Mercedes-Benz 2012C-Class Sedan User manual

2012 C-Class Sedan and Coupe

125! years of innovation
In 1886, Carl Benz was awarded the patent for inventing the first car,
while just 60 miles away, Gottlieb Daimler developed his own version.
Between them they also invented the motorcycle and truck, and won
the first auto race. For 125 years, a passion for innovation has driven
Mercedes -Benz to continually reinvent the automobile — creating an
ongoing legacy of firsts that keep redefining the standard for all cars.
Among them, the 4 -wheel independent suspension 80 years ago. Fuel
injection and crumple zones in the 1950s. And in the last 20 years, the
Electronic Stability Program, side curtain air bags, and adaptive brakes.
Today, the Three -Pointed Star remains far more than a shining symbol
of Mercedes -Benz innovation. It’s a guiding beacon for all automobiles.

C 250 Coupe shown at left with Arctic White paint and optional 18" AMG twin 5 - spoke wheels.
C 350 Sport Sedan shown above with Black paint, and optional 18" AMG 7- spoke wheels and Lighting Package.
thousands of improvements. no compromises.
Why do drivers across the globe choose the C-Class more than any other Mercedes-Benz? Is it because of its obvious value, or the deeper appeal
of its inherent virtues? Perhaps it’s the wide selection of models, styles and powertrains. More likely, it’s because the C-Class never makes a driver
choose one priority at the expense of another: Its thoroughbred performance is teamed with top-rated safety. Sophisticated luxury is delivered in
sporty style. And cutting -edge technology is wrapped in a proven devotion to craftsmanship and quality. For 2012, Mercedes-Benz engineers have
come to the C-Class with more than 2,000 improvements — from brilliant new engines and safety innovations, to a sharpened design and first-ever
two-door body style. But just as important is what they knew not to change: The uncompromised character that makes it an ideal fit for the times,
and for drivers all over the world. Introducing the advanced Sport Sedans, enhanced Luxury Sedans and entirely new Coupes of the 2012 C-Class.
MBUSA.com/C

While the redesigned 2012 C- Class Sport and Luxury Sedans offer an unsurpassed diversity of model
choices, what they have in common is what sets them apart. From the new turbocharged C 250 to the
all-wheel -drive C 300 4matic™ to the 302-hp C 350, each C-Class Sedan moves decisively ahead in
precision, performance and protection. New engines boost torque and efficiency, for quicker footwork
with a gentler footprint. Exclusive innovations in safety help sharpen their reflexes, and yours. Brilliant
LED taillamps and Daytime Running Lamps call your attention to the advanced technology within. Their
cabins are enriched, enlivened, and keenly focused on engaging each of your senses. And their crisp,
clean design has been honed to slice through the wind, and carve through the clutter of the crowd.
the cutting edge. freshly sharpened.
The Sport Sedans. With aggressively sculpted lower body styling
and a grille-mounted Star, the C 250, C 300 4matic and C 350 Sport
Sedans make no secret of their performance pedigree. Staggered-
width 17" wheels, perforated front brake discs, a sound-optimized
exhaust and a lowered, sport- tuned suspension bring it all to life.
The Luxury Sedans. With elegant styling led by a chrome grille and
stand-up Star, the C 250 and C 300 4matic Luxury Sedans celebrate
a legacy of refinement. A comfort-tuned suspension and 17" alloy
wheels put that elegance into motion. In design and driving pleasure,
there’s refinement on every surface, and precision in every curve.

C 250 Sedans. An all-new 201- hp 1.8-liter turbocharged 4- cylinder
engine whisks the C 250 Sport and Luxury Sedans from 0 to 60 mph in
a mere 7.1 seconds,
1 yet returns up to 31 mpg on the highway.2 Power
flows seamlessly through a 7-speed automatic transmission that’s been
reengineered for crisper, smoother and more efficient performance.
C 300 4matic Sedans. A silky, eager-revving 228 - hp V-6 in the C 300
4matic Sport and Luxury Sedans turns torque into traction via 4matic
all-wheel drive.3 Winter confidence meets dry-road cornering fun, thanks
to the system’s light weight and 45:55 front/rear torque split. And with
its responsive 7- speed automatic, 60 mph arrives in just 7.1 seconds.
1
C 350 Sport Sedan. A new-generation 3.5-liter Direct Injection V-6 feeds
its 302 hp to the pavement via an advanced 7- speed automatic and AMG
twin 5-spoke wheels. And while it can achieve 29 highway mpg,2 its rear
spoiler offers a hint that performance is its priority. A quicker- than- ever
0–60 time of 5.9 seconds1 asserts the point with far less subtlety.
C 350 Sport Sedan shown above with optional Lunar Blue metallic paint, 18" AMG twin 5 -spoke wheels, and Lighting and Premium 1 Packages.
C 300 4matic Luxury Sedan shown at right with Black paint and optional Lighting Package. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.

C 350 Sport Sedan shown with Black interior, and optional Burl Walnut wood trim, KEYLESS - GO,
PARKTRONIC, and Multimedia and Premium 1 Packages. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.

From their high-resolution driving and entertainment displays to their hand-fitted upholstery, the cabins of the 2012
C -Class Sport and Luxury Sedans initiate a new age of innovation while honoring a timeless tradition of craftsmanship.
In every element, you can see and feel a heightened sense of both excitement and refinement. Crisp, three-dimensional
instruments surround a vivid color multifunction display. A large LCD screen takes center stage above the console.
Well-placed controls reward your touch with ergonomic logic and elegant finishes. And innovative luxuries — from
standard Bluetooth® audio streaming to an available voice -controlled 80GB navigation system — offer new ways to feel
connected. The C -Class Sedan cockpit does more than elevate the state of the art. It celebrates the art of driving.
driving ambition. in high definition.
The Sport Sedan cabin. Deeply contoured power front sport seats,
brushed aluminum pedals and flat-bottom 3-spoke steering wheel4
put the focus on performance. Crisp aluminum adorns the C 250 and
C 300 4matic™ cockpits. Dramatic Black Ash wood dresses the C 350.
And the warmth of Burl Walnut wood is optional on all Sport Sedans.
The Luxury Sedan cabin. Tone-on- tone colors and the rich glow of
Burl Walnut wood trim highlight the elegance of the C 250 and C 300
4matic Luxury Sedans. The leather - wrapped 4 - spoke steering wheel
speaks not only of refinement, however. As with every C - Class, it’s
also your point of contact for its brilliantly articulated handling.

Why run along with the crowd when you can race away in
style? Introducing the entirely new C - Class Coupes, the
newest chapter in a rich legacy of performance, poise and
personality. Like every Mercedes -Benz coupe, they wrap
four sport seats and a deep passion for driving in a sleek,
windswept shape. And like every C - Class, they’re paragons
of engineering virtue and extraordinary value — with class-
leading safety innovations and first-class luxuries. Standard
paddle shifters put all the torque of a new generation of
engines directly in your hands. The sport -tuned AGILITY
CONTROL suspension takes to corners with the tenacity of
staggered- width 17" wheels and tires. And if power- slides
are more your style, the C - Class Coupe has you covered
from top to bottom: With a standard all-glass Panorama roof
that sweeps open at the touch of a button, and the ideal,
race-bred balance of rear-wheel drive — if you catch our drift.
apart from the crowd.
ahead of the curve.
C 250 Coupe shown above with optional Iridium Silver metallic paint, 18" AMG 7- spoke wheels, KEYLESS - GO, PARKTRONIC, and Lighting Package.
C 350 Coupe shown at right with optional Palladium Silver metallic paint and 18" AMG 7- spoke wheels. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.

C 250 Coupe. Turbocharging and Direct Injection unleash 201 hp and
229 lb - ft of torque from 1.8 liters of lightweight, free -revving 4 - cylinder
engine. With a driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic, it’ll deliver 60 mph
in just 7.1 seconds1 and up to 31 highway mpg.2 Its 17" 5 - spoke wheels
are wider at the rear axle, to put power more assertively to the pavement
while preserving the crisp feel and direct feedback of its agile steering.
C 350 Coupe. A 302-hp 3.5-liter Direct Injection V-6 channels 273 lb -ft
of torque to the rear wheels, for a 0–60 sprint of 5.9 seconds.
1 A close -
ratio 7- speed automatic, larger front brakes, staggered 17" AMG twin
5- spoke wheels and a rear spoiler help fill out its performance résumé.

From the four corners of the motorsports world to the 170 turns of
the legendary Nürburgring track, racing is a passion held close in the
hearts of Mercedes -Benz engineers. In each corner of its cockpit, the
C- Class Coupe embraces its occupants with equal enthusiasm. Four
individual sport seats, each with deep side bolsters and an integrated
head restraint, are directly inspired by a racing heritage tracing to
the very first checkered flag. Of course, history matters most when
you’re making it, so the C- Class Coupe also bears evidence of the
latest Mercedes -Benz participation in Formula 1™ and the German
Touring Car Championship. Every control is poised for quick action.
Its thick, 3-spoke steering wheel offers perforated leather side grips,
raised thumbrests, a flat-bottom design4 and paddle shifters. And
from the deep-set gauges with their color multifunction readout to
the large central screen, every instrument helps keep the driver,
the car and the fast- moving world around it in close contact. In the
new C- Class Coupe, you'll find driving passion in every corner.
inspired by racing.
in every corner.

Revs within reach. The sporty 7- speed automatic transmission has
been reengineered for quicker shifts and more efficient performance.
Standard paddle shifters let you change gears without taking a hand
from the 3 -spoke steering wheel. Multifunction controls allow equally
easy access to the hands- free Bluetooth® interface and audio system.
Finish with finesse. From its impeccably top-stitched upholstery to its
brushed - metal accents, the C -Class cockpit expresses its performance
focus with a premium flourish. Sleek, cool Aluminum trims the C 250
Coupe dash, console and doors, while rich Burl Walnut wood sets the
C350 aglow. Matte - finish Olive Ash wood is also available on either one.
C 250 Coupe shown with Red/Black interior, Aluminum trim, and optional Full Leather
Seating and Premium 1 Packages. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.

Precise power. All-new engines for the 2012 C 250 and C 350 models
output richer torque with higher efficiency and lower emissions. In the
1.8- liter 4- cylinder C 250 Sedans and Coupe, an intercooled turbocharger
helps deliver sports -car responsiveness with compact mpg. The 302-hp
V- 6 in the C 350 models generates higher power and torque with lower
emissions and fuel consumption. Both new powerplants further boost
efficiency with a durable yet lightweight diecast- alloy engine block,
quicker and more widely variable valve timing, reduced internal friction,
and clever “on-demand” ancillary components such as the alternator.
Inspiring confidence. In the C 300 4matic™ Sedans, a 228- hp 3.0 - liter
V-6 features continuously variable valve timing and a dual- length intake
with tumble flaps, for vigorous response from idle to redline. Standard
4matic all-wheel drive integrates our 4- wheel Electronic Traction System
(4-ETS), to continually redistribute torque to the wheels with the best
grip — even if that’s a single wheel.3 And with the system’s light weight
and 45:55 front/rear torque split, handling feels sporty all year round.
Tailored traction. All C 250, C 300 4matic and C 350 models
are standard- equipped with 17" alloy wheels in one of three
designs. Sport Sedans and Coupes also offer two 18" AMG
wheel options.5 For more surefooted acceleration grip without
compromising steering feel, the rear wheels on Sport Sedans
and Coupes are wider than their front -axle teammates.
Fine-tuned footwork. A nimble 4 - wheel independent multilink
suspension is enhanced with AGILITY CONTROL — an innovation
that reacts to the motion of each wheel. With every change in
the road surface, it instantly recalibrates the damping rates to
balance agile handling with a composed ride. Sport Sedans and
Coupes also feature a lowered suspension with firmer tuning.

With two new -generation engines for 2012, the C -Class does more
than perform — it outperforms. Both the 1.8- liter turbo -4 of the
C 250 models and the 3.5-liter C 350 V-6 conduct an orchestra
of innovative technologies to overachieve in every measure.
Advanced rapid -multispark ignition can fire each spark plug
up to four times in one millisecond. High- pressure Direct
Injection can fine -tune the fuel spray as quickly, to make
the most of every molecule of gasoline. Beyond these
new lightweight, lightning-quick engines, the 7- speed
automatic transmission has been reengineered for
more efficient performance and sportier feel. And
all through the vehicle, innovative engineering has
helped cut weight, friction and aerodynamic drag
without diminishing the inspiring strength, solidity
and stability that make driving a C - Class a reward
in every mile, and a revolution in every millisecond.
revolutions per millisecond.
miles per molecule.
C 350 Coupe shown with Mars Red paint and optional KEYLESS - GO. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.

pioneering insight. protective instinct.
Look back over the life story of the automobile and you’ll find Mercedes -Benz continually leading the way in safety innovation:
Inventing the first crumple zone over 60 years ago. Earning a patent for the air bag. And pioneering a portfolio of safety systems
that eventually found their way into most every car, like the Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) and
emergency -sensing Brake Assist. The C -Class is not merely equipped with a list of safety features, however. It’s engineered as an
orchestrated system that’s designed to make the most of the precious milliseconds it takes to avoid, or survive, a collision. Among
its advances for 2012 is ATTENTION ASSIST, an exclusive system that helps detect driver drowsiness on longer trips. From the quick
reflexes of its sensors to the enduring strength of its body, the protection a C -Class offers could rewrite the story of your own life.
observe.
Standard LED lighting. Bright white LED Daytime
Running Lamps help to make your presence more
apparent to other drivers. New LED taillamps feature
three -dimensional fiber optics and LED turn signals.
Bi -Xenon headlamps. With the optional Lighting
Package, Bi -Xenon headlamps generate light that’s
perceived more like natural daylight than halogen
headlamps. The headlamps feature Active Curve
Illumination and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. These
two advanced systems continuously vary the angle
and beam pattern of the headlamps, to maximize
illumination of corners and straightaways, without
creating glare for other drivers. The package also
includes headlamp washers that help to keep the
lamps cleaner with a high -pressure spray of fluid.
Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. New
to the 2012 C - Class, these optional systems add to
your confidence on multi-lane roadways. When Blind
Spot Assist6 detects a vehicle to either side, an icon
illuminates in the side mirror. If you signal for a lane
change, a warning tone sounds. Lane Keeping Assist
monitors ordinary lane markings, and can warn the
driver of unintended drifting into the next lane.7
Rear view camera. An available rear view camera
helps make backing up easier. When you shift into
Reverse, a live color image of the area right behind
your C - Class is displayed on the in - dash screen.8
support.
ATTENTION ASSIST. By continually monitoring a
variety of driving behaviors, this Mercedes-Benz
innovation can audibly and visually alert the driver
if it detects signs of drowsiness on long trips. More
than 70 variables are measured in the first minutes of
a drive to establish a pattern for the individual driver
and determine the warning thresholds accordingly.7
Emergency - sensing. Two safety systems originally
pioneered by Mercedes - Benz help you avoid potential
collisions. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
monitors the vehicle’s response to driving inputs
such as steering and braking, and responds to help
keep it on course during evasive maneuvers.3 Brake
Assist can apply full braking pressure if it detects an
emergency braking situation — based on how quickly
the driver steps on the brake pedal — potentially
shortening your overall stopping distance.9
Adaptive Brakes. An integrated system of braking
advances helps to make driving more reassuring and
relaxing in a variety of situations. If the driver lifts
off the accelerator quickly, Predictive Brake Priming
sets the pads closer to the discs for more immediate
response when the driver steps on the brakes. In
the rain, Automatic Brake Drying gently applies the
brakes periodically, to sweep away water buildup
on the discs. During uphill starts, Hill - Start Assist
helps prevent unwanted rollback. And a HOLD
feature can make stop - and- go traffic a little easier.9
protect.
High-strength body. Approximately 70% of the
C - Class body structure is made from ultra-high- and
high-strength steel. Its development included over
5,500 computer-simulated collisions incorporating
nearly two million elements — along with an extensive
series of actual crash testing. Advanced crumple
zones help to divert impact energy over, under and
around the highly reinforced passenger cabin.
Advanced restraints. No fewer than nine standard
air bags offer at least 11- way protection.
10 Dual-stage
front air bags are augmented by a driver’s knee
air bag. Innovative pelvic air bags complement the
front- seat side -impact air bags. Side curtain air bags
are provided at all four outboard seating positions, as
are seat-belt Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and belt- force limiters. Rear side-impact air bags are
standard on C -Class Coupes and an option on the
Sedans. And in a rear impact, NECK- PRO active front
head restraints help to prevent whiplash.
Post- collision response. In the event that an air bag
or a seat-belt ETD deploys, the optional Mercedes -
Benz mbrace® system includes Automatic Collision
Notification, which initiates a call to our 24-hour
emergency response center — even if you cannot.
11
In addition, the C - Class can automatically shut off its
engine and fuel supply, turn on the hazard flashers
and some interior lights, partially open the windows
to help ventilate the cabin, and unlock the doors in
an effort to assist rescuers.

C 300 4matic Sport Sedan shown with Black paint, and optional KEYLESS - GO, Panorama roof and Lighting Package. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.

on top of your game.
down to business.

focused, functional and refreshingly fun.
Perhaps no one takes the business of driving more seriously than the engineers
of Mercedes-Benz. But settle into the fresh new cockpit of the 2012 C-Class and
it quickly becomes apparent that they also love their work. From the embrace of
the driver seat, every control falls naturally to hand and responds with the same
quick-witted, reassuring feedback you enjoy from the car’s handling. A Premium
leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and an intuitive central controller
on the console grant you an all-access pass to a festival of advanced, useful and
user-friendly technology. High-definition instrumentation includes crisply detailed
gauges with a 4.5" color multifunction display plus a large central in-dash screen.
And as if driving a C- Class isn’t entertaining enough, your musical options range
from standard HD Radio™ stations to half a dozen ways to bring along your own
soundtrack. The C- Class takes every facet of driving seriously. Including fun.
Connection. With a convenient central controller
on the console, a multifunction steering wheel
and a standard 5.8" color- LCD screen, the 2012
C-Class cockpit unites a wide world of choices in
entertainment, navigation, and even personalized
setup of vehicle features. A standard Bluetooth
system offers hands -free calling and new wireless
audio streaming from your digital music player.
12
Immersion. Beyond such high- end standard
audio features as a new USB input, an AUX jack
and HD Radio stations, a variety of options and
packages make your listening choices virtually
endless: A 450-watt harman/kardon LOGIC7®
surround sound system. SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
13
iPod® integration.
14 Plus a DVD/CD player, an SD
card reader, and a 10GB Music Register that can
store your digital music on an in- dash hard drive.
Direction. The Multimedia Package includes a
navigation system with a fast 80GB hard drive
and a vivid 7" LCD screen that displays new 3D
maps with building profiles.
15 It also features live
SiriusXM Traffic13 with dynamic re-routing, new
SiriusXM Weather, plus Zagat® Survey ratings for
restaurants, hotels and golf courses. Enhanced
Voice Control lets you operate the navigation,
audio and phone with your normal speaking voice.
Collaboration. Optional PARKTRONIC can alert
you to nearby obstacles as you navigate in tight
spaces. Its Advanced Parking Guidance can size
up parallel-parking spots as you drive by, let you
know which one’s a good fit, and provide steering
instructions to help guide you in. And optional
KEYLESS - GO lets you unlock, start and lock your
C-Class without taking the key from your pocket.
C 300 4matic Sport Sedan shown with Ash interior, Aluminum trim, and optional KEYLESS -GO, PARKTRONIC,
and Multimedia and Premium 1 Packages. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.

C 300 4matic Luxur y Sedan shown with Almond Beige/Mocha interior
and Burl Walnut wood trim. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.
thoughtful in every detail, and every dimension.
The C- Class Sedans and Coupes are performance cars that can perform wonders
for your sense of well-being. Their sporty cabins also offer a new level of comfort,
from their finely tailored and hand-fitted upholstery to an abundance of luxurious
details. The driver seat power-adjusts no fewer than eight ways, and provides
adjustable lumbar support. The driver is further treated to rain-sensing wipers,
light-sensing automatic headlamps, and a 4-way adjustable steering column. For
everyone’s enjoyment, dual-zone climate control filters dust and pollen as small
as 0.0002" from the air. A power tilt/sliding sunroof is standard on the Sedans,
while Coupes are equipped with an all-glass Panorama roof that delivers the sun
and stars to every seat. Also optional on the Sedans, it’s the only one in its class
with a power front section that tilts up for ventilation or slides open for a breeze.
So, like many dimensions of the C- Class, it’s not just expansive — it’s exclusive.
Spacious. The generous 5-passenger cabins of
the C-Class Sedans feature 8 - way power front
seats with 2-way manual lumbar supports. Sport
Sedan front seats feature deep side bolsters for
added cornering support. The Premium 1 Package
(standard on the C 350 Sport Sedan) upgrades
the driver seat to 14 - way power, including 4- way
power lumbar, along with 3 -position memory for
the seat, the 4 - way power steering column and
both side mirrors. Heated front seats and split-
folding rear seatbacks are also included.
Sporty. C- Class Coupes feature four individual
sport seats with integrated head restraints. The
14- way power driver seat includes a 4 - way power
lumbar support plus a 3-position memory for the
seat, side mirrors and the power steering column.
The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40-split.
Heated front seats are standard on the C 350 and
part of the C 250 Coupe’s Premium 1 Package.
Soothing. Standard dual-zone automatic climate
control allows the driver and front passenger to
enjoy individualized comfort in any season. The
system filters dust and pollen from the cabin,
while a sensor monitors the angle and intensity of
sunlight for more even control of temperature.
Supportive. Several luxuries are newly standard
for 2012. The windshield wipers are rain-sensing.
Both the inside and driver-side mirrors are auto -
dimming, while the inside mirror also integrates a
digital compass16 and garage door control.
Stylish. Sleek Aluminum interior trim highlights
the C 250 and C 300 4matic™ Sport Sedans and
the C 250 Coupe. Black Ash wood sets the C 350
Sport Sedan apart. Burl Walnut wood, optional on
all of those models, is also standard on the C 350
Coupe and all Luxury Sedans. And exclusively for
the Coupes, the modern style of matte-finish Olive
Ash wood is optional (at no charge on the C 350).

driver’s delight.
passenger’s paradise.

performance art.
signed by the artist.
All the racing trophies earned in the 45-year history of AMG — the
high-performance division of Mercedes -Benz — can still not tell the
story as eloquently as these four words: “One man, one engine.”
Each individual AMG engine is crafted by its own master technician,
using race -proven components and his own hands. Lift the hood of
the superlatively engineered automobile which houses this work of
art and you’ll see a metal plaque bearing his signature. Set free into
the world, a C 63 AMG Coupe or Sedan is destined to generate some
impressive numbers. And all of them — whether it’s horsepower and
pound-feet, mph and rpm, or seconds and g’s — begin with “one.”
Learn more at MBUSA.com/AMG
C 63 AMG Coupe shown with Arctic White paint, and optional AMG Development
and Lighting Packages. Please see endnotes at back of brochure.