brake light MERCEDES-BENZ C55AMG 2006 W203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Loading .............................................. 248
Roof rack* .................................... 248
Ski sack (Canada only) ................. 249
Split rear bench seat .................... 252
Loading instructions ..................... 254
Cargo tie-down rings* .................. 255
Useful features .................................. 256
Storage compartments................. 256
Cup holders .................................. 258
Ashtrays ....................................... 260
Cigarette lighter ........................... 262
Power outlet ................................. 263
Telephone*................................... 263
Tele Aid* ...................................... 264
Garage door opener ..................... 273
Operation......................................... 281
The first 1 000 miles (1 500 km)......... 282
Driving instructions............................ 283
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 283
Drinking and driving ..................... 283
Pedals .......................................... 283
Power assistance ......................... 283
Brakes .......................................... 284
Driving off .................................... 285
Parking ......................................... 285
Tires ............................................. 286
Hydroplaning ................................ 287
Tire traction.................................. 287
Tire speed rating .......................... 288
Winter driving instructions ........... 288
Standing water ............................. 289
Passenger compartment .............. 290
Driving abroad.............................. 290
Control and operation of radio
transmitters ................................. 290
Catalytic converter ....................... 291
Emission control .......................... 291
Coolant temperature .................... 292At the gas station .............................. 293
Refueling ...................................... 293
Check regularly and before a
long trip ....................................... 294
Engine compartment ......................... 297
Hood ............................................ 297
Engine oil ..................................... 298
Transmission fluid level ................ 301
Coolant level ................................ 301
Battery ......................................... 303
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system*......... 304
Tires and wheels................................ 305
Important guidelines .................... 305
Tire care and maintenance........... 306
Direction of rotation..................... 308
Loading the vehicle ...................... 308
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 315
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 317
Tire labeling ................................. 321
Load identification ....................... 325
DOT, Tire Identification Number
(TIN) ............................................. 326
Maximum tire load ....................... 327
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 328

55 Getting started
Parking and locking
Switching off headlamps
Turn exterior lamp switch
toM(
page 48).
For more information, see “Lighting”
(
page 114).
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. Children
could release the parking brake and/or
move the gear selector 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.
When parked on an incline, turn front wheel
towards the road curb.

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

ABS (Antilock Brake System)

BAS (Brake Assist System)

ESP® (Electronic Stability Program)
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.
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 and ESP
® cannot reduce this
risk.
Always adjust your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather conditions.
i
In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS and ESP® is
only achieved with winter tires
(
page 336), or snow chains as re-
quired.
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.

83 Safety and Security
Driving safety systems
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the
brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in
the regulating mode.
Keep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the
pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and ability to steer
the vehicle.
The pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.Emergency brake maneuver
Keep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.
For more information, see the “Practical
hints” section (
page 350) and
(
page 360).
Warning!G
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the BAS
and the ESP® are also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the brak-
ing distance.
Warning!G
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af-
forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten-
tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner which could jeop-
ardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.

159 Controls in detail
Automatic transmission
Stopping
When you stop briefly, e.g. at traffic lights:
Leave the transmission in gear.
Hold the vehicle with the brake.
When you stop longer with the engine
idling and/or on an hill:
Set the parking brake.
Move the gear selector lever to
positionP.Maneuvering
When you maneuver in tight areas,
e.g. when pulling into a parking space:
Control the vehicle speed by gradually
releasing the brakes.
Accelerate gently.
Never abruptly step on the accelerator.Working on the vehicle
Warning!G
When working on the vehicle, set the
parking brake and move gear selector lever
to positionP. Otherwise the vehicle could
roll away.

261 Controls in detail
Useful features
Removing ashtray insert
Secure vehicle from movement by
setting the parking brake.
Move the gear selector lever to
positionN.
Now you have more room to take out
the ashtray insert.
Push sliding button2 to the right.
The ashtray insert3 slides out
slightly.
Remove the ashtray insert.Reinstalling ashtray insert
Push the ashtray insert3 down into
the retainer until it engages.
Push down cover plate1 to close
ashtray.
The cover plate engages.
Rear seat ashtray
1Button
2Ashtray insert
3Cover
Pull at top of cover3.Removing ashtray insert
Push button1 to disengage ashtray
insert2 and remove it.
Reinstalling ashtray insert
Push the ashtray insert2 down into
the retainer until it engages.
Push at top of cover3 to close
ashtray.
Warning!G
Remove front ashtray only with vehicle
standing still. Set the parking brake to
secure vehicle from movement. Move gear
selector lever to positionN. With gear selec-
tor lever in positionN turn off the engine.

289 Operation
Driving instructions
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).
Standing water
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.
!
Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth. Before driving
through water, determine its depth.
Never accelerate before driving into
water. The bow wave could force water
into the engine and auxiliary equip-
ment, thus damaging them.
If you must drive through standing wa-
ter, drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the passenger compartment
or the engine compartment. Water in
these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result
in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake causing severe
internal engine damage. Any such
damage is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

295 Operation
At the gas station
Coolant
For normal replenishing, use water (pota-
ble water quality). For more information,
see “Coolant level” (
page 301) and
“Fuels, coolants, lubricants, etc.”
(
page 436).
Brake fluid
Removing fuse box cover (
page 421).Windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system*
For more information on filling up the
washer reservoir, see “Windshield washer
system and headlamp cleaning system*”
(
page 304).
Engine oil level
For more information on engine oil level,
see “Engine oil” (
page 298).Vehicle lighting
Check function and cleanliness. For more
information on replacing light bulbs, see
“Replacing bulbs” (
page 394).
Exterior lamp switch (
page 114).
!
If you find that the brake fluid in the
brake fluid reservoir has fallen to the
minimum mark or below, have the
brake system checked for brake pad
thickness and leaks immediately.
Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center immediately. Do not add brake
fluid as this will not solve the problem.
For more information, see “Practical
hints” (
page 351).

346 Operation
Vehicle care
Light alloy wheels
If possible, clean wheels once a week.
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel
Care, a soft bristle brush and a strong
spray of water for cleaning the light al-
loy wheels.
Plastic and rubber parts
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Instrument cluster and cup holders
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution.
Wipe with a cloth moistened in a luke-
warm solution.Hard plastic trim items
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care, a soft, lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thor-
oughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz
approved Leather Care.
Carpets
Use Mercedes-Benz approved Carpet
and Fabric Care for cleaning the car-
pets.
!
Only use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.
!
The vehicle should not be parked for an
extended period of time immediately
after it has been cleaned, especially not
after the wheel rims have been cleaned
with wheel rim cleaner. Wheel rim
cleaners can lead to increased corro-
sion of the brake disks and brake pads.
Therefore, the vehicle’s brake system
should always be warmed-up before it
is parked after cleaning. To do so,
please drive your vehicle for several
minutes to allow the brakes to dry.
When applying Mercedes-Benz ap-
proved Tire Care and Mercedes-Benz
approved Wheel Care products, take
care not to spray them on the brake
disks.
!
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
!
To prevent scratches, do not use scour-
ing agents.
!
To prevent scratches, do not use scour-
ing agents.

374 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
.3rd brake lampThe high mounted brake lamp is
malfunctioning. This message will only
appear if all light emitting diodes have
stopped working.Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Backup lamp, leftThe left backup lamp is malfunctioning.Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Backup lamp, rightThe right backup lamp is malfunctioning.Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Brake lamp
Drive to workshopBrake lamp illumination is delayed or
lamp is permanently on.Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Brake lamp leftThe left brake lamp is malfunctioning.Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Brake lamp rightThe right brake lamp is malfunctioning.Replace the bulb as soon as possible.
Display malfunction
Visit workshop.The display for the lamps or the system is
malfunctioning.Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Front foglamp leftThe left front fog lamp is malfunctioning.Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Front foglamp rightThe right front fog lamp is malfunctioning.Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Front left
side marker lampThe left front side marker lamp is
malfunctioning.Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
Front right
sider marker lampThe right front side marker lamp is
malfunctioning.Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.