winter tires MERCEDES-BENZ C300 4MATIC 2010 W204 Owner's Manual

Resume function ............................ 183
Setting current speed ....................181
Cup holders ........................................ 207
Curb weight ....................................... 250
Customer Assistance Center (CAC) ... 23
Customer Relations Department ....... 23
D
Dashboard see Instrument cluster
Data recording ..................................... 23
Date, Setting ...................................... 133
Daytime running lamp mode .............. 91
Switching on or off ......................... 133
Deep water
see Standing water
Defogging (windshield) ..................... 195
Defroster
Front (Climate control system) ......194
Rear window .................................. 196
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps ................................ 134
Interior lighting .............................. 135
Department of Transportation
see DOT
Difficulties
While driving .................................. 104
With starting .................................. 102
Dimensions (vehicle)
see Vehicle specification
Direction of rotation (tires) .............. 242
Displays
Maintenance service indicator .......259
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 270
Multifunction display .....................120
Symbol messages ..........................279
Text messages ............................... 272
Trip computer ................................ 121
Vehicle status message memory ...129
Vehicle system settings .................130
Door control panel .............................. 33
Door handles ........................................ 33
Doors
Child safety locks ............................ 59
Locking/unlocking (KEYLESS-GO) ...71
Locking/unlocking (SmartKey) ........70
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening from inside ......................... 74
Remote door lock (Tele Aid) ........... 216
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid) .......215
Unlocking (Mechanical key) ...........309
DOT (Department of
Transportation) .................................. 250
Drinking and driving ......................... 254
Driving
Abroad ........................................... 257
Hydroplaning ................................. 257
Instructions ........................... 101, 254
In winter ........................................ 253
Problems ....................................... 104
Safety systems ................................ 60
Systems ......................................... 180
Through standing water .................257
Driving and parking
Safety notes .................................. 101
Driving off .................................. 103, 257
Driving safety systems ....................... 60
ABS .................................................. 61
Adaptive Brake ................................ 62
BAS .................................................. 61
EBP .................................................. 62
ESP ®
................................................ 62
ETS/4-ETS ....................................... 63
Driving systems
All-wheel drive (4MATIC) ................ 183
Cruise control ................................ 180
Dynamic handling package with
sport driving mode .........................184
Hill-start assist system ..................183
Parktronic system ..........................185
Rear view camera .......................... 188
Driving tips, automatic
transmission ...................................... 110
Dynamic handling package with
sport driving mode ............................ 184
E
E85 (ethanol fuel) .............................. 355
Easy-entry/exit feature .............. 85, 136
EBP (Electronic Brake
Proportioning) ...................................... 62
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Satellite radio .................................... 152
Seat belt force limiter ......................... 52
Seat belts ............................................. 48
Children in the vehicle .....................54
Cleaning ......................................... 265
Fastening ......................................... 50
Height adjustment ...........................51
Proper use of ................................... 49
Safety guidelines ............................. 39
Safety notes ..................................... 48
Telltale ........................................... 301
Seat heating ......................................... 84
Seating capacity ................................ 239
Seats ..................................................... 79
Adjustment ...................................... 79
Easy-entry/exit feature ....................85
Heating ............................................ 84
Memory function .............................. 89
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Split rear seat bench .....................204
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down rings ...................... 203
Selective setting
see Key, SmartKey
Selector lever
see Gear selector lever
Self-test
BabySmart™ .................................... 47
OCS (Occupant Classification
System) ........................................... 46
Tele Aid .......................................... 212
Service
see Maintenance
Service, parts .................................... 332
Service and warranty information ..... 20
Service intervals see Maintenance System, Service
indicator message
Service life (tires) .............................. 243
Service menu ..................................... 129
Settings
Factory setting (KEYLESS-GO) .........73
Factory setting (SmartKey) ..............71
Memory function .............................. 89
Menu ............................................. 130Selective setting (KEYLESS-GO) .......73
Selective setting (SmartKey) ............71
Shelf below rear window, cleaning .. 265
Side impact air bags ........................... 41
Side marker lamps
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 293
Replacing bulbs ............................. 314
Sidewall (tires) .................................. 252
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO
see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains ...................................... 253
Snow tires see Winter tires
Spare wheel ....................................... 344
Mounting ....................................... 318
Storage location ............................ 270
Speedometer ....................................... 28
Speed settings
Cruise control ................................ 181
Resume function ............................ 183
SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)
Indicator lamp ......................... 36, 302
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 284
Standing water, driving through ...... 257
Starter switch positions
KEYLESS-GO .................................... 78
SmartKey ......................................... 77
Starting difficulties (engine) ............ 102
Starting the engine ........................... 101
Steering column see Multifunction steering wheel,
Adjustment
Steering wheel
see Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel gearshift control ..... 112
Stolen Vehicle Recovery Services ... 216
Storage compartments ..................... 205
Storing tires ....................................... 244
Sunroof see Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Sunshade
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Tire inflation pressure
Checking ........................................ 232
Important notes on ........................231
Label on the inside of fuel filler
flap ................................................ 231
Placard on driver’s door B-pillar .....238
Tire labeling ....................................... 246
Tire load rating .................................. 251
Tire ply composition and material
used .................................................... 252
Tire pressure loss warning system . 233
Tires ........................................... 229, 344
Advanced Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (Advanced
TPMS) ............................................ 234
Air pressure ................................... 230
Care and maintenance ...................243
Cleaning ......................................... 244
Direction of rotation, spinning .......242
Important notes on tire inflation
pressure ........................................ 231
Inflation pressure ........................... 232
Information placard .......................238
Inspection ...................................... 243
Labeling ......................................... 246
Load index ............................. 246, 251
Load rating .................................... 251
Messages in the multifunction
display ................................... 276, 296
Ply composition and material
used ............................................... 252
Problems under-/overinflation ......232
Retreads ........................................ 229
Rims and tires (technical data) ......344
Rotation ......................................... 245
Service life ..................................... 243
Sizes .............................................. 344
Snow chains .................................. 253
Speed rating .......................... 247, 252
Storing ........................................... 244
Temperature .......................... 231, 245
Terminology ................................... 250
Tire Identification Number .............252
Tire pressure loss warning system . 233
TPMS low tire pressure/
malfunction telltale ........................306
Traction ................................. 244, 252
Tread ............................................. 252Tread depth ........................... 243, 252
Treadwear ...................................... 244
Treadwear indicators .............243, 252
Vehicle maximum load on ..............252
Wear pattern .................................. 245
Winter tires ............................ 252, 344
Tire speed rating ....................... 247, 252
Top tether see Children in the vehicle
Total load limit ................................... 252
Towing
Towing eye bolt .............................. 326
Vehicle ........................................... 325
Towing eye bolt ................................. 326
Traction ...................................... 244, 252
Transfer case ..................................... 116
Transmission see Automatic transmission or
Manual transmission
Transmission fluid level .................... 227
Transmission gear selector lever see Gear selector lever
Transmission positions .................... 109
Traveling abroad ............................... 257
Tread (tires) ....................................... 252
Tread depth (tires) .................... 243, 252
Treadwear .......................................... 244
Treadwear indicators (tires) .... 243, 252
Trip menu ........................................... 121
Trunk
Closing ............................................. 76
Fuse box ........................................ 329
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 286
Opening ........................................... 75
Tie-down rings ............................... 203
Trunk lid emergency release ............76
Unlocking manually .......................309
Valet locking .................................... 77
Turning off the engine ...................... 106
Turn signals ......................................... 93
Cleaning lenses ............................. 263
Indicator lamps ................................ 28
Messages in the multifunction
display ........................................... 296
Replacing bulbs ............................. 314Index17204_AKB; 5; 23, en-USd2ureepe,Version: 2.11.8.12009-07-16T17:54:06+02:00 - Seite 17

Washer fluid ................................... 358
Wipers ............................................. 96
Windshield wipers
Replacing wiper blades ..................316
Winter driving
Instructions .................................... 253
Snow chains .................................. 253
Tires ............................................... 252
Winter tires ................................ 252, 344
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Panic alarmXActivating: Press and hold !
button : for at least 1 second.
An audible alarm and flashing exterior
lamps will operate.
XDeactivating: Press ! button : again.
or
XInsert the SmartKey into the starter switch.
or
XPress the KEYLESS-GO start/stop button.
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO must be
inside the vehicle.
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
interference, and
2. this device must accept any
interference received, 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 received, 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.
Driving safety systems
Introduction
This section contains information about the
following driving safety systems:
RABS (Antilock Brake System)
RAdaptive Brake
RBAS (Brake Assist System)
REBP (Electronic Brake Proportioning)
RESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of most of the driving
systems described in this section is only
achieved with winter tires, or snow chains
as required.
Safety notes
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
RExcessive speed, especially in turns
RWet and slippery road surfaces
RFollowing another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in this
section cannot reduce these risks or prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
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ground. Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
! Only conduct operational or performance
tests on a two-axle dynamometer. If such
tests are necessary, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center. You could
otherwise seriously damage the brake
system and/or the transfer case which is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the 4MATIC is only
achieved with winter tires (Y page 252) or
snow chains as required.
Dynamic handling package with sport
driving mode
The most important part of the dynamic
handling package with sport driving mode is
the variable damping system. It adjusts the
damping to the respective driving condition
automatically.
The damping adjustment depends on
Ryour driving style
Rthe road condition
Ryour individual selection, see the following
description
Vehicles with automatic transmission: The
sport driving mode button selects the
automatic shift programs C/S. For
information on the automatic shift programs,
see “Automatic shift programs”
(Y page 111). The automatic transmission
with dynamic handling package with sport
driving mode contains additional steering
wheel gearshift controls, see “One-touch
gearshifting” (Y page 112).
XStart the engine.
Sport driving mode
The firmer suspension tuning in sport driving
mode provides enhanced road contact.
Select this mode for example, on winding
highways.
The setting remains stored until you turn off
the engine.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : comes on. The sport
driving mode is selected. Depending on
engine version, the accelerator pedal may
respond more immediate. In vehicles with
automatic transmission, automatic
program mode S is selected and will be
displayed in the multifunction display
(Y page 112).
Comfort driving mode
Vehicle handling in comfort driving mode is
softer. Select this mode when you prefer a
more comfortable driving style on straight
freeways.
XPress button ;.
Indicator lamp : goes out. The comfort
driving mode is selected. In vehicles with
automatic transmission, automatic
program mode C is selected and will be
displayed in the multifunction display
(Y page 112).
184Driving systemsControls in detail
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Vehicle equipment ............................222
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......222
At the gas station .............................222
Engine compartment ........................224
Tires and wheels ...............................229
Winter driving ...................................252
Driving instructions ..........................254
Maintenance ......................................258
Vehicle care .......................................260
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The brake fluid level is correct when it is
between lower mark (MIN) ; and upper
mark (MAX) : of the brake fluid reservoir.
Tires and wheels
Safety notes
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for information on tested and recommended
rims and tires for summer and winter
operation. They can also offer advice
concerning tire service and purchase.
GWarning!
Replace rims or tires with the same
designation, manufacturer and type as shown
on the original part. For further information
contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
If incorrectly sized rims and tires are
mounted, the wheel brakes or suspension
components can be damaged. Also, the
operating clearance of the wheels and the
tires may no longer be correct.
GWarning!
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
When replacing rims, only use genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result
in the bolts loosening and possibly an
accident.
Retreaded tires are not tested or
recommended by Mercedes-Benz, since
previous damage cannot always be
recognized on retreads. The operating safety
of the vehicle cannot be assured when such
tires are used.
GWarning!
If you feel a sudden significant vibration or
ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible
damage to your vehicle has occurred, you
should turn on the hazard warning flashers,
carefully slow down, and drive with caution to
an area which is a safe distance from the road.
Inspect the tires and the vehicle underbody
for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires
appear unsafe, have the vehicle towed to the
nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz Center or
tire dealer for repairs.GWarning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects
the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You
could lose control of the vehicle. Continued
driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will cause excessive heat build-
up and possibly a fire.
Important guidelines
R Only use sets of tires and rims of the same
type and make.
R Tires must be of the correct size for the rim.
R Break in new tires for approximately
60 miles (100 km) at moderate speeds.
R Regularly check the tires and rims for
damage. Dented or bent rims can cause tire
inflation pressure loss and damage to the
tire beads.
R If the vehicle is heavily loaded, check tire
inflation pressure and correct as required.
R Do not allow your tires to wear down too
far. Adhesion properties on wet roads are
sharply reduced at tread depths of less
than 1
/ 8 in (3 mm).
R When replacing individual tires, you should
mount new tires on the front wheels first
(on vehicles with same-sized wheels all
around).
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Tire care and maintenanceGWarning!
Regularly check the tires for damage.
Damaged tires can cause tire inflation
pressure loss. As a result, you could lose
control of your vehicle.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire
tread is worn to minimum tread depth, or if
the tires have sustained damage, replace
them.
Check the tire inflation pressure at least once
a month. For more information on checking
tire inflation pressure, see “Recommended
tire inflation pressure” (Y page 230).
Tire inspection
Every time you check the tire inflation
pressure, you should also inspect your tires
for the following:
Rexcessive treadwear (Y page 243)
Rcord or fabric showing through the tire’s
rubber
Rbumps, bulges, cuts, cracks or splits in the
tread or side of the tire
Replace the tire if you find any of the above
conditions.
Make sure you also inspect the spare tire
periodically for condition and inflation. Spare
tires will age and become worn over time even
if never used, and thus should be inspected
and replaced when necessary.
Life of tire
GWarning!
Tires and spare tire should be replaced after
6 years, regardless of the remaining tread.
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including but not limited to:
RDriving style
RTire inflation pressure
RDistance driven
Tread depth GWarning!
Although the applicable federal motor vehicle
safety laws consider a tire to be worn when
the treadwear indicators (TWI) become visible
at approximately 1/16 in (1.6 mm), we
recommend that you do not allow your tires
to wear down to that level. As tread depth
approaches 1/8 in (3 mm), the adhesion
properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.
Depending upon the weather and/or road
surface (conditions), the tire traction varies
widely.
Do not allow your tires to wear down too far.
Adhesion properties on wet roads are sharply
reduced at tread depths of less than 1/8 in
(3 mm).
Treadwear indicators (TWI) are required by
law. These indicators are located in six places
on the tread circumference and become
visible at a tread depth of approximately1/16 in (1.6 mm), at which point the tire is
considered worn and should be replaced.
The recommended minimum tire tread depth
for summer tires is 1/8 in (3 mm). The
recommended minimum tire tread depth for
winter tires is 1/6 in (4 mm).
Treadwear indicator : appears as a solid
band across the tread.
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The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy
road is always lower than on a dry road.
You should pay particular attention to the
condition of the road whenever the outside
temperature is close to the freezing point.
Mercedes-Benz recommends winter tires
( Y page 252) with a minimum tread depth of
approximately 1
/ 6 in (4 mm) on all four wheels
for the winter season to ensure normal
balanced handling characteristics. On
packed snow, they can reduce your stopping
distance compared to summer tires.
Stopping distance, however, is still
considerably greater than when the road is
not covered with snow or ice. Exercise
appropriate caution.
! Avoid spinning of a drive wheel. This may
cause serious damage to the drivetrain
which is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz
Limited Warranty.
Temperature GWarning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause
excessive heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to
the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Rotating tires
GWarning!
Rotate front and rear wheels only if the tires
are of the same dimension.
If your vehicle is equipped with mixed-size
tires (different tire dimensions front vs. rear),
tire rotation is not possible.
GWarning!
Have the tightening torque checked after
changing a wheel. Wheels could become
loose if not tightened with a torque of
96 lb-ft (130 Nm).
Only use genuine Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts
specified for your vehicle’s rims.
Tire rotation can be performed on vehicles
with tires of the same dimension all around.
If your vehicle is equipped with tires of the
same dimension all around, tires can be
rotated, observing a front-to-rear rotation
pattern that will maintain the intended
rotation (spinning) direction of the tire
( Y page 242).
In some cases, such as when your vehicle is
equipped with mixed-size tires (different tire
dimension front vs. rear), tire rotation is not
possible.
If applicable to your vehicle’s tire
configuration, tires can be rotated according
to the tire manufacturer’s recommended
intervals in the tire manufacturer’s warranty
pamphlet located in your vehicle literature
portfolio. If none is available, tires should be
rotated every 3 000 to 6 000 miles (5 000 to
10 000 km), or sooner if necessary, according
to the degree of tire wear. The same rotation
(spinning) direction must be maintained.
Rotate tires before the characteristic tire
wear pattern becomes visible (shoulder wear
on front tires and tread center wear on rear
tires).
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