transmission MERCEDES-BENZ C320 COUPE 2004 CL203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Automatic central locking .............. 87
Locking and unlocking
from the inside ............................... 88
Seats.................................................... 89
Easy-entry/exit feature* ................ 89
Removing and installing
front seat head restraints ............... 90
Rear seat head restraints ............... 91
Heated seats* ................................ 93
Memory function*................................ 95
Storing positions into memory ....... 96
Recalling positions from memory ... 96
Storing exterior rear view mirror
parking position ............................. 97
Lighting ................................................ 98
Exterior lamp switch ....................... 98
Combination switch...................... 102
Hazard warning flasher................. 102
Interior lighting ............................. 103
Instrument cluster ............................. 105
Instrument cluster illumination..... 105
Coolant temperature display ........ 106
Trip odometer............................... 107
Tachometer .................................. 107
Outside temperature indicator ..... 107
Control system .................................. 109Multifunction display .................... 109
Multifunction steering wheel ........ 110
Menus .......................................... 112
Standard display menu ................ 114
AUDIO menu ................................ 114
NAVI* menu ................................. 117
Malfunction memory menu .......... 117
Settings menu .............................. 118
Trip computer menu ..................... 132
TEL menu* ................................... 134
Manual transmission ......................... 137
Shifting into reverse ..................... 138
Automatic transmission* ................... 139
One-touch gearshifting................. 140
Gear ranges.................................. 141
Gear selector lever position ......... 142
Program mode selector switch..... 144
Accelerator position ..................... 145
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 145
Good visibility .................................... 146
Rear view mirrors ......................... 146
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 148
Sun visors .................................... 148
Rear window defroster ................. 149
Climate control .................................. 150Setting the temperature............... 153
Adjusting
air distribution and volume .......... 153
Defrosting .................................... 154
Air recirculation mode.................. 154
Deactivating the
climate control system................. 155
Air conditioning............................ 156
Ventilated storage compartment . 157
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents...................... 158
Audio system ..................................... 159
Audio and telephone, operation ... 159
Operating safety .......................... 159
Operating and display elements... 160
Button and soft key operation...... 162
Operation ..................................... 162
Radio operation ........................... 165
Satellite radio (SAT)* (USA only) .. 168
Cassette operation ...................... 172
CD changer* operation ................ 175
Telephone* operation .................. 179
Power windows ................................. 186
Opening and closing the windows 186
Synchronizing power windows ..... 188
Panorama sliding/pop-up roof* ........ 189

Contents
Opening and closing the roller sun-
blinds for the
panorama sliding/pop-up roof ..... 189
Opening and closing the
panorama sliding/pop-up roof ..... 190
Synchronizing the
panorama sliding / pop-up roof
and the roller sunblinds ............... 193
Driving systems ................................. 194
Cruise control .............................. 194
Loading.............................................. 197
Roof rack*.................................... 197
Luggage cover.............................. 197
Split rear bench seat .................... 197
Loading instructions..................... 199
Useful features .................................. 200
Interior storage spaces ................ 200
Ashtrays ....................................... 203
Cigarette lighter ........................... 204
Telephone* .................................. 205
Tele Aid* ...................................... 206
Garage door opener ..................... 214
Operation......................................... 221
The first 1000 miles (1500km) .......... 222Driving instructions ............................ 223
Drive sensibly – save fuel.............. 223
Drinking and driving ...................... 223
Pedals ........................................... 223
Power assistance .......................... 223
Brakes........................................... 224
Driving off ..................................... 225
Parking.......................................... 225
Tires .............................................. 226
Hydroplaning................................. 227
Tire traction .................................. 227
Tire speed rating ........................... 228
Winter driving instructions ............ 228
Standing water.............................. 229
Passenger compartment ............... 230
Driving abroad .............................. 230
Control and operation of
radio transmitter ........................... 230
Catalytic converter........................ 231
Emission control ........................... 231
Coolant temperature..................... 232
At the gas station ............................... 233
Refueling....................................... 233
Check regularly and
before a long trip .......................... 234
Engine compartment .......................... 236Hood ............................................. 236
Engine oil ...................................... 237
Transmission fluid level ................ 241
Coolant level ................................. 241
Battery .......................................... 242
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system ........... 243
Tires and wheels ................................ 244
Important guidelines ..................... 244
Life of tire ..................................... 245
Direction of rotation ..................... 245
Checking tire inflation pressure .... 245
Rotating wheels ............................ 246
Winter driving ..................................... 247
Winter tires ................................... 247
Block heater (Canada only) ........... 248
Snow chains ................................. 248
Maintenance ...................................... 249
Clearing the service indicator ....... 249
Service term exceeded ................. 249
Calling up the service indicator .... 250
Resetting the service indicator ..... 250
Vehicle care ....................................... 251
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ... 251

26 At a glanceCenter consoleLower part
Item
Page
1
Ashtray
203
2
Gearshift lever for manual
transmission
Selector lever for
automatic transmission
44
45
3
Storage compartment
201
4
Armrest
202
5
Program mode selector for
automatic transmission
144

31 Getting started
Unlocking
Starter switch positionsStarter switch0For removing SmartKey
The steering is locked when the Smart-
Key is removed from the starter switch.
If necessary, move steering wheel
slightly to allow the locking mechanism
to engage.
1Power supply to some electrical con-
sumers, such as seat adjustment
2Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
3Starting position
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and lock
the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend-
ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle
equipment may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury.iVehicles with automatic transmission:
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the gear
selector lever in positionP.
!If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the battery may not be
sufficiently charged.

Check the battery and charge it if
necessary (
page 307).


Get a jump start (
page 310).
To prevent accelerated battery dis-
charge and a possible dead battery, al-
ways remove the SmartKey from the
starter switch when the engine is not in
operation.

44 Getting startedDriving

Ensure that the seat belt is always fit-
ted snugly. You should avoid wearing
bulky clothing, such as winter coats,
when traveling in the vehicle.
Starting the engine Manual transmission
Gearshift pattern for manual transmissionFor more information, see “Manual trans-
mission” (
page 137).
Warning!
G
Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They
could tear.
Do not allow the belt to get caught in the
door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.
This could damage the belt.
Never attempt to make modifications to
seat belts. This could impair the effective-
ness of the belts.
Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly
stressed in an accident must be replaced.
Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter.
Warning!
G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-
sciousness and lead to death.
Do not run the engine in confined areas
(such as garage) which are not properly ven-
tilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes
are entering the vehicle while driving, have
the cause determined and corrected imme-
diately. If you must drive under these condi-
tions, drive only with at least one window
fully open.

45 Getting started
Driving
Starting
Depress brake pedal.

Make sure the gearshift lever is in neu-
tral position (no gear selected).

Fully depress clutch pedal.
Otherwise the engine cannot be start-
ed due to the integrated safety inter-
lock.

Do not depress accelerator.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position3 and hold until the engine
starts (
page 31).
For information on turning off the engine
with the SmartKey, see “Turning off the en-
gine” (
page 53).Automatic transmission*
Gearshift pattern for automatic
transmissionPPark position with selector lever lock
RReverse gear
NNeutral
DDrive position
For more information, see “Automatic
transmission*” (
page 139).Starting

Make sure the gear selector lever is set
toP.

Do not depress accelerator.

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position3 and hold until the engine
starts (
page 31).

Depress brake pedal.
The selector lever lock is released.
For information on turning off the engine
with the SmartKey, see “Turning off the en-
gine” (
page 53).
iYou can also use the “touch-start”
function. Turn the SmartKey to
position3 and release it again immedi-
ately. The engine then starts automati-
cally.

46 Getting startedDrivingStarting difficulties
If the engine does not start as described,
carry out the following steps:
Turn SmartKey in starter to position0
and repeat starting procedure.
Remember that extended starting at-
tempts can drain the battery.

Get a jump start (
page 310).
If the engine does not start after several
starting attempts, there could be a mal-
function in the engine electronics or in the
fuel supply system.

Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Parking brake
1Release handle
2Parking brake

Release the parking brake by pulling on
handle1.
The indicator lamp ; (USA only) or
3 (Canada only) in the instrument
cluster goes out.
Driving

Depress brake pedal.

Move gear selector lever to positionD
orR (manual transmission: first or re-
verse gear).

Release the brake pedal.

Carefully depress the accelerator
pedal.
Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto-
matic central locking system engages
and the locking knobs drop down.
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and lock
the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend-
ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Children could release the
parking brake, which could result in an acci-
dent and/or serious injury.

47 Getting started
Driving
After a cold start, the automatic transmis-
sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.
This allows the catalytic converter to reach
its operating temperature earlier.For more information on driving, see “Driv-
ing instructions” (
page 223).
iYou can open a locked door from the
inside. Open doors only when condi-
tions are safe to do so.
You can deactivate the automatic lock-
ing using the control system
(page 129).
!If you hear a warning signal when driv-
ing off, you have forgotten to release
the parking brake.
Release the parking brake.!Simultaneously depressing the acceler-
ator pedal and applying the brake re-
duces engine performance and causes
premature brake and drivetrain wear.
iVehicles with automatic transmission:
Wait for the gear selection process to
complete before setting the vehicle in
motion.Warning!
G
Vehicles with automatic transmission: It is
dangerous to shift the gear selector lever
out ofP or N if the engine speed is higher
than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could acceler-
ate quickly forward or in reverse. You could
lose control of the vehicle and hit someone
or something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your right
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of loss of control.!Place the gear selector lever in
positionR only when the vehicle is
stopped in order to avoid damaging the
transmission.!Do not run cold engine at high engine
speeds. Running a cold engine at high
speeds may shorten the service life of
the engine.

52 Getting startedParking and locking
Parking and lockingYou have now completed your first drive.
You have properly stopped and parked
your vehicle. End your drive as follows.
Parking brake
1Release handle
2Parking brake
Step firmly on parking brake 2.
When the engine is running, the indica-
tor lamp ; (USA only) or 3
(Canada only) in the instrument cluster
will be illuminated.
Warning!
G
Wait until the vehicle is stationary before re-
moving the SmartKey from the starter
switch. The vehicle cannot be steered when
the SmartKey is removed.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
system. In this case, it is important to keep
in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the ve-
hicle.
Warning!
G
Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-
bustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system, as these materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-
sult of vehicle movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

Keep right foot on brake pedal.


Firmly depress parking brake pedal.


Move the gear selector lever to
positionP (manual transmission: first or
reverse gear).


Slowly release brake pedal.


When parked on an incline, turn front
wheels towards road curb.


Turn the SmartKey to starter switch
position0 and remove.


Take the SmartKey and lock vehicle
when leaving.

53 Getting started
Parking and locking
Switching off headlamps
Turn the exterior lamp switch to M
(page 48).
For more information on headlamps, see
“Lighting” (
page 98).
Turning off the engine 
Place the gear selector lever in
positionP (manual transmission: first
or reverse gear).

Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position0 and remove it.
The immobilizer is activated.

Press the seat belt release button
(page 41).
Warning!
G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and lock
the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend-
ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Children could release the
parking brake and/or move the gear selec-
tor lever from positionP, either of which
could result in an accident and/or serious
injury.
Warning!
G
Getting out of your vehicle with the gear se-
lector lever not fully engaged in positionP is
dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline,
positionP alone may not prevent your vehi-
cle from moving, possibly hitting people or
objects.
Always set the parking brake in addition to
shifting to positionP (manual transmission:
first or reverse gear).
When parked on an incline, turn front wheels
towards the road curb.
iAlways set the parking brake in addi-
tion to shifting to positionP (manual
transmission: first or reverse gear).
On steep slopes, turn the front wheels
towards the road curb.iVehicles with automatic transmission:
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the gear
selector lever in positionP.