snow chains MERCEDES-BENZ C350 4MATIC 2006 W203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Maximum tire load ....................... 327
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 328
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 328
Tire ply material ........................... 330
Tire and loading terminology ........ 331
Rotating tires ............................... 335
Winter driving .................................... 336
Winter tires .................................. 336
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 337
Snow chains................................. 337
Maintenance...................................... 338
Maintenance service indicator
message....................................... 338
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display............... 339
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator........................... 340
Vehicle care ....................................... 341
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 341
Practical hints.................................. 349
What to do if … ................................... 350
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 350
Lamp in center console................. 356
Vehicle status messages in the
multifunction display..................... 358
Where will I find ...? ............................ 383
First aid kit.................................... 383
Vehicle tool kit .............................. 383
Minispare wheel............................ 386
Spare wheel bolts ......................... 388
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 389
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 389
Locking the vehicle ....................... 390
Fuel filler flap ................................ 391
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever ... 392
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 393
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........... 393
Resetting activated head restraints .... 394
Resetting activated head
restraints ...................................... 394
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 395
SmartKey ...................................... 396Replacing bulbs .................................. 397
Bulbs............................................. 398
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 400
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 403
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 405
Removing wiper blades ................. 405
Installing wiper blades .................. 405
Flat tire............................................... 406
Preparing the vehicle .................... 406
Mounting the Minispare wheel...... 406
MOExtended system* ................... 411
Battery ............................................... 412
Disconnecting the battery ............ 413
Removing the battery ................... 413
Charging and reinstalling the
battery .......................................... 414
Reconnecting the battery ............. 414
Jump starting...................................... 415
Towing the vehicle.............................. 417
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 420
Fuses.................................................. 421
Aids for replacing fuses ................ 421
Main fuse box in passenger
compartment ................................ 422
Fuse box in engine compartment . 422
Fuse box in trunk .......................... 423

87 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Driving safety systems
In this section you will find information on
the following driving safety systems:

ABS (A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)


BAS (B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)


ESP
® (E
lectronic S
tability P
rogram)


4MATIC (Four Wheel Electronic
Traction System)
ABS
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do
not lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-
proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent
of road surface conditions.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The- indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster (
page 24) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
iIn winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, ESP
®, and
4MATIC (if so equipped) is only
achieved with winter tires
(
page 336), or snow chains as re-
quired.
Warning!
G
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:

Excessive speed, especially in turns


Wet and slippery road surfaces


Following another vehicle too closely
The ABS, BAS, ESP
®, and 4MATIC (if so
equipped) cannot reduce this risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
Warning!
G
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-
ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of
the ABS and significantly reduces braking
effectiveness.

90 Safety and SecurityDriving safety systems
For more information, see “Practical hints”
(page 354) and (
page 360).Switching off the ESP
®
To improve the vehicle’s traction, turn off
the ESP
® in driving situations where it
would be advantageous to have the drive
wheels spin and thus cut into surfaces for
better grip such as:


when driving with snow chains


in deep snow


in sand or gravel
Warning!
G
The ESP
® cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The ESP
®
cannot prevent accidents, including those
resulting from excessive speed in turns or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ESP
® equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or dan-
gerous manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
iThe ESP
® will only function properly if
you use wheels of the recommended
tire size (page 432).
!Vehicles without 4MATIC:
Because of the ESP
®’s automatic
operation, the engine must be turned
off (SmartKey in starter switch
position0 or1) when


the parking brake is being tested on
a brake test dynamometer


the vehicle is being towed with the
front axle raised
Active braking action through the ESP
®
may otherwise seriously damage the
brake system.
For information on vehicles with
4MATIC, see “Four wheel electronic
traction system (4MATIC) with the
ESP®” (
page 92).
Warning!
G
The ESP
® should not be switched off during
normal driving other than in the circum-
stances described below. Disabling of the
system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-
dard driving maneuvers.
Do not switch off the ESP
® when a Minis-
pare wheel is mounted.

289 Operation
Driving instructions
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to positionN or in
case of manual transmission declutch.
Try to keep the vehicle under control by
corrective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely
affect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt-impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking
efficiency should be tested as soon as
possible after driving is resumed.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 336).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 337).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced
vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not
prevent this type of control loss.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking
maneuvers.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe
and from around the vehicle with the engine
running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monox-
ide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior re-
sulting in unconsciousness and death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the
vehicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not
designed to serve as an ice-warning device
and is therefore unsuitable for that purpose.
Indicated temperatures just above the
freezing point do not guarantee that the
road surface is free of ice.

317 Operation
Tires and wheels

Install the valve cap.

Repeat this procedure for each tire.Run Flat Indicator* (Canada only)
While the vehicle is being driven, the Run
Flat Indicator monitors the set tire inflation
pressures by evaluating each wheel’s rota-
tional speed. This allows the system to de-
tect a significant loss of pressure in a tire.
If a wheel’s rotational speed changes due
to falling tire inflation pressure, you will
see a corresponding warning message in
the multifunction display.
The Run Flat Indicator* may function in a
restricted manner or with a delay if:


snow chains are mounted to the
vehicle


winter road conditions prevail in
presence of ice and snow


you are driving on a loose surface (e.g.
sand or gravel)


you are driving in a very sporty manner
(involving rapid acceleration or high
speeds in curves)
iIf you have overfilled the tire, release
tire inflation pressure by pushing the
metal stem of the valve with e.g. a tip of
a pen. Then recheck the tire inflation
pressure with the tire gauge.
Warning!
G
When the multifunction display shows the
message
Tire pressure Check tires
,
one or more of your tires is significantly un-
der-inflated. You should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper tire inflation pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s tire information
placard. Driving on a significantly under-in-
flated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability. Each tire, including the
spare, should be checked monthly when
cold and set to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure as specified in the vehicle
placard and owner’s manual.

337 Operation
Winter driving
Block heater (Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block
heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Snow chains
Snow chains should only be driven on
snow-covered roads at speeds not to
exceed 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:

Use of snow chains is not permissible
with all wheel/tire combinations.


Snow chains should only be used on
the rear wheels. Follow the manufac-
turer’s mounting instructions.


Only use snow chains that are
approved by Mercedes-Benz. Your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center will
be glad to advise you on this subject.


Use of snow chains may be prohibited
depending on location. Always check
local and state laws before installing
snow chains.
Warning!
G
If you use your spare tire when winter tires
are fitted on the other wheels, be aware that
the difference in tire characteristics may
very well impair turning stability and that
overall driving stability may be reduced.
Adapt your driving style accordingly.
Have the spare tire replaced with a winter
tire at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
iWhen driving with snow chains, you
may wish to deactivate the ESP
®
(
page 89) before setting the vehicle
in motion. This will improve the
vehicle’s traction.
!Some tire sizes do not leave adequate
clearance for snow chains. To help
avoid serious damage to your vehicle or
tires, use of snow chains is not permis-
sible with the following tire sizes:

245/40 R17 91W


245/40 R17 91W MOExtended


T 125/90 R16 98M


T 125/80 R17 99M

435 Technical data
Rims and Tires
Mixed size tiresModel
C230Sport
C350Sport
Front axle:
Rims (light alloy)
7.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset
1.42 in (36 mm)
Summer tires
1
1Radial-ply tires
225/45 R17 91W
or
225/45 R17 91W MOExtended
2
2Must be used in conjunction with Run Flat Indicator* only.Rear axle:Rims
8.5 J x 17 H2
Wheel offset
1.18 in (30 mm)
Summer tires
1,3
3Must not be used with snow chains.
245/40 R17 91W
or
245/40 R17 91W MOExtended
2

436 Technical dataRims and TiresMinispare wheelModel
C230
1
C280
C2804MATIC
C350
C3504MATIC
1Canada only
C230Sport
C350 Sport
Rim (steel)
3.5 B x 16 H2
3.5 B x 17 H2
Wheel offset
0.67 in (17 mm)
0.67 in (17 mm)
Tire
T 125/90 R16 98M
2
2Must not be used with snow chains.
T 125/80 R17 99M
2
!Please compare the recommended tire
inflation pressure for your vehicle with
the tire inflation pressure on the yellow
label located on the spare wheel rim.
If the tire inflation pressure on the yel-
low label on the spare wheel rim differs
from the values given in this Operator’s
Manual, inflate the Minispare wheel to
the recommended tire inflation pres-
sure given on the yellow label on the
spare wheel rim.
iPlease note that the tire inflation
pressure of the Minispare differs from
the tire inflation pressure of the road
tires.
Inflate the Minispare wheel to approxi-
mately 61 psi (4.2 bar).

469 Index
Sidewall 333
Ski sack* (Canada only) 250, 252, 253
SmartKey see Key, SmartKey
Snow chains 337
Sound system* 204
Spare fuses 421
Spare wheel 436
Bolts 388
Mounting 406
Speed settings
Cruise control 249
Speedometer 25, 143
Split rear bench seat* 253
SRS 70, 453
Indicator lamp 25, 355
Message in display 363
Standing lamps
Replacing bulbs 398, 399
Standing water, Driving through 290
Starter switch 23, 33
Positions 33
Starting difficulties, Engine 50
Steering column 40, 41
Easy entry/exit feature* 42
Steering gear oil
Message in display 381Steering wheel 40
Buttons 26
Cleaning 347
Electrical adjustment* 41
Manual adjustment 40
Stolen vehicle
Recovery services 273
Storage compartments
Armrest 258
Cup holder 259
Glove box 257
Parcel net in front passenger
footwell 258
Storing (memory function*)
Positions into memory 116
Storing tires 306
Submenus see Control system submenus
Substitute lamps
Bulbs 397
Summer opening feature 243
Sun visors 173
Sunshade* 174
Supplemental Restraint System see SRS
Symbols used in this operator’s
manual 15T
Tachometer 25, 129
Overspeed range 129
Tail lamps
Cleaning 344
Messages in display 379
Replacing bulbs 399, 403
Tar stains 342
Technical data
Air conditioning refrigerant 442
Brake fluid 442
Coolant 440, 441, 444
Electrical system 437
Engine 430
Engine oil additives 442
Engine oils 442
Fuel requirements 444
Fuels 440, 441
Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc 440
Gasoline additives 443
Lubricants 440
Premium unleaded gasoline 443
Rims and tires 432
Weights 439

472 IndexVehicle tool kit 383
VIN 428, 454
Voice control system*,
Hands-free microphone 29
see separate operating instructions
W
Warning lamps see Lamps, indicator and
warning
Warning sounds
Driver’s or passenger’s seat belt 71
Parking brake 51
Seat belt telltale 355
Warranty coverage 10, 427
Washer fluid see Windshield washer fluid
Washer reservoir level 296
Washing the vehicle 341
Wear pattern (tires) 335
Weights, Vehicle 439
Wheel
Bolts 388
Change 410
Removing 408
Spare 384, 386, 436
Tightening torque 410Wheels, Tires 304
Window curtain air bags 68
Windows see Power windows
Windshield
Cleaning 345
Defogging 181, 192
Replacing wiper blades 405
Washer fluid 303, 448
Washer system 448
Windshield washer fluid 448
Message in display 382
Mixing ratio 448
Refilling 303
Wiping with 55
Windshield washer system 448
Windshield wipers 53
Cleaning 345
Replacing wiper blades 405
Winter driving 336
Block heater (Canada only) 337
Snow chains 337
Tires 336
Winter driving instructions 289
Winter tires 336Wiper blades
Cleaning 345
Replacing 405
Wood trims, Cleaning 348
X
Xenon headlamps* see Headlamps