Mercedes C-Class C-Class Sedan Engine Compartment and Vehicle Care Car Owner Manuals

Engine Compartment and Vehicle Care

Hood Operation

• Push handle 1 of the hood catch upwards and lift the hood until it opens automatically.

Closing the Hood

• NOTE: Damage to the hood can occur if closed manually.
• Do not close the hood manually.
• Lower the hood to a height of around 8 in (20 cm) and allow it to fall, applying a little force.
• If the hood can still be lifted slightly, open it again and close with slightly more force until it engages correctly.

Engine Oil

Checking Engine Oil Level (Driver Display)

• Requirements: engine warmed up, vehicle on level surface, engine at idle, hood closed.
• Determining oil level may take up to 30 minutes with normal driving, longer with active driving.
• Driver display → 4 Service shows engine oil level.
• Messages:
  • Engine Oil Level Measuring Now… → Repeat request after max 30 minutes.
  • Engine Oil Level OK → Bar green, level between "min" and "max".
  • Engine Oil Level Refill 1.0 liq.gal → Add 1.1 US qt (1 l) of engine oil.
  • Engine Oil Level Reduce → Drain excess oil at qualified workshop.
  • Engine Oil Level Ignition Switch Position 1 → Switch on vehicle to check oil level.
  • Engine Oil Level System Inoperative → Sensor defective, consult workshop.
  • Engine Oil Level Currently Unavailable → Close hood.

Refilling Engine Oil

• & WARNING: Risk of burns from hot components. Allow engine to cool.
• & WARNING: Risk of fire and injury from engine oil. Avoid spills, clean thoroughly.
• NOTE: Use only approved oil and filters. No additives.
• NOTE: Excess oil can damage engine/catalytic converter. Remove at qualified workshop.
• % Vehicle may consume up to 0.9 US qt (0.8 L) per 600 miles (1000 km).
• Turn cap 1 counter-clockwise and remove it.
• Add engine oil, replace cap 1, and turn clockwise until engaged.
• Check oil level again.

Coolant Level

• & WARNING: Risk of burns from hot components. Allow engine to cool.
• & WARNING: Risk of scalding from hot coolant. Wear gloves and glasses, open cap slowly.
• Park on level surface, check coolant temp in instrument cluster (bottom quarter of display).
• Slowly turn cap 1 counter-clockwise and remove.
• Coolant level correct if:
  • Engine cold → up to marker bar 2.
  • Engine warm → 0.6 in (1.5 cm) above marker bar 2.
• Add approved coolant if necessary.
• % Further info on coolant (/ page 362).

Windshield Washer System

• & WARNING: Risk of injury due to moving parts. Switch off vehicle before opening hood.
• & WARNING: Risk of burns from hot components. Allow engine to cool.
• & WARNING: Risk of fire from windshield washer concentrate. Avoid spills, maintain clearance in car wash.
• Before car wash:
  • Deactivate Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
  • Turn off HOLD function
  • Deactivate surround/rear cameras
  • Close side windows and sunroof
  • Switch off blower
  • Wiper switch in position g
  • SmartKey ≥ 10 ft (3 m) from vehicle
  • Neutral gear if conveyor system used
• % Removing wax prevents smearing and wiper noise.

Using a Power Washer

• & WARNING: Risk of accident with round-spray nozzles. Avoid contact with sensitive parts.
• Maintain ≥11.8 in (30 cm) from vehicle, 27.6 in (70 cm) from foil-covered parts.
• Water temp ≤140°F (60°C). Move nozzle while cleaning.
• Do not direct at tires, gaps, electronics, batteries, lights, vents.
• SmartKey ≥10 ft (3 m) from vehicle.

Hand Washing Vehicle

• NOTE: Avoid pointing water jet at air inlet grille. Use mild cleaning agents and lukewarm water.
• Wash with soft sponge, avoid direct sunlight, hose off carefully, dry with chamois.
• % Follow notes on vehicle care (/ page 298).

Paintwork and Matte Finish Care

• Paint: remove insects, bird droppings, resin, oils, fuels, greases, coolant, tar, wax with approved agents.