Get Safety and Security Guide for Mercedes C Class 4 Door First Generation (2000-2006)

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Panic alarm*

Driving safety systems

Anti-theft systems

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

In this section you will learn the most im-

portant facts about the restraint systems

of the vehicle.

The restraint systems are

앫 Seat belts

앫 Emergency tensioning device

앫 Air bags

앫 Child seats

앫 Child seat recognition

앫 Lower anchors and tethers for children

(LATCH)

As independent systems, their protective

effects work in conjunction with each

other.

The 1 indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster (

컄 page 24) comes on:

앫 for about four seconds when you turn

the SmartKey in the starter switch to

position 1. It then goes out briefly,

comes on again and remains lit until

you start the engine.

앫 for about four seconds when you start

the engine by turning the SmartKey.

The 1 indicator lamp goes out shortly

after you start the engine. This shows that

the restraint systems are operational.

A malfunction in the system has been

detected if the 1 indicator lamp:

앫 fails to extinguish after approximately

four seconds.

앫 does not come on at all.

앫 comes on after the engine was started

or while driving.

For safety reasons, we strongly

recommend that you visit an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to

have the system checked.

For more information, see “Practical hints”

(

컄 page 307).

For information on infants and children

traveling with you in the vehicle and

restraint systems for infants and

children, see “Children in the vehicle”

(

컄 page 67).

The 1 indicator lamp remains lit if

the SmartKey in the starter switch is

turned to position 2 and left there. The

indicator lamp will go out when you

start the engine.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Air bags

Warning! G

In the event that the 1 indicator lamp

comes on during driving or does not come

on at all, the SRS self-check has detected a

malfunction. For your safety, we strongly

recommend that you visit an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center immediately to have

the system checked; otherwise the SRS may

not be activated when needed in an acci-

dent, which could result in serious or fatal

injury, or it might deploy unexpectedly and

unnecessarily which could also result in

injury.

In addition, improper work on the SRS

creates a risk of rendering the SRS inopera-

tive or causing unintended air bag deploy-

ment. Work on the SRS must therefore only

be performed by qualified technicians. Con-

tact an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Warning! G

Air bags are designed to reduce the poten-

tial of injury and fatality in certain frontal

impacts (front air bags), or side impacts

(side impact air bags and head protection

window curtain air bags). However, no sys-

tem available today can totally eliminate in-

juries and fatalities.

The activation of the air bags temporarily

releases a small amount of dust from the

air bags. This dust, however, is neither inju-

rious to your health, nor does it indicate a

fire in the vehicle. The dust might cause

some temporary breathing difficulty for peo-

ple with asthma or other breathing trouble.

To avoid this, you may wish to get out of the

vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you

have any breathing difficulty but cannot get

out of the vehicle after the air bag inflates,

then get fresh air by opening a window or

door.

Warning! G

To reduce the risk of injury when the front

air bags inflate, it is very important for the

driver and front passenger to always be in a

properly seated position and to wear your

seat belts.

For maximum protection in the event of a

collision always be in normal seated position

with your back against the backrest. Fasten

your seat belt and make sure that it is prop-

erly positioned on your body.

Since the air bag inflates with considerable

speed and force, a proper seating and hands

on steering wheel position will help to keep

you at a safe distance from the air bag.

Occupants who are unbelted, out of position

or too close to the air bag can be seriously

injured by an air bag as it inflates with great

force in the blink of an eye:

앫 Sit properly belted in a nearly upright

position with your back against the seat

backrest.

컄컄

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

앫 Adjust the driver seat as far as possible

rearward, still permitting proper opera-

tion of vehicle controls. The distance

from the center of the driver’s breast-

bone to the center of the air bag cover

on the steering wheel must be at least

ten inches (25 cm) or more. You should

be able to accomplish this by a combina-

tion of adjustments to the seat and

steering wheel. If you have any prob-

lems, please see an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Do not lean with your head or chest

close to the steering wheel or dash-

board.

앫 Keep hands on the outside of steering

wheel rim. Placing hands and arms in-

side the rim can increase the risk and

potential severity of hand/arm injury

when driver front air bag inflates.

앫 Adjust the front passenger seat as far as

possible rearward from the dashboard

when the seat is occupied.

앫 Occupants, especially children, should

never lean their heads in the area of the

door where the side air bag inflates. This

could result in serious injuries or death

should the air bag be triggered. Always

sit nearly upright, properly use the seat

belts and appropriate size infant or child

restraint system.

앫 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 deacti-

vate the passenger front air bag when it

is properly installed. Otherwise they will

be struck by the air bag when it inflates

in a crash. If this happens, serious or fa-

tal injury will result.

BabySmart

is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

Failure to follow these instructions can

result in severe injuries to you or other

occupants.

If you sell your vehicle, it is important that

you make the buyer aware of this safety

information. Be sure to give the buyer this

Operator's Manual.

컄컄

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

Accident research shows that the safest

place for children in an automobile is in the

rear seat. Should you choose to place a child

12 years old or under in the front passenger

seat of your vehicle, you must properly use

a BabySmart

TM1

child restraint which will

turn off the passenger front air bag.

BabySmart

will not, however, turn off any

side impact air bag.

It should be noted that with respect to both

front and rear side impact air bags there is a

possibility for a side air bag related injury if

occupants, especially children, are not prop-

erly seated or restrained when next to a side

air bag which needs to deploy rapidly in a

side impact in order to do its job.

BabySmart

is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

To help avoid the possibility of injury, please

follow these guidelines:

(1) Occupants, especially children, should

never place their bodies or lean their

heads in the area of the door where the

side air bag inflates. This could result in

serious injuries or death should the side

air bag be activated.

(2) Always sit nearly upright, properly use

the seat belts and use an appropriately

sized infant or child restraint system for

all children 12 years old or under.

(3) Always wear seat belts properly.

If you believe that, even with the use of

these guidelines, it would be safer for your

rear seat occupants to have both rear door

mounted side air bags deactivated, then

deactivation can be accomplished upon

your written request to do so at an autho-

rized Mercedes-Benz Center at an additional

cost.

Please contact your local authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center or call our Customer

Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes

(1-800-367-6372) for details.

Air bags are designed to activate only

in certain frontal impacts (front

air bags) and in side impacts (side

impact and head protection window

curtain air bags) which exceed preset

thresholds.

Only during these types of impacts, if of

sufficient severity to meet the deploy-

ment tresholds, will they provide their

supplemental protection.

The driver and passengers should

always wear their seat belts. Otherwise

it is not possible for air bags to provide

their supplemental protection.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Safety guidelines for the seat belt,

emergency tensioning device and

air bag

In cases of other frontal impacts,

angled impacts, roll-overs, other side

impacts, rear collisions, or other acci-

dents, the air bags will not be activat-

ed. The driver and passengers will then

be protected by the fastened seat

belts.

We caution you not to rely on the

presence of the air bags in order to

avoid wearing your seat belt.

Your vehicle was originally equipped

with air bags that are designed to acti-

vate in certain impacts exceeding a

preset threshold to reduce the poten-

tial and severity of injury. It is important

to your safety and that of your passen-

gers that you replace deployed air bags

and repair any malfunctioning air bags

to make sure that the vehicle will con-

tinue to provide supplemental crash

protection for occupants.

Warning! G

앫 Damaged seat belts or belts that were

highly stressed in an accident must be

replaced and their anchoring points

must also be checked. Only use belts in-

stalled or supplied by an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 Air bags and emergency tensioning

devices (ETDs) are designed to function

on a one-time only basis. An air bag or

ETD that was activated must be

replaced

앫 No modifications of any kind may be

made to any components or wiring of

the SRS. This includes changing or re-

moving any component or part of the

SRS, the installation of additional trim

material, badges, etc. over the steering

wheel hub, passenger front air bag

cover, door trim panels, or door frame

trims, and installation of additional elec-

trical/electronic equipment on or near

SRS components and wiring. Keep area

between air bags and occupants free

from objects (e.g. packages, purses,

umbrellas, etc.).

앫 Do not pass belts over sharp edges.

They could tear.

앫 Do not make any modification that could

change the effectiveness of the belts.

앫 Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this

may severely weaken them. In a crash

they may not be able to provide ade-

quate protection.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

When you sell your vehicle we strongly

urge you to give notice to the subsequent

owner that it is equipped with an SRS by

alerting them to the applicable section in

the Operator’s Manual.

Front air bags

1 Driver’s air bag

2 Passenger front air bag

Driver and front passenger air bags are

deployed:

앫 in the event of a frontal impact

앫 if impact exceeds a preset deployment

threshold

앫 independently of the side impact

air bags

The air bags will not deploy in impacts

which do not exceed the system’s

deployment thresholds. You will then be

protected by the fastened seat belts.

The passenger front air bag will only be

deployed if:

앫 the front passenger seat is occupied

앫 the 56 indicator lamp in the

center console is not lit (컄 page 70)

앫 the impact exceeds a preset

deployment treshold

앫 Do not hang items such as coat hangers

from the coat hooks or handles over the

door. These items may turn into projec-

tiles and cause head and other injuries

when curtain air bag is deployed.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument

panel, dashboard, or on the seat. Always

keep both feet on the floor in front of the

seat.

앫 Air bag system components will be hot

after an air bag has inflated. Do not

touch.

앫 In addition, improper repair work on the

SRS creates a risk of rendering the SRS

inoperative or causing unintended

air bag deployment. Work on the SRS

must therefore only be performed by

qualified technicians. Contact an autho-

rized Mercedes-Benz Center.

앫 For your protection and the protection

of others, when scrapping the air bag

unit or emergency tensioning device,

our safety instructions must be fol-

lowed. These instructions are available

from your authorized Mercedes-Benz

Center.

앫 Given the considerable deployment

speed and the textile structure of the

air bags, there is the possibility of abra-

sions or other injuries resulting from

air bag deployment.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Side impact air bags, window curtain

air bags

The window curtain air bags 1 fill up the

area between the A and C pillars (see

arrows).

1 Window curtain air bag

2 Side impact air bags

The side impact air bags and window

curtain air bags are deployed:

앫 on the impacted side of the vehicle

앫 in impacts exceeding a preset

deployment threshold

앫 independently of the front air bags

The front passenger side impact air bag

will only deploy if the system senses that

the front passenger seat is occupied.

The side impact air bags and window

curtain air bags are not deployed in

impacts which do not exceed the system’s

deployment threshold.

Seat belts

When the engine is started, the seat belt

telltale < illuminates to remind you and

your passengers to fasten your seat belts.

If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened

before the engine is started, the seat belt

telltale < illuminates and a warning

chime sounds for approximately six

seconds when the engine is started.

The use of seat belts and infant and child

restraint systems is required by law in all

50 states, the District of Columbia, the

U.S. territories and all Canadian provinces.

Even where this is not the case, all vehicle

occupants should have their seat belts

fastened whenever the vehicle is in

motion.

For more information on seat belts, see

“Fastening the seat belt” (

컄 page 43).

Do not place objects heavier than

20 lbs (9 kg) on the front passenger

seat. This could cause the front or side

impact air bag on the front passenger

side to deploy in a crash which exceeds

the system's deployment threshold.

For information on infants and children

traveling with you in the vehicle and

restraint systems for infants and

children, see “Children in the vehicle”

(

컄 page 67).

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

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 properly wearing

your seat belt. Air bags can only protect as

they are designed if the occupants are prop-

erly wearing their seat belts.

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

Damaged seat belts or belts that were highly

stressed in an accident must be replaced

and their anchoring points must also be

checked.

Only use seat belts which have been

approved by Mercedes-Benz.

Do not make any modifications to the seat

belts. This can lead to unintended activation

or to failure.

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.

Have all work carried out only by qualified

technicians. Contact an authorized

Mercedes-Benz Center.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

USE SEAT BELTS PROPERLY

앫 Seat belts can only work when used

properly. Never wear seat belts in any

other way than as described in this sec-

tion, as that could result in serious inju-

ries in case of an accident.

앫 Each occupant should wear their seat

belt at all times, because seat belts help

reduce the likelihood of and potential

severity of injuries in accidents, includ-

ing rollovers. The integrated restraint

system includes SRS (driver air bag,

passenger front air bag, side impact

air bags, head protection window cur-

tain air bags for side windows), ETD

(seat belt emergency tensioning device),

and front seat knee bolsters. The sys-

tem is designed to enhance the protec-

tion offered to properly belted

occupants in certain frontal (front

air bags and ETD) and side (side impact,

window curtain air bags and ETD) im-

pacts which exceed preset deployment

thresholds.

앫 Never wear the shoulder belt under your

arm, against your neck or off your shoul-

der. In a crash, your body would move

too far forward. That would increase the

chance of head and neck injuries. The

belt would also apply too much force to

the ribs or abdomen, which could se-

verely injure internal organs such as

your liver or spleen.

앫 Never wear belts over rigid or breakable

objects in or on your clothing, such as

eyeglasses, pens, keys, etc., as these

might cause injuries.

앫 Position the lap belt as low as possible

on your hips and not across the abdo-

men. If the belt is positioned across your

abdomen, it could cause serious injuries

in a crash.

앫 Never use a seat belt for more than one

person at a time. Do not fasten a seat

belt around a person and another per-

son or other objects.

앫 Belts should not be worn twisted. In a

crash, you wouldn’t have the full width

of the belt to manage impact forces. The

twisted belt against your body could

cause injuries.

앫 Pregnant women should also use a

lap-shoulder belt. The lap belt portion

should be positioned as low as possible

on the hips to avoid any possible pres-

sure on the abdomen.

앫 Never place your feet on the instrument

panel, dashboard or on the seat. Always

keep both feet on the floor in front of the

seat.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Emergency tensioning device (ETD),

seat belt force limiter

The seat belts for the front and rear outer

seats are equipped with emergency

tensioning devices and belt force limiters.

The ETD is designed to activate in the

following cases:

앫 in frontal or rear-end impacts

exceeding a preset severity level.

앫 if the restraint systems are operational

and functioning correctly.

See 1 indicator lamp (컄 page 58).

In an impact, emergency tensioning

devices remove slack from the belts in

such a way that the seat belts fit more

snugly against the body. Belt force limiters

reduce the force exerted by the seat belts

on occupants during a crash.

Children in the vehicle

If an infant or child is traveling with you in

the vehicle:

앫 Secure the child using an infant or child

restraint appropriate to the age and

size of the child.

앫 Make sure that the infant or child is

properly secured by a belt at all times

while the vehicle is in motion.

Infant and child restraint seats and infor-

mation on choosing an appropriate re-

straint system can be obtained from any

Mercedes-Benz Center.

Infant and child restraint systems

Only use a BabySmart

TM1

compatible child

restraint for the front passenger seat in

this vehicle.

The ETDs for the front seats will only

activate if the respective front seat belt

is fastened (latch plate properly

inserted into buckle).

The ETDs for the rear outer seats will

activate with or without the respective

seat belt fastened.

Warning! G

An emergency tensioning device (ETD) that

was activated must be replaced.

When scrapping the emergency tensioning

device, our safety instructions must be

followed. These are available at your

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.

Do not place objects heavier than

20 lbs (9 kg) on the front passenger

seat. This could cause the front or side

impact air bag on the front passenger

side to deploy in a crash which exceeds

the system's deployment threshold.

BabySmart

is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

We recommend all infants and children be

properly restrained at all times while the

vehicle is in motion.

All lap-shoulder belts except the driver‘s

seat belt have special seat belt retractors

for secure fastening of child restraints.

To fasten a child restraint, follow child re-

straint instructions for mounting. Then pull

the shoulder belt out completely and let it

retract. During the seat belt retraction, a

ratcheting sound can be heard to indicate

that the special seat belt retractor is acti-

vated. The belt is now locked. Push down

on child restraint to take up any slack.

To deactivate, release seat belt buckle and

let seat belt retract completely. The seat

belt can again be used in the usual man-

ner.

For information on child seats with

anchor fittings for tether anchorages,

see “Installation of infant and child re-

straint systems” (컄 page 72).

For information on child seat anchors -

LATCH-type (컄 page 73).

Warning! G

Never release the seat belt buckle while the

vehicle is in motion, since the special seat

belt retractor will be deactivated.

The use of infant or child restraints is

required by law in all 50 states, the

District of Columbia, the U.S. territo-

ries and all Canadian provinces.

Infants and small children should be

seated in an appropriate infant or child

restraint system properly secured by a

lap-shoulder belt or, if so equipped, a

child restraint lower anchorage system

that complies with U.S. Federal Motor

Vehicle Safety Standards 213 and 225

and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety

Standards 213 and 210.2.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

A statement by the child restraint man-

ufacturer of compliance with this stan-

dard can be found on the instruction

label on the restraint and in the

instruction manual provided with the

restraint.

When using any infant or child restraint

system, be sure to carefully read and

follow all manufacturer’s instructions

for installation and use.

Please read and observe warning labels

affixed to inside of vehicle and to infant

or child restraints.

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.

Infants and small children should never

share a seat belt with another occupant.

During an accident, they could be crushed

between the occupant and seat belt.

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.

Children too big for child restraint systems

must ride in back seats using regular seat

belts. Position shoulder belt across chest

and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster

seat may be necessary to achieve proper

belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until

they reach a height where a lap/shoulder

belt fits properly without a booster.

When the child restraint is not in use,

remove it from the vehicle or secure it with

the seat belt to prevent the child restraint

from becoming a projectile in the event of

an accident.

컄컄

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

BabySmart

TM1

air bag deactivation

system

The 56 indicator lamp is located on

the center console.

1 Front passenger front air bag off

indicator lamp

Special BabySmart

compatible child

seats, designed for use with the

Mercedes-Benz system and available at

any authorized Mercedes-Benz Center are

required for use with the BabySmart

air bag deactivation system. With the

special child seat properly installed, the

passenger front air bag will not deploy.

The 56 indicator lamp will be

illuminated, except with the SmartKey

removed or in starter switch position 0.

Self-test BabySmart

without special

child seat installed

After turning the SmartKey in the starter

switch to position 1 or 2,

the 56 indicator lamp comes on

for approximately six seconds and then

goes out.

If the 56 indicator lamp should not

come on or is continuously lit, the system

is not functioning. You must see an

authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before

seating any child on the front passenger

seat.

For more information, see “Practical hints”

(

컄 page 308).

Do not leave children unattended in the ve-

hicle; even if the children are secured in a

child restraint system. Unsupervised chil-

dren in a child restraint system may use ve-

hicle equipment and may cause an accident

and/or serious personal injury.

BabySmart

is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

The system does not deactivate the

side impact air bag and the emergency

tensioning device.

컄컄

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Warning! G

The BabySmart

TM1

air bag deactivation sys-

tem will ONLY work with a special child seat

designed to operate with it. It will not work

with child seats which are not BabySmart

compatible.

Never place anything between seat cushion

and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces

the effectiveness of the deactivation sys-

tem. The bottom of the child seat must

make full contact with the passenger seat

cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat

could cause injuries to the child in case of an

accident, instead of protecting the child.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for

installation of special child seats.

BabySmart

is a trademark of Siemens

Automotive Corp.

Warning! G

When using a BabySmart

compatible

child seat on the front passenger seat, the

passenger front air bag will not deploy only

if the 56 indicator lamp (

컄 page 70)

remains illuminated.

Please be sure to check

the 56 indicator lamp every time

you use the special system child seat.

Should the 56 indicator lamp go out

while the restraint is installed, please check

installation. If the 56 indicator lamp

remains out, do not use the BabySmart

restraint to transport children on the front

passenger seat until the system has been

repaired.

Warning! G

Do not place powered-on laptops, cell

phones and like electronic devices on the

front passenger seat. Signals from such

devices may interfere with the BabySmart

system. Such signal interference may cause

the 56 indicator lamp (컄 page 70)

not to come on during self-test or be contin-

uously lit, indicating that the system is not

functioning.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Installation of infant and child restraint

systems

This vehicle is equipped with tether

anchorages for a top tether strap at each

of the rear seating positions.

1 Cover of top anchorage ring

왘 Make sure the rear backrest is locked

in its upright position (컄 page 239).

왘 Remove cover 1 from anchorage

ring 3.

왘 Guide tether strap between head

restraint and top of seat back.

Head restraint must be installed (if

removable) and positioned such that

the top tether strap can pass freely

between the head restraint and top of

seat back.

Make sure the tether strap is not

twisted.

2 Hook

3 Anchorage ring

왘 Securely fasten hook 2, which is part

of the tether strap, to anchorage

ring 3.

Once the top tether anchorage hook is

attached, the child restraint itself can be

secured. Tighten the top tether strap

according to the child restraint

manufacturer's instructions

Warning! G

Always lock backrest in its upright position

when rear seat bench is occupied by pas-

sengers, or the extended cargo area is not in

use. Check for secure locking by pushing

and pulling on the backrest.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

왘 Reinstall cover 1 after removing the

tether strap.

Child seat anchors – LATCH-type

This vehicle is equipped with two LATCH-

ower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)

type anchors (at each of the outer rear

seats) for the installation of a LATCH-type

child seat with the matching mounting

fittings.

The foldable LATCH-type anchors are

located between the seat cushion and the

backrest.

1 Anchors

2 Button

왘 Grip inner side of anchors 1 and fold

forward until they audibly lock in place.

왘 Install child seat according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

For safety, make sure the hook has

attached to the ring beyond the safety

catch, as illustrated.

If a child seat is not installed, the

LATCH-type anchors can be folded

back between the seat cushion and the

backrest (컄 page 74).

The child seat must be firmly attached

in the right and left side anchors 1.

With a child seat installed in the left

rear seat, the seat belt for the center

seat occupied by a passenger must op-

erate freely. Guide seat belt between

its seat cushion mount and backrest

mount along outside of right side child

seat anchor.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

To fold anchors back

왘 Press down button 2 on each anchor

and return anchor 1 to its catch.

Non-LATCH-type child seats may also

be used and can be installed using the

vehicle’s seat belt system. Install child

seat according to the manufacturer’s

instructions.

Warning! G

Children too big for child restraint systems

must ride in back seats using regular seat

belts. Position shoulder belt across chest

and shoulder, not face or neck. A booster

seat may be necessary to achieve proper

belt positioning for children from 41 lbs until

they reach a height where a lap/shoulder

belt fits properly without a booster.

Before installing the child seat, make sure

anchors 1 are folded out and locked in

place.

Install child seat according to manufactur-

er’s instructions.

The child seat must be firmly attached in the

right and left side anchors 1.

An incorrectly mounted child seat may come

loose during an accident which could result

in serious injury or death to your child.

Damaged or impact-damaged child seats or

child seat anchors 1 must be replaced.

Do not leave children unattended in the

vehicle, even if the children are secured in a

child restraint system.

Safety and Security

Occupant safety

Blocking of rear door window operation

You can block the rear door window

operation (for instance when you have

children riding in the rear passenger

compartment).

The override switch is located on the door

control panel of the driver’s door.

1 Enable

2 Disable

3 Override switch

Activating override switch

왘 Slide override switch 3 to the right.

The rear door windows can no longer

be operated using the respective

switch located in the rear doors.

Deactivating override switch

왘 Slide override switch 3 to the left.

The rear door windows can be operated

again using the respective switch

located in the rear doors .

For more information, see “Power win-

dows” (컄 page 223).

Operation of the rear door windows

with the switches located on the door

control panel of the driver’s door is still

possible.

Warning! G

Activate the override switch when children

are riding in the back seats of the vehicle.

The children may otherwise injure them-

selves, e.g. by becoming trapped in the win-

dow opening.

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 can cause an accident and/or

serious personal injury.

Safety and Security

Panic alarm*

An audible alarm and flashing exterior

lamps will operate for approximately

minutes.

1 Â button

Activating

왘 Press and hold button 1 for at least

one second.

Deactivating

왘 Press button 1 again.

왘 Insert SmartKey in starter switch.

Canada only:

Only vehicles equipped with an

anti-theft alarm system* have

SmartKeys with integrated panic

button 1.

For operation in the USA only:

This device complies with Part 15 of

the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful

interference, and

(2) this device must accept any inter-

ference received, including interfer-

ence that may cause undesired

operation.

Any unauthorized modification to this

device could void the user’s authority

to operate the equipment.

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

왔 Driving safety systems

In this section you will find information on

the following driving safety systems:

앫 ABS (A

ntilock Brake System)

앫 BAS (B

rake Assist System)

앫 ESP (E

lectronic Stability Program)

앫 4MATIC (Four Wheel Electronic

Traction System)

ABS

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates

the brake pressure so that the wheels do

not lock during braking. This allows you to

maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.

The ABS is functional above a speed of ap-

proximately 5 mph (8 km/h) independent

of road surface conditions.

On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will

respond even to light brake pressure.

The - indicator lamp in the instrument

cluster (

컄 page 24) comes on when you

switch on the ignition. It goes out when the

engine is running.

In winter operation, the maximum

effectiveness of the ABS, ESP, and

4MATIC (if so equipped) is only

achieved with winter tires (M+S tires),

or snow chains as required.

Warning! G

The following factors increase the risk of

accidents:

앫 Excessive speed, especially in turns

앫 Wet and slippery road surfaces

앫 Following another vehicle too closely

The ABS, BAS, ESP, and 4MATIC (if so

equipped) cannot reduce this risk.

Always adjust your driving style to the

prevailing road and weather conditions.

Warning! G

Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,

steady brake pedal pressure instead. Pump-

ing the brake pedal defeats the purpose of

the ABS and significantly reduces braking

effectiveness.

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

Braking

At the instant one of the wheels is about to

lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in the

brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is in

the regulating mode.

왘 Keep firm and steady pressure on the

brake pedal while experiencing the

pulsation.

Continuous steady brake pedal pressure

yields the advantages provided by the ABS,

namely braking power and ability to steer

the vehicle.

The pulsating brake pedal can be an

indication of hazardous road conditions

and functions as a reminder to take extra

care while driving.

Emergency brake maneuver

왘 Keep continuous full pressure on the

brake pedal.

For more information, see “Practical hints”

(컄 page 302) and (컄 page 310).

BAS

The Brake Assist System (BAS) operates in

emergency situations. If you apply the

brakes very quickly, the BAS automatically

provides full brake boost, thereby poten-

tially reducing the braking distance. Apply

continuous full braking pressure until the

emergency braking situation is over. The

ABS will prevent the wheels from locking.

When you release the brake pedal, the

brakes function again as normal. The BAS

is then deactivated.

Warning! G

The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of

physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can

it increase braking or steering efficiency

beyond that afforded by the condition of the

vehicle brakes and tires or the traction af-

forded. The ABS cannot prevent accidents,

including those resulting from excessive

speed in turns, following another vehicle too

closely, or hydroplaning. Only a safe, atten-

tive, and skillful driver can prevent acci-

dents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped

vehicle must never be exploited in a reck-

less or dangerous manner which could jeop-

ardize the user’s safety or the safety of

others.

Warning! G

If the BAS is malfunctioning, the brake sys-

tem is still functioning normally, but without

the additional brake boost available that

BAS would normally provide in an emergen-

cy braking maneuver. Therefore, the braking

distance may increase.

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

For more information, see “Practical hints”

(컄 page 311).

ESP

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is

operational as soon as the engine is run-

ning and monitors the vehicle's traction

(force of adhesive friction between the

tires and the road surface) and handling.

The ESP recognizes when a wheel is

spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid. By

applying brakes to the appropriate wheel

and by limiting the engine output, the ESP

works to stabilize the vehicle. The ESP is

especially useful while driving off and on

wet or slippery road surfaces. The ESP also

stabilizes the vehicle during braking

maneuvers.

The ESP warning lamp v in the

speedometer flashes when the ESP is

engaged.

The ESP warning lamp v in the

speedometer comes on when you switch

on the ignition. It goes out when the engine

is running.

Warning! G

The BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of

physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can

it increase braking efficiency beyond that

afforded by the condition of the vehicle

brakes and tires or the traction afforded.

The BAS cannot prevent accidents, includ-

ing those resulting from excessive speed in

turns, following another vehicle too closely,

or hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and

skillful driver can prevent accidents. The

capabilities of a BAS equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or danger-

ous manner which could jeopardize the

user’s safety or the safety of others.

Warning! G

Never switch off the ESP when you see the

ESP warning lamp v flashing in the

speedometer. In this case, proceed as

follows:

앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible.

앫 While driving, ease up on the accelera-

tor.

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions.

Failure to observe these guidelines could

cause the vehicle to skid.

The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting

from excessive speed.

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

For more information, see “Practical hints”

(컄 page 306) and (컄 page 312).

Switching off the ESP

To improve the vehicle's traction, turn off

the ESP in driving situations where it would

be advantageous to have the drive wheels

spin and thus cut into surfaces for better

grip such as:

앫 starting out on slippery surfaces and in

deep snow in conjunction with snow

chains

앫 in sand or gravel

Warning! G

The ESP cannot prevent the natural laws of

physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can

it increase the traction afforded. The ESP

cannot prevent accidents, including those

resulting from excessive speed in turns or

hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and

skillful driver can prevent accidents. The

capabilities of an ESP equipped vehicle must

never be exploited in a reckless or danger-

ous manner which could jeopardize the

user’s safety or the safety of others.

The ESP will only function properly if

you use wheels of the recommended

tire size (컄 page 380).

Vehicles without 4MATIC:

Because of the ESP’s automatic

operation, the engine must be shut off

(SmartKey in starter switch position 0

or 1) when

앫 the parking brake is being tested on

a brake test dynamometer

앫 the vehicle is being towed with the

front axle raised

Active braking action through the ESP

may otherwise seriously damage the

brake system.

For information on vehicles with

4MATIC, see “Four wheel electronic

traction system (4MATIC) with the

ESP” (

컄 page 82).

Warning! G

The ESP should not be switched off during

normal driving other than in the circum-

stances described below. Disabling of the

system will reduce vehicle stability in stan-

dard driving maneuvers.

Turn on the ESP immediately if the

aforementioned circumstances do not

apply anymore.

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

When you switch off the ESP

앫 the ESP does not stabilize the vehicle

앫 the engine output is not limited, which

allows the drive wheels to spin and

thus cut into surfaces for better grip

앫 the traction control will still brake a

spinning wheel

앫 the ESP continues to operate when you

are braking

The switch is located on the center

console.

1 ESP switch (off/on)

왘 Press switch 1.

The ESP warning lamp v in the

speedometer comes on.

The ESP is deactivated.

Switching on the ESP

왘 Press switch 1 again.

The ESP warning lamp v in the

speedometer goes out.

You are now again in normal driving

mode with the ESP switched on.

When the ESP is switched off and one

or more drive wheels are spinning, the

ESP warning lamp v in the speed-

ometer flashes. However, the ESP will

then not stabilize the vehicle.

Warning! G

When the ESP warning lamp v is

illuminated continuously, the ESP is

switched off.

Adapt your speed and driving to the prevail-

ing road conditions and to the non-operating

status of the ESP.

Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an

extended period with the ESP switched

off. This may cause serious damage to

the drivetrain which is not covered by

the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Safety and Security

Driving safety systems

Four wheel electronic traction system

(4MATIC) with the ESP

Models with all-wheel-drive only.

The 4MATIC improves vehicle’s ability to

use available traction, e.g. during winter

operation in mountains under snowy

conditions, by applying power to all four

wheels.

Warning! G

If you see the ESP warning lamp v flash-

ing in the speedometer, proceed as follows:

앫 While driving off, apply as little throttle

as possible

앫 While driving, ease up on the accelera-

tor

앫 Adapt your speed and driving style to

the prevailing road conditions

Failure to observe these guidelines could

cause the vehicle to skid.

The ESP cannot prevent accidents resulting

from excessive speed.

Do not tow with one axle raised.

Otherwise the transfer case can be

damaged, which is not covered by the

Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Performance testing must only be con-

ducted on a two-axle dynamometer.

Otherwise the transfer case can be

damaged, which is not covered by the

Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

Because of the ESP’s automatic

operation, the engine must be shut off

(SmartKey in starter switch position 0

or 1) when the parking brake is being

tested on a brake test dynamometer

Active braking action through ESP may

otherwise seriously damage the front

or rear axle brake system.

Operational tests with the engine

running can only be conducted on a

two-axle dynamometer.

At highly demanding operating condi-

tions, the electronic traction system

may temporarily switch off to prevent

overheating of the drive wheel brakes.

The message

unavailable

See Operator’s Manual

will then

appear in the multifunction display

while the ESP warning lamp v is

flashing. The ESP is still functioning

normally.

Safety and Security

Anti-theft systems

왔 Anti-theft systems

Immobilizer

The immobilizer prevents unauthorized

persons from starting your vehicle.

Activating

왘 Remove the SmartKey from the starter

switch.

Deactivating

왘 Switch on ignition (컄 page 33).

Anti-theft alarm system*

Once the alarm system has been armed, a

visual and audible alarm is triggered when

someone opens

앫 a door

앫 the trunk lid

앫 the hood

The alarm system will also be triggered

when

앫 someone attempts to raise the vehicle

(컄 page 85)

앫 opening the vehicle with the

mechanical key

Starting the engine will also deactivate

the immobilizer.

In case the engine cannot be started

(yet the vehicle’s battery is charged),

the system is not operational. Contact

an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center

or call 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (in the

USA), or 1-800-387-0100 (in Canada).

The alarm will stay on, even if the

activating element (a door, for

example) is immediately closed.

If the alarm stays on for more than

30 seconds, a call to the Response

Center is initiated automatically by the

Tele Aid system* (컄 page 248) provid-

ed Tele Aid service was subscribed to

and properly activated, and that neces-

sary cellular service and GPS coverage

are available.

Safety and Security

Anti-theft systems

Arming the alarm system

The indicator lamp is in the switch for the

tow-away alarm* in the center console.

1 Indicator lamp

왘 Lock the vehicle with the SmartKey.

The turn signal lamps flash three times

to indicate that the alarm system is

activated. Indicator lamp 1 begins to

flash after approximately 30 seconds

after arming the alarm system.

Disarming the alarm system

왘 Unlock your vehicle with the SmartKey.

The turn signal lamps flash once to

indicate that the alarm system is

deactivated.

Canceling the alarm

To cancel the alarm:

왘 Press the Œ or ‹ button on the

SmartKey.

왘 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

If the turn signal lamps do not flash

three times, one of the following

elements may not be properly closed:

앫 a door

앫 the trunk lid

앫 the hood

Close the respective element and lock

the vehicle again.

The alarm system will rearm automati-

cally after approximately 40 seconds if

no door or the trunk lid was opened.

Safety and Security

Anti-theft systems

Tow-away alarm*

Once the tow-away alarm is armed, a visual

and audible alarm will be triggered when

someone attempts to raise the vehicle.

Arming tow-away alarm

왘 Lock your vehicle with the SmartKey.

The tow-away alarm is automatically

armed after about 30 seconds.

Disarming tow-away alarm

To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm,

switch off the tow-away alarm feature

before towing the vehicle, or when parking

on a surface subject to movement, such as

a ferry or auto train.

The switch is located on the center

console.

1 Tow-away alarm off switch

2 Indicator lamp

왘 Switch off ignition.

The tow-away protection alarm is

triggered, for example, if the vehicle is

lifted on one side.

If the alarm stays on for more than

30 seconds, a call to the Response

Center is initiated automatically by the

Tele Aid system* (

컄 page 248) provid-

ed Tele Aid service was subscribed to

and properly activated, and that neces-

sary cellular service and GPS coverage

are available.

When you unlock your vehicle, the

tow-away protection disarms

automatically. The tow-away alarm

remains disarmed until you lock the

vehicle again.

You cannot disarm the tow-away alarm

while the ignition is switched on. 컄컄

Safety and Security

Anti-theft systems

왘 Press switch 1.

Indicator lamp 2 in switch comes on

briefly.

왘 Exit and lock your vehicle with the

SmartKey.

The tow-away alarm remains disarmed

until you lock your vehicle again.

Canceling the alarm

To cancel the alarm:

왘 Press the Œ or ‹ button on the

SmartKey.

왘 Insert the SmartKey in the starter

switch.

컄컄

Safety and Security for Your Mercedes C Class 4 Door First Generation (2000-2006)

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