2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 Distronic

116 Instrument cluster
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Speedometer (9)
When the cruise control is activated, the segments on
the speedometer scale between the set speed to the top
of the scale are illuminated. Cruise control, see
page 258.
When the Distronic (DTR) is activated, one or two
segments around the speed stored in memory light up
in the speedometer dial. Distronic (DTR), see page 261.Note:
The speed display is set to read out for
•USA in mph
•Canada in km/h.
The unit for the speed display can be set in the
individual setting menu “INST. CLUSTER” –
“SPEEDOMETER” on page 140.

119 Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Depending on your vehicle’s equipment, you may use
the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel to call
up, control and set the following systems in the
multifunction display:
1Trip and main odometer, see page 122
Flexible service system (FSS), see page 149
Tire inflation pressure monitor, see page 152
Engine oil level indicator, see page 156
2Audio systems, see page 124
Radio, seepage124
CD player, see page 125
Cassette player, see page 126
3Telephone, see page 1274Navigation system, see page 132
5Distronic (DTR), see page 133
6Trip computer, see page 134
After start
After reset
Range
7Malfunction message memory, see page 136
8Individual settings, see page 138
9Malfunction messages are stored in memory (7), see
page 136.
Press the è or ÿ button repeatedly until the
required system is displayed.
The display advances by one system each time the
button is pressed.
You may call up additional displays within some of these
categories by pressing the j or k button.

133 Multifunction steering wheel, multifunction display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Distronic (DTR) 1Distronic is deactivated. The actual distance (5) and
the should-be distance (6) to the vehicle ahead (4)
are displayed.
2Activating Distronic. The display with the selected
speed is shown for approximately 5 seconds.
3Distronic is activated. The message “DTR OFF”
appears for approximately 5 seconds when Distronic
is being deactivated.
4Vehicle ahead.
Only appears if a vehicle is detected ahead.
5Actual distance to vehicle ahead.
6Should-be distance to vehicle ahead (as calculated
by Distronic).
7Own vehicle.
8Distance warning function is activated, see
page 272.
Press the è or ÿ button repeatedly until the
required system is displayed.
Distronic (DTR) see page 261.
Pressing the è or ÿ button displays the next or
previous system.

215 Contents – Driving
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters ..................... 216
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) ................................. 217
Maintenance ................................... 217
Tele Aid ........................................... 218
Catalytic converter ........................228
Emission control ............................229
Starter switch .................................230
Starter switch –
KEYLESS-GO ..............................232
Starting and turning off
the engine ..................................235
Automatic transmission ...............237
Parking brake .................................246
Driving instructions ......................247
Drive sensibly –
Save Fuel .....................................247
Drinking and driving .................247Pedals .......................................... 247
Power assistance ........................ 248
Brakes .......................................... 248
Driving off ................................... 249
Parking ........................................ 250
Tires ............................................. 251
Snow chains ............................... 253
Winter driving instructions ..... 254
Block heater ................................ 255
Deep water .................................. 256
Passenger compartment ........... 256
Traveling abroad ........................ 257
Cruise control ................................ 258
Distronic (DTR) .............................. 261
Brake assist system
(BAS) .......................................... 277
Antilock brake system
(ABS) .......................................... 278
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ........................................... 280Active body control
(ABC) ..........................................284
Level control system for vehicles
with Airmatic system ...............285
Level control system for vehicles
with Active Body Control
(ABC) ..........................................286
Adaptive damping system
(ADS) ...........................................289
Parking assist (Parktronic) .......... 291
What you should know
at the gas station .......................296
Check regularly and
before a long trip ......................299

261 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Distronic (DTR)
(optional)
When activated the Distronic system increases driving
convenience, for example over long distances, as it
automatically maintains a speed set by the driver by
actively regulating the throttle setting. It also maintains
within certain limitations a preset distance to a vehicle
ahead.
With Distronic switched off, the multifunction display
continues to show the distance to the vehicle ahead, if
so selected, see page 275.
The distance warning function can be activated
separately, see page 272.
In Distronic mode, if the distance sensor detects a
slower moving vehicle directly ahead, your vehicle
speed will be reduced to the extent permitted by
reduced throttle and up to 20% of vehicle braking power,
so that you follow that vehicle at a preset distance, see
page 273.
Maximum range of detection is approximately 500 ft.
(150 m).Any given speed between 25 mph (Canada: 40 km/h)
and 110 mph (Canada: 180 km/h) can be maintained
with the Distronic by operating the control lever on the
steering column.
Wa r n i n g !
Distronic is a convenience system, its speed
adjustment reduction capability is intended to
make cruise control more effective and usable
when traffic speeds vary. It is not, however,
intended to nor does it replace the need for extreme
care. The responsibility for the vehicle speed and
the distance to the vehicle ahead, including most
importantly brake operation to assure safe stopping
distance, rests always with the driver.Distronic cannot take street and traffic conditions
into account.Wa r n i n g !
Distronic requires familiarity with its operational
characteristics. We strongly recommend that you
review the following information carefully before
operating the system.

262 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Note:
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 interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Any unauthorized modification to this device could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Wa r n i n g !
Only use Distronic if the traffic and weather
conditions make it advisable to travel at a steady
speed.Use of Distronic can be dangerous on winding
roads or in heavy traffic because conditions do not
allow safe driving at a steady speed.
Use of Distronic can be dangerous on slippery
roads. Rapid changes in tire adhesion can result in
wheel spin and loss of control.
Distronic does not act upon adverse sight distance
conditions. Do not use Distronic during conditions
of fog and heavy rain, snow or sleet.The “Resume” function should only be operated if
the driver is fully aware of the previously set speed
and wishes to resume this particular preset speed.Distronic does not recognize accordingly and will
not react to stationary objects. It is designed and
intended only to maintain a set speed and keep a
set distance from moving objects in front of it.

263 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index The speed stored in memory is displayed in the
multifunction display, and one or two segments around
the stored speed light up in the speedometer dial, see
page 276.
1Accelerate and set:
To increase the speed by 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) –
briefly lift lever up.
2Decelerate and set:
To reduce the speed by 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h) –
briefly depress lever.3Canceling
To cancel Distronic, briefly push lever to position 3.
The last set speed remains stored in memory.
4Resume
•If the lever is briefly pulled to position 4 when
driving at a speed above approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 40 km/h), the vehicle resumes the
speed which was selected prior to the
cancellation of Distronic.
•For minor increases of speeds in increments of
1 mph (Canada: 1 km/h) – briefly pull lever to
position 4.
The last memorized speed is canceled when the
electronic key in the starter switch is turned to
position 1 or 0.
1
3
4
2

264 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Activation of Distronic
Any given speed above approximately 25 mph
(Canada: 40 km/h) can be maintained:
•Normally the vehicle is accelerated to the desired
speed with the accelerator.•Speed is set by briefly moving the control lever to
position 1 or 2.
The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 275), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 276).
•Remove foot from the accelerator.
•When briefly lifting the control lever to position 1,
the vehicle speed will increase in increments of
5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 275), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 276).
•When briefly lowering the control lever to
position 2, the vehicle speed will decrease in
increments of 5 mph (Canada: 10 km/h).
The stored speed is displayed in the multifunction
display for approximately 5 seconds (see also
page 275), and one or two segments around the
stored speed light up on the speedometer dial (see
also page 276).