cruise control MERCEDES-BENZ C55AMG 2006 W203 Owner's Manual

Contents
Automatic transmission ..................... 155
Gear selector lever position ......... 157
Driving tips ................................... 158
Gear ranges ................................. 160
Automatic shift program .............. 161
Gear selector lever one-touch
gearshifting .................................. 162
Steering wheel gearshift control
one-touch gearshifting ................. 163
Manual shift program ................... 165
Emergency operation
(Limp-Home Mode) ...................... 168
Good visibility .................................... 169
Headlamp cleaning system* ........ 169
Rear view mirrors ......................... 169
Sun visors .................................... 171
Rear window sunshade* .............. 172
Rear window defroster ................. 173
Climate control .................................. 174
Deactivating the climate control
system ......................................... 177
Operating the climate control
system in automatic mode ........... 177
Setting the temperature ............... 178
Adjusting air distribution and
volume ......................................... 178Adjusting air volume ..................... 179
Front defroster.............................. 179
Air recirculation mode .................. 180
Air conditioning............................. 182
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 183
Automatic climate control*
(Canada only) ..................................... 184
Deactivating the automatic
climate control system ................. 187
Operating the automatic climate
control system in automatic mode 187
Setting the temperature................ 188
Adjusting air distribution............... 189
Adjusting air volume ..................... 190
Front defroster.............................. 190
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 191
Air recirculation mode .................. 191
Charcoal filter ............................... 193
Air conditioning............................. 194
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 195
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 196Audio system...................................... 197
Audio and telephone, operation .... 197
Operating safety ........................... 197
Operating and display elements ... 198
Button and soft key operation ...... 200
Operation...................................... 200
Radio operation ............................ 205
Introduction to satellite radio*
(USA only) ..................................... 209
CD mode....................................... 214
GSM network phones ................... 223
TDMA or CDMA network phones .. 229
Emergency calls “911” ................. 235
Power windows .................................. 238
Opening and closing the windows 238
Synchronizing power windows ...... 240
Summer opening feature .............. 241
Convenience closing feature......... 241
Power tilt/sliding sunroof .................. 242
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 242
Synchronizing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 244
Driving systems .................................. 245
Cruise control ............................... 245

23 At a glance
Cockpit
ItemPage
1Steering wheel gearshift
control163
2Cruise control lever245
3Multifunction steering
wheel26,
126
4Horn
5Instrument cluster24,
122
6Overhead control panel29
ItemPage
7Glove box lid release256
8Glove box lock256
9Center console27
aStarter switch33
bHood lock release297
cSteering wheel adjustment
lever38
dRemote trunk opening
switch100
eParking brake pedal46, 54
fDoor control panel30
ItemPage
gParking brake release46
hCombination switch

Turn signals49

Windshield wipers50

High beam49
jExterior lamp switch48,
114
kExterior rear view mirror
adjustment40,
113
lHeadlamp washer button*169

245 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Driving systems
The driving system of your vehicle is
described on the following pages:

Cruise control, with which the vehicle
can maintain a preset speed.
For information on the BAS, ABS and ESP
®,
see “Driving safety systems” (
page 82).
Cruise control
The cruise control automatically maintains
the speed you set for your vehicle.
The use of cruise control is recommended
for driving at a constant speed for extend-
ed periods of time. You can set or resume
cruise control at any speed over 20 mph
(30 km/h).
The cruise control function is operated by
means of the cruise control lever.
The cruise control lever is the uppermost
lever on the left-hand side of the steering
column (
page 22).
Warning!G
The cruise control is a convenience system
designed to assist the driver during vehicle
operation. The driver is and must always re-
main responsible for the vehicle’s speed and
for safe brake operation.
Only use cruise control if the road, traffic
and weather conditions make it advisable to
travel at a steady speed.

The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on winding roads or in heavy traffic
because conditions do not allow safe
driving at a steady speed.

The use of cruise control can be danger-
ous on slippery roads. Rapid changes in
tire traction can result in wheel spin and
loss of control.

Deactivate cruise control when driving
in fog.
The “Resume” function should only be oper-
ated if the driver is fully aware of the previ-
ously set speed and wishes to resume this
particular preset speed.

246 Controls in detail
Driving systems
1Sets current or higher speed
2Sets current or lower speed
3Cancels cruise control
4Resumes at last set speed
Setting current speed
Accelerate or decelerate to the desired
speed.
Briefly lift1 or depress2 the cruise
control lever.
The current speed is set.
Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
Cruise control is activated.Canceling cruise control
There are several ways to cancel cruise
control:
Step on the brake pedal.
Cruise control is canceled. The last
speed set is stored for later use.
or
Briefly push the cruise control lever to
position3.
Cruise control is canceled. The last
speed set is stored for later use.
i
On uphill or downhill grades, cruise
control may not be able to maintain the
set speed. Once the grade eases, the
set speed will be resumed.
!
Moving the gear selector lever to
positionN while driving also cancels
cruise control. However, the gear
selector lever should not be moved to
positionN while driving, except to
coast when the vehicle is in danger of
skidding (e.g. on icy roads).
i
The last stored speed is canceled when
you turn off the engine.

247 Controls in detail
Driving systems
Setting a higher speed
Lift cruise control lever to position1
and hold it up until the desired speed is
reached.
Release cruise control lever.
The new speed is set.
Setting a lower speed
Depress cruise control lever to
position2 and hold it down until the
desired speed is reached.
Release cruise control lever.
The new speed is set.Fine adjustment in 1 mph
(Canada: 1 km/h) increments
Faster
Briefly tip cruise control lever in
direction of arrow1.
Slower
Briefly tip cruise control lever in
direction of arrow2.Setting to last stored speed
(“Resume” function)
Briefly push cruise control lever to
position4.
The cruise control resumes the last set
speed.
Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.
i
Depressing the accelerator pedal does
not deactivate cruise control. After
brief acceleration (e.g. for passing),
cruise control will resume the last
speed set.
i
When you use the cruise control lever
to decelerate, the transmission will
automatically downshift if the engine’s
braking power does not brake the
vehicle sufficiently.
Warning!G
The speed stored in memory should only be
set again if prevailing road conditions per-
mit. Possible acceleration or deceleration
differences arising from returning to preset
speed could cause an accident and/or seri-
ous injury to you and others.

288 Operation
Driving instructions
Tire speed rating
Regardless of the tire speed rating, local
speed limits should be obeyed. Use
prudent driving speeds appropriate to
prevailing conditions.Your vehicle is factory equipped with
“Y”-rated tires, which have a speed rating
of 186 mph (300 km/h).
An electronic speed limiter prevents your
vehicle from exceeding a speed of
155 mph (250 km/h).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.
Warning!G
Even when permitted by law, never operate
a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi-
mum speed rating of the tires.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which
tires are rated can lead to sudden tire
failure, causing loss of vehicle control and
possibly resulting in an accident and/or
personal injury and possible death, for you
and for others.
i
For information on tire speed rating for
winter tires, see “Winter tires”
(
page 336).
For additional general information on
tire speed markings on tire sidewall,
(
page 324).i
For 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.

370 Practical hints
What to do if …
Display symbolDisplay messagePossible cause/consequencePossible solution
ÑCruise contr.
Drive to workshopCruise control is malfunctioning.Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
GDisplay malfunction
Visit workshopThe instrument cluster display is
malfunctioning.Continue driving with added caution.
Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
The displays for several systems have
malfunctioned. Some systems them-
selves may also have malfunctioned.Have the electronic systems checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
±Display malfunction
Visit workshopCertain electronic systems are unable to
relay information to the control system.
The following systems may have failed:

Coolant temperature display

Tachometer

Cruise control display
Have the electronic systems checked
by an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
JDoors openYou are attempting to drive with one or
more doors open.Close the doors.

444 Technical terms
CAN system
(C
ontroller Area Network)
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.
Cold tire inflation pressure
(
page 331)
Collapsible tire
An especially compact spare tire that
must be inflated with a provided air
pump before using. It should only be
used to bring the vehicle to the nearest
service station.COMAND*
(C
ockpit Management and Data
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 that
automatically maintains the vehicle
speed set by the driver.
Curb weight
(
page 332)DOT
(D
epartment of Transportation)
(
page 332)
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
®
(Electronic Stability Program)
Improves vehicle handling and
directional stability.

452 Index
Control system submenus 127, 129
Convenience 148
Instrument cluster 138
Lighting 144
Time/Date 140
Vehicle 147
Controller Area Network see CAN system
Coolant 301, 439
Anticorrosion/antifreeze
quantity 440
Capacities 436
Checking coolant level 295, 301
Messages in display 367–369
Temperature 292
Temperature gauge 25, 123
Cruise control 245, 444
Message in display 370
Cup holder 258, 260
Cleaning 346
Curb weight 332
Customer Assistance Center see CACD
Date display, setting 142, 143
Daytime running lamp mode 116
Setting 144
Deep water see Standing water
Defogging windshield
Automatic climate control*
(Canada only) 191
Climate control 180
Defrosting, Front
Automatic climate control*
(Canada only) 190
Climate control 179
Defrosting, Rear 173
Delayed shut-off
Exterior lamps 146
Interior lighting 147
Department of Transportation see DOT
Difficulties
While driving 52
With starting 46
Digital clock see clock
Digital speedometer 130
Dimensions, vehicle 435
Direction of rotation (tires) 308Displays
Digital speedometer 130
Maintenance service indicator 338
Messages in display 370
Multifunction display 125
Outside temperature 130
Symbol messages 365
Text messages 360
Vehicle status messages
memory 135, 358
Distance to empty (range),
Trip computer 151
Door control panel 30
Doors
Entry lamps 121
Locking/unlocking, SmartKey 94
Message in display 370
Opening from inside/outside 96, 99
Remote door unlock (Tele Aid*) 272
Unlocking, Mechanical key 386
DOT 332
Downhill driving
Cruise control 246
Drinking and driving 283

458 Index
Maintenance 12, 338
Calling up service indicator
display 339
Clearing service indicator
message 339
FSS (Canada vehicles) 338
Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 338
Resetting service indicator 340
Service indicator message 338
Service term exceeded 339
Maintenance System
(U.S. vehicles) 338, 446
Manual headlamp mode see Headlamps
Maximum load rating, Tires 332
Maximum loaded vehicle weight 332
Maximum tire inflation pressure 333
MB Tex upholstery, Cleaning and
care of 347
Mechanical key 386
Memory function see Steering wheel
Menus see Control system
Microphone, Hands-free 29Mirrors
Adjusting 40
Auto-dimming* 169
Exterior rear view mirror 40
Exterior rear view mirror,
Parking position 113, 149, 170
Interior rear view mirror 40
MON 446
Motor Octane Number see MON
Multifunction display 125, 446
Changing settings see Control system
menus and Control system sub-
menus
Multifunction display messages
ABS 360
Brake fluid 366
Brake lamps 374
Brake pads 366
Coolant 367, 368, 369
Cruise control 370
Display 370
Door 370
Engine coolant 367, 368, 369
Engine oil 371, 372
ESP
®361, 362
Fog lamps 374, 376Fuel cap 353, 373
Headlamps 375, 376
Hood 373
Key, SmartKey 373
Lamps, exterior 374–377
Parking brake 366
Parking lamp 376
Seat belt system 378
SRS 363
Steering gear oil 378
Tele Aid* 379
Telephone* 379
Tilt/sliding sunroof* 379
Trunk 379
Turn signals 377
Windshield washer fluid 379
Multifunction steering wheel 26, 126,
446
Button operation 126
N
Navigation system* 134
See separate COMAND* operating
instructions
Net, parcel 258
Neutral gear position, Automatic
transmission 155