2000 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 Prevent tow

52 Central locking system
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Automatic central locking
With the automatic central locking system activated, the
doors and trunk are locked at vehicle speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or more. The fuel filler
flap remains unlocked.
The automatic central locking function can be switched
on or off. See page 138 for “Individual settings”.
Notes:
If doors are unlocked with the central locking switch
after activating the automatic central locking, and
neither door is opened, then the doors remain unlocked
even at vehicle speeds of approximately 9 mph (15 km /
h) or more.
If a door is opened from the inside at speeds of
approximately 9mph (15km/h) or less with the
automatic central locking activated, the door will again
be automatically locked at speeds of approximately
9 mph (15 km / h) or more.Important!
When towing the vehicle, or with the vehicle on a
dynamometer test stand, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter switch position 2 (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO: operation position, see page 228), the
vehicle doors will lock if the left front wheel as well as
the right rear wheel spin at vehicle speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking. See page 138
for “Individual settings”.
Emergency unlocking in case of accident
The doors unlock automatically a short time after an
accident in which an airbag or emergency tensioning
retractor deploys (this is intended to aid rescue and
exit).

65 Tow-away alarm
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index To prevent triggering the tow-away alarm feature, switch
off the tow-away alarm before towing the vehicle, or
when parking on a surface subject to movement, such
as a ferry or auto train.
To do so, turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 1 or 0, or remove electronic key from starter
switch. Press tow-away alarm switch (1). The indicator
lamp (2) illuminates briefly.Exit vehicle, and lock vehicle with the electronic main
key or (vehicles with KEYLESS-GO) the lock button at
each door handle.
The tow-away alarm remains switched off until the
vehicle is locked again with the electronic main key or
the lock button at each door handle (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO), at which time it is automatically
reactivated.

193 Interior equipment
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index 5Illuminated vanity mirror
Rear seats:
Touch the cover to lower the mirror. The lamp will
switch on automatically.
Close the cover and the lamp will go out.Interior
Storage compartments and armrests
P82.00-0413-26
5
Wa r n i n g !
To help avoid personal injury during a collision or
sudden maneuver, exercise care when stowing
things. Put luggage or cargo in the trunk if
possible. Do not pile luggage or cargo higher than
the seat backs. Do not place anything on the shelf
below the rear window.Luggage nets cannot secure hard or heavy objects. Wa r n i n g !
Keep compartment lids closed. This will help to
prevent stored objects from being thrown about
and injuring vehicle occupants during an accident.

274 Driving systems
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Electronic stability program (ESP)
The ESP enhances directional control and reduces
driving wheel spin of the vehicle under various driving
conditions.
Over/understeering of the vehicle is counteracted by
applying brakes to the appropriate wheel to create a
countervailing vehicle movement. Engine torque is also
limited. The ESP warning lamp, located in the
speedometer dial, starts to flash when ESP is in
operation.Important!
If the ESP warning lampv flashes:
•During take-off apply as little throttle as possible.
•While driving ease up on the accelerator.
•Adapt your speed and driving to the prevailing road
conditions.
•Do not switch off the ESP.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised (see
page 353, Towing the vehicle), the engine must be shut
off (electronic key in starter switch position 0 or 1).
Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be engaged and
will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Wa r n i n g !
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 aquaplaning. 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 dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the user’s safety or
the safety of others.

353 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index Towing the vehicleImportant!
When towing the vehicle, please, note the following:
With the automatic central locking activated and the
electronic key in starter switch position 2 (vehicles with
KEYLESS-GO: in “On” position, see page 228), the
vehicle doors lock if the left front wheel as well as the
right rear wheel are turning at vehicle speeds of
approximately 9 mph (15 km / h) or more.
To prevent the vehicle door locks from locking,
deactivate the automatic central locking. See
“VEHICLE” under “Individual settings” on page 144.
Towing of the vehicle should only be done using the
properly installed towing eye bolt. Never attach tow
cable, tow rope or tow rod to vehicle chassis, frame
or suspension parts.
Note:
The selector lever will remain locked in position “P” and
the electronic key could not be turned in the starter
switch if the battery is disconnected or discharged. See
battery on page 349 or jump starting on page 351.
Wa r n i n g !
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground, make certain that the electronic key is in
starter switch position 2.If the electronic key is left in the starter switch
position 0 for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the switch. To unlock, remove
electronic key from starter switch and reinsert.

355 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index We recommend that the vehicle be transported using
flat bed equipment. This method is preferable to other
types of towing.
Important!
To prevent damage during transport, do not tie down
vehicle by its chassis or suspension parts.
The vehicle may be towed with all wheels on the ground
and the selector lever in position “N” for distances up to
30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph
(50 km / h). The electronic key must be in starter switch
position 2.
To be certain to avoid a possibility of damage to the
transmission, however, we recommend the drive shaft
be disconnected at the rear axle drive f lange for any
towing beyond a short tow to a nearby garage.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Towing with
sling-type equipment over bumpy roads will damage
radiator and supports.
Use wheel lift, dolly, or flat bed equipment, with
electronic key in starter switch turned to position 0.Note:
To signal turns while being towed with hazard warning
flasher in use, turn electronic key in starter switch to
position 2 and activate combination switch for left or
right turn signal in usual manner – only the selected
turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the hazard warning
flasher will operate again.
Caution!
If the vehicle is towed with the front axle raised, the
engine must be shut off (electronic key in starter switch
position 0 or 1). Otherwise, the ESP will immediately be
engaged and will apply the rear wheel brakes.
Switch off the tow-away alarm (see “VEHICLE” under
“Individual settings” on page 144) as well as the ESP
(see page 274).
Wa r n i n g !
With the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the braking and steering systems. 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.