key MERCEDES-BENZ C350 4MATIC 2007 W203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Introduction.......................................... 9
Product information ................................ 9
Operator’s Manual ............................... 10
Service and warranty information .. 10
Important notice for California
retail buyers and lessees
of Mercedes-Benz automobiles ...... 11
Maintenance .................................. 12
Roadside Assistance ...................... 12
Change of address or ownership.... 12
Operating your vehicle
outside the USA or Canada ............ 13
Where to find it .................................... 14
Symbols ............................................... 15
Operating safety .................................. 16
Proper use of the vehicle ............... 16
Problems with your vehicle .................. 17
Reporting safety defects...................... 18
Reporting Safety Defects ............... 18
Vehicle data recording ......................... 19
Information regarding
electronic recording devices .......... 19At a glance.......................................... 21
Cockpit ................................................. 22
Instrument cluster ................................ 24
Multifunction steering wheel ................ 26
Center console ..................................... 27
Upper part ...................................... 27
Lower part ...................................... 28
Overhead control panel ........................ 29
Door control panel................................ 30Getting started................................... 31
Unlocking ............................................. 32
Unlocking with the SmartKey ......... 32
Starter switch positions .................. 32
Adjusting .............................................. 34
Seats .............................................. 34
Steering wheel ................................ 38
Mirrors ............................................ 41
Driving .................................................. 43
Fastening the seat belt ................... 43
Starting the engine ......................... 46
Parking brake ................................. 48
Driving ............................................ 48
Switching on headlamps ................. 50
Turn signals .................................... 50
Windshield wipers ........................... 51
Problems while driving.................... 53
Parking and locking .............................. 54
Parking brake ................................. 54
Switching off headlamps................. 55
Turning off engine ........................... 55
Releasing seat belts........................ 56
Locking ........................................... 56

Contents
Safety and Security........................... 57
Occupant safety................................... 58
Air bags .......................................... 59
Occupant Classification System ..... 64
Seat belts ....................................... 69
Active head restraint ...................... 73
Children in the vehicle .................... 74
Blocking of
rear door window operation ........... 80
Panic alarm* ........................................ 81
Activating ....................................... 81
Deactivating ................................... 81
Driving safety systems ......................... 82
ABS ................................................ 82
BAS ................................................ 84
ESP
®............................................... 85
Four wheel electronic traction
system (4MATIC) with the ESP
®..... 88
Anti-theft systems................................ 89
Immobilizer..................................... 89
Anti-theft alarm system* ................ 89
Controls in detail............................... 91
Locking and unlocking ......................... 92
SmartKey ....................................... 92
Checking the batteries ................... 95
Loss of SmartKey
or mechanical key .......................... 95
Opening the doors from the inside . 96
Opening the trunk .......................... 96
Closing the trunk............................ 97
Trunk emergency release ............... 98
Valet locking .................................. 99
Automatic central locking .............. 99
Locking and unlocking
from the inside ............................. 100
Seats ................................................. 101
Front seat active head restraints . 101
Rear seat head restraints ............. 101
Lumbar support............................ 105
Multicontour seats*
(Canada only) ............................... 105
Seat heating* ............................... 106
Memory function* ............................. 107
Storing positions into memory ..... 108
Recalling positions from memory . 108Lighting ............................................. 109
Exterior lamp switch .................... 109
Combination switch ..................... 113
Corner-illuminating front
fog lamps* (C 230 (Canada only),
C 280, C 350 and models
with 4MATIC: with
Bi-Xenon* headlamps)................. 113
Hazard warning flasher ................ 115
Interior lighting ............................ 116
Door entry lamps ......................... 117
Trunk lamp ................................... 117
Instrument cluster ............................. 118
Adjusting
instrument cluster illumination .... 118
Coolant temperature gauge ......... 119
Resetting trip odometer ............... 119
Tachometer.................................. 120
Outside temperature indicator ..... 120
Control system .................................. 121
Multifunction display.................... 121
Multifunction steering wheel........ 122
Menus .......................................... 124
Standard display menu ................ 126
AUDIO menu ................................ 127
NAV* menu .................................. 129

Contents
Vehicle status
message memory menu ............... 130
Settings menu .............................. 131
Trip computer menu..................... 144
TEL menu* ................................... 146
Manual transmission ......................... 149
Shifting into reverse ..................... 150
Automatic transmission* ................... 151
Gear selector lever ....................... 151
Shifting procedure ....................... 152
Gear selector lever positions ....... 153
Driving tips ................................... 155
Gear ranges ................................. 156
Automatic shift program .............. 157
One-touch gearshifting................. 158
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 159
Good visibility .................................... 160
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 160
Rear view mirrors ......................... 160
Sun visors .................................... 161
Rear window sunshade* .............. 162
Rear window defroster ................. 163Climate control ................................... 164
Deactivating the
climate control system ................. 167
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode............ 167
Setting the temperature................ 168
Adjusting air
distribution and volume ................ 168
Adjusting air volume ..................... 169
Front defroster.............................. 169
Air recirculation mode .................. 170
Air conditioning............................. 172
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 173
Automatic climate control .................. 174
Deactivating the automatic
climate control system ................. 177
Operating the automatic
climate control system
in automatic mode ........................ 177
Setting the temperature................ 178
Adjusting air distribution............... 178
Adjusting air volume ..................... 179
Front defroster.............................. 179
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 180
Air recirculation mode .................. 181Charcoal filter ............................... 183
Air conditioning ............................ 184
Residual heat and ventilation
(Canada only)................................ 185
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents ...................... 186
Audio system...................................... 187
Audio and telephone, operation .... 187
Operating safety ........................... 187
Operating and display elements ... 188
Button and soft key operation ...... 190
Operation...................................... 190
Radio operation ............................ 194
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only) ..................................... 197
CD mode....................................... 201
GSM network phones ................... 208
TDMA or CDMA network phones .. 214
Emergency calls “911” ................. 219
Power windows .................................. 221
Opening and closing
the windows ................................. 221
Synchronizing power windows ...... 222
Summer opening feature .............. 223
Convenience closing feature......... 223

Contents
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 301
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 302
Tire ply material ........................... 304
Tire and loading terminology ........ 304
Rotating tires ............................... 307
Winter driving .................................... 308
Winter tires .................................. 308
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 309
Snow chains................................. 309
Maintenance ...................................... 310
Maintenance service indicator
message....................................... 310
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator display............... 312
Resetting the
maintenance service indicator ..... 312
Vehicle care ....................................... 313
Cleaning and care of the vehicle .. 313
Practical hints.................................. 321
What to do if … ................................... 322
Lamps in instrument cluster ......... 322
Lamp in center console................. 331
Vehicle status messages
in the multifunction display........... 333
Where will I find ...? ............................ 356
First aid kit .................................... 356
Vehicle tool kit .............................. 356
Minispare wheel............................ 359
Spare wheel bolts ......................... 360
Unlocking/locking in an emergency... 361
Unlocking the vehicle.................... 361
Locking the vehicle ....................... 362
Manually unlocking the
transmission gear selector lever ... 363
Opening/closing in an emergency ..... 364
Power tilt/sliding sunroof* ........... 364
Resetting activated head restraints .... 365
Resetting
activated head restraints .............. 365
Replacing SmartKey batteries ............ 366
SmartKey ...................................... 366Replacing bulbs .................................. 367
Bulbs............................................. 368
Replacing bulbs for front lamps .... 370
Replacing bulbs for rear lamps ..... 373
Replacing wiper blades ...................... 375
Removing and installing
wiper blades ................................. 375
Flat tire............................................... 377
Preparing the vehicle .................... 377
Mounting the Minispare wheel...... 377
MOExtended system* ................... 382
Battery ............................................... 383
Disconnecting the battery ............ 384
Removing the battery ................... 384
Charging and
reinstalling the battery.................. 385
Reconnecting the battery ............. 385
Jump starting...................................... 386
Towing the vehicle.............................. 388
Installing towing eye bolt .............. 390
Fuses.................................................. 391
Main fuse box
in passenger compartment ........... 392
Fuse box
in engine compartment................. 392
Fuse box in trunk .......................... 394

32 Getting started
The “Getting started” section provides an
overview of the vehicle’s most basic func-
tions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners
should pay special attention to the infor-
mation given here.
If you are already familiar with the basic
functions described here, the “Controls in
detail” section (
page 92) will provide you
with further information. The correspond-
ing page references are located at the end
of each segment.
Unlocking
Unlocking with the SmartKey
SmartKey with remote control
1‹Lock button
2ŠOpening button for trunk
3ŒUnlock button
4ÂPanic button* (
page 81)
Press unlock buttonΠon the
SmartKey.
All turn signal lamps flash once. The
locking knobs in the doors move up.
The anti-theft alarm system* is
disarmed.
Get in the vehicle and insert the
SmartKey in the starter switch.
For more information, see “Locking and
unlocking” (
page 92).
Starter switch positions
iCanada only:
Only vehicles equipped with an anti-theft alarm
system* have SmartKeys with integrated panic
button*4.
Warning!G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle. Do not leave
children unattended in the vehicle, or with
access to an unlocked vehicle. A child’s
unsupervised access to a vehicle could
result in an accident and/or serious
personal injury.

33 Getting started
Unlocking
SmartKey
Starter switch
0For removing SmartKey
The steering is locked when the
SmartKey is removed from the starter
switch.
1Power supply for some electrical
consumers, such as seat adjustment2Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position.
All lamps (except low beam headlamp
indicator lamp, high beam headlamp in-
dicator lamp, and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the instru-
ment cluster come on. If a lamp in the
instrument cluster fails to come on
when the ignition is switched on, have
it checked and replaced if necessary. If
a lamp in the instrument cluster re-
mains on after starting the engine or
comes on while driving, refer to “Lamps
in instrument cluster” (page 322).
3Starting position
iWhen you switch on ignition, the indicator
and warning lamps (except low beam headlamp
indicator lamp, high beam headlamp indicator
lamp, and turn signal indicator lamps unless ac-
tivated) in the instrument cluster come on. The
indicator and warning lamps (except low beam
headlamp indicator lamp, high beam headlamp
indicator lamp, and turn signal indicator lamps if
activated) will go out when the engine is running.
This indicates that the respective systems are
operational.
iVehicles with automatic transmission*:
The SmartKey can only be removed from the
starter switch with the gear selector lever in
positionP.
iIf 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.
!If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the
starter switch, the battery may not be sufficient-
ly charged.

Check the battery and charge it if necessary
(
page 383).

Get a jump start (page 386).
To prevent accelerated vehicle battery discharge
or a completely discharged battery, always re-
move the SmartKey from the starter switch when
the engine is not in operation.

34 Getting started
Adjusting
Seats
The seats can be adjusted either manually
or electrically, depending on the vehicle’s
equipment.
For more information, see “Seats”
(
page 101).
Warning!G
All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and
rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fas-
tening of seat belts, must be done before
the vehicle is put into motion.
Warning!G
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
back in an excessively reclined position as
this can be dangerous. You could slide un-
der the seat belt in a collision. If you slide
under it, the belt would apply force at the ab-
domen or neck. That could cause serious or
fatal injuries. The seat back and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer
is in a nearly upright position and belts are
properly positioned on the body. Your seat
must be adjusted so that you can correctly
fasten your seat belt (
page 43).
Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Warning!G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch, the power seats* can be
operated when the respective door is open.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip-
ment may cause an accident and/or serious
personal injury.

38 Getting started
Adjusting
Head restraint adjusting
Manually adjust the head restraint.
Push or pull the head restraint cushion
to the desired position.
For more information, see “Seats”
(
page 101).
Steering wheel
Warning!G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraint so that the head re-
straint supports the back of the head at eye
level. This will reduce the potential for injury
to the head and neck in the event of an ac-
cident or similar situation.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are
intended to help reduce injuries during an
accident.
iAdjust the head restraint in such a way that
it is as close to the head as possible.
Warning!G
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while
driving, or driving without the steering wheel
adjustment feature locked could cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch, take it
with you, and lock the vehicle.
Even with the SmartKey removed from the
starter switch, the electrical steering wheel
adjustment feature* can be operated when
the driver’s door is open. Therefore, do not
leave children unattended in the vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsu-
pervised use of vehicle equipment may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.

41 Getting started
Adjusting
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel will return to its last set
position when you:

close the driver’s door with the ignition
switched on,
or

insert the SmartKey into the starter
switch with the driver’s door closed.
With the easy-entry/exit feature activated,
the steering wheel tilts upwards when you:

remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch,
or

open the driver’s door with the
SmartKey in starter switch position0
or1.
Mirrors
Adjust the interior and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a
good view of the road and traffic condi-
tions.
iThe last set steering wheel position is stored
when

the ignition is switched off

the position is stored in memory
(
page 107)
iIf the current position for the steering wheel
is in the uppermost tilt position, the steering
wheel will no longer be able to move upward
when the easy-entry/exit feature is activated.
The adjustment procedure is briefly interrupted
when the engine is started.
Warning!G
Let the system complete the adjustment
procedure before setting the vehicle in mo-
tion. All steering wheel adjustments must be
completed before setting the vehicle in mo-
tion. Driving off with the steering wheel still
adjusting could cause the driver to lose con-
trol of the vehicle.
Warning!G
In case of an accident, liquid electrolyte may
escape the mirror housing if the mirror glass
breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-
low the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.
!Electrolyte drops coming into contact with
the vehicle paint finish can only be completely
removed while in their liquid state and by apply-
ing plenty of water.

46 Getting started
Driving
Starting the engine Manual transmission
Gearshift pattern for manual transmission
For more information, see “Manual trans-
mission” (
page 149).Starting
Depress brake pedal.
Make sure the gearshift lever is in
neutral position (no gear selected).
Fully depress clutch pedal.
Otherwise the engine cannot be
started due to the integrated safety
interlock.
Do not depress the accelerator.
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position3 (
page 32) and hold until
the engine starts.
For information on turning off the engine,
see “Turning off engine” (
page 55).
Warning!G
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to
your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon
monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause un-
consciousness and possible 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.