Mercedes-Benz C 230 1998 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.
1-800-387-0100 (in Canada
P98.00-0656-20
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
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 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. 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 rinte d in G erm a n y
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 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, 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 e tend our best wishes for many miles of safe,
pleasurable driving.
Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
3

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).
4
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 Warranty Information booklet, or simply
call the Mercedes-Benz Customer 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 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 Service Booklet are
important documents and should be kept with the
vehicle.
6

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.
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 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.
8

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
riving Instructions 17

Instruments and Controls
For more detailed descriptions see Inde .
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)
10
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
8Main odometer, or
FSS indicator. See Index
9Right turn signal indicator lamp (green)
10 Tachometer. See Index
11 Clock. See Index
12 Push buttons for intensity of instrument lamps
See Index
13 Push button for resetting trip odometer.
See Index
14 Push buttons for setting clock. See Index
12

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 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 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
13
Instrument Cluster
Indicator Lamp Symbols

Additional Function Indicator Lamps
in the Instrument Cluster
FSS indicator (distance).
See Index
FSS indicator (days).
See Index
14
Function Indicator Lamp
on the Center Console
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.
15
Indicator Lamp Symbols
Catalytic Converter

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)
o 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)
o 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!
ue 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”.
16

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
circumstances, 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.
17
Starting
riving 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
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.
18