Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon 2003 User Manual
C240
C 240 4MATIC
C320
C 320 4MATIC
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 help assure your driving pleasure,
and also the safety of you and your passengers, we ask you to make a small investment of time:
앫 Please read this manual carefully be-
fore putting it aside. Then return it to
your vehicle where it will be handy for
your reference.
앫 Please follow the recommendations
contained in this manual. They are designed to acquaint you with the operation of your Mercedes-Benz.
앫 Please pay attention to the warnings
and cautions contained in this manual.
They are designed to help improve the
safety of the vehicle operator and occupants.
We extend our best wishes for many miles
of safe, pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
A DaimlerChrysler Company
Product information
Please observe the following in your own
best interest:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts and
accessories explicitly approved by us for
your vehicle model.
We have tested these parts to determine
their reliability, safety and their special
suitability for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
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 other 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.
Introduction
Product information
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as
conversion parts and accessories approved by us are available at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center where you will
receive comprehensive information, also
on permissible technical modifications,
and where proper installation will be performed.
9
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operator’s Manual
This Operator’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 Center will be
glad to demonstrate the proper procedures.
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 Operator’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 Operator’s
Manual, your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Ce nter w ill be glad to in form you o f corr ect
care and operating procedures.
The Operator’s Manual and Service Booklet are important documents and should be
kept with the vehicle.
Service and warranty information
The Service and Warranty Information
Booklet contains detailed information
about the warranties covering your
Mercedes-Benz, including:
앫 New Car Limited Warranty,
앫 Emission System Warranty,
앫 Emission Performance Warranty,
앫 California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont Emission Control System
Warranty
(California, Maine, Massachusetts, and
Vermont only),
앫 State Warranty Enforcement Laws
(Lemon Laws).
10
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Important notice for California retail
buyers and lessees of Mercedes-Benz
automobiles
Under California law you may be entitled to
a replacement of your vehicle or a refund
of the purchase price or lease price, if
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and/or its authorized repair or service facilities fail to fix
one or more substantial defects or malfunctions in the vehicle that are covered by
its express warranty after a reasonable
number of repair attempts. During the period of 18 months from original delivery of
the vehicle or the accumulation of
18000 miles (approx. 29000 km) on the
odometer of the vehicle, whichever occurs
first, a reasonable number of repair attempts is presumed for a retail buyer or
lessee if one or more of the following occurs:
(1) the same substantial defect or mal-
function results in a condition that is
likely to cause death or serious bodily
injury if the vehicle is driven, that defect or malfunction has been subject to
repair two or more times, and you have
directly notified Mercedes-Benz USA,
LLC in writing of the need for its repair,
(2) the same substantial defect or mal-
function of a less serious nature than
category (1) has been subject to repair
four or more times and you have directly notified us in writing of the need for
its repair, or
(3) the vehicle is out of service by reason
of repair of the same or different substantial defects or malfunctions for a
cumulative total of more than
30 calender days. Written notification
should be sent to us, not a dealer, at
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, Customer
Assistance Center, One Mercedes
Drive, Montvale, NJ 07645-0350.
11
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
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 Center 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 USA)
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 Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or simply call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the USA) at
1-800-FOR-MERCedes, or Customer Service (in Canada) at 1-800-387-0100. It is in
your own interest that we can contact you
should the need arise.
If you sell your Mercedes, please leave all
literature with the vehicle to make it available to the next operator.
If you bought this vehicle used, be sure to
send in the “Notice of Purchase of Used
Car” found in the Service and Warranty Information Booklet, or call the
Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in the USA) at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes,
or Customer Service (in Canada) at
1-800-387-0100.
12
Introduction
Operator’s Manual
Operating your vehicle outside the USA
or Canada
If you plan to operate your vehicle in foreign countries, please be aware that:
앫 Service facilities or replacement parts
may not be readily available
앫 unleaded gasoline for vehicles with cat-
alytic converters may not be available;
the use of leaded fuels will damage the
catalysts,
앫 gasoline may have a considerably low-
er 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 Center or
write to:
In the USA:
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
European Delivery Department
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European Delivery Department
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5
13
Introduction
Where to find it
Where to find it
This Operator’s Manual is designed to provide comprehensive support information
for you, the vehicle operator. For you to
find information quickly each section has
its own reference color:
At a glance
Here you will find an overview of all the
controls that can be operated from the
driver’s seat.
Getting started
Here you will find all the information you
need for your first drive. You should read
this section first if this is your first
Mercedes-Benz vehicle or if you are renting or borrowing this vehicle.
Safety and Security
Her e yo u w il l f ind de sc rip ti on s of th e s afe ty
features of your vehicle.
Controls in detail
Here you will find detailed information
about the equipment installed in your vehicle. This section expands on the “Getting
started” section and also describes technical innovations. If you are already familiar
with the basic functions of your vehicle,
this section will be of particular interest to
you.
Operation
Here you will find all the information you
need for the proper operation of your vehicle.
Practical hints
This section provides fast assistance for
dealing with problems you may encounter.
Technical data
All important technical data for your vehicle can be found in this section.
Indexes
The glossary provides explanations of the
most important technical terms.
The table of contents and the index are designed to help you find information quickly
and easily.
The following publications are part of your
vehicle documentation:
앫 this Operator’s Manual
앫 the Service Booklet
Separate operating instructions will be
provided as required depending on the
equipment options installed in your vehicle.
14
Symbols
The following symbols are found in this
Operator’s Manual:
Warning! G
Introduction
Symbols
왘 This symbol points to instructions for
you to follow.
* Optional equipment is identified
with an asterisk. Since standard
equipment varies between models,
the descriptions and illustrations in
this manual may differ slightly from
the actual equipment of your vehicle.
Warning notices draw your attention to hazards that may endanger your health or life,
or the health or life of others.
!
Highlights hazards that may result in
damage to your vehicle.
i
Helpful hints or further information you
may find useful.
왘 A number of these symbols appearing
in succession indicates a multiple-step
procedure.
컄 Page This symbol tells you where to
look for further information on a
topic.
컄컄 This continuation symbol marks
an interrupted procedure which
will be continued on the next
page.
-> In the glossary of technical
terms, this symbol is used to
cross-reference term definitions.
Display
Words appearing in the multifunction display are printed in
the type shown here.
15
Introduction
Operating safety
Operating safety
Warning! G
Work improperly carried out on electronic
components and associated software could
cause them to cease functioning. Because
the vehicle’s electronic components are interconnected, any modification made may
produce an undesired effect on other systems.
Electronic system malfunctions could seriously impair the operating safety of your vehicle.
Ensure that any repairs or modifications to
electronic components are carried out by an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Other improper work or modifications on the
vehicle could also have a negative impact on
the operating safety of the vehicle.
Some safety systems only function while the
engine is running. You should therefore never turn off the engine while driving.
Proper use of the vehicle
Proper use of the vehicle requires that you
are familiar with the following information
and rules:
앫 the safety precautions in this manual
앫 the “Technical data” section in this
manual
앫 traffic rules and regulations
앫 motor vehicle laws and safety stan-
dards
16
Introduction
Problems with your vehicle
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 Center to have the problem diagnosed and corrected if required. If the matter is
not handled to your satisfaction, please discuss the problem with the Mercedes-Benz Center management, or if necessary contact us
at one of the following addresses:
In the USA:
Customer Assistance Center
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
One Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645-0350
In Canada:
Customer Relations Department
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario, M4G 2L5
17
Introduction
Reporting safety defects
Reporting safety defects
For the USA only:
The following text is published as required of manufacturers under Title 49, Code of U.S. Federal Regulations, Part 575 pursuant to the
“National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966”.
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
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. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer,
or Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.
18
At a glance
Cockpit
Instrument cluster
Multifunction steering wheel
Center console
Overhead control panel
Door control panel
19
At a glance
Cockpit
Cockpit
20
At a glance
Cockpit
Item Page
1 Combination switch
앫 Turn signals 47
앫 Windshield wipers 48
앫 High beam 47
2 Cruise control lever 190
3 Instrument cluster 22,
104
4 Multifunction steering
wheel
24,
108
5 Lever for voice control
system*, see separate
operating instructions
6 Overhead control panel 27
7 Opening glove box 203
8 Glove box 203
Item Page
9 Center console 25
10 Starter switch 31, 44
11 Horn
12 Steering wheel adjustment
37
handle (manual)
13 Steering wheel adjustment
37
stalk (electrical)*
14 Hood lock release 234
15 Parking brake pedal 46
16 Door control panel 28
17 Parking brake release 51
18 Exterior lamp switch 47, 98
19 Exterior rear view mirror
38, 97
adjustment
20 Headlamp washer switch 143
21
At a glance
Instrument cluster
Instrument cluster
22
At a glance
Instrument cluster
Item Page
1 Left turn signal indicator
lamp
2 Speedometer
3 Right turn signal indicator
lamp
4 Fuel gauge with:
Fuel reserve warning lamp 258
5 < Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp
1 Supplemental re-
straint system indicator lamp
6 Multifunction display
with:
Trip odometer 105
Main odometer
258
56,
256
Item Page
Selector lever position 44,
Program mode 139
Outside temperature
display
Digital clock 118
7 ? Engine malfunction
indicator lamp
v Electronic Stability
Program (ESP)
warning lamp
A High beam head-
lamp indicator
E Indicator lamp with-
out function
DTR Indicator lamp with-
out function
1
The indicator lamp illuminates briefly when you
turn the key in the starter switch to position 2.
1
1
138
106
258
75,
254
47,
101
Item Page
8 - Antilock Brake Sys-
tem (ABS) malfunction indicator lamp
; Brake warning
lamp, except Canada
3 Brake warning
lamp, Canada only
9 Tachometer
10 Reset knob:
앫 Resetting trip odome-
ter
앫 Resetting individual
settings
앫 Instrument cluster illu-
mination
73,
255
46,
257
105
116
104
23
At a glance
Multifunction steering wheel
Multifunction steering wheel
Item Page
1 Multifunction display in
speedometer
Operating control system
2 Selecting the submenu or
setting the volume
ç down/to decrease
æ up/to increase
3 Telephone*: Press button
í to take a call
ì to end a call
107
108
Item Page
4 Menu systems: Press but-
ton
è for next system
ÿ for previous system
5 Moving within a menu:
Press button
j for next display
k for previous display
24
Center console
Upper part
Item Page
1 Seat heater*, driver’s side 94
2 Rear window
wiper/washer
3 ESP control switch 77
4 Hazard warning flasher
switch – switching on/off
5 Central locking switch 89
6 Anti-theft alarm system in-
dicator lamp
Tow-away alarm switch 80
49
101
79
At a glance
Center console
Item Page
7 Seat heater*, passenger
side
8 Indicator lamp 7 67
9 Audio system,
or
COMAND* (see separate
operating instructions)
10 Climate control 144
Automatic climate control* 152
Rear window defroster 149,
94
161
158
25
At a glance
Center console
Lower Part
Item Page
1 Ashtray 207
2 Selector lever for automat-
ic transmission*
Gearshift lever for manual
transmission
3 Storage compartment 205
Cup holder 204
Cigarette lighter 208
4 Armrest 206
5 Program mode selector for
automatic transmission
138
134
139
26
Overhead control panel
Item Page
1 Rear interior lighting
on/off
2 Sliding/pop-up roof* 187
3 Right reading lamp on/off 102
4 Interior lighting control 102
5 Hands-free microphone for
Tele Aid* (emergency call
system), telephone* and
voice control system* (see
separate operating instructions)
6 Rear view mirror 38,
7 Garage door opener 218
8 Left reading lamp on/off 102
9 Tele Aid* (emergency call
system) button
102
141
210
At a glance
Overhead control panel
27
At a glance
Door control panel
Door control panel
Item Page
1 Door handle 88
2 Memory function* (for
storing seat, mirror and
steering wheel settings)
3 Seat adjustment 32, 90
4 Switches for opening/clos-
ing front door windows
5 Switch for rear door win-
dow override
6 Switches for opening/clos-
ing rear door windows
95
184
71
184
28
Getting started
Unlocking
Adjusting
Driving
Parking and locking
29
Getting started
Unlocking
The “Getting started” section provides an
overview of the vehicle’s most basic functions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners
should pay special attention to the information given here.
If you are already familiar with the basic
functions described here, the “Controls in
detail” section will help you with further information. The corresponding page references are at the end of each segment.
Unlocking
Unlocking with the SmartKey
SmartKey with remote control
1 ‹ Lock button
2
ΠUnlock button
3
 Panic button (컄 page 72)
왘 Press unlock button Œ on the key.
All turn signal lamps blink once. The
locking knobs in the doors move up.
왘 Get in the vehicle and insert the key in
the starter switch.
i
Canada only:
Only vehicles equipped with an
anti-theft alarm system* have
SmartKeys with integrated panic
button* 3.
More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (
컄 page 84).
30
Getting started
Unlocking
Starter switch positions
Starter switch
0 For removing key
The steering is locked when the key is
removed from the starter switch. If
necessary, move steering wheel slightly to allow the locking mechanism to
engage.
1 Power supply to some electrical con-
sumers, such as seat adjustment
2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical
consumers) and driving position
3 Starting position
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the starter switch and lock
the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle
equipment may cause an accident and/or
serious personal injury.
i
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
The SmartKey can only be removed
from the starter switch with the gear
selector lever in position P.
!
If the key is left in starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of
time, it can no longer be turned in the
starter switch.
앫 Remove the key from the starter
switch and reinsert.
If the key can still not be turned, the
battery may not be sufficiently
charged.
앫 Check the battery and charge it if
necessary (
앫 Get a jump start (컄 page 308).
To prevent accelerated battery discharge and a possible dead battery, always remove the key from the starter
switch.
컄 page 305)
31
Getting started
Adjusting
Adjusting
Warning! G
All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and
rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fastening of seat belts, must be done before
the vehicle is put into motion.
Seats
The seats can be adjusted either manually
or electrically, depending on the vehicle’s
equipment.
Warning! G
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving.
Adjusting the seat while driving could cause
the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
back reclined. Sitting in an excessively reclined position can be dangerous. You could
slide under the seat belt in a collision. If you
slide under it, the belt would apply force at
the abdomen or neck. That could cause
serious or fatal injuries. The seat back and
seat belts provide the best restraint when
the wearer is in an upright position and belts
are properly positioned on the body. Your
seat must be adjusted so that you can correctly fasten your seat belt (
Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being adjusted.
컄 page 40).
Warning! G
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
key from the starter switch, and lock your
vehicle.
The power seats* can also be operated with
the driver’s or front passenger door open.
Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Unsupervised use of vehicle equipment may
cause an accident and/or serious personal
injury.
Warning! G
Children 12 years old and under must never
ride in the front seat, except in a
Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmart
compatible child seat, which operates with
the BabySmart
hicle to deactivate the passenger side front
airbag when it is properly installed. Otherwise they will be struck by the airbag when
it inflates in a crash. If this happens, serious
or fatal injury will result.
According to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in the
rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Infants and small children
must ride in back seats and be seated in an
appropriate infant or child restraint system,
which is properly secured with the vehicle's
seat belt and top tether strap, or secured via
lower anchors and top tether strap, fully in
accordance with the child seat manufacturer’s instructions.
TM
system installed in the ve-
TM
32
Getting started
Adjusting
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries is
significantly increased if the child restraints
are not properly secured in the vehicle and
the child is not properly secured in the child
restraint.
Manual seat
1 Seat fore and aft adjustment
2 Seat cushion tilt
3 Backrest tilt
4 Seat height
Seat fore and aft adjustment
왘 Lift handle 1.
왘 Slide seat to the desired position.
왘 Allow handle 1 to reengage.
왘 Check for proper engagement before
driving.
Adjust to a comfortable seating position
that still allows you to reach the accelerator/brake pedal safely. The position
should be as far to the rear as possible,
consistent with ability to properly operate
controls.
i
When moving the seat, be sure that
there are no items in the footwell or behind the seats. Otherwise you could
damage the seats.
Seat cushion tilt
왘 Turn handwheel 2 forward or backward
until your upper legs are lightly supported.
Backrest tilt
왘 Press switch 3 in direction of arrow un-
til your arms are slightly angled when
holding the steering wheel.
Seat height
왘 Press the switch 4 in direction of arrow
until your legs are lightly supported.
Head restraint height
Warning! G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraint to support the back of
the head approximately at ear level.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.
33
Getting started
Adjusting
1 Release knob
왘 Manually adjust the height of the head
restraint by pulling it upward. To lower
the head restraint, push release knob 1
and push down on the head restraint.
Head restraint tilt
왘 Manually adjust the angle of the head
restraint. Push or pull on the lower
edge of the head restraint cushion.
More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (
컄 page 91).
Power seat*
왘 Turn the key in the starter switch to
position 1 or 2.
or
왘 Open the driver’s or front passenger
door.
The seat adjustment switches are located
in each front door.
1 Head restraint height
2 Seat height
3 Seat cushion tilt
4 Seat fore and aft adjustment
5 Backrest tilt
Seat fore and aft adjustment
왘 Press the switch forward or backward
in the direction of arrow 4.
Adjust to a comfortable seating position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far to the rear as
possible, consistent with ability to
properly operate controls.
i
When moving the seat, be sure that
there are no items in the footwell or behind the seats. Otherwise you could
damage the seats.
With the memory function, you can
store seat positions together with settings for the steering wheel and the exterior rear view mirrors (
컄 page 95).
34
Getting started
Adjusting
Seat height
왘 Press the switch up or down in the di-
rection of arrow 2.
Seat cushion tilt
왘 Press the switch up or down in the di-
rection of arrow 3 until your upper legs
are lightly supported.
Backrest tilt
왘 Press the switch forward or back in di-
rection of arrow 5 until your arms are
slightly angled when holding the steering wheel.
Head restraint height
왘 Press the switch up or down in the di-
rection of arrow 1.
Warning! G
For your protection, drive only with properly
positioned head restraints.
Adjust head restraint to support the back of
the head approximately at ear level.
Do not drive the vehicle without the seat
head restraints. Head restraints are intended to help reduce injuries during an accident.
Head restraint tilt
왘 Manually adjust the angle of the head
restraint. Push or pull on the lower
edge of the head restraint cushion.
More information can be found in the
“Controls in detail” section (
컄 page 91).
Rear seat head restraints
Warning! G
For safety reasons, always drive with the
rear head restraints in the upright position
when the rear seats are occupied.
Keep the area around head restraints clear
of articles (e.g. clothing) to not obstruct the
folding operation of the head restraints.
35
Getting started
Adjusting
Folding head restraints back
1 Lock button
왘 Push lock button 1.
The head restraints will fold backward.
Placing head restraints upright
왘 Pull the head restraint forward until it
locks into position.
Head restraint tilt
Two different head restraint angle positions are available.
Head restraint height (rear outer seats)
1 Button
Raising:
왘 Pull up on head restraint.
Lowering:
왘 Push button 1.
왘 Push down on head restraint.
36
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