Mercedes-Benz C 230 1998 Owner's Manual
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Mercedes-Benz C 230 1998 Owner's Manual

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  • Page 2 See last page form ed at regular intervals by an authorized M ercedes-Benz dealer. MERCEDES-BENZ Fuel consum ption is also increased by driving in cold w eather, in ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly country.
  • Page 3 Mercedes-Benz Owner’s Manual C 230 C 280...
  • Page 4 Please do not use them. Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your Mercedes-Benz authorized dealer where you will receive...
  • Page 5 Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts o f many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure o f ownership, and for your safety and that...
  • Page 6 Introduction Im portant Notice for C alifornia Retail Buyers of M ercedes-B enz A utom obiles This O w ner’s M anual contains a great deal of useful inform ation. W e urge you to read it carefully and U nder C alifornia law you m ay be entitled to a replacem ent of your vehicle or a refund of the fam iliarize yourself with the vehicle before driving.
  • Page 7 Roadside A ssistance O perating Your V ehicle O utside the U.S.A. or Canada The M ercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign a breakdown. C alls to the toll-free Roadside countries, please be aware that: Assistance num ber: •...
  • Page 8 If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Owner’s Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures. The Owner’s Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be kept with the vehicle.
  • Page 9 Instruments and Controls Starting the Engine Driving Instructions Operation Driving Practical Hints Technical Data Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. Consumer Information Index Literature...
  • Page 10 The First 1000 Miles Check Regularly and Radio Transmitters (1500 km) Before a Long Trip W arning! The more cautiously you treat your See Index N ever operate radio tran sm it­ vehicle during the break-in period, ters equipped with a built-in or the more satisfied you will be with Maintenance attached antenna (i.e.

  • Page 11: Table Of Contents

    Instruments and Controls Starting the Engine Driving Instructions Instrum ents and C ontrols Instrum ent C luster Indicator Lam p S ym bols C atalytic C onverter Starting and Turning O ff the Engine Driving Instructions...

  • Page 12: Instrum Ents And C Ontrols

    Instrum ents and C ontrols 16 Left front seat heater switch 17 ASR or ESP control switch F or m ore deta ile d descriptions see Index. 18 Switch for rear seat head restraints For adjustm ents of air outlets, refer to Autom atic Clim ate C ontrol (see Index).

  • Page 14: Instrum Ent C Luster

    8 Main odom eter, or Instrum ent C luster FSS indicator. See Index 1 C oolant tem perature gauge. See Index 9 Right turn signal indicator lam p (green) 2 Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placem ent 10 Tachom eter. See Index w arning lamp (yellow).

  • Page 15: Indicator Lam P Sym Bols

    Battery not being charged properly. Indicator Lam p Sym bols See Index £ 3 Function Indicator Lam p Exterior lam p failure. See Index High beam BAS m alfunction. See Index ASR m alfunction. See Index W arning Lam ps (should go out with the engine running unless) BAS m alfunction.
  • Page 16 Function Indicator Lam p Additional Function Indicator Lam ps on the C enter C onsole in the Instrum ent C luster Passenger Airbag autom atically FSS indicator (distance). sw itched off. See Index See Index FSS indicator (days). See Index...

  • Page 17: C Atalytic C Onverter

    C atalytic C onverter Caution! W arning! Your M ercedes-Benz is equipped To prevent dam age to the catalytic As w ith any vehicle, do not idle, with m onolithic type catalytic converters, use only premium park or operate this vehicle in converters, an im portant elem ent in unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.

  • Page 18: Starting And Turning Off The Engine

    Turning Off Starting (Model C 280) Starting and Turning Off the Engine Do not depress accelerator. Turn the electronic key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop Before Starting Briefly turn electronic key in the engine. steering lock clockwise to the stop Ensure that parking brake is e n ­...

  • Page 19: Driving Instructions

    Driving Instructions Brakes If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lam p in the W arning! W arning! instrum ent cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is A fter driving in heavy rain for If you feel a sudden significant too low.
  • Page 20 Specified tire pressures m ust be Caution! m aintained. This applies parti­ W hen driving down long and steep cularly if the tires are subjected to grades, relieve the load on the high loads (e.g. high speeds, brakes by shifting into “4 ”, “3” , “2 ” heavy loads, high am bient or “...
  • Page 21 Tire Traction Tire Speed Rating Parking The safe speed on a wet, snow Your vehicle is factory equipped W arning! covered or icy road is alw ays lower with “ H”-rated tires, which have a To reduce the risk of personal than on a dry road.
  • Page 22 W inter Driving Instructions If the vehicle is parked after being Deep W ater driven on salt treated roads, the Caution! The m ost im portant rule for braking efficiency should be tested slippery or icy roads is to drive Do not drive through flooded areas as soon as possible after driving is sensibly and to avoid abrupt ac­...
  • Page 23 Operation Autom atic C lim ate C ontrol M ulticontour Seat Steering Lock Basic Setting - Pleated Seats C om bination Switch Arm rest, Rear Autom atic Mode Exterior Lam p Switch Adjusting Telescoping Defogging W indow s Night S ecurity Illum ination Steering Column Defrosting Inside R ear V iew M irror...

  • Page 24: Side Air Outlet, Adjustable

    1 Air volum e control for center air outlet, turn wheel up to open 2 Air volum e control for side air outlet. To open air outlet: Turn wheel to position 3 C enter air outlets, adjustable Side air outlet, adjustable Display and C ontrols The autom atic clim ate control...
  • Page 25 Basic Setting - A utom atic Mode #> Press for autom atic mode. ---------------------------------------------------------- S im ultaneously press both E l a n d C 2 for tem perature setting of 72°F. 1E°F 88 AUTO A ir volum e and distribution are P83.40-0345-22 controlled autom atically.
  • Page 26 A ir D istribution Rear W indow Defroster Special Settings (use only for short duration) Turn electronic key in steering lock “ I D°C — «■!=□□□□ to position 2. V / " * & A U T O ____________________________________________ Defogging W indow s To select, press to fij button.
  • Page 27 Air R ecirculation Dust Filter R esidual Engine Heat U tilization This mode can be selected to Dust particles (down to a certain W ith the engine sw itched off, it is prevent annoying odors or dust size) and pollen are filtered out possible to continue heating the from entering the c a r’s interior.
  • Page 28 Car Keys The rem ote control (1) operates all locks on the car. Included with yo ur vehicle are: The m echanical keys (2) w ork only • 2 electronic main keys with in the driver’s door, trunk, and integrated radio frequency and storage com partm ent locks.
  • Page 29 Notes: Obtaining R eplacem ent Keys W e recom m end that you carry the Y our vehicle is equipped with a electronic reserve key with m ech­ theft deterrent locking system anical key with you and keep it in a requiring a special key m anu­...
  • Page 30 Central Locking System Radio Frequency and Infrared Rem ote C ontrol The electronic main key has an integrated radio and infrared remote control. Due to the extended operational range of the rem ote control, it could be possible to unintentionally lock or unlock the vehicle by pressing the transm it button.
  • Page 31 Locking and Unlocking The vehicle is autom atically locked again, if w ithin 40 seconds of un­ Unlocking: locking with the rem ote control, Press transm it button r t i . All turn neither door or trunk is opened, the signal lam ps blink once to indicate electronic key is not inserted in the that the vehicle is unlocked.
  • Page 32 Opening and Closing W indow s Opening the Trunk W arning! and Sliding/Pop-Up Roof from A m inimum height clearance of Never operate the w indow s or Outside 5.9 ft (1.8 m) is required to open sliding/pop-up roof if there is Aim transm itter eye (5) of remote the trunk lid.
  • Page 33 Panic Button M echanical Keys To activate press and hold button The entire vehicle may be locked (1) for at least one second. The or unlocked by using either the alarm will last for approxim ately m echanical key in driver’s door or 3 m inutes in form of blinking trunk lock, or central locking switch exterior lamps, and an additional...
  • Page 34 Notes: In case of a m alfunction in the central locking system the doors can be locked and unlocked individually. To lock, turn m echanical key to position 3 or push down lock buttons. To unlock, turn m echanical key to position 2 or pull up lock buttons.
  • Page 35 If the car was previously locked With the autom atic central locking with the central locking switch, system activated, the doors and w hile in the selective remote con­ trunk are locked at vehicle speeds trol mode, only the door opened of approx.
  • Page 36 Notes: In case of a m alfunction in the central locking system the trunk can be locked and unlocked individually. To lock, turn m echanical key to position 2 or 3. To unlock and open the trunk lid, turn m echanical key to position 1, hold and push to open.
  • Page 37 W hen locking doors or trunk, turn W arning! m echanical key in door lock or N ever operate the w indow s or trunk lock to position 3 and hold. sliding/pop-up roof if there is The w indow s and the sliding/pop­ the possibility of anyone being up roof begin to close autom atically harm ed by the procedure.
  • Page 38 The alarm will last approxim ately Antitheft Alarm System 2 1/2 m inutes in the form of blinking The antitheft alarm is autom atically exterior lam ps. A t the sam e time armed or disarm ed with the remote an additional horn will sound inter­...
  • Page 39 Seats, Front A Seat, fore/aft B Seat, up/down W arning! C Seat tilt Do not adjust the d riv er’s seat D Backrest tilt w hile driving. A djusting the seat while driving could cause E Head restraint the driver to lose control of the A djust head restraint to support vehicle.
  • Page 40 Fasten seat belts. Infants and Caution! O therw ise they will be struck sm all children should be seated in by the airbag w hen it inflates in Do not rem ove head restraints a properly secured restraint system a crash. If this happens, except when m ounting seat covers.
  • Page 41 Head R estraint Height Raising: Pull up on head restraint. Lowering: Push button (6) and push down on head restraint. Adjust head restraint to support the back of the head approxim ately at ear level. The head restraint inclination can also be adjusted m anually.
  • Page 42 The side bolsters o f the backrest M ulticontour Seat (optional) can be adjusted with rocker switch 1 Seat cushion depth (4): 2 Backrest bottom • press down forw ard end - 3 Backrest center increase side support, 4 Side bolster adjustm ent •...
  • Page 43 and only one indicator lam p will stay on. Turning off heater: If one indicator lamp is on, press upper half of switch. If both indicator lam ps are on, press lower half of switch. If left on, the heater autom atically turns off after approxim ately 30 m inutes of operation.
  • Page 44 Unlocking: Pull handle (1) out to its stop. The indicator lam p com es on. Adjusting: To lengthen or shorten the steering colum n, pull out or push in steering wheel. Locking: Push handle (1) in until it engages. The indicator lam p goes out. Im portant! W ith the electronic key in steering lock position 2, an indicator lamp in...
  • Page 45 Im portant! For safety reasons, alw ays drive with the rear head restraints in the upright position when the rear seats are occupied. Keep area around head restraints clear of articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the folding operation of the head restraints.
  • Page 46 Seat Belts and Supplem ental W arning! W arning! R estraint System (SRS) C hildren 12 years old and N ever ride in a m oving vehicle under must never ride in the with the seat back reclined. Your vehicle is equipped with seat front seat, except in a Sitting in an excessively re­...
  • Page 47 Seat Belt W arning System With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, a w arning sounds for a short tim e if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. W arning! Failure to w ear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident.
  • Page 48 To lengthen the belt: W ith the belt unfastened, turn the latch plate so that it is a little more than 90° perpendicular to the belt, then extend the belt. Fasten the belt and tighten as stated above. To disengage the belt, push red button (3) in the buckle.
  • Page 49 W arning! apply too m uch force to the ribs or abdom en, which USE SEAT B ELTS PR O PER LY. could severely injure • Each occupant should w ear internal organs such as your their seat belt at all tim es, liver o r spleen.
  • Page 50 B abySm art™ Airbag Children risk of serious or W arning! Deactivation System fatal injuries is significantly USE CH ILD R ESTR A IN TS increased if the child restraints Special child seats, designed PR O PER LY. are not properly secured in the for use with the M ercedes-Benz C hildren 12 years old and vehicle and they are not...
  • Page 51 S upplem ental R estraint System W arning! check installation. If the light (SRS) rem ains out, do not use the The B abySm art™ Airbag BabySm art™ restraint to trans­ The term Supplem ental Restraint Deactivation System will ONLY port children, or o th e rw is e - System m eans that airbags are w ork with a special seat d e­...
  • Page 52 E m ergency Tensioning In cases of other frontal impacts, R etractor (ETR) angled impacts, roll-overs, certain side impacts, or other accidents The seat belts for the front seats w ithout frontal forces, the em er­ are equipped with em ergency te n ­ gency tensioning retractors will not sioning retractors.
  • Page 53 IP 86 -0 09 5-B 13 Airbags The side im pact airbags are locat­ m onitor the com ponents and ed in the front doors. In conjunction circuitry of the airbag system and 1 Driver airbag with wearing the seat belts with will indicate a m alfunction by 2 Front passenger airbag em ergency tensioning retractors,...
  • Page 54 The front passenger airbag sufficient severity to m eet the indicator lam p has gone out fo l­ dep lo ym ent thresholds, will they deploys only if the passenger seat lowing the initial check, interrup­ is occupied. provide th e ir supplem ental tions and short circuits in the air­...
  • Page 55 This dust, how ever, is neither Since the airbag inflates with • A d ju st the fro nt passenger injurious to your health, nor considerable speed and force, seat rearw ard as far as does it indicate a fire in the a proper seating and hands on possible from the dash ­...
  • Page 56 Safety G uidelines for the Seat • W hen scrapping the airbag nents or wiring of the Belt, E m ergency Tensioning “S R S ”. This includes the unit or em erg en cy ten sio n ­ R etractor and Airbag installation of additional trim ing retractor, it is m andatory to follo w our safety instruc­...
  • Page 57 Important! B abySm art™ com patible child face or neck. A booster seat is seat, w hich operates with the necessary to achieve proper The use of infant or child restraints B abySm art™ system installed is required by law in all 50 states belt positioning for children in the vehicle to deactivate the and all Canadian provinces.
  • Page 58 Fold down: Split Folding Rear Seat Backrest Pull locking handle and fold On vehicles with optional split backrest forw ard. folding rear seat backrest you can fold down the two sections Set up: Pull backrest up until it locks in its separately to enlarge the cargo upright position.
  • Page 59 The handling characteristics of a W arning! fully loaded vehicle depend greatly In an accident, during hard on the load distribution. It is th ere ­ braking o r sudden m aneuvers, fore recom m ended to load the loose item s will be throw n vehicle according to the illustra­...
  • Page 60 C argo Tie-D ow n Rings Shelf below Rear W indow (Vehicles with enlarged cargo area) W arning! 1 Ring The shelf below the rear w in ­ dow should not be used to Carefully secure cargo by applying carry objects. This will avoid even load on all four rings with such objects from being rope of sufficient strength to hold...
  • Page 61 electronic key to be turned Notes: clockw ise to position 1.) A warning sounds when the M ost electrical consum ers can driver’s door is opened with the be operated. For detailed infor­ electronic key in steering lock m ation see respective subjects. position 1 or 0.

  • Page 62: Exterior Lam P Switch

    6 C ontrol fo r w indshield w iper/w asher system : Push briefly for a single wipe w ithout adding w asher fluid (use only when w indshield is wet) Push past detent point: • w indshield w asher system •...
  • Page 63 W indshield W asher Fluid Mixing W indshield W iper Sm ears Turn Signal Failure Ratio If the windshield w iper sm ears the If one of the turn signals fails, the For tem peratures above freezing: w indshield, even during rain, turn signal indicator system flashes activate the w asher system as and sounds at a faster than normal...
  • Page 64 Standing lamps, right Fog lam ps will operate with the parking lam ps and/or the low beam (turn left one stop) headlam ps on. Fog lam ps should Standing lamps, left only be used in conjunction with (turn left two stops) low beam headlam ps.
  • Page 65 Night Security Illum ination Inside Rear View Mirror A ntiglare N ight Position (Vehicles with A ntitheft Alarm M anually adjust the mirror. W ith the electronic key in steering System) lock position 2, the m irror reflection Use your inside m irror to determ ine W hen exiting the vehicle after brightness responds to changes in the size and distance of objects...
  • Page 66 Vehicles with autom atic brightness W arning! response of inside rear view mirror: Exercise care w hen using the W ith the electronic key in steering p assenger-side m irror. The lock position 2, the d river’s side p assenger-side exterior m irror m irror reflection brightness is convex (ou tw ard ly curved responds to changes in light...
  • Page 67 Prior to rem oving the ashtray insert, move the gear selector lever to position “ N”. W arning! W ith the gear selector lever in position “N ”, turn off the engine and set the parking brake. O therw ise the vehicle m ight m ove unintentionally.
  • Page 68 Sun Visors Illum inated Vanity M irrors Lighter Turn electronic key in steering lock Swing sun visors down to protect W ith the visor engaged in its against sun glare. inner m ounting, the lam p can be to position 1 or 2. sw itched on by opening the cover.
  • Page 69 Interior Lighting Press to sw itch interior and reading lam ps on or off. 1 Door contact switch: Press to sw itch rear passenger Press once and interior lam ps com partm ent lamp on or off. are sw itched on when opening a door.
  • Page 70 To open cup holder: Storage C om partm ents in Center Storage C om partm ents and Briefly press button (7). The cup C onsole Cupholder holder opens autom atically. To open com partm ent in arm rest: Glove Box Lift lid with handle (4).
  • Page 71 W arning! W hen closing the sliding/ pop-up roof, be sure that there is no dan g er of anyone being harm ed by the closing procedure. Notes: The sliding/pop-up roof can be opened or closed m anually should an electrical m alfunction occur, refer to E m ergency Operation in Index.
  • Page 72 Express O pening and Closing Press switch E B I or 1 8 1 past re­ sistance point and release - w in­ dow opens or closes com pletely. To interrupt procedure, briefly press 1 8 1 or If the upward m ovem ent of the w indow is blocked during the closing procedure, the w indow will stop during the last few inches...
  • Page 73 Note: S ynchronizing Pow er W indow s W arning! The pow er w indow s can also be If the pow er supply was interrupted W hen closing the w indow s, be closed with the m echanical key or (battery disconnected or empty), sure that there is no dan g er of infrared rem ote control while...
  • Page 74 Display Illum ination The display for tem perature, odom eter, oil level indicator, FSS indicator and clock is illum i­ nated briefly when opening the driver door. The display illumination brightness responds autom atically according to changes in the surrounding light sensitivity.
  • Page 75 Notes: W ith vehicle centrally locked, the trunk can also be opened by using < ^5 the rem ote control. Press button. The trunk lid cannot be released by the switch when previously locked separately with the m echanical key. To open, refer to Trunk, separately locked (in Index).
  • Page 76 Program ming or reprogram m ing starts to flash rapidly. This W arning! m eans that the integrated the rem ote control: W hen program m ing a garage rem ote control has accepted the 1. Turn electronic key in steering door opener, the door moves frequency and code of the lock to position 1 or 2.
  • Page 77 Ski Sack (optional) 6. W rap strap around ski sack and 8. C onnect snap hook (6) of front arm rest (4). strap to eye (7) located on Unfolding center tunnel in front of rear 7. Close clasp (arrow up) and pull 1.
  • Page 78 Folding 4. Fold sides of cover (2) together. 5. Fold and flatten ski sack lengthwise. 1. Close flap in trunk. 2. D isconnect clasp by pressing tabs (arrows) together. 3. D isconnect snap hook (6) from eye (7).
  • Page 79 -'i: P81-0061B13A 6. W rap strap with snap hook 8. Place rear strap in fold of ski 9. Place folded ski sack inside around ski sack. sack. recess of backrest. 7. Fold back the reinforced ski sack tip (8), then continue to roll up the ski sack tightly.
  • Page 80 C ellular Telephone Rem oval of Ski Sack For rem oval o f the ski sack we The vehicle is prepared for the recomm ed that you contact an installation of a cellular telephone. authorized M ercedes-Benz dealer. For further inform ation and instal­ lation contact your authorized M ercedes-Benz dealer.
  • Page 81 Driving Drinking and Driving Exterior Lamp Failure Parking Brake Indicator Lamp Driving O ff Brake Pad W ear Indicator Autom atic Transm ission Lamp Cruise Control Brake W arning Lamp Charge Indicator Lamp Flexible Service System Low Engine Oil Level (FSS) W arning Lamp Antilock Brake System...

  • Page 82: Parking Brake Pedal

    Driving Off Drinking and Driving Apply the service brakes to test W arning! them briefly after driving off. Perform this procedure only when Drinking and driving can be a the road is clear of other traffic. very dangerous com bination. Even a sm all am ount of alcohol W arm up the engine sm oothly.
  • Page 83 Autom atic Transm ission the brake until ready to drive. The A ccelerato r Position vehicle may otherw ise start creep­ The autom atic transm ission selects Partial throttle = early upshifting = ing when the selector lever is in individual gears autom atically, norm al acceleration drive or reverse position.
  • Page 84 Note: D The transm ission autom atically upshifts to 5th gear. Position “D” The electronic key can be provides optim um driving rem oved from the steering lock characteristics under all normal only with the foot off the brake operating conditions. pedal and the selector lever in position “...
  • Page 85 Important! Depending on the degree of the Stopping incline, shift selector lever to a With selector lever in position “ D”, For brief stops, e.g. at traffic lights, lower gear range early enough to “4” or “3”, upshifting from 1st to 2nd leave the transm ission in gear and maintain engine RPM within the to 3rd gear is delayed depending...

  • Page 86: Instrum Ent Cluster

    S Standard mode Em ergency O peration (Lim p Hom e Mode) Press switch on sym bol “S” . Use this mode for all regular If vehicle acceleration w orsens, or driving. the transm ission no longer shifts, the transm ission is m ost likely The vehicle starts out in 1st operating in Lim p Hom e Mode gear.
  • Page 87 Norm ally the vehicle is a cceler­ 3 Canceling ated to the desired speed with the To cancel the cruise control, accelerator. briefly push lever to position 3. Speed is set by briefly pushing the W hen you step on the brake or lever to position 1 or 2.
  • Page 88 Caution! Note: W arning! Moving gear selector lever to If the engine does not brake the O nly use the cruise control if position “ N” sw itches the cruise vehicle sufficiently w hile driving on the traffic and w eath er con ­ a dow ngrade, the speed you set on control off.
  • Page 89 Charge Indicator Lamp Low Engine Oil Level W arning If no oil leaks are noted, continue Lamp to drive to the nearest service Should the charge indicator lamp station w here the engine oil should fail to com e on prior to starting With the electronic key in steering be topped to the “fu ll”...
  • Page 90 T ach o m eter Fuel Reserve and Fuel Cap Engine Oil C onsum ption Placem ent W arning Lam p Red m arking on tachom eter: Engine oil consum ption checks Excessive engine speed. W ith the electronic key in steering should only be m ade after the lock position 2, the fuel reserve break-in period.
  • Page 91 O utside Tem peratu re Indicator C oolant Tem perature Gauge W arning! The tem perature sensor is located If the antifreeze m ixture is effec­ • D riving when you r engine is in the front bum per area. Due to its tive to ~22°F (-3 0 °C ), the boiling badly overheated can cause location, the sensor can be affect­...
  • Page 92 Low Engine C oolant Level Low W indshield and H eadlam p In cases of m ajor or frequent m inor W asher System Fluid Level W arning Lam p coolant loss, have the cooling W arning Lam p system checked at your authorized W ith the electronic key in steering M ercedes-Benz dealer as soon as lock position 2, the warning lamp...
  • Page 93 Exterior Lam p Failure Indicator Brake Pad W ear Indicator Lam p W arning! Lamp With the electronic key in steering Driving w ith the brake warning With the electronic key in steering lock position 2, the brake pad w ear lam p on can result in an acci­...
  • Page 94 Once the suggested term has passed, the message plus symbol | £ 3 or E 3 , preceded by a - (m inus sym bol) blinks, when turning the electronic key to position 2. The FSS display can also be called up for approx.
  • Page 95 The counter can also be set by any 5. Release button 0. M odel C 230: individual. To do so: If the FSS counter was inadver­ The FSS allows for distances 1. Turn electronic key in steering tently reset, have a M ercedes- betw een 10 000 m iles (Canada: lock to position 2.
  • Page 96 Antilock Brake System (ABS) ABS Control W arning! Important! The ABS m alfunction indicator ABS cannot prevent the lamp in the instrum ent cluster The AB S im proves steering control natural laws of physics from com es on with the electronic key in of the vehicle during braking acting on the vehicle, nor can steering lock position 2 and should...
  • Page 97 Brake A ssist System (BAS) The Brake A ssist System is de­ If the BAS/ASR or BAS/ESP signed to m axim ize the ve hicle ’s m alfunction indicator lam p com es W arning! braking capability during em ergen­ on perm anently w hile the engine is cy braking m aneuvers by having running, a m alfunction has been...
  • Page 98 A cceleration Slip R egulation Caution! If the BAS m alfunctions, the brake system functions in the usual (ASR) If the vehicle is towed with the front m anner, but w ithout BAS. The acceleration slip regulation will axle raised (see Towing the vehicle Have the BAS or ASR checked at engage at all vehicle speeds, if one in Index), the engine m ust be shut...
  • Page 99 With the ASR system sw itched off, The ASR warning lam p, located in the engine torque reduction feature the speedom eter dial, starts to is cancelled. Therefore, the en­ flash at any vehicle speed as soon hanced vehicle stability offered by as the tires lose traction and the ASR is unavailable.
  • Page 100 Driving the vehicle with varied size Electronic S tability Program Notes: tires w ill cause the w heels to rotate (ESP) (optional) The indicator lam p for the ESP is at different speeds, therefore the com bined with that o f the BAS. The ESP enhances directional electronic stability program may control and reduces driving wheel...
  • Page 101 W ith the ESP system switched off, The ESP w arning lamp, located in the engine torque reduction feature the speedom eter dial, starts to is cancelled. Therefore, the flash at any vehicle speed as soon enhanced vehicle stability offered as the tires lose traction and the by ESP is unavailable.
  • Page 102 O n-B oard D iagnostic System Em ission C ontrol W arning! The S equential M ultiport Fuel Certain system s o f the engine Inhalation of exhaust gas is Injection (SFI) control m odule serve to keep the toxic com po­ hazardous to your health.
  • Page 103 W inter Driving • Tires: W e recom m end M+S For tips on driving on slippery radial-ply tires on all four wheels w inte r roads, refer to Index. Have your car w interized at your for the w inter season. Observe authorized M ercedes-Benz dealer V ehicles with Acceleration Slip perm issible m axim um speed for...
  • Page 105 Practical Hints Hood Jum p Starting C hecking C oolant Level Tow ing the Vehicle Adding C oolant C leaning and Care of Checking Engine Oil Level the Vehicle Autom atic Transm ission E lectronic Main Key, Fluid Level Rem ote C ontrol Trunk Lamp Front Head R estraints Stowing Things in the Vehicle...
  • Page 106 W arning! To help prevent personal injury, stay clear of moving parts w hen the hood is open and the engine is running. Be sure the hood is properly closed before driving. W hen closing hood, use extrem e caution not to catch hands or fingers.
  • Page 107 Adding C oolant • Do not rem ove pressure If coolant has to be added, a cap on coolant reservoir if 50/50 m ixture of w ater and engine tem p eratu re is MB anticorrosion/antifreeze should above 194°F (90°C). Allow be added.
  • Page 108 To check the engine oil level, Oil level m ust be between park vehicle on level ground, the low er (min) and with engine at normal upper (max) m ark of the operational tem perature. dipstick. C heck engine oil level approxim ately 5 m inutes after stopping the engine, allowing for Fill quantity betw een upper and...
  • Page 109 The sym bol E 9 flashes in the odom eter field if a proper oil level check ca nn ot be perform ed. The oil level check can be repeated after a short while. Perform the oil level check with the dipstick, if it cannot be com pleted via the odom eter display field.
  • Page 110 Stowing Things in the Vehicle Trunk Lamp If the trunk is to remain open for a W arning! long period of time, the trunk lamp can be switched off by pulling out To help avoid personal injury the plunger in the switch (arrow). during a collision or sudden This prevents the vehicle battery m aneuver, exercise care when...
  • Page 111 Lift trunk flo or and engage handle in upper edge of the trunk. To rem ove spare tire: Turn luggage bowl counterclock­ w ise and rem ove. To store spare tire: Place spare tire in wheel well and secure it with luggage bowl. Turn luggage bowl clockw ise to its stop.
  • Page 112 W heels W arning! R eplace rims or tires with the same The jack is designed ex­ designation, m anufacturer and type clusively for jacking up the as show n on the original part. See vehicle at the jack tubes built yo ur authorized M ercedes-Benz into either side of the vehicle.
  • Page 113 Tire R eplacem ent Im portant! W arning! Front tires should be replaced in U nidirectional tires m ust alw ays be W orn, old tires can cause m ounted with arrow on tire sidewall sets. Furtherm ore - in the event of accidents.
  • Page 114 C hanging W heels W arning! Move vehicle to a level area which The jack is designed ex­ is a safe distance from the road­ clusively for jacking up the way. vehicle at the jack tubes built into either side of the vehicle. 1.
  • Page 115 5. Rem ove the protective cover 6. Insert jack arm fully into the tube R em ove wheel. Grip wheel from the jack support tube hole up to the stop. Place jack from the sides. Keep hands opening by inserting the screw ­ on firm ground.
  • Page 116 Before storing the jack, the jack arm m ust be lowered alm ost to the base of the jack. W arning! Always replace w heel bolts that are dam aged or rusted. Never apply oil or grease to w heel bolts. Dam aged w heel hub threads should be repaired im m ediately.
  • Page 117 Tire Inflation Pressure pressures for heavy loads produce W arning! favorable handling characteristics A table (see fuel filler flap) lists the Do not o verin flate tires. with lighter loads and are perfectly tire inflation pressures specified for O verinflating tires can result in permissible.
  • Page 118 Exterior Lam ps Headlam p A d ju stm ent Correct headlam p adjustm ent is extrem ely im portant. C heck and readjust headlam ps at regular intervals and when a bulb has been replaced. P82.10-0419-20 P82.10-0418-20 Headlam p A ssem bly Headlam p horizontal adjustm ent screw 1 C over for low beam headlam p...
  • Page 119 Replacing Bulb: Bulb for Low Beam H7 (55 W) Bulb for High Beam H1 (55 W) Bulb for Fog Lam p H1 (55 W) To prevent a possible electrical Open hood. short circuit, sw itch off lam p prior to Open hood.
  • Page 120 Turn Signal, Parking, Side 1 Latch fo r turn signal, parking, M arker and Standing Lam p side m arker, and standing lamp (2357 NA [28.5/8.3 W /30/2.2 cp assem bly bulb]) 2 Bulb socket for turn signal, Open hood. parking, side m arker, and standing lam p Squeeze latch (1) together and lift...
  • Page 121 P82.10-0420-20 P82.10-0417-20 A djusting H eadlam p (Halogen) 1. Park vehicle on level surface M ove vehicle on the level approxim ately inches surface 25 feet (7.6 m) straight C orrect headlam p adjustm ent is (152 mm) from a vertical test back from the wall.
  • Page 122 6. Horizontal headlam p aim 7. The indicator (6) in the sight (low beam s on): glass should align with the “0” m ark after any horizontal Turn adjusting screw (5) (Right adjustm ent. If it does not, slide front headlam p: counterclock­ the “0 ”...
  • Page 123 3. Mark a horizontal centerline (9) at a height of 2 2 inches (570 mm) on the test screen. It m ust be at a 90° angle to the vertical centerline. 4. Open hood. 5. Vertical headlam p aim (low beam s on): Turn adjusting screw s (1 and 2) equally in direction and turns (counterclockw ise to adjust...
  • Page 124 To replace bulbs: Taillam p A ssem blies From inside trunk, open locks and 1 Stop lamp swing open lam p cover. (21 W /32 cp bulb) 2 Turn signal lamp Turn locking lever on lamp to (21 W /32 cp bulb) horizontal position and rem ove bulb carrier.
  • Page 125 Battery The service life of the battery is W hile the engine is running the dependent on its condition of battery term inal clam ps m ust not charge. The battery should always be loosened or detached, other­ W arning! be kept sufficiently charged, in wise the generator and other Failure to follow these...
  • Page 126 2 Auxiliary fuse box in trunk 4 Auxiliary fuse in engine 1 Main fuse box in engine com partm ent com partm ent 3 Auxiliary fuse in trunk Fuses To gain access to the main fuse After replacing a blown fuse, box, release clam p (1), lift the fuse close fuse box cover.
  • Page 127 Jum p Starting If the battery is discharged, the Im portant! engine should be started with 3. C lam p one end of the first jum per cables and the (12 V) W arning! jum pe r cable to the positive battery of another vehicle.
  • Page 128 W e recom m end that the vehicle be 6. After the engine has started, transported using flat bed rem ove jum pe r cables by equipm ent. This m ethod is pre­ exactly reversing the above ferable to other types of towing. installation sequence, starting with the last connection made The vehicle may be tow ed with all...
  • Page 129 Caution! Caution! W arning! Vehicles with A cceleration Slip Vehicles w ith Electronic Stability With the engine not running, R egulation (ASR) System (ESP) there is no pow er assistance for the braking and steering If the vehicle is towed with the front If the vehicle is tow ed with the front system s.
  • Page 130 Cleaning and C are of the Vehicle w ashing reduces and/or elim inates because of the possibility of incom patibility between m aterials the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse influences. used in the production process and W arning! others applied later.
  • Page 131 Engine C leaning Thoroughly spray the car with a T ar Stains diffused jet of water. Direct only a Prior to cleaning the engine Q uickly rem ove ta r stains before very w eak spray tow ards the com partm ent m ake sure to protect they dry and becom e m ore difficult ventilation intake.
  • Page 132 Headliner and U pholstery Seat Belts Shelf below Rear W indow Using afterm arket seat covers or The w ebbing m ust not be treated Clean with soft bristle brush, or use w earing clothing that have the with chem ical cleaning agents. Use a dry-sham poo cleaner in case of tendency to give off coloring (e.g.
  • Page 133 Light Alloy W heels Paintwork, Painted Body Ornam ental M oldings Com ponents M ercedes-Benz approved W heel For regular cleaning and care of M ercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be used for regular very dirty chrom e-plated parts, use Care should be applied when w ater cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
  • Page 134 P80.30-0452-20 P80.30-0453-20 P80.30-0454-20 C hanging Batteries: Insert m echanical key (2) in side Electronic M ain Key R em ote C ontrol opening (3). Press briefly (do not Move lock (1) in direction of right use key as lever) to release battery arrow and slide out m echanical key 1 T ransm it buttons com partm ent.
  • Page 135 Important! S ynchronizing R em ote Control: Batteries contain m aterials that can The rem ote control m ay have to be harm the environm ent if disposed resynchronized, if the vehicle of im properly. Recycling of batte­ cannot be locked or unlocked. ries is the preferred m ethod of d is­...
  • Page 136 Front Head R estraints W arning! For your protection, drive only with properly positioned head restraints. Do not drive the vehicle w ith ­ out the seat head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident. For positioning of head restraints refer to sections M anual Seats, Pow er Seats, and H ead Restraints,...
  • Page 137 P 9 1.10-0377-20 Rear Seat C ushion Em ergency O peration of To slide the roof closed or to raise Sliding/Pop-Up Roof the roof at the rear: turn crank Removal: Push in locking tabs (on clockw ise. left and right side o f seat) and pull The sliding/pop-up roof can be up seat at the front.
  • Page 138 R eplacing W ip er B lade Insert For safety reasons, rem ove electronic key from steering lock before replacing the w ipe r blade, otherw ise the m otor can suddenly turn on and cause injury. Notes: Do not open engine hood with w iper arm folded forward.
  • Page 139 P82 0102 B13 M anual Release of Fuel Filler R oof Rack H eadlam p W iper Blades Flap Use only those roof racks Removal: The m anual release knob is approved by M ercedes-B enz to Fold w iper arm forw ard. Push pin located behind the right side avoid dam age to the vehicle.
  • Page 140 Spare Parts Service All authorized M ercedes-Benz dealers m aintain a stock of original spare parts required fo r m ainte­ nance and repair work. In addition, strategically located parts distribu­ tion centers provide quick and reliable parts service. More than 300,000 different spare parts, even for older models, are available.
  • Page 141 Technical Data Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc. Consumer Information Identification Labels Vehicle Data Card W arranty C overage Technical Data C 230 C 280 Fuels, C oolants, Lubricants etc. C apacities Engine O ils Engine Oil Additives Air C onditioner R efrigerant Brake Fluid Prem ium Unleaded G asoline Fuel R equirem ents...

  • Page 142: Identification Labels

    Identification Labels W hen ordering spare parts, please specify vehicle identification and engine num bers. 1 C ertification Label 2 Vehicle Identification No. 3 Identification Label (low er edge of w indshield) 4 Engine No. C 230, rear left, C 280, rear right, 5 Body No.

  • Page 143: Vehicle Data Card

    Loss of O w n e r’s S ervice and W arranty Coverage W arran ty Inform ation Booklet Your car is covered under the term s of the “w arranties” printed in Should you lose yo ur O w ner’s the O w ner’s Service and W arranty Service and W arranty Inform ation Inform ation booklet and your...

  • Page 144: Technical Data C 230

    Technical Data C 230 Rims - Tires Model_____________________ C 230 (202 023)1 Rims Engine (light alloy rims) 7 J x 15 H 2 1.46 in (37 mm) W heel offset 4-stroke engine, Mode of operation gasoline injection All season tires: Radial-ply tires 205/60 R 15 91 H No.
  • Page 145 Technical Data C 230 Electrical System W eights See certification tag Roof load max.__________ 220 lb (100 kg) G enerator (alternator) 1 4 V /9 0 A Trunk load max. Starter m otor 12 V/1.4 kW 220 lb (100 kg) Battery 12 V/100 Ah Spark plugs...
  • Page 146 Technical Data C 280 Model_____________________ C 280 (202 029)1 Rims - Tires Rims Engine (light alloy rims) 7 J x 15 H 2 W heel offset 1.46 in (37 mm) Mode o f operation 4-stroke engine, gasoline injection All season tires: Radial-ply tires 205/60 R 15 91 H No.
  • Page 147 Technical Data C 280 W eights See certification tag Main Dim ensions Roof load max. 220 lb (100 kg) Overall vehicle length 177.4 in (4507 mm) Trunk load max. 220 lb (100 kg) O verall vehicle width 67.7 in (1720 mm) O verall height 56.1 in (1424 mm) W heel base...

  • Page 148: Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants Etc

    Fuels, C oolants, Lubricants etc. - Capacities Vehicle com ponents and their respective lubricants must match. Therefore use only brands tested and recom m ended by us. Please refer to the Factory Approved Service Products pamphlet, or inquire at your authorized M ercedes-Benz dealer. Model C apacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
  • Page 149 Model Capacity Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. W indshield w asher approx. 5.3 US qt (5.0 I) MB W indshield w asher and headlam p concentrate “S” 1 cleaning system C 230 approx. 10.0 US qt (9.5 I) iv iD M n ii c o r r o s io n / a n i iT r e e z e C 280 approx.

  • Page 150: Engine Oils

    Air C onditioner R efrigerant Brake Fluid Engine Oils O zone-friendly R-134a (HFC) During vehicle operation, the Engine oils are specifically tested for their suitability in our engines. refrigerant and special PAG boiling point of the brake fluid is Therefore, use only engine oils lubricating oil is used in the air continuously reduced through the recom m ended by M ercedes-Benz.

  • Page 151: Prem Ium Unleaded G Asoline

    Prem ium U nleaded G asoline Fuel Requirem ents G asoline A dditives Caution! Use only Prem ium unleaded A m ajor concern am ong engine meeting ASTM standard D 439: m anufacturers is carbon build up To m aintain the eng in e ’s durability caused by gasoline.

  • Page 152: C Oolants

    heat transfer capability of the Therefore the follow ing product is C oolants solution. Therefore, do not use strongly recom m ended fo r use in The engine coolant is a m ixture of yo u r car: M ercedes-Benz A n ticor­ more than this am ount of anti­...

  • Page 153: C Onsum Er Inform Ation

    C onsum er Inform ation depart significantly from the norm under controlled conditions on a due to variations in driving habits, specified indoor laboratory test This has been prepared as re­ service practices and differences in wheel. Sustained high tem perature quired of all m anufacturers of road characteristics and clim ate.

  • Page 154: Problems With Your Vehicle

    If you should experience a problem with your vehicle, particularly one that you believe may affect its safe operation, we urge you to immediately contact your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss...

  • Page 155: Reporting Safety Defects

    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz of North America Inc.. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
  • Page 157 Index...

  • Page 158: A Utom Atic Clim Ate Control

    BabySmart7M 48 ABS 83, 9 4 - 9 6 , 98 C apacities: Fuels, coolants, A cceleration slip regulation (ASR) BAS 9 5 - 9 6 , 98 lubricants etc. 146 Battery 123 C argo area 56 Battery not being charged C atalytic converter 15 Air cond itio ne r refrigerant 148 Charge indicator lam p 1 6 ,8 7...
  • Page 159 Daytime running lam ps 62 First aid kit 109 Keys, vehicle 26 Display illum ination 72 Flexible service system 92 Doors 32 FSS 9 2 - 9 3 Lam ps, exterior Drinking and d riving 80 Fuel Fog lam ps 62 Driving instructions 17 G asoline additives 149 H eadlam p, a djusting 119, 121...
  • Page 160 Shelf below rear w indow 58 T ru n k lam p 108 Parking brake 1 6 - 1 7 , 19, 65, T runk lid 8 0 - 8 3 , 91, 96, 98, 100, 110, Ski sack 75 S liding/pop-up roof 28, 30, 35, R elease sw itch 73 112, 125...

  • Page 161: Service And Literature

    Service and Literature W arning! Your authorized M ercedes-Benz dealer has trained To help avoid personal injury, be extrem ely technicians and original M ercedes-Benz parts to careful w hen perform ing any service w o rk or service your vehicle properly. For expert advice and repairs.
  • Page 162 The engine com partm ent of model Check R egularly and B efore a Long Trip C 230 is illustrated. 1 Fuel Supply Open flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in tank has been released, then rem ove cap.
  • Page 163 Coolant: W hat You Should Know at the Gas Station For normal replenishing, use w ater (potable water • Fuel: quality). Use prem ium unleaded gasoline: Posted O ctane For further inform ation (e.g. anticorrosion/ Index 91 (Average of 96 RON/86 MON). antifreeze), refer to Index.

This manual is also suitable for:

C 280 1998

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