tow MERCEDES-BENZ C320S 2004 W203 Owner's Guide

327 Practical hints
Jump starting
The battery is located in the engine
compartment on the right hand side. The
terminals for jump starting are located in
front of the battery.
Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.

Turn off all electrical consumers.

Apply parking brake.

Shift gear selector lever to positionP
(manual transmission to Neutral).1Positive terminal of charged battery
2Positive under hood terminal in front of
discharged battery
3Negative terminal of charged battery
4Negative under hood terminal in front
of discharged battery

Connect positive terminal1 of the
charged battery with positive under
hood terminal2 in front of the
discharged battery with the jumper
cables. Clamp cable to charged
battery1 first.

Start engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.

Connect negative terminal3 of the
charged battery with negative under
hood terminal4 of the discharged
battery with the jumper cables. Clamp
cable to charged battery3 first.

Start the engine of the disabled
vehicle.
You can now again turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not turn on the lights under
any circumstances.

Remove the jumper cables first from
negative terminals3 and4 and then
from positive terminals1 and2.
You can now turn on the lights.

Have the battery checked at the near-
est authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 258).
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
and/or 4MATIC:
Do not tow-start the vehicle.

328 Practical hintsTowing the vehicle
Towing the vehicleMercedes-Benz recommends that the
vehicle be transported with all wheels off
the ground using flatbed or appropriate
wheel lift/dolly equipment. This method is
preferable to other types of towing.When circumstances do not permit the
recommended towing methods, the
vehicle may be towed with all wheels on
the ground or front wheels raised (except
vehicles with 4MATIC) only so far as
necessary to have the vehicle moved to a
safe location where the recommended
towing methods can be employed.
!Use flatbed or wheel lift/dolly equip-
ment with SmartKey in starter switch
turned to position0.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
Towing with sling-type equipment over
bumpy roads will damage radiator and
supports.
To prevent damage during transport,
do not tie down vehicle by its chassis or
suspension parts.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 79) and deactivate the auto-
matic central locking (
page 133).
!Vehicles with automatic transmission
and/or 4MATIC:
Do not tow-start the vehicle.!Vehicles with 4MATIC:
Do not tow with one axle raised. Doing
so could damage the transfer case,
which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
All wheels must be on or off the ground.
Observe instructions for towing the
vehicle with all wheels on the ground.
!If the vehicle is towed with the front
axle raised (not permissible for vehicles
with 4MATIC), the engine must be shut
off (SmartKey in starter switch
position0 or1). Otherwise the ESP will
immediately be engaged and will apply
the rear wheel brakes.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, the gear selector lever
must be in positionN (manual trans-
mission: gears disengaged) and the
SmartKey must be in starter switch
position2.
When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground or the front axle raised,
the vehicle may be towed only for
distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and
at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km/h).

329 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
!
To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the drive train, however, we
recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange
(vehicles with 4MATIC: disconnected at
the front and rear axle drive flanges) for
any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.
Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:

the engine will not run


there is a malfunction in the power
supply or in the vehicle’s electrical
system
as that will be necessary to adequately
control the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make certain that the SmartKey
is in starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock,
remove SmartKey from starter switch and
reinsert.
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate the combina-
tion switch for the left or right turn
signal in the usual manner – only the
selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the
hazard warning flasher will operate
again.

330 Practical hintsTowing the vehicleWarning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and steering
systems. 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. Adapt your driving accordingly.
!When towing the vehicle with all wheels
on the ground, please note the
following:
With the automatic central locking
activated and the SmartKey in starter
switch position2, the vehicle doors
lock if the left front wheel as well as the
right rear wheel are turning at vehicle
speeds of approx. 9 mph (15 km/h) or
more.
Switch off the tow-away alarm
(page 79).
To prevent the vehicle doors from
locking, deactivate the automatic
central locking (
page 133).
Towing of the vehicle should only be
done using the properly installed
towing eye bolt. Never attach tow
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle
chassis, frame or suspension parts.
iIf the battery is disconnected or
discharged

the SmartKey will not turn in the
starter switch. See notes on the
battery (
page 323) or on jump
starting (page 326).


the gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP. See notes on
manually unlocking transmission
gear selector lever (
page 308).

331 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
Installing towing eye bolt
1Cover on right side of front bumper.2Cover on right side of rear bumper.Removing cover

Press mark on cover in direction of
arrow.

L i f t c o v e r o f f t o r e v e a l t h r e a d e d h o l e f o r
towing eye bolt.
The towing eye bolt is supplied with the
tool kit (located in the compartment under-
neath the trunk floor).

Screw towing eye bolt in to its stop and
tighten with lug wrench.
Reinstalling cover

Fit cover and snap into place.

333 Practical hintsFuses
Fuse box in engine compartment
The fuse box is located in the engine
compartment on the left hand side.
1Screw
2Cover
3RetainerRemoving/installing cover

Twist screws1
90° counterclockwise.

Pull up cover2.

Slide out retainer3 and remove cover
by pulling towards front.

Install cover2 in reverse order.Opening fuse box
4Fuse box cover
5Clamps

Release clamps5.

Remove cover4.
Closing fuse box

Ensure that the sealing rubber is
properly positioned.

Press cover4 down and secure with
clamps5.

367 Index
A
ABS 23, 72, 361
ABS control 72
Malfunction indicator lamp 274
Messages in display 284
Accelerator position,
automatic transmission* 147
Accident
In case of 49
Activating
Air conditioning (cooling)
Automatic climate control* 170
Climate control 160
Air recirculation mode
Automatic climate control* 167
Climate control 158
Anti-theft alarm system* 78
Automatic climate control* 163
Central locking (control system) 133
Charcoal filter 169
Climate control 155Climate control system 159
Defrosting
Automatic climate control* 167
Climate control 158
Easy-entry/exit feature* 134
ESP 76
Exterior headlamps 46
Exterior lamps 103
Exterior rear view mirror
parking position* 150
Hazard warning flasher 106
Headlamps 46
High beams 106
Ignition 31
Immobilizer 52
Rapid seat heating* 98
Rear fog lamp 104, 105
Rear window defroster 153
Residual heat 171
Seat heating* 98
Tow-away alarm* 80
Windshield wipers 48Adding
Coolant 257
Engine oil 255
Additional turn signals 310
Adjustable air vents,
rear passenger compartment
Automatic climate control* 172
Climate control 161
Adjusting 32
Air distribution
Automatic climate control* 166
Climate control 157
Air volume
Automatic climate control* 166
Climate control 157
Backrest contour 97
Backrest side bolsters 97
Backrest tilt
Manual seat 33
Power seat* 35
Exterior rear view mirrors 38

369 Index
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable
Automatic climate control* 172
Climate control 161
Air volume
Adjusting
Automatic climate control* 166
Climate control 157
Airbags 55
BabySmart
TM deactivation
system 66, 361
Children 56
Front 59
Passenger 59
Safety guidelines 58
Side impact 60
Window curtain 60
Alarm
Audible 71, 78
Canceling 79
Visual 78Alarm system
Anti-theft* 78
Tow-away* 79
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 319, 361
Anticorrosion/antifreeze 357
Antiglare
Automatic* 149
Manual 149
Antilock Brake System see ABS
Anti-theft alarm system*
Arming 78
Canceling alarm 79
Disarming 79
Anti-theft systems 78
Anti-theft alarm system* 78
Immobilizer 78
Tow-away alarm* 79
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 218
Storage spaces 219
Ashtrays 220ATF 256
AUDIO menu 118
Selecting radio station 119
Selecting satellite radio* station 119
Audio system 173
Audio and telephone, operation 173
Button and soft key operation 176
Cassette operation 186
CD* operation 189
Operating and display elements 174
Operating safety 173
Operation 176
Radio operation 179
Switching off 176
Switching on 176
Telephone* operation 193
Automatic antiglare* for rear view
mirror 149
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating
(control system) 133

374 IndexCoolant 257, 356
Adding 257
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
quantity 356
Capacities 350
Checking level 257
Messages in display 287–289
Temperature 248
Temperature display 110
Coolant level
Checking 257
Cruise control 206, 362
Canceling 207
Driving downhill 207
Driving uphill 207
Fine adjustment 208
Message in display 290
Setting current speed 207
Setting speeds 208
Cruise control lever 206
Cruising range, fuel 355Cup holder
Cleaning 271
In front of seat armrest 217
In rear seat armrest 218
Customer Assistance Center see CAC
D
Daytime running lamp mode 104
Setting 129
Deactivating
Air conditioning (cooling)
Automatic climate control* 170
Climate control 160
Air recirculation mode
Automatic climate control* 168
Climate control 159
Alarm 79
Anti-theft alarm system* 79
Automatic climate control* 163
Central locking (control system) 133
Climate control 155
Climate control system 159Cruise control 207
Defrosting
Automatic climate control* 167
Climate control 158
Engine with the SmartKey 52
ESP 75
Exterior lamps 103
Exterior lamps delayed shut-off 131
Front fog lamps 131
Hazard warning flasher 106
Headlamps 51
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 132
Rapid seat heating* 98
Rear window defroster 153
Seat heating* 98
Tow-away alarm* 80
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging
Windshield
Automatic climate control* 166
Climate control 157

380 IndexHood 252
Closing 253
Message in display 293
Opening 252
Hydroplaning 242
I
Identification labels 338
Certification label 338
Vehicle Identification Number 338
Ignition 31
Switching on
Automatic transmission* 44
Manual transmission 43
Immobilizer 78
Activating 78
Deactivating 78
Indicator lamps
see Lamps, indicator and warningInfant and child restraint systems 63
Installing 68
LATCH-type child seat anchors 69
Information
About service and warranty 10
Button for Tele Aid* 227
Installing
Infant and child restraint systems 68
Ski sack* 212
Towing eye bolt 331
Wiper blades 316
Instrument cluster 22, 109, 363
Cleaning 270
Coolant temperature display 110
Illumination 109
Lamps in 274–278
Multifunction display 113
Outside temperature indicator 111
Selecting language 128
Instrument lighting 109
Instruments and controls see CockpitInterior lighting 107
Activating automatic control 107
Deactivating automatic control 107
Delayed shut-off 132
Manual operation 107
Interior rear view mirror
Adjusting 38
Antiglare 149
Interior storage spaces 216
Armrest 219
Cup holder in front
of seat armrest 217
Cup holder in rear seat armrest 218
Glove box 216
Parcel net in
front passenger footwell 220
Storage compartment
in front of armrest 218
J
Jack 300
Jump starting 326