fuel reserve MERCEDES-BENZ C300 2008 W204 Owner's Manual

27 At a glance
Instrument cluster
ItemPage
1Combination gauge with:
Fuel gauge
4Fuel tank reserve
warning lamp
Coolant temperature gauge
ÌCoolant temperature
warning lamp
Indicator/warning lamps:
AHigh beam headlamp
indicator lamp
±Engine malfunction
indicator lamp
380
112
374
382
378
;
USA only
3
Canada onlyBrake warning
lamp376
2LLeft turn signal
indicator lamp131
ItemPage
3vElectronic Stability
Program (ESP®)
warning lamp
380
4Speedometer
5Multifunction display
6KRight turn signal
indicator lamp131
7Tachometer with:
HCombination low tire
pressure/TPMS
malfunction telltale,
USA only380
=SRS indicator lamp382
-Antilock Brake System
(ABS) indicator lamp59
8Outside temperature
(manual transmission)
Outside temperature /
additional speedometer
(automatic transmission*)149
149,
169
ItemPage
9Outside temperature
(automatic transmission*)149,
169
aSelected program mode
indicator
(automatic transmission*)140
bGear position/range
indicator
(automatic transmission*)
Additional speedometer
(manual transmission)143
169
cDigital clock151
dInstrument cluster
illumination148

150 Controls in detail
Instrument cluster
The outside temperature sensor is located
in the front bumper area. Due to its loca-
tion, the sensor can be affected by road or
engine heat during idling or slow driving.
Therefore, the accuracy of the displayed
temperature can only be verified by com-
parison to a thermometer placed next to
the sensor, not by comparison to external
displays (e.g. bank signs, etc.).
When moving the vehicle into colder ambi-
ent temperatures (e.g. when leaving your
garage), you will notice a delay before the
lower temperature is displayed.
A delay also occurs when ambient temper-
atures rise. This prevents inaccurate tem-
perature indications caused by heat
radiated from the engine during idling or
slow driving.Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge is on the left-hand side of
the instrument cluster (
page 26). Once
the fuel level has fallen below the reserve
mark, the yellow fuel tank reserve warning
lamp 4 for the fuel reserve comes on
(
page 380).

157 Controls in detail
Control system
Fuel consumption statistics since last
reset
Press ( or & to select the Trip
menu.
Press % or $ to select Since
Reset
.
1Distance driven since last reset
2Time elapsed since last reset
3Average speed since last reset
4Average fuel consumption since last
resetResetting values
You can reset the values for the following
functions:

Trip odometer

Fuel consumption statistics since start

Fuel consumption statistics since last
reset
Press ( or & to select the Trip
menu.
Press % or $ to select the func-
tion you wish to reset.
Press#.
Example illustration: Reset fuel consump-
tion statistics since start
Press% to select Yes.
Press# to confirm.Distance to empty
Press ( or & to select the Trip
menu.
Press % or $ to select Range.
With the ignition switched on, the
calculated remaining driving range
based on the current fuel tank level
appears in the multifunction display.
1Approximate distance
When the reserve tank is half empty, only
the fuel pump symbol W is displayed.
iAfter 9999 hours or 99 999 miles (kilome-
ters), the fuel consumption statistics since last
reset are automatically reset.

380 Practical hints
What to do if …?
ProblemPossible cause/consequenceSuggested solution
vThe yellow ESP® warning
lamp flashes while driving.The ESP® or traction system has come
into operation because of detected trac-
tion loss in at least one tire.
The cruise control is deactivated.When driving off, apply as little throttle as pos-
sible.
While driving, ease up on the accelerator.
Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing
road, weather and traffic conditions.
Do not deactivate the ESP®.
Exceptions: (
page 63).
Failure to follow these instructions increases the
risk of an accident.
4The yellow fuel tank re-
serve warning lamp in the
fuel gauge comes on while
driving.The fuel level has gone below the reserve
mark.Refuel at the next gas station (page 322).
comes on for a maximum
of 6 seconds after starting
the engine.The seat belt telltale reminds you and your
passengers to fasten your seat belts be-
fore driving off.Fasten your seat belts.
Regardless of whether the seat belts are fas-
tened or not, the seat belt telltale always
comes on and remains lit for 6 seconds after
starting the engine.

406 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display Possible cause/consequencePossible solution
$You are driving with one or more doors
open.
The display symbol shows you which doors
are open.Close the doors.
4Gas Cap LooseA loss of pressure has been detected in the
fuel system. The fuel cap may not be closed
properly or the fuel system may be leaky.Check the fuel cap (page 322).
If it is not closed properly:
Close the fuel cap.
If it is closed properly:
Have the fuel system checked at an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Reserve Fuel
LevelThe fuel level has gone below the reserve
mark.Refuel at the next gas station (page 322).
YYou are driving with the hood open.Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
Close the hood (page 326).
There is otherwise danger of an accident.

478 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
ModelCapacityFuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.
Power steeringAll models0.85 US qt. (0.8 l)MB Power Steering Fluid
(Chevron Texaco PSF 9109)1
1For detailed information, please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet (USA only) or contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Front wheel hubsAll modelsapprox. 3.6 oz. (95 g) eachHigh-temperature roller bearing grease
Brake systemAll modelsapprox. 0.53 US qt. (0.5 l)MB Brake Fluid (DOT 4+)
Cooling systemAll models5.07 US qt. (4.8 l)MB 325.0 Anticorrosion/Antifreeze
Fuel tank
including a reserve ofAll models17.43 US gal (66.0 l)
2.11 US gal (8.0 l)Premium unleaded gasoline:
Minimum Posted Octane 91
(Avg. of 96 RON/86 MON)
C 300 and C 300 Sport (with automatic
transmission*), USA only:
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (identified by a label
reading Premium gasoline or E85 only!
on fuel filler flap).
Alternative fuel: Ethanol fuel (E85)
Air conditioning systemAll modelsR-134a refrigerant and special PAG
lubricant oil (never R-12)

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).

493 Index
ESP®62
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP
®65
Messages in display 389, 397, 398
Warning lamp 27, 376, 379, 380
ETD 49
Safety guidelines 38
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 322
Switching fuels 483
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 97
Auto-dimming on the driver’s
side 99, 100
Fold-in settings 175
Power folding* 98F
Fahrenheit see Temperature display
mode 167
First aid kit 420
Flat tire 440
Lowering the vehicle 445
Mounting the Minispare wheel 441
Preparing the vehicle 440
Flexible fuel vehicles 482
At the gas station 322
Switching fuels 483
Floormats* 294
Fluids
Automatic transmission fluid 476,
477
Brake fluid 478, 480
Capacities 476
Engine coolant 329, 478, 484
Engine oil 328, 476, 480
Power steering fluid 478
Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system 479, 486
Fog lamps 431
Messages in display 410
Replacing bulbs 431, 432, 436Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC) with ESP
®65
4MATIC 65
Front air bags 39
Front lamps see headlamps
Front passenger front air bag 39
Messages in display 393
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 29, 45, 385
Front seats
Heating* 91
Fuel 322, 478, 481
Additives 481
Capacity, Fuel tank 478
Cruising range 483
E85 (Ethanol fuel) 478, 483
Filling the tank 322
Fuel filler flap and cap 322
Fuel reserve warning lamp 27, 150,
380
Gauge 27, 150
Premium unleaded gasoline 478,
481
Requirements, Octane rating 482
Switching (Flexible fuel vehicle) 483

497 Index
L
Labels 462
Certification 462
Emission control information 463
Tire and Loading Information 335
Lamps, exterior 431
Light sensor 409
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 27, 59, 374
Air bag Off 40
Battery check lamp (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* 77
Battery check lamp (SmartKey) 72
Brake warning lamp 27
Brakes 376
Engine diagnostics 27, 378
Engine malfunction 27, 378
ESP
®27, 376, 379, 380
Front passenger front air bag off 29,
45, 385, 386
Fuel reserve 380
High beam headlamps 27
Instrument cluster 374–383
Maintenance service indicator 362
Seat belt telltale 27, 380
SRS 27, 382Turn signals 27
Language 193
Language, Setting 168
LATCH-type child seat anchors see
Children in the vehicle
Lever
For cruise control 242
License plate lamps
Messages in display 411
Replacing bulbs 431, 437
Light alloy wheels, Cleaning 370
Light sensor
Message in display 409
Lighter see Cigarette lighter
Lighting 108
Automatic headlamp mode 109
Corner-illuminating front fog
lamps* 112
Daytime running lamp mode 110
Door entry lamps 116
High beam flasher 112
Instrument cluster illumination 148
Interior 114
Manual headlamp mode 108
Trunk 116
Limp-home mode 146Loading see Vehicle loading
Locator lighting 172
Lock button
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*, Canada
only) 76, 125
Key, SmartKey 70
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 73
Locking 133
Vehicle in an emergency 425
Locking knob 79
Loss of
Key, Mechanical 79
Key, SmartKey 79
Key, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
(Canada only) 79
Service and Warranty Information
Booklet 461
Low beam headlamps
Replacing bulbs (Bi-Xenon*) 431
Replacing bulbs (Halogen) 431, 433
Lowering
Vehicle 445
Lubricants 476
Lumbar support* 91