2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 winter

255 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Winter driving
Have your vehicle winterized at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center before the onset of winter.
•Change the engine oil if the engine contains an oil
which is not approved for winter operation. For
viscosity (SAE / CCMC class) and filling quantity,
seepage404.
•Check engine coolant anticorrosion / antifreeze
concentration.
•Additive for the windshield washer and headlamp
cleaning system: Add MB Concentrate “S” to a
premixed windshield washer solvent / antifreeze
which is formulated for below freezing
temperatures, see page 345.
•Test battery: Battery capacity drops with decreasing
ambient temperature. A well charged battery helps
to ensure that the engine can be started, even at low
ambient temperatures.•Tires: We recommend M+S rated radial-ply tires on
all four wheels for the winter season. Observe
permissible maximum speed for M+S rated
radial-ply tires and the legal speed limit.
Note:
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ABS and ESP can only be achieved with M+S rated
radial-ply tires and / or snow chains recommended by
Mercedes-Benz. Snow chains maximize performance.
Block heater (for Canada only)
The engine is equipped with a block heater.
The electrical cable may be installed at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.

281 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Notes:
The yellow ESP warning lampv in the speedometer
dial comes on with the electronic key in starter switch
position 2. It should go out with the engine running.
If the ESP warning message is displayed, a malfunction
has been detected in the system. Only partial engine
output will be available.
Have the ESP checked at your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
For ESP warning message, see page 307.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the ESP is also switched
off.
Driving the vehicle with varied size tires will cause the
wheels to rotate at different speeds, therefore the ESP
may activate (yellow ESP warning lamp in speedometer
dial comes on). For this reason, all wheels, including the
spare wheel, must have the same tire size. When testing the parking brake on a brake test
dynamometer, the engine must be shut off. Otherwise,
the ESP will immediately be engaged and will apply the
rear wheel brakes.
In winter operation, the maximum effectiveness of the
ESP is only achieved with Mercedes-Benz recommended
M+S rated radial-ply tires and / or snow chains.
Synchronizing ESP
If the power supply was interrupted (battery
disconnected or empty), the ESP warning message may
be displayed with the engine running.
Turn steering wheel completely to the left and then to
the right. The ESP warning message should go out.

348 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Wheels
Replace rims or tires with the same designation,
manufacturer and type as shown on the original part.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for further
information.
See your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
information on tested and recommended rims and tires
for summer and winter operation. They can also offer
advice concerning tire service and purchase.
Tire Replacement
Front and rear tires should be replaced in sets. Rims
and tires must be of the correct size and type. For
dimensions, see “Technical Data”.
We recommend that you break in new tires for
approximately 60 miles (100 km) at moderate speed.It is imperative that the wheel mounting bolts be
fastened to a tightening torque of 110 ft.lb. (150 Nm)
whenever wheels are mounted.
For rim and tire specifications, refer to “Technical Data”.
Wa r n i n g !
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If the tire tread
is badly worn, or if the tires have sustained
damage, replace them.When replacing rims, use only genuine
Mercedes-Benz wheel bolts specified for the
particular rim type. Failure to do so can result in
the bolts loosening and possibly an accident.

356 Tires, Wheels
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Tire inflation pressure
A table (see fuel filler flap) lists the tire inflation
pressures specified for Mercedes-Benz recommended
tires as well as for the varying operating conditions.
For notes on checking the tire pressure using the tire
inflation pressure monitor, see page 152.
Important!
Tire pressure changes by approximately 1.5 psi (0.1 bar)
per 18
°F (10
°C) of air temperature change. Keep this in
mind when checking tire pressure inside a garage –
especially in the winter.
Example:
If garage temperature = approximately +68
°F (+20
°C)
and ambient temperature = approximately +32
°F (0
°C)
then the adjusted air pressure = specified air pressure
+3 psi (+0.2 bar).Tire pressures listed for light loads are minimum values
offering high driving comfort. Increased inflation
pressures for heavy loads produce favorable handling
characteristics with lighter loads and are perfectly
permissible. The ride of the vehicle, however, will
become somewhat harder.
Tire temperature and pressure increase with the vehicle
speed. Tire pressure should therefore only be checked
and corrected on cold tires. Correct tire pressure in
warm tires only if pressure has dropped below the
pressure listed in the table and the respective operating
conditions are taken into consideration.
An underinflated tire due to a slow leak (e.g. due to a
nail in the tire) may cause damage such as tread
separation, bulging etc.. Regular tire pressure checks
(including the spare tire) at intervals of no more than
14 days are therefore essential.
If a tire constantly loses air, it should be inspected for
damage.

382 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Cleaning and care of the vehicle
In operation, your vehicle is subjected to varying
external influences which, if gone unchecked, can
attack the paintwork as well as the underbody and
cause lasting damage.
Such damage is caused not only by extreme and varying
climatic conditions, but also by air polution, road salt,
tar, gravel and stone chipping. Grease and oil, fuel,
coolant, brake fluid, bird droppings, insects, tree resins
etc. should be removed immediately to avoid paint
damage. Frequent washing reduces and/or eliminates
the aggressiveness and potency of the above adverse
influences.More frequent washings are necessary to deal with
unfavorable conditions; for example, near the ocean, in
industrial areas (smoke, exhaust emissions), or during
winter operation.
You should check your vehicle from time to time for
stone chipping or other damage. Any damage should be
repaired as soon as possible to prevent the start of
corrosion.
In doing so, do not neglect the underside of the vehicle.
A prerequisite for a thorough check is a washing of the
underbody followed by a thorough inspection. Damaged
areas need to be reundercoated.
Your vehicle has been treated at the factory with a wax-
base rustproofing in the body cavities which will last for
the lifetime of the vehicle. Post-production treatment is
neither necessary nor recommended by Mercedes-Benz
because of the possibility of incompatibility between
materials used in the production process and others
applied later.
We have selected car-care products and compiled
recommendations which are specially matched to our
vehicles and which always reflect the latest technology.
You can obtain Mercedes-Benz approved car-care
products at your authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Wa r n i n g !
Many cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are poisonous, others are flammable. Always follow
the instructions on the particular container.
Always open your vehicle’s doors or windows when
cleaning the inside.Never use fluids or solvents that are not designed
for cleaning your vehicle.

385 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex Due to the width of the vehicle, prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash, fold back the
outside mirrors to prevent them from getting damaged.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces of road salt
as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not forget to clean the
inner sides of the wheels.
Note:
Ve h i c l e s w i t h KE Y L E S S - G O :
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of water, and a
KEYLESS-GO-card is in close proximity, approx. 3 ft.
(approx. 1m), the vehicle could be inadvertently locked
or unlocked.Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty chrome-
plated parts, use a chrome cleaner.
Headlamps, taillamps, turn signal lenses
Use a mild car wash detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz
approved Car Shampoo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong force and use
only a soft, non-scratchy cloth when cleaning the lenses.
Do not attempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth or
sponge.

398 Technical data
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rims — Tires
Model S 430, S 500
(except Sport Package)S 600
(except Sport Package)
Rims (light alloy)
Wheel offset:7
1/2Jx16H2
1. 81 i n ( 4 6 m m )7
1/2 J x 17 H 2
1. 81 i n ( 4 6 m m )
All season tires:
Radial-ply tires 225 / 60 R16 98H 225 / 55 R 17 97H
Winter tires:
Radial-ply tires 225 / 60 R16 98H M+S 225 / 55 R17 97H M+S
Spare wheel
Rim (light alloy)
Wheel offset:7
1/2Jx16H2
2.0 in (51 mm)7
1/2Jx17H2
2.0 in (51 mm)
All season tires:
Radial-ply tires 225 / 60 R16 98H 225 / 55 R17 97H

400 Technical data
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Rims – Winter tires
Electrical system Model S 55 AMG
Rim (light alloy)
Wheel offset7
1/2 J x 17 H 2
1. 81 i n ( 4 6 m m )
Winter tires:
Radial-ply tires 225 / 55 R 17 97 HM+S
Model S 430, S 500 S 55 AMG S 600
Generator (alternator) 14 V / 150 A 14 V / 150 A 14 V / 150 A
Starter motor 12V / 1.7 kW 12V / 1.7 kW 12V / 2.2 kW
B a t t e r y 12 V / 10 0 A h 12 V / 10 0 A h 12 V / 10 0 A h
Spark plugs
Electrode gap
Tightening torqueBosch F 8 DPER
Beru 14 FGH 8 DPUR X 2
NGK PFR 5 R-11
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15 – 22 ft.lb (20 – 30 Nm)NGK PFR 5-11
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
15 – 22 ft.lb (20 – 30 Nm)Beru 14 F 7-DPUR X 2
0.041 in (1.05 mm)
15 – 22 ft.lb (20 – 30 Nm)