Page 305 of 421

302 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Seat belt nonusage warning lamp
With the electronic key in starter switch
position 2, the seat belt nonusage warning
lamp comes on, and a warning sounds for a
short time if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened.
After starting the engine, the seat belt nonusage
warning lamp blinks for a brief period to remind the
driver and passengers to fasten seat belts.Malfunction and indicator lamp in the center
console
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp
The 7 indicator lamp will light up for approximately
6 seconds when you turn the electronic key in starter
switch to position 1 or 2.
It does not light up if there is a fault in the system.
The 7 indicator lamp stays lit as long as a
BabySmart
TM child seat is properly installed on the front
passenger seat. It indicates that the front passenger
airbag is switched off.
See page 91 for BabySmart
TM airbag and its deactivation
system.
Baby Smart
TM is a trademark of Siemens Automotive Corp.
Page 308 of 421
305 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index BATTERY / ALTERNATOR
* C = Category, see page 303
This message indicates a malfunction which must be
repaired immediately.
It may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should
this condition occur, the poly-V-belt must be replaced
before continuing to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the
engine will overheat due to an inoperative water pump
which may result in damage to the engine.
Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message
displayed.
Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1Line 2C*
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR VISIT WORKSHOP! 2
Page 314 of 421

311 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index COOLANT (coolant temperature)
* C = Category, see page 303
1 This may indicate that the poly-V-belt has broken. Should this
condition occur, the poly-V-belt must be replaced before continuing
to operate the vehicle. Otherwise, the engine will overheat due to
an inoperative water pump which may result in damage to the
engine. Do not continue to drive the vehicle with this message
displayed. Doing so could result in serious engine damage that is
not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
2 The cooling fan for the coolant is faulty. Observe the coolant
temperature gauge. See page 117
During severe operating conditions and stop-and-go city
traffic, the coolant temperature may rise close to the red
marking.
The engine should not be operated with the coolant
temperature in the red zone. Doing so may cause
serious engine damage which is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
Line 1Line 2C*
COOLANT STOP, ENGINE OFF!
1
1
COOLANT VISIT WORKSHOP!
2
2
Wa r n i n g !
Driving when your engine is badly overheated can
cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be
seriously burned.Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious
burns and can occur just by opening the engine
hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it.Turn off the engine, get out of the vehicle and do
not stand near the vehicle until it cools down.
Page 376 of 421

373 Contents - Vehicle care
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle ............................. 374
Power washer ..............................375
Tar stains ..................................... 376
Paintwork, painted body
components ................................. 376
Engine cleaning .......................... 376
Vehicle washing ......................... 376
Ornamental moldings ................377Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ...................... 377
Cleaning the Distronic
system sensor ............................. 378
Cleaning the parktronic
system sensors ........................... 378
Wiper blades .............................. 379
Light alloy wheels ..................... 380
Instrument cluster ..................... 380
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 380
Cup holder .................................. 380Seat belts ..................................... 381
Headliner and shelf below
rear window ................................ 381
Leather upholstery ..................... 381
Hard plastic trim items ............. 381
Plastic and rubber parts ............ 381
Air conditioner refrigerant ...........396
Brake fluid ......................................396
Premium unleaded gasoline ........397
Fuel requirements .........................397
Gasoline additives .........................398
Coolants ...........................................398
Consumer information ..................400
Page 379 of 421

376 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Tar stains
Quickly remove tar stains before they dry and become
more difficult to remove. A tar remover is
recommended.
Paintwork, painted body components
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Care should be applied
when water drops on the paint surface do not “bead up”,
normally in 3 to 5 months, depending on climate and
washing detergent used.
Mercedes-Benz approved Paint Cleaner should be
applied if paint surface shows signs of dirt embedding
(i.e. loss of gloss).
Do not apply any of these products or wax if your
vehicle is parked in the sun or if the hood is still hot.
Use the appropriate MB-Touch-Up Stick for quick and
provisional repairs of minor paint damage (i.e. chips
from stones, vehicle doors etc.).Engine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment make sure to
protect electrical components and connectors from the
intrusion of water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticorrosion Wax
should be applied to the engine compartment after
every engine cleaning. Before applying, all control
linkage bushings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be protected from any
wax .
Ve h i c l e w a s h i n g
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle in direct
sunlight. Use only a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a diffused jet of
water. Direct only a very weak spray towards the
ventilation intake. Use plenty of water and rinse the
sponge and chamois frequently.
Rinse with clear water and thoroughly wipe dry with a
chamois. Do not allow cleaning agents to dry on the
finish.
Page 384 of 421

381 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with chemical
cleaning agents. Use only clear, lukewarm water and
soap. Do not dry the webbing at temperatures above
176°F (80°C) or in direct sunlight.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a dry-shampoo
cleaner in case of excessive dirt.Leather upholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing clothing that
have the tendency to give off coloring (e.g. when wet
etc.) may cause the upholstery to become permanently
discolored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration will be
prevented.
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth and dry
thoroughly or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care. Exercise particular care when cleaning
perforated leather as its underside should not become
wet.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior Care onto soft
lint-free cloth and apply with light pressure.
Plastic and rubber parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
Wa r n i n g !
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.
Page 386 of 421
383 Contents - Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Technical dataSpare parts service ........................384
Warranty coverage .........................384
Identification labels .......................385
Layout of poly-V-belt drive ............387
Technical data ................................388
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. -
capacities ...................................394Engine oils ...................................... 396
Engine oil additives ...................... 396
Air conditioner refrigerant .......... 396
Brake fluid ...................................... 396
Premium unleaded gasoline ........ 397
Fuel requirements ........................ 397
Gasoline additives ......................... 398
Coolants .......................................... 398
Consumer information ................. 400
Page 390 of 421
387 Technical data
Te ch n ica l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Layout of poly-V-belt drive
S 430, S 500, S 55 AMG
1Automatic belt tensioner
2Crankshaft
3Air conditioner compressor
4Coolant pumpS600
5Generator (alternator)
6Idler pulley
7Power steering pump
8Idler pulley (S 600 only)
8
5
1
2
3
6
7
4