heater MERCEDES-BENZ C320 4MATIC WAGON 2003 S203 Owner's Manual

25 At a glance
Center console
Center console
Upper part
Item
Page
1
Seat heater*, driver’s side
94
2
Rear window
wiper/washer
49
3
ESP control switch
77
4
Hazard warning flasher
switch – switching on/off
101
5
Central locking switch
89
6
Anti-theft alarm system in-
dicator lamp
79
Tow-away alarm switch
80
Item
Page
7
Seat heater*, passenger
side
94
8
Indicator lamp
7
67
9
Audio system,
or
161
COMAND* (see separate
operating instructions)
10
Climate control
144
Automatic climate control*
152
Rear window defroster
149,
158
S203 MY03_A.book Page 25 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

94 Controls in detailSeatsHeated seats*
Both switches for the front seats are locat-
ed in the center console.
1Normal heating
2Rapid heating
Make sure that the ignition is switched
on.
All the lamps in the instrument cluster
light up.
Switching on seat heating

Press upper switch position1.A red indicator lamp on the switch
lights up.
Switching on rapid seat heating

Press lower switch position2.
Both red indicator lamps on the switch
light up.Switching off seat heating

If one indicator lamp is on, press upper
switch position1.

If both indicator lamps are on, press
lower switch position2.
!If one or both of the lamps on the seat
heater switch are blinking, there is in-
sufficient voltage available since too
many electrical consumers are turned
on. The seat heater switches off auto-
matically.
The seat heater will switch back on
again automatically as soon as suffi-
cient voltage is available.iThe system switches over to normal
heating mode after approximately five
minutes. Only one indicator lamp re-
mains lit.
iThe seat heater will be automatically
switched off after approximately
30 minutes.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 94 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

245 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heat-
er.
The electrical cable may be installed at
your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to ex-
ceed 30 mph (50 km/h). Remove chains
as soon as possible when driving on roads
without snow. Please observe the following guidelines
when using snow chains:


Chains should only be used on the rear
wheels. Follow the manufacturer’s
mounting instructions.


Use only snow chains that are ap-
proved by Mercedes-Benz. Your autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center will be
glad to advise you on this subject.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
(page 77) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the vehi-
cle’s traction.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 245 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

278 Practical hintsWhat to do if …Display
Possible cause
Suggested solution
#
UNDERVOLTAGE
ENGINE ON!
The battery has insufficient voltage and
can no longer supply the convenience
functions such as seat heater*.

Start the engine (
page 44).
UNDERVOLTAGE
SWITCH CONSUMERS OFF!
The battery is malfunctioning.

Have the battery checked at a ser-
vice station.
G
VISIT WORKSHOP!
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
The instrument cluster display is mal-
functioning.

Continue driving with added cau-
tion.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
±
VISIT WORKSHOP!
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
Certain electronic systems are unable to
relay information to the control system.
The following systems may have failed:

Coolant temperature display


Tachometer


Cruise control display

Have the electronic systems
checked by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center
(page 258).
W
WASHER FLUID
CHECK LEVEL!
The fluid level has dropped to about
1/3
of total reservoir capacity.
Add washer fluid (
page 240).
S203 MY03_A.book Page 278 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

333 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.


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 be-
fore the engine has fully adapted to the dif-
ferent 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 en-
gine behavior.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 (Canada only) is recom-
mended (see your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for further informa-
tion). Rough idling may also be experi-
enced 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 ac-
companied by a rough idle following the
start.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 gas-
oline operation.
Maintenance
Please inform your Mercedes-Benz Center
if you use or have used E85 fuel when your
vehicle is delivered for maintenance or re-
pairs.
!E85 fuel is unsuitable for use when am-
bient temperatures fall below 14°F
(-10°C).
iUse of E85 may reduce your driving
range.
S203 MY03_A.book Page 333 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

345 Index
A
ABS 23, 73, 339
ABS control 74
Malfunction indicator lamp 255
Messages in display 261
Warning lamp 255
Accelerator position, automatic
transmission 140
Accident
In case of 50
Activating
Air circulation mode 148
Air conditioning (cooling) 150, 159
Air recirculation mode 148, 156
Anti-theft alarm system 79
Automatic climate control 153
Central locking (control system) 125
Climate control 145
Defrost 147, 156
Easy-entry/exit feature 126
ESP 77
Exterior headlamps 47
Exterior lamps 99
Exterior rear view mirror parking
position 142
Hazard warning flasher 101Headlamps 47
High beams 101
Ignition 31
Immobilizer 52, 79
Rear fog lamp 99
Rear window defroster 149, 158
Residual heat 159
Seat heater 94
Tow-away alarm 80
Windshield wipers 48
Adding
Coolant 238
Engine oil 236
Additional turn signals 292
Adjustable air vents, rear passenger
compartment 151, 160
Adjusting 32
Air distribution 147, 155
Air volume 147, 155
Backrest tilt 33, 35
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 33, 35, 36
Head restraint tilt 34, 35, 36
Head restraints 36
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 104Manual seat 33
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 93
Power seat 34
Rear seat head restraints 35
Seat cushion depth 93
Seat cushion tilt 33, 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment 33, 34
Seat height 33, 35
Seats 32
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off 150, 159
Turning on 150, 159
Air conditioning refrigerant 330
Air distribution
Adjusting 147, 155
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 242
Air recirculation mode 148, 156
Activating 148, 156
Deactivating 148, 157
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 151, 160
S203 MY03_A.book Page 345 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

347 Index
Gear shifting malfunctions 140
Kickdown 140
Manual shifting 136
One-touch gearshifting 136
Program mode selector switch 139
Selector lever position 135
Starting with 44
Transmission fluid 237
Winter program mode 139
Auxiliary fuse box 315
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 67
Compatible child seats 67
Self-test 67
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 339
BabySmartTM compatible child
seats 339
Backrest
Folding forward 199
Folding rearward 200
Backrest tilt 33
Backup lamps 293, 298
Bulbs 293BAS 75, 339
Messages in display 262
Batteries, electronic key
Checking 86
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 287
Check lamp 85
Checking 86
Battery discharged
Jump starting 308
Battery, vehicle 239, 305
Charging 306
Disconnecting 306
Messages in display 278
Reconnecting 307
Reinstalling 306
Removing 306
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 339
Bi-Xenon type
Front lamp bulbs 295
Block heater 245
Blocking
Rear door window operation 71
Bolts
For Minispare wheel 284
For spare wheel 282Brake assist system (BAS) 339
Brake fluid 233, 330
Brake lamp bulbs 293
Brake lamp, high mounted 293
Brake pads
Message in display 263
Brakes 224
Break-in period 222
Bulbs, replacing 292
Additional turn signals 292
Backup lamps 293
Brake lamps 293
Fog lamps 292
Front lamps 292
High beam 292
High mounted brake lamp 293
License plate lamps 293, 298
Low beam 292
Parking lamps 292, 293, 295, 296
Rear fog lamp 293
Rear fog lamps 297
Side marker lamps 292, 297
Standing lamps 292, 293, 295, 296
Tail lamp assemblies 293, 297
Turn signal lamps 292, 293
S203 MY03_A.book Page 347 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

350 Index
Driving uphill 191
Fine adjustment 192
Saving current speed 191
Setting speeds 192
Cruise control lever 190
Cruising range, fuel 333
Cup holder
Cleaning 251
In front seat armrest 204
In rear seat armrest 205
Customer assistance system (CAC) 339
D
Daytime running lamp mode 100
Setting 121
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling) 150
Air recirculation mode 148, 157, 158
Alarm 80
Anti-theft alarm system 80
Automatic climate control 153
Central locking (control system) 125
Climate control 145
Cruise control 191
Defrost 148, 156
Engine with the key 52
ESP 77Exterior lamps 99
Exterior lamps delayed shut-off 122
Front fog lamps 122
Hazard warning flasher 101
Headlamps 52
Immobilizer 79
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 124
Rear window defroster 149, 158
Residual heat 159
Seat heater 94
Tow-away alarm 81
Deep water see Standing water 229
Defogging
Windshield 147, 155
Defrosting 147, 156
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 122
Interior lighting 124
Dialing
A number (telephone) 132
Difficulties
While driving see Problems while
driving 50
With starting 45
Digital clock 23
Digital speedometer 112Direction of rotation (tires) 242
Discharged battery
Jump starting 308
Disconnecting
Vehicle battery 306
Display
Selecting 120
Display elements
Audio system 162
Displays
Digital speedometer 112
Messages 237, 260
Selecting 120
Service indicator 246
Showing malfunctions 115
Distance to empty (range)
Calling up 128
Door control panel 28
Door entry lamps 103
Door handle 28
Door unlock
With Tele Aid* 217
Doors
Message in display 268
Opening from inside vehicle 88
Opening from outside 85
S203 MY03_A.book Page 350 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

352 Index
Checking level 235
Consumption 235
Display messages 270
Filler neck 236
Messages in display 237, 270
Viscosity 340
Engine oil level see Oil level 233
ESP 23, 75, 340
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP 78
Messages in display 268
Switching off 77
Switching on 77
Warning lamp 254
ETD 340
Safety guidelines 59
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 64
Ethanol fuel
At the gas station 232
Switching fuels 332
Exterior lamp switch 98
Exterior lamps
Delayed shut-off 122
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 39
Parking position for 128F
Fahrenheit
Setting temperature units 119
Fastening the seat belts 40
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 192
First aid kit 279
Flat tire 300
Lowering the vehicle 304
Mounting the spare wheel 300
Preparing the vehicle 300
Spare wheel 281
Flexible fuel vehicles 329, 332
At the gas station 232
Switching fuels 332
Flexible Service System (FSS) 246
Flexible service system (FSS) 340
Fog lamp, rear 100, 293
Fog lamps
Replacing bulbs 292
Fog lamps, front 100
Messages in display 274
Replacing bulbs 293
Switching on 100
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC) with ESP 784MATIC 78
Front airbags 60
Front lamps
Bi-Xenon type 295
Halogen-type 294
Messages in display 272–275
Replacing bulbs 292, 294
Switching on 98
Front seat head restraints
Installing 91
Manual seat 91
Power seat* 91
Removing 91
Front seats
Heater 94
FSS 340
FSS (Flexible Service System) 246
Fuel 233
Additives 332
Cruising range 333
E85 (Ethanol fuel) 333
Fuel reserve warning lamp 258
Gasoline additives 332
Premium unleaded gasoline 233,
329, 331
Requirements 331
S203 MY03_A.book Page 352 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM

361 Index
Replacing
Backup lamp bulbs 297
Brake lamp bulbs 297
Bulbs 292
Front lamp bulbs 294
Front turn signal bulbs 294, 295
Fuses 315
High beam bulbs 294
High beam bulbs (xenon-type
headlamps) 295
License plate lamp bulbs 298
Low beam bulbs 294
Parking lamp bulbs 295, 296
Rear fog lamp bulbs 297
Rear lamp bulbs 293, 297
Rear turn signal bulbs 297
Side marker lamp bulbs 297
Standing lamp bulbs 295, 296
Wiper blades 299
Reporting
Safety defects 18
Reset knob in the instrument cluster 116
Resetting
All functions (control system) 116
All functions of a submenu 117
Fuel consumption 129Service indicator (FSS) 247
Trip odometer 105
Residual heat utilization 159
Residual ventilation 159
REST 342
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems 65, 69
Restraint systems 342
Reverse (manual transmission)
Shifting into 134
Rims 323
Roadside Assistance 12
Roadside assistance
Tele Aid* 213
Rolling code programming 219
RON 233
RON (Research Octane Number) 342
Roof rack 193
Rotating wheels 243
Rubber parts
Cleaning 252
S
Safety
Occupant 56
Safety belts see Seat belts 40Safety defects
Reporting 18
Safety systems
Driving 73
Saving current speed 191
Searching
Radio station 113
Seat belt force limiter 64
Seat belt height adjustment 42
Front seats 42
Rear outer seats 42
Seat belts 61
Cleaning 252
Fastening 40
Height adjustment 42
Proper use of 43, 63
Safety guidelines 59
Warning lamp 258
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 93
Seat heater
Switching off 94
Switching on 94
S203 MY03_A.book Page 361 Tuesday, January 28, 2003 2:22 PM