From what has been a rather lengthy hiatus, I am happy to report that I'm the new owner of an '00 C230 Kompressor. It's in great shape, and had an extended warranty, for which I am grateful ...

Drove it back to WI yesterday. Came out to start it this morning, and the thing wouldn't start. Unbelieveable! After a tow and some diagnostics, the fuel pump relay was found to be faulty, and was replaced. Now all is well.

Just a few initial questions that I couldn't find decisive answers to when searching. Don't have an owner's manual yet:

1. On the passenger seat (not motorized; manual), WHERE is the switch to recline the seatback? I can't seem to find it. I found the roll switch that controls front swivel, and the bar which raises the seat, but can't figure out how to recline the seatback.

2. Winter/Summer switch on the 722.6 - any preferred setting over another that benefits the box, or is it strictly user preference?

3. Passenger headlight comes on when car is parked, and then goes off. I'm assuming this is normal?

I think that's all for now! Boy it sure is nice to have a Merc again after several US disappointments. Looking forward to being a bit more active in my online activity here at the forum as well.

Thanks for the replies.

-Michael

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+AMDG+
2005 W203
Running as fast as I can to stay behind!!

The w/s switch is for Standard or Winter conditions. Standard start the trans in 1st gear, Winter starts the trans in 2nd gear to avoid slipping tires.

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1998 E320 150,000
1980 300SD 240,000
1965 190D 79,000

welcome back Michael.

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Jim

You can use either W or S mode based on personal preferance. The 2nd gear start is kind of useful in snow, I have found.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Welcome back. I think you'll find this car quite solid and pleasant to drive.

1) On my '97 C230, which also has a manual passenger seat, you change the angle of the seat back via a large black knurled knob (say that 5 times fast!). It's on the inboard side of the seat back, right behind the bulge of the seat bolster.

2) I leave mine in S mode all the time, since we see snow and ice only about once in 15 years. (I'm not being smug. I like having some cold weather.) If you put it in W, when you start the car from cold, the transmission will act oddly, since it's programmed to shift late when it's cold. Last year I thought I needed transmission work until I looked at the switch and found I'd accidentally set it to W.

3) That could be the safety lighting system, which was optional in '97, and which my car doesn't have. I think it's supposed to put the headlights on for a few moments after the car is parked, so as to light your way out of the garage. But shouldn't both headlights come on? Anybody know?

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-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino

I believe the courtesy lighting feature turns on the fog lamps not the headlights.

On the W202, the foglamps are in the main headlight unit. Maybe your driver's side fog lamp is burned out. The bulbs are below the low beam bulbs in the unit.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Thanks everyone - great to be back! I found the seatback recline knob this morning ... I never even thought of looking on the other side of the seat as I figured everything would be on one side!

It's a blast to drive ... am having a good time.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season,

Michael

__________________
+AMDG+
2005 W203
Running as fast as I can to stay behind!!