Page 366 of 430

363 Towing the vehicle
Te ch n i c a 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 flange 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 page 61), the
automatic central locking, see individual setting menu
“VEHICLE” – “AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK” (see
page 146) as well as the ESP (see page 280).
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.
Page 384 of 430

381 Contents – Vehicle care
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Vehicle careCleaning and care
of the vehicle .............................382
Power washer ..............................383
Tar stains .....................................384
Paintwork, painted body
components .................................384
Engine cleaning ..........................384
Vehicle washing .........................384
Ornamental moldings ................385
Headlamps, taillamps,
turn signal lenses ......................385
Cleaning the Distronic
system sensor .............................386Cleaning the parktronic
system sensors ........................... 386
Wiper blades .............................. 387
Light alloy wheels ..................... 388
Instrument cluster ..................... 388
Steering wheel and
gear selector lever ..................... 388
Cup holder .................................. 388
Seat belts ..................................... 389
Headliner and shelf
below rear window .................... 389
Leather upholstery .................... 389
Hard plastic trim items ............. 389
Plastic and rubber parts ........... 389
Page 388 of 430

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.
Page 391 of 430

388 Cleaning and care of the vehicle
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar careIndex
Window cleaning
Use a window cleaning solution on all glass surfaces. An
automotive glass cleaner is recommended.
Note:
For safety reasons, switch off wipers and remove
electronic key from starter switch before cleaning the
windshield, otherwise the wiper motor can suddenly
turn on and cause injury.
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care should be used for
regular cleaning of the light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with Mercedes-
Benz approved Wheel Care, using a soft bristle brush
and a strong spray of water.
Follow instructions on container.
Note:
Use only acid-free cleaning materials. The acid could
lead to corrosion.Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly or clean
with Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or mild detergent
for delicate fabrics as a washing solution. Wipe with a
cloth moistened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Page 401 of 430
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
Page 402 of 430
399 Technical data
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
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cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
1 Must not be used with snow chains.
2 Also permissible: 245/45 ZR 18 96 Y.3 Also permissible: 275/40 ZR 18 99 Y M0
1.
Model S 430, S 500
(Sport Package)S 55 AMG
S 600 (Sport Package)
Rims front axle
(AMG light alloy)
Wheel offset8
1/2 J x 18 H 2
1.73 in (44 mm)8
1/2 J x 18 H 2
1.73 in (44 mm)
Rims rear axle
(AMG light alloy)
Wheel offset9
1/2 J x 18 H 2
1. 81 i n ( 4 6 m m )9
1/2 J x 18 H 2
1. 81 i n ( 4 6 m m )
Radial-ply tires
Summer tires, front axle:
Summer tires, rear axle:245 / 45 R 18
275 / 40 R 18
1
245 / 45 R 18 96 Y
2
275 / 40 R 18 99 Y M0
1, 3
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 / 60 R17 98H
Page 403 of 430
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)
Page 404 of 430
401 Technical data
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index We i g h t s
Main dimensions Roof load max. 220 lb (100 kg)
Trunk load max. 220 lb (100 kg)
Model S 430 (220.070)S 430 (220.170),
S 500 (220.175)S 55 AMG (220.173)S 600 (220.178)
Overall vehicle length 198.3 in (5038 mm) 203.1 in (5158 mm) 203.1 in (5158 mm) 203.1 in (5158 mm)
Overall vehicle width 73.0 in (1855 mm) 73.0 in (1855 mm) 73.0 in (1855 mm) 73.0 in (1855 mm)
Overall vehicle height 57.2 in (1454 mm) 57.2 in (1454 mm) 57.5 in (1460 mm) 57.4 in (1457 mm)
Wheel base 116.7 in (2965 mm) 121.5 in (3085 mm) 121.5 in (3085 mm) 121.5 in (3085 mm)
Track, front 62.0 in (1574 mm) 62.0 in (1574 mm) 62.1 in (1578 mm) 62.0 in (1574 mm)
Track, rear 62.0 in (1574 mm) 62.0 in (1574 mm) 62.0 in (1574 mm) 62.0 in (1574 mm)