cruise control MERCEDES-BENZ CLK320 CABRIOLET 2003 C208 Owner's Manual

3 ContentsParking brake .................................200
Driving instructions ...................... 201
Drive sensibly – save fuel ......... 201
Drinking and driving ................. 201
Pedals ........................................... 201
Power assistance ........................202
Brakes ..........................................202
Driving off ...................................203
Parking ........................................204
Tires .............................................204
Snow chains ................................207
Winter driving instructions ......207
Standing water ...........................209
Passenger compartment ...........209
Traveling abroad ........................209
Cruise control ................................. 210
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 212
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 214
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 216
What you should know at the gas
station .........................................220
Check regularly and before a long
trip ...............................................222
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator lamps in
the instrument cluster ............. 224
On-board diagnostic system Check
engine malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 224
Brake warning lamp .................. 225
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ................. 226
Fuel reserve and fuel cap
placement warning ................... 226
Electronic stability program (ESP)
— warning lamp .......................... 227
BAS/ESP malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 227
ABS malfunction indicator
lamp ............................................. 227
Telescoping steering column –
indicator lamp ............................ 228
Seat belt warning lamp ............. 228
Malfunction and indicator lamps in
the center console .................... 228
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 228
Roll bar warning lamp .............. 229Malfunction and warning messages
in the multifunction display ...230
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine
control unit) ................................ 231
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several
systems) ....................................... 231
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ...........232
ABS-SYSTEM ...............................233
BRAKE ASSIST ...........................233
BRAKE LINING WEAR ..............234
BRAKE FLUID .............................234
PARKING BRAKE .......................235
ENGINE FAN ...............................235
COOLANT (coolant level) ..........236
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant
temperature) ...............................237
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................238
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................239
STEER. WHEEL ADJUST. ...........239
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................240
ELEC. STABIL. PROG. (Electronic
stability program) ...................... 241
REMOVE KEY ............................. 241
WASHER FLUID .........................242

17 Instruments and controls
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index For more detailed descriptions see Index on page 324.
For adjustment of air outlets, refer to automatic climate
control, see page 116.
1Side air outlet, adjustable
2Air volume control for side air outlet
3Exterior lamp switch, see page 110
4Parking brake release, see page 200
5Parking brake pedal, see page 200
6Hood lock release, see page 250
7Combination switch, see page 113
8Cruise control switch, see page 210
9Multifunction steering wheel, see page 84
Horn (with electronic key in steering lock
position 1 or 2)
10Instrument cluster, see page 78
11Voice control system lever, see separate operating
instructions
12Steering lock with ignition/starter
switch, see page 18813Center air outlets, adjustable
14Air volume control for center air outlets
15Left front seat heater switch, see page 51
16Headlamp washer switch, see page 112
17Roll bar switch, see page 48
Roll bar warning lamp, see page 229
18Hazard warning flasher switch, see page 115
19Central locking switch, see page 33
20Switch for tow-away alarm, see page 40
Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system, see
page 39
21Right front seat heater switch, see page 51
22Automatic climate control, see page 116
Rear window defroster switch, see page 120
23Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in
steering lock position 1 or 2), see page 147
24Audio system, see page 123
25Storage compartment
26Ashtray with lighter, see page 150

173
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of radio
transmitters ............................... 174
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 175
Maintenance ................................... 175
Catalytic converter ........................ 176
Emission control ............................ 177
Tele Aid ........................................... 178
Steering lock ................................... 188
Starting and turning off the
engine ......................................... 190Automatic transmission ................ 191
Parking brake ................................ 200
Driving instructions ...................... 201
Drive sensibly – save fuel ........ 201
Drinking and driving ................ 201
Pedals .......................................... 201
Power assistance ........................ 202
Brakes .......................................... 202
Driving off ................................... 203
Parking ........................................ 204
Tires ............................................. 204
Snow chains ............................... 207
Winter driving instructions ..... 207
Standing water ........................... 209
Passenger compartment ........... 209
Traveling abroad ........................ 209Cruise control ................................. 210
Brake assist system (BAS) ............ 212
Antilock brake system (ABS) ....... 214
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 216
What you should know at the gas
station .........................................220
Check regularly and before a long
trip ...............................................222

207 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Snow chains
Use only snow chains that are tested and recommended
by Mercedes-Benz. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center will be glad to advise you on this subject.
Chains should only be used on the rear wheels. Follow
the manufacturer’s mounting instructions.
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.
When driving with snow chains, press the ESP control
switch to OFF, refer to page 218.
Important!
Use of snow chains is not permissible with tire sizes
225 / 45 R17 and 245 / 40 R17.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
selector lever to position “N”. 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 brake effect. We therefore
recommend depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn roads. This can
bring road salt impaired braking efficiency back to
normal. A prerequisite is, however, that this be done
without endangering other drivers on the road.
Exceeding the maximum speed for which tires are
rated can lead to sudden tire failure causing loss of
vehicle control and resulting in personal injury
and possible death.

210 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Cruise control
The cruise control allows you to drive in a more relaxed
manner, for example over long distances, as it
automatically maintains the set speed by actively
regulating the throttle setting.
Any given speed above approximately 19 mph
(30 km/h) can be maintained with the cruise control by
operating the lever.1Accelerate and set:
Lift lever briefly to set speed.
Hold lever up to accelerate.
2Decelerate and set:
Depress lever briefly to set speed.
Hold lever down to decelerate.
Normally the vehicle is accelerated to the desired
speed with the accelerator.
Speed is set by briefly pushing the lever to
position 1 or 2. The accelerator can then be
released.
The speed can be increased (e.g. for passing) by
using the accelerator. After the accelerator is
released, the previously set speed will be resumed
automatically.
If a set speed is to be increased or decreased
slightly, e. g. to adapt to the traffic f low, hold lever in
position 1 or 2 until the desired speed is reached, or
briefly tip the lever in the appropriate direction for
increases or decreases in 0.6 mph (1 km/h)
increments. When the lever is released, the newly
set speed remains.
1
4
2
3

211 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 3Canceling
To cancel the cruise control, briefly push lever to
position 3.
When you step on the brake pedal or the vehicle
speed drops below approx. 19 mph (30 km/h), for
example when driving upgrade, the cruise control
will be canceled.
If the cruise control cancels by itself and remains
inoperative until the engine is restarted, have the
system checked at your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center as soon as possible.
4Resume
If the lever is briefly pushed to position 4 when
driving at a speed exceeding approx. 19 mph
(30 km/h), the vehicle resumes the speed which
was set prior to the cancellation of the cruise
control. The last memorized speed is canceled when
the electronic key in the steering lock is turned to
position 1 or 0.Important!
Moving gear selector lever to position “N” switches the
cruise control off.
Wa r n i n g !
Only use the cruise control if the traffic and
weather conditions make it advisable to travel at a
steady speed.• The use of cruise control can be dangerous 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 dangerous on
slippery roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion
can result in wheel spin and loss of control.The “Resume” function should only be operated if
the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed
and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.

212 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Notes:
If the engine does not brake the vehicle sufficiently
while driving on a downgrade, the speed you set on the
cruise control may be exceeded. In this case the
automatic transmission shifts down (max. to 3rd gear)
to maintain the set cruise control speed by using the
engine’s braking power.
As soon as the grade eases, the automatic transmission
shifts up again dependent on the selector lever position.
Nevertheless, in some cases you may have to step on the
brake pedal to slow down. In this case the cruise control
is switched off.
Use the lever to resume the previously set speed.Brake assist system (BAS)
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do.
The BAS complements the antilock brake system (ABS).
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must never
be exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner
which could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.

231 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (engine control unit)
This message is displayed to indicate that the
information being relayed by the engine control unit is
no longer complete. The coolant temperature gauge,
tachometer, or the cruise control may have failed.DISPLAY DEFECTIVE (several systems)
The displays for several systems have failed. Some
systems themselves may also have failed.
Line 1 Line 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!
Line 1 Line 2
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE VISIT WORKSHOP!

326 Index
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car careIndex
CCapacities
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. ............................... 316
Cargo tie-down rings ..................................................... 152
Catalytic converter......................................................... 176
CD changer
See Audio system ...................................................... 136
Cellular telephone ......................................................... 153
Center console .................................................................. 18
Central locking switch .................................................... 33
Central locking system ................................................... 25
Automatic central locking ......................................... 34
Choosing global or selective mode........................... 28
Electronic key .............................................................. 23
Locking and unlocking............................................... 27
Mechanical keys ........................................................... 30
Remote control ............................................................ 25
Changing wheels ........................................................... 263
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator lamp............ 224
Check regularly and before a long trip ...................... 222
Checking engine oil level
Via engine oil level indicator .................................. 108
Via oil dipstick........................................................... 252Child restraint .............................................. 53, 58, 59, 69
Child seat
See Infant and child restraint systems .................... 69
Cleaning and care of the vehicle ................................ 300
Clock, setting .................................................................. 102
COMAND, radio and telephone.................................... 174
Combination switch ....................................................... 113
Consumer information ................................................. 322
Control and operation of radio transmitters .............. 174
COOLANT (coolant level) - malfunction and warning
messages ................................................................... 236
Coolant level
Adding coolant.......................................................... 254
Checking .................................................................... 253
COOLANT TEMP. (coolant temperature) - malfunction
and warning messages ............................................ 237
Coolant temperature gauge ............................................ 82
Coolants .......................................................................... 320
Anticorrosion/antifreeze quantity ........................ 320
Cruise control ................................................................. 210
Cup holder
Center console, front ................................................ 149