicator
message 362
Maintenance System 362
Resetting service indicator 363
Service indicator message 362
Service term exceeded 363
Vehicles with E85 fuel 483
Manual headlamp mode 108
Manual transmission 136, 137
Gearshift lever 126, 137
Shift positions 137
Starting the engine 127
Maximum load rating, Tires 357
Maximum loaded
vehicle weight 340, 357
Maximum tire
inflation pressure 354, 357
Maximum tire load rating 353
Memory function* (Canada only) 102
Menus see Control systemMessages in display see
Multifunction display messages
Microphone, Hands-free 31
Minispare wheel 422, 471
Mounting 441
Mirrors
Activating exterior rear view mirror
parking position*
(Canada only) 101
Adjusting 97
Auto-dimming* for rear view
mirrors 100
Exterior rear view mirrors 97
Interior rear view mirror 97
Modifications and alterations,
Operating safety 15
MON 478
MP3
Playback options 220
Selecting a folder 219
Selecting a track 219
Multifunction display 151
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system sub-
menusMultifunction display messages
ABS 389, 398
Battery, vehicle 399
Brake fluid 400
Brake pads 399
Coolant 402
Coolant level 405
Doors 406
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) 401
ESP
®389, 397, 398
Fog lamps 410
Front passenger front air bag 393
Fuel cap 406
Gear selector lever 392
Headlamps 411
Hood 406
Key, SmartKey 408
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 407
Lamps, exterior 409
License plate lamps 411
Light sensor 409
Low tire pressure 418
Parking brake 401
Parking lamps 411