Mercedes-Benz C 230 1998, C 280 1998 Owner's Manual

What You Should Know at the Gas Station

See last page

Drive Sensibly - Save Fuel

Fuel consumption, to a great extent, depends on driving habits and operat ing conditions.

To save fuel you should:

• keep tires at the recommended

inflation pressures,

• remove unnecessary loads,

• remove roof rack when not in use,

• allow engine to warm up under low

load use,

• avoid frequent acceleration and

deceleration,

• have all maintenance work per

formed at regular intervals by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

MERCEDES-BENZ

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

1-800-FOR MERCedes (in the U.S.A.) 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

P98.00-0656-20

Fuel consumption is also increased by driving in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic, on short trips and in hilly country.

Mercedes-Benz

Owner’s Manual

C 230 C 280

Kindly observe the following in your own best interests:

We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and accessories explicitly approved by us for your vehicle model.

We have subjected these parts to a special test in which their reliability, safety and their special suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles have been determined.

We are unable to make an assessment for other products

and therefore cannot be held responsible for them, even if in

individual cases an official approval or authorization by governmental or approval agencies should exist. Use of such parts and accessories could adversely affect the safety performance or reliability of your vehicle. 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 comprehensive information, also on permissible technical modifications, and where proper installation will be performed.

P rin te d in G e rm a ny

We reserve the right to modify the technical details of the vehicle as given in the data and illustrations of this Owner's Manual. Reprinting, translation and copying, even of excerpts, is not permitted without our prior authorization in writing.

Press time 04/30/97 MBNA/TI 16K

Our company and staff congratulate you on the

purchase of your new Mercedes-Benz.

Your selection of our product is a demonstration of your

trust in our company name. Further, it exemplifies your

desire to own an automobile that will be as easy as

possible to operate and provide years of service.

Your Mercedes-Benz represents the efforts of many skilled engineers and craftsmen. To ensure your pleasure of ownership, and for your safety and that of your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of your time:

• Please read this manual carefully before putting it

aside.

• Please abide by the recommendations contained in

this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.

We extend our best wishes for many miles of safe,

pleasurable driving.

Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

Introduction

This Owner’s Manual contains a great deal of useful information. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the vehicle before driving.

For your own safety and longer service life of the vehicle, we urge you to follow the instructions and warnings contained in this manual. Ignoring them could result in damage to the vehicle or personal injury to you or others. Vehicle damage caused by

failure to follow instructions is not covered by the

Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty. Your vehicle may have some or all of the equipment

described in this manual. Therefore, you may find explanations for optional equipment not installed in

your vehicle. If you have any questions about the

operation of any equipment, your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will be glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.

Owner’s Service and Warranty Information

The Owner’s Service and Warranty Information booklet contains detailed information about the warranties covering your Mercedes-Benz, including:

• New Car Limited Warranty,

• Emission System Warranty,

• Emission Performance Warranty,

• California Emission Control System Warranty (California only),

• State Warranty Enforcement Laws (Lemon Laws).

Important Notice for California Retail Buyers of Mercedes-Benz Automobiles

Under California law you may be entitled to a replacement of your vehicle or a refund of the purchase price, if Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. or its authorized dealer fails to conform the vehicle to its express warranties after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the period of one year or 12 000 miles from original delivery of the vehicle. A reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer (1) if the vehicle is out of service by reason of repair of substantial non conformities for a cumulative total of more than 30 calendar days or (2) the same substantial non conformity has been subject to repair four or more times and you have at least once directly notified

us in writing of the need to repair the non-con formity and have given us an opportunity to per form the repair ourselves. Notifications should be sent to the nearest Mercedes-Benz Regional Office listed in the Owner’s Service and Warranty Information Booklet.

Maintenance

The Service Booklet describes all the necessary maintenance work which should be performed at regular intervals.

Always have the Service Booklet with you when you take the vehicle to your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for service. The service advisor will record each service in the booklet for you.

Roadside Assistance

The Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program provides factory trained technical help in the event of a breakdown. Calls to the toll-free Roadside

Assistance number:

1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the U.S.A.)

1-800-387-0100 (in Canada)

will be answered by Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Representatives 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For additional information refer to the Mercedes- Benz Roadside Assistance Program brochure in your glove box.

Change of Address or Ownership

If you change your address, be sure to send in the “Change of Address Notice” found in the Owner’s

Service and W arranty Information booklet, or simply call the Mercedes-Benz Custom er Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1 -800-FOR-MERCedes. It is in your own interest that we can contact you should the need arise.

If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all owner’s literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next owner.

If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used Car” found in the Owner’s Service and Warranty Information booklet, or call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes.

Operating Your Vehicle Outside the U.S.A. or Canada

If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:

• service facilities or replacement parts may not be readily available,

• unleaded gasoline for vehicles with catalytic

converters may not be available; the use of leaded fuels will damage the catalysts,

• gasoline may have a considerably lower octane rating, and improper fuel can cause engine damage.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models are available for delivery in Europe under our European Delivery Program. For details, consult your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or write to:

Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc. European Delivery Department One Mercedes Drive Montvale, NJ 07645

In Canada write to: Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.

European Delivery Department 849 Eglinton Avenue East

Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5

We continuously strive to improve our product, and ask for your understanding that we reserve the right to make changes in design and equipment. Therefore, information, illustrations and descriptions in this Owner’s Manual might differ from your vehicle.

Optional equipment is also described in this manual, including operating instructions wherever necessary. Since they are special-order items, the descriptions and illustrations herein may vary slightly from the actual equipment of your vehicle.

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.

Instruments and Controls

Starting the Engine

Driving Instructions

Operation

Driving

Practical Hints

Technical Data

Fuels, Coolants, Lubricants etc.

Consumer Information

Index

Literature

The First 1000 Miles

(1500 km)

The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its performance later on. Therefore, drive your vehicle during the first

1000 miles (1500 km) at moderate

vehicle and engine speeds. During this period, avoid heavy

loads (full throttle driving) and excessive engine speeds.

Avoid accelerating by kickdown. It

is not recommended to brake the

vehicle by manually shifting to a

lower gear. We recommend to se lect positions “3”, “2” or “1” only at moderate speeds (for hill driving).

After 1000 miles (1500 km) speeds

may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum.

Check Regularly and Before a Long Trip

See Index

Maintenance

We strongly recommend that you

have your vehicle serviced by your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, in accordance with the Service

Booklet.

Failure to have the vehicle maintained in accordance with the Service Booklet may result in vehicle damage not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Radio Transmitters

Warning! Never operate radio transmit

ters equipped with a built-in or attached antenna (i.e. without being connected to an external antenna) from inside the vehicle while the engine is running. Doing so could lead to a malfunction of the vehi cle’s electronic system, possi bly resulting in an accident and personal injury.

Radio transmitters, such as a port able telephone or a citizens band unit, should only be used inside the vehicle if they are connected to an antenna that is installed on the outside of the vehicle.

Refer to the radio transmitter operation instructions regarding use of an external antenna.

Instruments and Controls

Starting the Engine

Driving Instructions

Instruments and Controls 10 Instrument Cluster 12

Indicator Lamp Symbols 13 Catalytic Converter 15 Starting and Turning Off

the Engine 16

Driving Instructions 17

Instruments and Controls

For more detailed descriptions see Index. For adjustments of air outlets, refer to Automatic

Climate Control (see Index).

1 Side air outlet, adjustable 2 Air volume control for side air outlet 3 Exterior lamp switch 4 Parking brake release 5 Hood lock release 6 Parking brake pedal 7 Steering wheel adjustment lever 8 Combination switch

9 Cruise control switch 10 Horn, airbag 11 Instrument cluster 12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch 13 Center air outlets, adjustable 14 Air volume control for center air outlets 15 Glove box (illuminated with electronic key in

steering lock position 1 or 2)

16 Left front seat heater switch 17 ASR or ESP control switch 18 Switch for rear seat head restraints 19 Hazard warning flasher switch 20 Central locking switch,

Indicator lamp for antitheft alarm system 21 Right front seat heater switch 22 Automatic climate control

Rear window defroster switch 23 Audio system 24 Open storage compartment 25 Ashtray with lighter 26 Storage/eyeglasses compartment 27 Power window switches, front doors 28 Power window safety switch, rear doors 29 Airbag off indicator lamp 30 Power window switches, rear doors 31 Trunk lid release switch 32 Mirror adjustment switch

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Cluster

1 Coolant temperature gauge. See Index

2 Fuel gauge with reserve and fuel cap placement

warning lamp (yellow). See Index 3 Outside temperature indicator. See Index 4 Left turn signal indicator lamp (green)

5 ASR warning lamp (yellow) or

ESP warning lamp (yellow). See Index

6 Speedometer 7 Trip odometer, See Index

Main odometer, or

FSS indicator. See Index Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)

Tachometer. See Index

10 11 Clock. See Index 12

Push buttons for intensity of instrument lamps

See Index

Push button for resetting trip odometer.

See Index

14 Push buttons for setting clock. See Index

Indicator Lamp Symbols Function Indicator Lamp

High beam

Warning Lamps

(should go out with the engine running unless)

--------------

ASR or ESP. Adjust driving to road condition. See Index

Fluid level for windshield and headlamp washer system low. See Index

Coolant level low. See Index

Engine oil level low. See Index

Brake pads worn down. See Index

Brake fluid low (except Canada).

Parking brake engaged. See Index

Brake fluid low (Canada only).

Parking brake engaged.

See Index

£ 3

SRS

Battery not being charged properly. See Index

Exterior lamp failure. See Index

BAS malfunction. See Index ASR malfunction. See Index

BAS malfunction. See Index ESP malfunction. See Index

ABS malfunction. See Index

Fasten seat belts. See Index

SRS malfunction. See Index Telescoping steering column not locked.

See Index Engine malfunction indicator lamp.

If the lamp comes on when the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management system or emission control system, or the fuel cap is not closed tight. In either case, we recommend that you have the malfunction checked as soon as possible. See Index

Instrument Cluster

Indicator Lamp Symbols

Additional Function Indicator Lamps in the Instrument Cluster

Function Indicator Lamp on the Center Console

FSS indicator (distance). See Index

FSS indicator (days). See Index

Passenger Airbag automatically switched off. See Index

Catalytic Converter

Your Mercedes-Benz is equipped with monolithic type catalytic converters, an important element in conjunction with the oxygen sensors to achieve substantial control of the pollutants in the exhaust emissions. Keep your vehicle in proper operating condition by following our recommended maintenance instructions as outlined in your Service Booklet.

Caution!

To prevent damage to the catalytic converters, use only premium unleaded gasoline in this vehicle.

Any noticeable irregularities in engine operation should be re

paired promptly. Otherwise, excessive unburned fuel may reach the catalytic converter causing it to overheat, which could start a fire.

Warning! As with any vehicle, do not idle,

park or operate this vehicle in areas where combustible materials such as grass, hay or

leaves can come into contact with the hot exhaust system, as these materials could be ignited and cause a vehicle fire.

Catalytic Converter

Indicator Lamp Symbols

Starting and Turning Off the Engine

Before Starting

Ensure that parking brake is en gaged and that selector lever is in position “P” or “N”. Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2. The charge indicator lamp should come on.

Starting (Model C 230)

Do not depress accelerator.

Turn electronic key in steering lock clockwise to the stop. Release electronic key only when the engine is firing regularly.

Starting (Model C 280)

Do not depress accelerator. Briefly turn electronic key in

steering lock clockwise to the stop and release. The starter will engage until the engine is running.

If engine will not run, and the starting procedure stops, turn electronic key completely to the left and repeat starting the engine.

After several unsuccessful attempts, have the system checked at the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Important!

Due to the installed starter non repeat feature, the electronic key must be turned completely to the left before attempting to start the

engine again. The battery charge indicator lamp

should go out as soon as the engine has started.

In areas where temperatures fre quently drop below -4°F (-20°C) we recommend that an engine block heater be installed. Your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will advise you on this subject.

Turning Off

Turn the electronic key in the steering lock to position 0 to stop the engine.

The electronic key can only be removed with the foot off the brake pedal and the selector lever in position “P”.

Driving Instructions Brakes

Warning! If you feel a sudden significant

vibration or ride disturbance, or you suspect that possible damage to your vehicle has occurred, you should turn on

the hazard flashers, carefully

slow down, and drive with caution to an area which is a safe distance from the roadway.

Inspect the tires and under the vehicle for possible damage. If the vehicle or tires appear unsafe, have it towed to the nearest Mercedes-Benz or tire dealer for repairs.

Power Assistance

Warning! When the engine is not

running, the brake and

steering systems are without

power assistance. Under these circum stances, a much greater effort is necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.

Warning! After driving in heavy rain for

some time without applying the brakes or through water deep enough to wet brake components, the first braking action may be somewhat

reduced and increased pedal

pressure may be necessary.

Be sure to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front.

Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.

It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby signifi cantly reducing their effective ness. It may not be possible to stop the car in sufficient time

to avoid an accident.

The condition of the parking brake system is checked each time the car is in the shop for the required service.

If the parking brake is released and the brake warning lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is

too low.

Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.

Have the brake system inspected at an authorized Mercedes-Benz

dealer immediately. All checks and service work on the

brake system should be carried out by an authorized Mercedes-Benz

dealer.

Install only brake pads and brake

fluid recommended by Mercedes-

Benz.

Warning! If other than recommended

brake pads are installed, or other than recommended brake fluid is used, the braking properties of the vehicle can be degraded to an extent that safe braking is substantially impaired. This could result in an accident.

Starting

Driving Instructions

Caution!

When driving down long and steep grades, relieve the load on the

brakes by shifting into “4”, “3”, “2” or “1”. This helps prevent overheating of the brakes and reduces brake pad wear.

After hard braking, it is advisable to

drive on for some time, rather than immediately parking, so the air stream will cool down the brakes

faster.

Tires

Tread wear indicators (TWI) are required by law. These indicators are located in six places on the tread circumference and become visible at a tread depth of approxi mately 1/16 in (1.5 mm), at which point the tire is considered worn and should be replaced.

The tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

Warning! Do not allow your tires to wear

down too far. As tread depth approaches 1/16 in (1.5 mm),

the adhesion properties on a wet road are sharply reduced.

Depending upon the weather and/or road surface (condi tions), the tire traction varies widely.

Specified tire pressures must be maintained. This applies parti cularly if the tires are subjected to high loads (e.g. high speeds, heavy loads, high ambient temperatures).

Warning! Do not drive with a flat tire. A

flat tire affects the ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose control of the car. Continued driving with a flat tire or driving at high speed with a flat tire will cause ex cessive heat build-up and possibly a fire.

Aquaplaning

Depending on the depth of the

water layer on the road, aqua

planing may occur, even at low speeds and with new tires. Reduce

vehicle speed, avoid track grooves

in the road and apply brakes cautiously in the rain.

Tire Traction

The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on a dry road.

You should pay particular attention to the condition of the road when ever the outside temperatures are

close to the freezing point.

Warning!

If ice has formed on the road,

tire traction will be substan tially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution.

We recommend M+S radial-ply tires for the winter season for all four wheels to insure normal bal anced handling characteristics. On packed snow, they can reduce your stopping distance as com pared with summer tires. Stopping distance, however, is still con siderably greater than when the road is not snow or ice covered.

Tire Speed Rating

Your vehicle is factory equipped

with “H”-rated tires, which have a

European speed rating of 130 mph (210 km/h). An electronic speed limiter prevents your vehicle from exceeding the speed rating.

Despite the tire rating, local speed limits should be obeyed. Use pru dent driving speeds appropriate to prevailing conditions.

Warning! Even when permitted by law,

never operate a vehicle at speeds greater than the maxi mum speed rating of the tires.

Exceeding the maxim um 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.

Parking

Warning! To reduce the risk of personal

injury as a result of vehicle movement, before turning off

the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

1. Keep right foot on brake

pedal.

2. Firmly depress parking

brake pedal.

3. Move the selector lever to

position “P”.

4. Slowly release brake pedal.

5. Turn front wheels towards the road curb.

6. Turn the electronic key to steering lock position 0 and remove.

7. Take your key and lock vehicle when leaving.

Important!

It is advisable to set the parking brake whenever parking or leaving the vehicle. In addition, move selector lever to position “P”.

When parking on hills, always set the parking brake.

______

Winter Driving Instructions

The most important rule for slippery or icy roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid abrupt ac celeration, 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 ad versely affect braking efficiency.

Increased pedal force may become necessary to produce the normal

brake effect. We therefore recom mend 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 is done without endangering other drivers on the road.

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 while observing the safety rules in the previous paragraph.

Warning! If the vehicle becomes stuck in

snow, make sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust pipe and from around the vehicle with engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle interior resulting in unconsciousness and death.

To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation, open a window slightly on the side of the car that is out of the wind.

Deep W ater Caution!

Do not drive through flooded areas or water of unknown depth.

If you must drive through deep water, drive slowly to prevent water from entering the engine compart ment or being ingested by the air intake, possibly causing damage to electrical components or wiring, to engine or transmission that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Passenger Compartment

Warning! Always fasten items being

carried as securely as possible.

In an accident, during hard braking or sudden maneuvers, loose items will be thrown around inside the vehicle, and cause injury to vehicle occu pants unless the items are securely fastened in the

vehicle.

Operation

Automatic Climate Control

Basic Setting - Pleated Seats 41 Combination Switch

Automatic Mode Defogging Windows Defrosting

Rear Window Defroster

Air Recirculation 25 Seat Belts and Supplemental Car Keys Start Lock-Out

Central Locking System

Radio Frequency and

Infrared Remote Control

Mechanical keys Doors

Central Locking Switch 33 Airbags Trunk

Power Windows and Enlarged Cargo Area 56

Sliding/Pop-Up Roof 35

Antitheft Alarm System 36 Backrest Seats, Front

Power Seat

Manual Seat 39

22 Multicontour Seat 23 Armrest, Rear 41

24 Adjusting Telescoping 24 24

26 Restraint System (SRS) 44 Lighter 27 28 BabySmartr/w Airbag

28 Self Test 31 Emergency Tensioning 32 Retractor (ETR)

Steering Column 42

Head Restraints, Rear

Seat Belts 44

Deactivation System

Child Restraint 54 Split Folding Rear Seat Loading Instructions 57

Cargo Tie-Down Rings Shelf below Rear Window

40 Steering Lock

Exterior Lamp Switch Night Security Illumination

Inside Rear View Mirror

43 Exterior Rear View Mirrors

Ashtrays Sun Visors

Vanity Mirrors 48 Interior Lighting 49

Storage Compartments 50 Sliding/Pop-Up Roof

51 Power Windows

56 Clock 58 Garage Door Opener

58 Ski Sack

and Cupholder

Instrument Lamps

Display Illumination

Trip Odom eter Trunk Lid Release Switch

Cellular Telephone

59 60 62 63 63 64 65

66 66 66

69 70 72 72 72

72 73 73 75 78

Automatic Climate Control

The system is always at operation al readiness, except when manual ly switched off.

The automatic climate control only operates with the engine running.

The temperature selector should

be left at the desired temperature setting. The temperature selected is reached as quickly as possible.

The system will not heat or cool any quicker by setting a higher or lower temperature.

1 Air volume control

for center air outlet, turn wheel up to open

2 Air volume control

for side air outlet. To open air outlet:

Turn wheel to position

3 Center air outlets,

adjustable

4 Side air outlet,

adjustable

5 Display and Controls The automatic climate control

removes considerable moisture from the air during operation in the cooling mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground through ducts

in the underbody.

Important!

This vehicle is equipped with an air conditioner system that uses

R-134a (HFC: ozone-friendly

hydrofluorocarbon) as a refrigerant.

Repairs should always be per formed by a qualified technician,

and refrigerant should be collected

in a recovery system for recycling.

f X

[5 E C

----------------------------------------------------------

Basic Setting - Automatic Mode

Press DS3 for automatic mode. Sim ultaneously press both

E la n d C 2 for temperature setting of 72°F.

Display and Controls

Press to activate, indicator lamp is on while activated.

B n w Automatic mode

Raise temperature

Lower temperature

Defrost

P83.40-0345-22

Air recirculation

Rear window defroster

E a Air distribution, manual

Economy mode

Air volume, manual

Residual engine heat utilization

1E°F

Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically.

This setting can be used all year around.

Economy

The function of this setting corresponds to the automatic mode. However, because the air conditioning compressor will not engage (fuel savings), it is not possible to air condition in this setting.

Press E l button to activate. Press E l button once again to

return to previous setting.

88 AUTO MA X

Operation

Special Settings (use only for short duration)

Defogging Windows

Switch off button. Press QQ3 button. Press 1 3 button repeatedly until

air is directed upward.

-|C °C tt>; — ■[=□□□□

1C I V/"* 0 & AU T O MAX

Turn wheels (2) to position E 3 to open left and right air outlets (4). Adjust air outlets upward.

Defrosting

Turn wheels (2) to position ISJSJ to open left and right air outlets (4). Adjust air outlets upward.

Press Ema button. Maximum heat ed and automatically controlled amount of air is directed to the windshield and side windows.

0 S g A lff O MAX

Press Ifra button once again to

return to previous setting.

Rear Window Defroster

Turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2.

To select, press to fij button. To cancel, press UnU button again.

Note: Heavy accumulation of snow and

ice should be removed before

activating the defroster. The rear window defroster uses a

large amount of power. To keep the battery drain to a minimum, turn off the defroster as soon as the window is clear.

The defroster is automatically turned off after a maximum of

12 minutes of operation.

If several power consumers are turned on simultaneously, or the

battery is only partially charged, it

is possible that the defroster will

automatically turn itself off. When

this happens, the indicator lamp

inside the switch starts blinking.

As soon as the battery has suffi

cient voltage, the defroster auto

matically turns itself back on.

Air Distribution

“ I D°C k J — «■!=□□□□

1C I V/" * 0 &AU T O M AX

____________________________________________

Press c a button repeatedly until the requested symbol is displayed.

Air Volume

Press - or +side of rocker switch BiS until the requested blower speed is attained. A choice of 7 blower speeds is available.

To switch the automatic climate control off, press -sid e of rocker switch until symbol OFF is displayed.

□FF

The fresh air supply to the car

interior is shut off. While driving, use this setting only

temporarily, otherwise the windshield could fog up.

To switch the automatic climate control on again, press B E ,

or +side of B&H.

Air Recirculation

This mode can be selected to

prevent annoying odors or dust

from entering the car’s interior. Outside air is not supplied to the

car’s interior. To select, press button. To cancel, press button again.

The system will automatically switch from recirculated air to fresh

air

• after approx. 5 minutes at outside temperatures below approx. 40°F (5°C),

• after approx. 30 minutes, at outside temperatures above approx. 40°F (5°C),

• after approx. 5 minutes, if button

o is pressed.

Notes: If the windows should fog up from

the inside, switch from recirculated air back to fresh air.

At high outside temperatures, the system automatically engages the recirculated air mode thereby increasing the cooling capacity performance, switching to partially fresh air within 20 minutes.

Dust Filter

Dust particles (down to a certain

size) and pollen are filtered out

before outside air enters the pas senger compartment through the air distribution system.

Notes:

Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air flow through exhaust slots below the rear window.

Also keep the air intake grille in front of windshield free of snow and debris.

Residual Engine Heat Utilization

With the engine switched off, it is possible to continue heating the interior for a short while.

Air volume and distribution are controlled automatically.

To select: Turn electronic key in steering lock

to position 1 or 0 or remove electronic key. Close air outlet in rear passenger compartment.

Press ESI button.

This function selection will not activate if the battery charge level is insufficient.

To cancel:

Press E§3 button.

The system will automatically shut off

• if you turn electronic key in steering lock to position 2,

• after approx. 30 minutes,

• if the battery voltage drops.

Car Keys

Included with your vehicle are:

• 2 electronic main keys with integrated radio frequency and infrared remote controls plus

slide out and removable mechanical key.

• 1 electronic reserve key without

remote control functions, plus removable mechanical key.

Warning! When leaving the vehicle al

ways remove the electronic

key from the steering lock, and

lock your vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsuper vised use of vehicle equip

ment may cause serious

personal injury.

_______________

P80.30-0448-20

Electronic main key with integrated radio frequency and infrared remote control, plus

slide out and removable

mechanical key

The remote control (1) operates all locks on the car.

The mechanical keys (2) work only

in the driver’s door, trunk, and storage compartment locks.

The mechanical key can be used

by sliding it out of the remote control.

Move lock (3) in direction of arrow and slide the mechanical key (2, right arrow) until it locks in place.

Move lock (3) in direction of arrow and slide the mechanical key (2, left arrow) to remove.

The remote control transmitter is

located in the electronic main key holder.

The infrared receivers are located

in the front door handles.

Electronic reserve key without remote control functions, plus removable m echanical key.

The electronic reserve key (1) works only in the steering lock.

The mechanical key (2) works only in the driver’s door, trunk, and storage compartment locks.

To use the mechanical key (2), remove it from its electronic reserve key (1).

Notes:

We recommend that you carry the electronic reserve key with mech

anical key with you and keep it in a

safe place (e.g. your wallet) so that

it is always handy. Never leave the electronic reserve key in the vehicle.

Remove the mechanical key from the electronic main key when using valet parking service. To prevent access to trunk or storage com partments lock them separately.

Obtaining Replacem ent Keys

Your vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent locking system

requiring a special key manu facturing process. For security reasons, replacement keys can only be obtained from your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Start Lock-Out

Important!

Removing the electronic key from

the steering lock activates the start

lock-out. The engine cannot be

started.

Inserting the electronic key in the

steering lock deactivates the start

lockout. Note:

In case the engine cannot be

started, the system is not opera tional. Contact an authorized

Mercedes-Benz dealer or call 1 -800-FOR-MERCedes.

Central Locking System

Radio Frequency and Infrared Remote Control

The electronic main key has an

integrated radio and infrared remote control.

Due to the extended operational range of the remote control, it

could be possible to unintentionally

lock or unlock the vehicle by pressing the transmit button.

A command received by the central

locking system is acknowledged by the function control lamp blinking once.

The vehicle doors, trunk and fuel filler flap can be centrally locked and unlocked.

Opening and closing the windows and sliding/pop-up roof can only be done with the infrared portion of the remote control. Aim transmitter eye (5) at a receiver (6 or 7) and

press transmit button. With vehicle centrally locked, the

trunk can also be opened by using the remote control.

If the electronic key is inserted in steering lock, the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote control.

P80.30-0450-20

Transmit button 6 Infrared receiver in driver’s door

Locking

handle

Unlocking

R f l Opening trunk

(if not key locked)

2 PANIC button 3 Release button for

mechanical key

4 Lamp for battery check

and function control

5 Transmitter eye

+ 135 hidden pages

Mercedes-Benz C 230 1998, C 280 1998 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual