Get Getting started Guide for Mercedes C Class 4 Door First Generation (2000-2006)

Getting started

Unlocking

Adjusting

Driving

Parking and locking

Getting started

The “Getting started” section provides an

overview of the vehicle’s most basic func-

tions. First-time Mercedes-Benz owners

should pay special attention to the infor-

mation given here.

If you are already familiar with the basic

functions described here, the “Controls in

detail” section will provide you with further

information. The corresponding page

references are located at the end of each

segment.

Unlocking

Unlocking with the SmartKey

SmartKey with remote control

1 ‹ Lock button

2 Š Opening button for the trunk lid

3 Œ Unlock button

4 Â Panic button* (컄 page 76)

왘 Press unlock button Œ on the

SmartKey.

All turn signal lamps flash once. The

locking knobs in the doors move up.

왘 Get in the vehicle and insert the

SmartKey in the starter switch.

For more information, see “Locking and

unlocking” (컄 page 88).

Canada only:

Only vehicles equipped with an

anti-theft alarm system* have

SmartKeys with integrated panic

button* 4.

Getting started

Unlocking

Starter switch positions SmartKey

Starter switch

0 For removing SmartKey

The steering is locked when the

SmartKey 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

consumers, such as seat adjustment

2 Ignition (power supply for all electrical

consumers) and driving position.

All lamps in the instrument cluster

come on. If a lamp in the instrument

cluster fails to come on when the

ignition is switched on, have it checked

and replaced if necessary. If a lamp in

the instrument cluster remains on after

starting the engine or comes on while

driving, refer to “Lamps in instrument

cluster” (

컄 page 302).

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 unattend-

ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un-

locked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle

equipment may cause an accident and/or

serious personal injury.

Getting started

Unlocking

When you switch on the ignition, the

indicator and warning lamps in the

instrument cluster come on. This indi-

cates that the respective systems are

operational. They should go out when

the engine is running.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

The SmartKey can only be removed

from the starter switch with the gear

selector lever in position P.

If the SmartKey cannot be turned in the

starter switch, the battery may not be

sufficiently charged.

앫 Check the battery and charge it if

necessary (컄 page 360).

앫 Get a jump start (컄 page 363).

To prevent accelerated battery

discharge and a possible dead battery,

always remove the SmartKey from the

starter switch when the engine is not in

operation.

Getting started

Adjusting

왔 Adjusting

Seats

The seats can be adjusted either manually

or electrically, depending on the vehicle’s

equipment.

Warning! G

All seat, head restraint, steering wheel, and

rear view mirror adjustments, as well as fas-

tening of seat belts, must be done before

the vehicle is put into motion.

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 in an excessively reclined position as

this can be dangerous. You could slide un-

der the seat belt in a collision. If you slide

under it, the belt would apply force at the ab-

domen or neck.

That could cause serious or fatal injuries.

The seat back and seat belts provide the

best restraint when the wearer is in a nearly

upright position and belts are properly posi-

tioned on the body. Your seat must be ad-

justed so that you can correctly fasten your

seat belt (

컄 page 43).

Never place hands under the seat or near

any moving parts while a seat is being ad-

justed.

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the

SmartKey from the starter switch, and lock

your vehicle.

Even with the SmartKey removed from the

starter switch, the power seats* can be

operated when the respective door is open.

Therefore, do not leave children unattended

in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked

vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip-

ment 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

TM1

compatible child seat, which operates with

the BabySmart

system installed in the

vehicle to deactivate the passenger front

air bag when it is properly installed. Other-

wise they will be struck by the air bag 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 seat-

ing 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 manufactur-

er’s instructions.

BabySmart

is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

컄컄

Getting started

Adjusting

Manual seat adjustment

1 Seat fore and aft adjustment

2 Seat cushion tilt

3 Seat 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 seat to a comfortable seating

position that still allows you to reach the

accelerator/brake pedal safely. The posi-

tion should be as far rearward as possible,

consistent with ability to properly operate

controls.

Seat cushion tilt

왘 Turn handwheel 2 forward or back-

ward until your upper legs are lightly

supported

Seat backrest tilt

왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

왘 Press switch 3 in direction of arrow

until your arms are slightly angled

when holding the steering wheel.

Seat height

왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

왘 Press switch 4 in direction of arrow

until your legs are lightly supported.

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.

When moving the seat, make sure that

there are no items in the footwell or

behind the seat. Otherwise you could

damage the seat.

컄컄

Getting started

Adjusting

Head restraint height

1 Release button

Raising:

왘 Manually adjust the height of the head

restraint by pulling it upward.

Lowering:

왘 To lower head the restraint, push

release button 1 and push down on

the head restraint.

Head restraint tilt

Manually adjust the angle of the head

restraint.

왘 Push or pull on the lower edge of the

head restraint cushion.

For more information, see “Seats”

(

컄 page 98).

Warning! G

For your protection, drive only with properly

positioned head restraints.

Adjust head restraint so that the center of

the head restraint supports the back of the

head at eye level. This will reduce the poten-

tial for injury to the head and neck in the

event of an accident or similar situation.

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat

head restraints. Head restraints are intend-

ed to help reduce injuries during an acci-

dent.

Adjust the head restraint in such a way

that it is as close to the head as

possible.

Getting started

Adjusting

Power seat* adjustment

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 Seat backrest tilt

왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

왘 Open the respective door.

Seat fore and aft adjustment

왘 Press switch forward or backward in

direction of arrow 4.

Adjust seat to a comfortable seating

position that still allows you to reach the

accelerator/brake pedal safely. The posi-

tion should be as far rearward as possible,

consistent with ability to properly operate

controls.

Seat cushion tilt

왘 Press switch up or down in direction of

arrow 3 until your upper legs are

lightly supported.

Seat backrest tilt

왘 Press switch forward or backward in

direction of arrow 5 until your arms

are slightly angled when holding the

steering wheel.

Seat height

왘 Press switch up or down in direction of

arrow 2.

Head restraint height

왘 Press switch up or down in direction of

arrow 1.

When moving the seat, make sure that

there are no items in the footwell or

behind the seat. Otherwise you could

damage the seat.

The memory function* (컄 page 106)

lets you store the setting for the seat

position together with the settings for

the steering wheel and exterior rear

view mirrors.

Adjust the head restraint in such a way

that it is as close to the head as

possible.

Getting started

Adjusting

Head restraint tilt

Manually adjust the angle of the head

restraint.

왘 Push or pull on the lower edge of the

head restraint cushion.

For more information, see “Seats”

(

컄 page 98).

Steering wheel

Warning! G

For your protection, drive only with properly

positioned head restraints.

Adjust head restraint so that the center of

the head restraint supports the back of the

head at eye level. This will reduce the poten-

tial for injury to the head and neck in the

event of an accident or similar situation.

Do not drive the vehicle without the seat

head restraints. Head restraints are

intended to help reduce injuries during an

accident.

Warning! G

Do not adjust the steering wheel while

driving. Adjusting the steering wheel while

driving, or driving without the adjustment

locked could cause the driver to lose control

of the vehicle.

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the

SmartKey from the starter switch and lock

your vehicle.

Even with the SmartKey removed from the

starter switch, the electrical steering wheel

adjustment feature* can be operated when

the driver’s door is open. Therefore, do not

leave children unattended in the vehicle, or

with access to an unlocked vehicle. Unsu-

pervised use of vehicle equipment may

cause an accident and/or serious personal

injury.

Getting started

Adjusting

Steering wheel adjustment, manual

1 Handle

왘 To unlock the steering column, pull

handle 1 out to its stop limit.

왘 Move steering wheel to the desired

position.

왘 To lock the steering column, push

handle 1 all the way in until it

engages.

The steering wheel is once again

locked into position.

왘 Make sure the steering wheel is

securely locked by trying to move it up

and down, and in and out before driving

off.

Steering wheel adjustment, electrical*

The stalk for steering wheel adjustment is

located on the steering column (lower left).

1 Adjusting steering column, in or out

2 Adjusting steering column, up or down

왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

왘 Open the driver’s door.

Warning! G

Only adjust the steering wheel with the

vehicle at a standstill and make sure the

steering wheel is securely locked in place

before driving off.

Driving without the steering wheel adjust-

ment locked may cause an unexpected

steering wheel movement which could

cause the driver to lose control of the

vehicle. Make sure the steering wheel is

securely locked by trying to move it up and

down, and in and out before driving off.

Getting started

Adjusting

Adjusting steering column in or out

왘 Move stalk forward or back in the

direction of arrow 1 until a comfort-

able steering wheel position is reached

with your arms slightly bent at the

elbow.

Adjusting steering column up or down

왘 Move stalk up or down in the direction

of arrow 2.

Make sure your legs can move freely

and that all the displays (incl. malfunc-

tion and indicator lamps) on the instru-

ment cluster are clearly visible.

Mirrors

Adjust the interior and exterior rear view

mirrors before driving so that you have a

good view of the road and traffic condi-

tions.

Interior rear view mirror

왘 Manually adjust the interior rear view

mirror.

For more information, see “Rear view mir-

rors” (

컄 page 168).

Exterior rear view mirrors

The memory function* (컄 page 106)

lets you store the setting for the

steering wheel together with the

settings for the seat position and

exterior rear view mirrors.

Warning! G

In the case of an accident, liquid electrolyte

may escape the mirror housing if the mirror

glass breaks.

Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-

low the liquid to come into contact with

eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.

In case it does, immediately flush affected

area with water, and seek medical help if

necessary.

Warning! G

Exercise care when using the passen-

ger-side exterior rear view mirror. The mirror

surface is convex (outwardly curved surface

for a wider field of view). Objects in mirror

are closer than they appear. Check your in-

terior rear view mirror or glance over your

shoulder before changing lanes.

Electrolyte drops coming into contact

with the vehicle paint finish can only be

completely removed while in their

liquid state and by applying plenty of

water.

Getting started

Adjusting

The buttons are located above the exterior

lamp switch.

1 Adjustment button

2 Passenger-side exterior rear view

mirror button

3 Driver’s side exterior rear view mirror

button

왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

왘 Press button 3 for the driver’s side

exterior rear view mirror or button 2

for passenger-side exterior rear view

mirror.

왘 Push adjustment button 1 up, down,

left, or right according to the desired

setting.

For more information, see “Rear view mir-

rors” (

컄 page 168).

If an exterior rear view mirror was

forcibly pushed forward (hit from the

rear) or forcibly pushed rearward (hit

from the front), reposition it by

applying firm pressure until it snaps

into place. The mirror housing is now

properly positioned and you can adjust

the mirror normally.

The memory function* (컄 page 106)

lets you store the setting for the

exterior rear view mirrors together with

the settings for the steering wheel and

seat position.

At low ambient temperatures, the

exterior rear view mirrors will be

heated automatically.

Getting started

Driving

왔 Driving

Fastening the seat belt

Warning! G

Do not lay any objects in the driver’s foot-

well. Be careful that floor mats or carpets in

the driver’s footwell have sufficient clear-

ance for the pedals.

During sudden driving or braking maneuvers

the objects could get caught between the

pedals. You could then no longer brake or

accelerate.

Warning! G

Always fasten your seat belt before driving

off. Always make sure your passengers are

properly restrained, even those sitting in the

rear and pregnant women.

Failure to wear and properly fasten and po-

sition your seat belt greatly increases your

risk of injuries and their likely severity in an

accident. You and your passengers should

always wear seat belts.

If you are ever in an accident, your injuries

can be considerably more severe without

your seat belt properly buckled. Without

your seat belt buckled, you are much more

likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be

ejected from it. You can be seriously injured

or killed.

In the same crash, the possibility of injury or

death is lessened if you are wearing your

seat belt. The air bags can only provide the

protection they were designed to afford if

the occupants are using their seat belts

(

컄 page 64).

Warning! G

Children 12 years old and under must never

ride in the front seat, except in a

Mercedes-Benz authorized BabySmart

TM1

compatible child seat, which operates with

the BabySmart

system installed in the ve-

hicle to deactivate the passenger front

air bag when it is properly installed. Other-

wise they will be struck by the air bag 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 seat-

ing 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 manufactur-

er’s instructions.

BabySmart

is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

컄컄

Getting started

Driving

1 Latch plate

2 Release button

3 Buckle

왘 With a smooth motion, pull the belt

from the belt outlet.

왘 Place the shoulder portion of the belt

across the top of your shoulder and the

lap portion across your hips.

왘 Push latch plate 1 into buckle 3 until

it clicks.

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.

Warning! G

Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat

backrest in an excessively reclined position

as this 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 ab-

domen or neck. That could cause serious or

even fatal injuries. The seat backrest and

seat belt provide the best restraint when the

wearer is in a nearly upright position and the

belt is properly positioned on the body.

Warning! G

Never let more people ride in the vehicle

than there are seat belts available. Be sure

everyone riding in the vehicle is correctly

restrained with a separate seat belt. Never

use a seat belt for more than one person at

a time.

Warning! G

Read and observe the additional warning no-

tices printed in the “Safety and Security”

section (

컄 page 62) and (컄 page 64).

컄컄

Getting started

Driving

왘 If necessary, tighten the lap portion to

a snug fit by pulling shoulder portion

up.

Seat belt height adjustment

Adjust seat belt so that shoulder portion is

located as close as possible to the middle

of your shoulder (it should not touch the

neck or pass under the arm).

Front seats

4 Button for belt outlet height adjust-

ment

왘 Press button 4 and slide belt outlet

upward or downward.

Proper use of seat belts

앫 Do not twist the belt when fastening.

앫 Adjust seat belt so that the shoulder

portion is located as close as possible

to the middle of the shoulder (it should

not touch the neck). Never pass the

shoulder portion of the belt under your

arm. For this purpose, you can adjust

the height of the belt outlet.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible

on your hips (over hip joint) and not

across the abdomen.

앫 Place the seat backrest in a nearly

upright position.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time.

앫 Do not fasten a seat belt around a

person and another object at the same

time. When using a seat belt to secure

infant or toddler restraints or children

in booster seats, always follow the

child seat manufacturer's instructions.

앫 Check your seat belt during travel to

make sure that it is properly posi-

tioned.

앫 Make sure that the seat belt is always

fitted snugly. Take special care of this

when wearing loose clothing.

Warning! G

Do not pass belts over sharp edges. They

could tear.

Do not allow the belt to get caught in the

door or in the seat adjustment mechanism.

This could damage the belt.

Never attempt to make modifications to

seat belts. This could impair the effective-

ness of the belts.

Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may

severely weaken them. In a crash, they may

not be able to provide adequate protection.

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly

stressed in an accident must be replaced.

Contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

Getting started

Driving

Starting the engine Manual transmission

Gearshift pattern for manual transmission

For more information, see “Manual trans-

mission” (컄 page 154).

Starting

왘 Depress brake pedal.

왘 Make sure the gearshift lever is in

neutral position (no gear selected).

왘 Fully depress clutch pedal.

Otherwise the engine cannot be

started due to the integrated safety

interlock.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator.

왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 3 and hold until the engine

starts (컄 page 33).

For information on turning off the engine,

see “Turning off engine” (

컄 page 56).

Warning! G

Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to

your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon

monoxide, and inhaling it can cause uncon-

sciousness and lead to death.

Do not run the engine in confined areas

(such as garage) which are not properly ven-

tilated. If you think that exhaust gas fumes

are entering the vehicle while driving, have

the cause determined and corrected imme-

diately. If you must drive under these condi-

tions, drive only with at least one window

fully open.

Getting started

Driving

Automatic transmission*

Gearshift pattern for automatic

transmission

P Park position with gear selector lever

lock

R Reverse gear

N Neutral

D Drive position

For more information, see “Automatic

transmission*” (

컄 page 156).

Starting

왘 Make sure the gear selector lever is set

to P.

왘 Do not depress the accelerator.

왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 3 and hold until the engine

starts (컄 page 33).

왘 Depress the brake pedal.

The gear selector lever lock is released.

For information on turning off the engine,

see “Turning off engine” (컄 page 56).

Starting difficulties

If the engine does not start as described,

carry out the following steps:

왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0 and repeat starting

procedure (컄 page 46).

Remember that extended starting

attempts can drain the battery.

왘 Get a jump start (컄 page 363).

If the engine does not start after several

starting attempts, there could be a mal-

function in the engine electronics or in the

fuel supply system.

왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

You can also use the “touch-start”

function. Turn the SmartKey in the

starter switch to position 3 and release

it again immediately. The engine then

starts automatically.

Getting started

Driving

Parking brake

1 Release handle

2 Parking brake

왘 Release parking brake by pulling on

handle 1.

The warning lamp ; (USA only)

or 3 (Canada only) in the

instrument cluster goes out.

Driving

왘 Depress the brake pedal.

왘 Move gear selector lever to position D

or R (manual transmission: first or

reverse gear).

왘 Release the brake pedal.

왘 Carefully depress the accelerator.

Once the vehicle is in motion, the auto-

matic central locking system engages

and the locking knobs drop down.

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the

SmartKey from the starter switch and lock

the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend-

ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un-

locked vehicle. Children could release the

parking brake, which could result in an acci-

dent and/or serious injury.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Wait for the gear selection process to

complete before setting the vehicle in

motion.

You can open a locked door from the

inside. Open door only when conditions

are safe to do so.

You can deactivate the automatic

locking using the control system

(

컄 page 145).

Simultaneously depressing the

accelerator pedal and applying the

brake reduces engine performance and

causes premature brake and drivetrain

wear.

If you hear a warning signal when driv-

ing off, you have forgotten to release

the parking brake.

Release the parking brake.

Getting started

Driving

After a cold start, the automatic transmis-

sion shifts at a higher engine revolution.

This allows the catalytic converter to reach

its operating temperature earlier.

For more information on driving, see “Driv-

ing instructions” (

컄 page 265).

Switching on headlamps

For more information on headlamps, see

“Lighting” (컄 page 109).

Low beam headlamps

The exterior lamp switch is located on the

dashboard to the left of the steering wheel.

Exterior lamp switch

1 Off

2 Low beam headlamps on

Warning! G

On slippery road surfaces, never downshift

in order to obtain braking action. This could

result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-

cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-

vent this type of loss of control.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

Place the gear selector lever in

position R only when the vehicle is

stopped in order to avoid damaging the

transmission.

Do not run cold engine at high engine

speeds. Running a cold engine at high

engine speeds may shorten the service

life of the engine.

Warning! G

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

It is dangerous to shift the gear selector le-

ver out of P or N if the engine speed is high-

er than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly

on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accel-

erate quickly forward or in reverse. You

could lose control of the vehicle and hit

someone or something. Only shift into gear

when the engine is idling normally and when

your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.

Getting started

Driving

왘 Turn exterior lamp switch to

position B.

The low beam headlamp indicator

lamp B in the instrument cluster

comes on (

컄 page 24).

High beam

The combination switch is located on the

left of the steering column.

Combination switch

1 High beam

2 High beam flasher

왘 Push combination switch in direction of

arrow 1.

The high beam headlamp indicator

lamp A in the instrument cluster

comes on (

컄 page 24).

Turn signals

The combination switch is located on the

left of the steering column.

Combination switch

1 Turn signals, right

2 Turn signals, left

왘 Press combination switch in direction

of arrow 1 or 2.

The corresponding turn signal indicator

lamp L or K in the instrument

cluster flashes (

컄 page 24).

The combination switch resets automati-

cally after major steering wheel move-

ments.

To signal minor directional changes

such as changing lanes, press combi-

nation switch only to point of resis-

tance and release. The corresponding

turn signals will flash three times.

Getting started

Driving

Windshield wipers

The combination switch is located on the

left of the steering column.

Combination switch

1 Single wipe

2 Switching on windshield wipers

왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

Switching on windshield wipers

왘 Turn the combination switch to the

desired position depending on the

intensity of the rain.

0 Windshield wipers off

I Intermittent wiping

II Normal wiper speed

III Fast wiper speed

Vehicles without rain sensor:

When the vehicle is standing still, the

wiper speed returns to next lower

setting.

Vehicles with rain sensor*:

Intermittent wiping interval is

dependent on wetness of windshield.

After the initial wipe, pauses between

wipes are automatically controlled by

the rain sensor.

Vehicles with rain sensor*:

Do not leave windshield wipers in

intermittent setting when the vehicle is

taken to an automatic car wash or

during windshield cleaning. Wipers will

operate in the presence of water

sprayed on the windshield, and wipers

may be damaged as a result.

The switch should not be left in

intermittent setting as the wipers will

wipe the windshield once every time

the engine is started. Dust that

accumulates on the windshield might

scratch the glass and/or damage the

wiper blades when wiping occurs on a

dry windshield.

Getting started

Driving

Intermittent wiping

왘 Set the wiper switch to position I.

Single wipe

왘 Press combination switch briefly in

direction of arrow 1.

The windshield wipers wipe one time

without washer fluid.

Wiping with windshield washer fluid

왘 Push combination switch in direction of

arrow 1 past the resistance point.

The windshield wipers operate with

washer fluid.

For information on filling up the washer

reservoir, see “Windshield washer system

and headlamp cleaning system*”

(

컄 page 285).

Intermittent wiping is interrupted when

the vehicle is at a standstill and a front

door is opened.

If anything blocks the windshield

wipers (leaves, snow, etc.), switch

them off immediately.

앫 For safety reasons, withdraw

SmartKey from starter switch

before attempting to remove any

blockage.

앫 Remove blockage.

앫 Turn the windshield wipers on

again.

If windshield wipers fail to function at

all in switch position I,

앫 set the combination switch to the

next highest wiper speed

앫 have the windshield wipers

checked at the nearest authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center

Getting started

Driving

Problems while driving

The engine runs erratically and misfires

앫 An ignition cable may be damaged.

앫 The engine electronics may not be op-

erating properly.

앫 Unburned gasoline may have entered

the catalytic converter and damaged it.

왘 Give very little gas.

왘 Have the problem repaired by an au-

thorized Mercedes-Benz Center as

soon as possible.

The coolant temperature is

above 248°F (120°C)

The coolant is too hot and is no longer

cooling the engine.

왘 Stop the vehicle as soon as possible

and turn off the engine. Allow engine

and coolant to cool.

왘 Check the coolant level and add

coolant if necessary (컄 page 283).

In case of accident

If the vehicle is leaking gasoline:

왘 Do not start the engine under any cir-

cumstances.

왘 Notify local fire and/or police authori-

ties.

If the extent of the damage cannot be de-

termined:

왘 Notify an authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

If no damage can be determined on the

앫 major assemblies

앫 fuel system

앫 engine mount:

왘 Start the engine in the usual manner.

Getting started

Parking and locking

You have now completed your first drive.

You have properly stopped and parked

your vehicle. End your drive as follows.

Parking brake

1 Release handle

2 Parking brake

왘 Step firmly on parking brake pedal 2.

When the engine is running, the

warning lamp ; (USA only)

or 3 (Canada only) in the

instrument cluster will be illuminated.

Warning! G

Wait until the vehicle is stationary before

removing the SmartKey from the starter

switch. The vehicle cannot be steered when

the SmartKey is removed.

Warning! G

With the engine not running, there is no

power assistance for the brake and steering

system. In this case, it is important to keep

in mind that a considerably higher degree of

effort is necessary to brake and steer the

vehicle.

Warning! G

Do not park this vehicle in areas where com-

bustible 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.

To reduce the risk of personal injury as a re-

sult of vehicle movement, before turning off

the engine and leaving the vehicle always:

앫 Keep right foot on brake pedal.

앫 Firmly depress parking brake pedal.

앫 Move the gear selector lever to

position P (manual transmission: first or

reverse gear).

앫 Slowly release brake pedal.

앫 When parked on an incline, turn front

wheels towards the road curb.

앫 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0 and remove the SmartKey

from the starter switch.

앫 Take the SmartKey and lock vehicle

when leaving.

Getting started

Parking and locking

Switching off headlamps

왘 Turn the exterior lamp switch

to M (컄 page 49).

For more information on headlamps, see

“Lighting” (

컄 page 109).

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the

SmartKey from the starter switch and lock

the vehicle. Do not leave children unattend-

ed in the vehicle, or with access to an un-

locked vehicle. Children could release the

parking brake and/or move the gear selec-

tor lever from position P, either of which

could result in an accident and/or serious

injury.

Warning! G

Getting out of your vehicle with the gear se-

lector lever not fully engaged in position P is

dangerous. Also, when parked on an incline,

position P alone may not prevent your vehi-

cle from moving, possibly hitting people or

objects.

Always set the parking brake in addition to

shifting to position P (manual transmission:

first or reverse gear).

When parked on an incline, turn front wheel

towards the road curb.

Getting started

Parking and locking

Turning off engine

왘 Place the gear selector lever in

position P (manual transmission: first

or reverse gear).

왘 Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch

to position 0 and remove the SmartKey

from the starter switch.

The immobilizer is activated.

왘 Press the seat belt release button

(컄 page 44).

Allow the retractor to completely

rewind the seat belt by guiding the

latch plate.

왘 After exiting the vehicle, press the lock

button ‹ on the SmartKey

(컄 page 32).

All turn signal lamps flash three times.

The locking knobs in the doors move

down.

For more information, see “Locking and

unlocking” (컄 page 88).

Always set the parking brake in addi-

tion to shifting to position P (manual

transmission: first or reverse gear).

On steep slopes, turn the front wheels

towards the road curb.

Vehicles with automatic transmission:

The SmartKey can only be removed

from the starter switch with the gear

selector lever in position P.

With the SmartKey removed and the

driver’s door open, a warning sounds if

the vehicle’s exterior lamps are not

switched off.

Warning! G

To prevent possible personal injury, always

keep hands and fingers away from the door

openings when closing the doors. Be espe-

cially careful when small children are

around.

Before closing doors, make sure there is no

possibility of someone getting caught in a

door during closing.

Warning! G

When leaving the vehicle, always remove the

SmartKey from the starter switch, and lock

your vehicle. Do not leave children unat-

tended in the vehicle, or with access to an

unlocked vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehi-

cle equipment may cause an accident

and/or serious personal injury.

Getting started for Your Mercedes C Class 4 Door First Generation (2000-2006)

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