Mercedes-Benz C 220 1996 User manual

What You Should Know
at the Gas Station
See last page
MERCEDES-BENZ
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
1-800-FOR MERCEDES (in the U.S.A.)
1-800-38 -0100 (in Canada)
P98-0002-B12A
rive 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.
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
1996
C 220
C 280
C 36 AMG

Kindly observe the following in your own best interests:
We recommend using Mercedes-Benz original parts as
well as conversion parts and accessories e plicitly 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 e ist.
Mercedes-Benz original parts as well as conversion parts
and accessories approved by us are available at your
Mercedes-Benz service station where you will receive
comprehensive information, also on permissible technical
modifications, and where proper installation will be
performed.
Printed in Germany
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 tiime08/15/95
VP/S 15K

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 e emplifies 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, 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 e tend our best wishes for many miles of safe,
pleasurable driving.
Mercedes-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
3

Introdu tion
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 Servi e and Warranty Poli y
The Owner’s Service and Warranty Policy 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).
4
Important Noti e for California Retail Buyers of
Mer edes-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 on e dire tly notified
us in writing of the need to repair the non- on
formity and have given us an opportunity to per
form the repair ourselves. Notifi ations should
be sent to the nearest Mer edes-Benz Regional
Offi e listed in the Owner’s Servi e and Warran
ty Information Booklet.
Maintenan e
The Maintenance Booklet describes all the
necessary maintenance work which should be
performed at regular intervals.
Always have the Maintenance 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 Assistan e
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 Warranty Policy Booklet, or simply call
the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center (in
the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-MERCE ES. 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 Policy Booklet, or
call the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance
Center (in the U.S.A. only) at 1-800-FOR-
MERCE ES.
Operating Your Vehi le 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 elivery
Program. For details, consult your authorized
Mercedes-Benz dealer or write to:
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
European elivery epartment
One Mercedes rive
Montvale, NJ 07645
In Canada write to:
Mercedes-Benz Canada, Inc.
European elivery epartment
849 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, Ontario M4G 2L5
5

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 Maintenance Booklet are
important documents and should be kept with the
vehicle.
6

Instruments and Controls
Starting the Engine
Driving Instru tions
Operation
Driving
Pra ti al Hints
Te hni al Data
Fuels, Coolants, Lubri ants et .
Consumer Information
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Index
Literature

The First 1000 Miles
(1500 km) Che k Regularly and
Before a Long Trip Radio Transmitters
Warning!
Never operate radio transmit
ters equipped with a built-in or
atta hed antenna (i.e. without
the telephone onne ted to an
external antenna) from inside
the vehi le while the engine is
running. Doing so ould lead
to a malfun tion of the vehi
le’s ele troni system, possi
bly resulting in an a ident
and personal injury.
The more cautiously you treat your
vehicle during the break-in period,
the more satisfied you will be with
its performance later on. There
fore, drive your vehicle during the
first 1000 miles (1500 km) at
moderate vehicle and engine
speeds.
uring 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
select positions “3” or “2” only at
moderate speeds (for hill driving).
After 1000 miles (1500 km)
speeds may be gradually in
creased to the permissible
maximum.
See Index
Maintenan e
We strongly recommend that you
have your vehicle serviced by your
authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer,
in accordance with the Mainte
nance Booklet.
Failure to have the vehicle
maintained in accordance with the
Maintenance Booklet may result in
vehicle damage not covered by
the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
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.
8

Instruments and Controls
Starting the Engine
Driving Instru tions
Instruments and Controls 10
Instrument Cluster 12
Indicator Lamp Symbols 13
Catalytic Converter 14
Starting and Turning Off
the Engine 15
riving Instructions 16

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Inde .
1 Adjustable side air outlet
2 Air volume control for side air outlet
3 Exterior lamp switch
4 Parking brake release
5 Steering wheel adjustment lever
6 Hood lock release
7 Parking brake pedal
8 Combination switch
9 Cruise control switch
10 Horn, airbag
11 Instrument luster
12 Steering lock with ignition/starter switch
13 Adjustable center air outlets
14 Air volume control for center air outlets
10
15 Glove box (illuminated with key in steering
lock position 1 or 2)
16 Seat heater switch
17 ASR control switch
18 Switch for rear seat head restraints
19 Hazard warning flasher switch
20 Central locking switch,
Indicator lamp for anti-theft alarm system
21 Automatic climate control
Rear window defroster switch
22 Radio
23 Cassette box
24 Ashtray with lighter
25 Storage/eyeglasses compartment
26 Power window switch
27 Trunk lid release switch
28 Mirror adjustment switch

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Instruments and Controls

Instrument Cluster 7
1 Coolant temperature gauge. See Index
2 Fuel gauge with reserve warning
lamp (yellow). See Index 10
3 Outside temperature indicator. See Index 11
4 Left turn signal indicator lamp (green) 12
5 ASR warning lamp (yellow) or
ETS warning lamp (yellow). See Index 13
6 Speedometer 14
Trip odometer. See Index
Main odometer
Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
Tachometer. See Index
Clock. See Index
Push buttons for intensity of instrument lamps.
See Index
Push button for resetting trip odometer.
See Index
Push buttons for setting clock. See Index
12

Indi ator Lamp Symbols
Fun tion Indi ator Lamp
High beam
Warning Lamps
(should go out with the engine running unless)
ASR or ETS.
Adjust driving to road condition.
See Index
Fluid level for windshield and headlamp
washer system low.
See Index
A
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
Battery not being charged properly.
See Index
Exterior lamp failure. See Index
ASR malfunction. See Index
ETS malfunction. See Index
ABS malfunction. See Index
Fasten seat belts. See Index
SRS malfunction. See Index
Telescopic 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 injection system or emission control
system. In either case, we recommend
that you have the malfunction checked as
soon as possible. See Index
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Instrument Cluster
Indicator Lamp Symbols

Catalyti 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
Maintenance Booklet.
Caution!
To prevent damage to the cata
lytic 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.
Warning!
As with any vehi le, do not
idle, park or operate this ve
hi le in areas where ombus
tible materials su h as grass,
hay or leaves an ome into
onta t with the hot exhaust
system, as these materials
ould be ignited.
14

Starting and Turning Off
the Engine
Start Lo k-Out
Important!
The engine can only be started, if
the vehicle was unlocked from the
outside.
Before Starting
Engage parking brake and ensure
selector lever is in position “P” or
“N”. Turn key in steering lock to
position 2. The charge indicator
lamp should come on.
Note:
If transmit button of the remote
control is inadvertently pressed
again prior to starting the engine,
the start lock-out is activated. In
this case press transmit button
again to deactivate the start lock
out.
Cold Engine
o not depress accelerator. Turn
key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop. Release key only when
the engine is firing regularly.
Hot Engine
o not depress accelerator. Turn
key in steering lock clockwise to
the stop. If the engine has not
fired after approx. 4 seconds,
depress accelerator and continue
cranking until the engine is firing
regularly. Release key and back
off accelerator.
At very high coolant temperatures
the engine starting time can be
shortened if the accelerator is de
pressed slowly at the beginning of
the starting process.
Turning Off
Turn the key in the steering lock to
position 0 to stop the engine.
The key can only be removed with
the selector lever in position “P”.
Important!
ue to the installed starter non
repeat feature, the key must be
turned completely to the left before
attempting to start the engine
again.
The battery charge indicator lamp
should go out as 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.

Driving Instru tions
Warning!
If you feel a sudden signifi
ant vibration or ride distur
ban e, or you suspe t that
possible damage to your vehi
le has o urred, you should
turn on the hazard flashers,
arefully slow down, and drive
with aution to an area whi h
is a safe distan e from the
roadway.
Inspe t the tires and under
the vehi le for possible dam
age. If the vehi le or tires
appear unsafe, have it towed
to the nearest Mer edes-Benz
or tire dealer for repairs.
Power Assistan e
Warning!
When the engine is not
running, the brake and
steering systems are without
power assistan e. Under
these ir umstan es, a mu h
greater effort is ne essary to
stop or steer the vehi le.
Brakes
Warning!
After driving in heavy rain for
some time without applying
the brakes or through water
deep enough to wet brake
omponents, the first braking
a tion may be somewhat re
du ed and in reased pedal
pressure may be ne essary.
Be sure to maintain a safe
distan e from vehi les in
front.
Resting your foot on the brake
pedal will ause ex essive
and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It an also result in the brakes
overheating thereby signifi
antly redu ing their effe tive
ness. It may not be possible
to stop the ar in suffi ient
time to avoid an a ident.
The condition of the parking brake
system is checked each time the
car is in the shop for the required
maintenance.
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 maintenance 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 re ommended
brake pads are installed, or
other than re ommended
brake fluid is used, the
braking properties of the
vehi le an be degraded to an
extent that safe braking is
substantially impaired.
16

Caution!
When driving down long and steep
grades, relieve the load on the
brakes by shifting into “3” or “2”.
This helps prevent overheating of
the brakes and reduces brake pad
wear. o not exceed engine speed
limits. Refer to Technical ata for
downshift points.
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 depth of approximately
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 wee
down too far. As tread depth
approa hes 1/16 in (1.5 mm),
the adhesion properties on a
wet road are sharply redu ed
Depending upon the weather
and/or road surfa e ( ondi
tions), the tire tra tion 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). I
Warning!
Do not drive with a flat tire. A
flat tire affe ts the ability to
steer or brake the vehi le. You
may lose ontrol of the ar.
Continued driving with a flat
tire or driving at high speed
with a flat tire will ause ex
essive heat build-up and
possibly a fire.
Aquaplaning
epending 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.
17
riving Instructions

Tire Tra tion
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 i e has formed on the road,
tire tra tion will be substan
tially redu ed. Under su h
weather onditions, drive,
steer and brake with extreme
aution.
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 wet or dry.
Tire Speed Rating
Model C 36 AMG only:
This vehicle is factory equipped
with “Z”-rated tires.
All other models:
These vehicles are 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.
espite 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 vehi le at
speeds greater than the maxi
mum speed rating of the tires.
Ex eeding the maximum
speed for whi h tires are rated
an lead to sudden tire failure
ausing loss of vehi le ontrol
and resulting in personal
injury and possible death.
Parking
Warning!
To redu e the risk of personal
injury as a result of vehi le
movement, before turning off
the engine and leaving the
vehi le always:
1. Keep right foot on brake
pedal.
2. Firmly depress parking
brake pedal.
3. Move the sele tor lever to
position “P”.
4. Slowly release brake pedal.
5. Turn front wheels towards
the road urb.
6. Turn the key to steering
lo k position 0 and remove.
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.
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