MERCEDES-BENZ C32AMG 2004 W203 Owner's Manual

361 Technical terms
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.
BabySmart
TM1
airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is
installed on the front passenger seat.
The system will automatically deacti-
vate the passenger front airbag when
such a seat is properly installed
(PASS. AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
located in the center console comes
on). See your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center for availability. BabySmart
TM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the
passenger front airbag if a
BabySmartTM compatible child seat is
installed.
BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking
situations. The system is activated
when it senses an emergency based on
how fast the brake is applied.
Bi-Xenon headlamps*
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more
intense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-Xenon headlamps produce low
beam and high beam.CAC
(C
ustomer A
ssistance C
enter)
Mercedes-Benz customer service
center, which can help you with any
questions about your vehicle and
provide assistance in the event of a
breakdown.
CAN system
(C
ontroller A
rea N
etwork)
Data bus network serving to control
vehicle functions such as door locking
or windshield wiping depending on
vehicle settings and/or ambient
conditions.
Cockpit
All instruments, switches, buttons and
indicator/warning lamps in the
passenger compartment needed for
vehicle operation and monitoring.
1BabySmart
TM is a trademark of Siemens
Automotive Corp.

362 Technical termsCOMAND*
(C
ockpit M
anagement and D
ata
System)
Information and operating center for
vehicle sound and communications
systems, including the radio and the
navigation system, as well as other
optional equipment (CD changer*,
telephone*, etc.).
Control system
The control system is used to call up
vehicle information and to change
component settings. Information and
messages appear in the multifunction
display. The driver uses the buttons on
the multifunction steering wheel to
navigate through the system and to
adjust settings.
Cruise control
Driving convenience system for
automatically maintaining the vehicle
speed set by the driver.Engine number
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the cylinder block to
uniquely identify each engine
produced.
Engine oil viscosity
Measurement for the inner friction
(viscosity) of the oil at different temper-
atures. The higher the temperature an
oil can tolerate without becoming thin,
or the lower the temperature it can
tolerate without becoming viscous, the
better the viscosity.
ESP
(E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)
Improves vehicle handling and
directional stability.
ETD
(E
mergency T
ensioning D
evice)
Device which deploys in certain frontal
and rear collisions exceeding the
system's threshold to tighten the
seat belts.
->SRSFSS
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Service indicator in the multifunction
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service
is due.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the gear selector
lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special
receivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.

363 Technical terms
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision,
including the tachometer, speedo-
meter, engine temperature display and
fuel gauge.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the
vehicle and should not be used for
normal acceleration needs.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or
unlocked. Pushing the lock button
down on an individual door from inside
will lock that door.
Memory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each SmartKey.Menu
The control system displays are
arranged in menus. Each menu
contains a number of commands for
particular systems. In the Audio menu,
for example, you will find the
commands
SELECT RADIO STATION
or

OPERATE CD PLAYER
. Using commands,
you can directly change the settings for
your vehicle.
MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a
gasoline's ability to resist undesired
detonation (knocking). The average of
both the MON (Motor Octane Number)
and ->RON (Research Octane Number)
is posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.Multifunction display
Display field in the instrument cluster
used to present information provided
by the control system.
Multifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for
operating the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this
engine speed range, as it may result in
serious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine-components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.

364 Technical termsPower train
Collective term designating all
components used to generate and
transmit motive power to the drive
axles, including


engine


clutch/torque converter


transmission


transfer case


drive shaft


differential


axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic trans-
mission between standard operationS
and comfort operationC.Remote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and
current location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for
subscribers to Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the
vehicle interior for a short time after
the engine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As inde-
pendent systems, their protective
functions complement one another.RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired deto-
nation (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as
ANTI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission gear
selector lever from being moved out of
positionP without SmartKey turned
and brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning
device and airbags. Though indepen-
dent systems, they are closely inter-
faced to provide effective occupant
protection.

365 Technical terms
Tele Aid* System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and
manual emergency, roadside assis-
tance and information. Tele Aid is
initially activated by completing a
subscriber agreement and placing an
acquaintance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational
provided that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not
damaged and cellular and GPS
coverage is available.Telematics*
A combination of the terms “tele-
communications” and “informatics”.
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.
Tire speed rating
Part of tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is
approved.Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and placed on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio
systems (radio, CD, etc.).

366

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

368 Index
Head restraint height, front seats
Manual seat 34
Power seat* 35
Head restraint height, rear seats 94
Head restraint tilt, front seats
Manual seat 34
Power seat* 36
Head restraint tilt, rear seats 96
Head restraints, rear seats
Folding back 95
Folding back with release
switch 95
Placing upright 95
Instrument cluster illumination 109
Interior rear view mirror 38
Manual seat 33
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 97
Power seat* 35
Rear seat head restraints 94Seat belt height 42
Seat cushion depth 97
Seat cushion tilt
Manual seat 33
Power seat* 35
Seat fore and aft adjustment
Manual seat 33
Power seat* 35
Seat height
Manual seat 33
Power seat* 35
Seats 32
Steering column height,
electrical* 38
Steering column height,
manual 37
Steering column length,
electrical* 38
Steering column length,
manual 37
Steering wheel 36Air conditioning (cooling)
Turning off
Automatic climate control* 170
Climate control 160
Turning on
Automatic climate control* 170
Climate control 160
Air conditioning refrigerant 352
Air distribution
Adjusting
Automatic climate control* 166
Climate control 157
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure
Air recirculation mode
Activating
Automatic climate control* 167
Climate control 158
Deactivating
Automatic climate control* 168
Climate control 159

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

370 IndexAutomatic climate control* 162
Activating 163
Adjusting air distribution 166
Adjusting air volume 166
Air recirculation mode 167
Deactivating 163
Defrosting 167
Rear window defroster 153
Residual heat utilization 171
Residual ventilation 171
Setting the temperature 165
Automatic headlamp mode 103
Automatic lighting control
Activating 107
Deactivating 107
Automatic locking when driving 90
Automatic transmission fluid see ATF
Automatic transmission* 142
Accelerator position 147
Comfort program mode 146
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 147
Fluid level 256Gear ranges 144
Gear selector lever 44
Gear selector lever position 142, 145
Gear shifting malfunctions 147
Kickdown 147
Manual shifting 143
One-touch gearshifting 143
Program mode selector switch 146
Starting with 44
Transmission fluid 256
Auxiliary fuse box 334
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 66, 361
Compatible child seats 66, 361
Self-test 66
Backrest
Folding forward 213
Folding rearward 213
Backrest contour
Adjusting 97Backrest side bolsters
Adjusting 97
Backrest tilt
Manual seat 33
Power seat* 35
Backup lamps 311, 315
Bulbs 310
BAS 73, 361
Messages in display 281
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 307
Check lamp 83
Checking 84
Battery discharged
Jump starting 326
Battery, vehicle 258, 323
Charging 324
Disconnecting 324
Messages in display 285
Reconnecting 325
Reinstalling 324
Removing 324