2003 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS automatic transmission

371 Technical data
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
CapacitiesVehicle components and their respective
lubricants must match. Therefore use only
brands tested and recommended by us.Please refer to the Factory Approved Ser-
vice Products pamphlet, or inquire at your
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Model
Capacity
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc.
Engine with oil filter
S 430
S 500
S 55 AMG
S 600
8.5 US qt. (8.0 l)
8.5 US qt. (8.0 l)
7.9 US qt. (7.5 l)
9.5 US qt. (9.0 l)
Recommended engine oils
Automatic transmission
S 600
9.1 US qt. (8.6 l)
8.1 US qt. (7.7 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Oil
1
1MB part no. 001 989 21 03 10Rear axle
1.7 US qt. (1.6 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Front axle
S 430 4MATIC
S 500 4MATIC
0.63 US qt. (0.6 l)
Hypoid gear oil SAE 85 W 90
Transfer case
S 430 4MATIC
S 500 4MATIC
0.62 US qt. (0.585 l)
MB Automatic Transmission Oil
1
Hydraulic system for ADS or ABC
4.2 US qt. (4.0 l)
MB Hydraulic Fluids
Power steering
approx. 1.1 US qt. (1.0 l)
MB Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin
CHF 11S)
Front wheel hubs
approx. 2.1 oz. (60 g) each
High-temperature roller bearing
grease

383 Technical terms
FSS
(F
lexible S
ervice S
ystem)
Service indicator in the multifunction
display that informs the driver when
the next vehicle maintenance service is
due.
Gear range
Number of gears which are available to
the automatic transmission for shifting.
The automatic gear shifting process
can be adapted to specific operating
conditions using the selector lever.
GPS
(G
lobal P
ositioning S
ystem)
Satellite-based system for relaying
geographic location information to and
from vehicles equipped with special re-
ceivers. Employs CD digital maps for
navigation.
Instrument cluster
The displays and indicator/warning
lamps in the driver’s field of vision, in-
cluding the tachometer, speedometer,
engine temperature and fuel gauge.KEYLESS-GO*
System for entering and operating the
vehicle without the use of a SmartKey.
Kickdown
Depressing the accelerator past the
point of resistance shifts the transmis-
sion down to the lowest possible gear.
This very quickly accelerates the vehi-
cle and should not be used for normal
acceleration needs.
Lock button
Button on the door which indicates
whether the door is locked or un-
locked. Pushing the lock button down
on an individual door from inside will
lock that door.
Memory function*
Used to store three individual seat,
steering wheel and mirror positions for
each SmartKey or, if so equipped, KEY-
LESS-GO* card.Menu
The control system displays are ar-
ranged in menus. Each menu contains
a number of commands for particular
systems. In the Audio menu, for exam-
ple, you will find the commands
Select
radio station
or Operate CD player
.
Using commands, you can directly
change the settings for your vehicle.
MON
(M
otor O
ctane N
umber)
The Motor Octane Number for gasoline
as determined by a standardized meth-
od. It is an indication of a gasoline's
ability to resist undesired detonation
(knocking). The average of both the
MON (Motor Octane Number) and
->RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
Multifunction display
Display field in the speedometer used
to present information provided by the
control system.

384 Technical termsMultifunction steering wheel
Steering wheel with buttons for operat-
ing the control system.
Overspeed range
Engine speeds within the red marking
of the tachometer dial. Avoid this en-
gine speed range, as it may result in se-
rious engine damage that is not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
Parktronic*
System which uses visual and acoustic
signals to assist the driver during park-
ing maneuvers.
Poly-V-belt drive
Drives engine components (alternator,
AC compressor, etc.) from the engine.Power train
Collective term designating all compo-
nents used to generate and transmit
motive power to the drive axles, includ-
ing:


Engine


Clutch/torque converter


Transmission


Transfer case


Drive shaft


Differential


Axle shafts/axles
Program mode selector switch
Used to switch the automatic transmis-
sion between standard operationS and
comfort operationC.
S 55 AMG with steering wheel gearshift
control and manual shift program: in
addition toS andC (see above), you
can useM for manual operationRemote Vehicle Diagnostics
Transmission of vehicle data and cur-
rent location to the Mercedes-Benz
Customer Assistance Center for sub-
scribers to the Tele Aid service.
REST
(Residual engine heat utilization)
Feature that uses the engine heat
stored in the coolant to heat the vehi-
cle interior for a short time after the en-
gine has been turned off.
Restraint systems
Seat belts, belt tensioners, airbags and
child restraint systems. As indepen-
dent systems, their protective func-
tions complement one another.

385 Technical terms
RON
(R
esearch O
ctane N
umber)
The Research Octane Number for gaso-
line as determined by a standardized
method. It is an indication of a gaso-
line's ability to resist undesired detona-
tion (knocking). The average of both
the ->MON (Motor Octane Number)
and RON (Research Octane Number) is
posted at the pump, also known as AN-
TI-KNOCK INDEX.
Shift lock
When the vehicle is parked, this lock
prevents the transmission selector le-
ver from being inadvertently moved out
of positionP without the SmartKey
turned and the brake pedal depressed.
SRS
(S
upplemental R
estraint S
ystem)
Seat belts, emergency tensioning de-
vice and airbags. Though independent
systems, they are closely interfaced to
provide effective occupant protection.Tele Aid System
(T
elematic A
larm I
dentification on
D
emand)
The Tele Aid system consists of three
types of response: automatic and man-
ual emergency, Roadside Assistance
and information. Tele Aid is initially ac-
tivated by completing a subscriber
agreement and placing an acquain-
tance call.
The Tele Aid system is operational pro-
viding that the vehicle’s battery is
charged, properly connected, not dam-
aged and cellular and GPS coverage is
available.
Telematics*
A combination of the terms “telecom-
munications” and “informatics.”
Tightening torque
Force times lever arm (e.g. a lug
wrench) with which threaded fasteners
such as wheel bolts are tightened.Tire speed rating
Part of a tire designation; indicates the
speed range for which a tire is ap-
proved.
Traction
Force exerted by the vehicle on the
road via the tires.
VIN
(V
ehicle I
dentification N
umber)
The number set by the manufacturer
and stamped on the body to uniquely
identify each vehicle produced.
Voice control system*
Voice control system for car phones,
portable cell phones and audio sys-
tems (radio, CD, etc.).

388 IndexAir conditioning
Turning off 184
Turning on 184
Air pressure see Tire inflation pressure 273
Air recirculation mode 180
Activating 180
Deactivating 181
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 186
Air volume
Adjusting 179
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 295
Airbags 57
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation sys-
tem 69, 381
Children 58
Front 61
Passenger 61
Safety guidelines 60
Side impact 61
Window curtain 61
AIRMATIC 211
Alarm
Audible 75, 83
Canceling 83
Visual 82Alarm system
Anti-theft 82
Alignment bolt 341
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 323, 381
Antiglare
Automatic 168
Antilock brake system (ABS) 381
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 83
Canceling alarm 83
Disarming 83
Anti-theft systems 82
Anti-theft alarm system 82
Immobilizer 82
Tow-away alarm 84
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning 255
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 225,
226, 227, 228
Ashtray 232
At the gas station 261
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) 268
AUDIO menu 135
Selecting radio station 136
Audio system
CD mode 137Automatic antiglare for rear view mirror
168
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control sys-
tem) 155
Automatic climate control 174
Air recirculation mode 180
Defrosting 180
Rear window defroster 183
Setting the temperature 177
Automatic headlamp mode 121
Automatic lighting control
Activating 125
Deactivating 125
Automatic locking when driving 102
Automatic transmission 160
Accelerator position 165
Activating steering wheel gearshift
control 166
Comfortable program mode 164
Deactivating steering wheel gearshift
control 167
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 165
Fluid level 268
Gear ranges 162

395 Index
Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 314
Replacing bulbs 332
Switching on 122
Folding electrically
Exterior rear view mirrors
170
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC)
with ESP 81
4MATIC 81
Front airbags 61
Front lamps
Messages in display 313–315
Replacing bulbs 331, 333
Switching on 120
Front seat head restraints
Installing 106
Power seat 105
Removing 105
FSS (Flexible Service System) 280, 383
Fuel 261
Fuel reserve warning lamp 294
Premium unleaded gasoline 261
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 143Since last reset 144
Fuel filler flap 261
Locking 261
Opening 329
Unlocking 261
Fuel reserve tank
Message in display 311
Fuel tank
Filler flap 261
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 371
Functions (control system) 131, 134
Resetting 147
Fuse box 353, 354
Fuse chart 323
Fuses 353
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk 353
Fuse box in engine compartment 354
Fuse box in passenger compartment
353
Fuse boxes in the engine compartment
355
Fuse chart 323
Fuse extractor 323
Spare fuses 323G
Garage door opener 245
Erasing in remote control 247
Integrated remote control 246
Rolling code programming 246
Gasoline see Fuel 261
Gear range 383
Automatic transmission 162
Limiting 162
Shifting into optimal 161
Gear range limit
Canceling 161
Gear selector lever
Cleaning 287
Position 163
Global
Locking 87
Unlocking 87
Global Positioning System (GPS) 383
Glove box 224
Closing 224
Opening 224
Good visibility 168
GPS 383
GPS see COMAND* 243

401 Index
Releasing 44
Warning sound 45
Parking lamps
Replacing bulbs 332, 335
Switching on 120
Parking position
Exterior rear view mirrors 118, 158,
169
Parktronic 218
Parktronic* 384
Sensor 285
Passenger compartment 258
Fuse box in 353
Inside rear view mirror 38
Interior lighting 124
Parcel net in front passenger footwell
232
Passenger safety see Occupant safety 56
Passenger seat fore and aft adjustment
116
Passenger seat head restraint height 116
Passenger seat height 116
Pedals 251
Phone book*
Loading 140
Quick search 141Phone number*
Dialing 140
Redialing 141
Plastic and rubber parts
Cleaning 287
Pliers, universal (vehicle tool kit) 323
Poly-V-belt drive 384
Positions (Memory function)
Recalling from memory 118
Positions (Memory function*)
Storing into memory 118
Power assistance 251
Power seat
Adjusting backrest tilt 36
Adjusting head restraint height 37
Adjusting head restraint tilt 37
Adjusting seat cushion depth 36
Adjusting seat cushion tilt 36
Adjusting seat height 36
Front seat head restraints 105
Seat fore and aft adjustment 36
Power seat bench* 113
Power train 384
Power washer 283
Power windows 188
Blocking of rear window operation 74Side windows 188
Synchronizing 191
Practical hints
First aid kit 322
Fuses 353
Lamp in center console 295
Lamps in instrument cluster 290
Messages in the display 296
Towing the vehicle 349
Vehicle tool kit 322
PRE-SAFE see Preventive occupant safety
66
Preventive occupant safety (PRE-SAFE) 66
Problems
While driving 48
With vehicle 17
Product information 9
Program mode selector switch 384
Automatic transmission 164
PULSE function (Massage function) 109
Q
Quick search
Phone book* 141
R
Radio

404 IndexService System see FSS
Setting
Convenience functions 155
Cruise control 197
Daytime running lamp mode 151
Digital clock 23
Distronic* time interval 206
Following distance in Distronic* 206
Higher speed in cruise control 198
Higher speed in Distronic* 204
Individual vehicle settings 146
Interior lighting delayed shut-off 153
Key dependent memory 156
Lamps and lighting (control system)
150
Language, multifunction display 150
Locator lighting 151
Lower speed in cruise control 198
Lower speed in Distronic* 205
Miles/kilometers in speedometer 149
Parking position for exterior rear view
mirrors 158
Slower speed in cruise control 198
Slower speed in Distronic* 205
Speed in cruise control 198
Speed in Distronic* 204Speedometer display mode 149
Station selection mode 154
Suspension tuning 213
Temperature (interior) 177
Temperature indicator 149
Time 23
To last stored speed in Distronic* ("Re-
sume" function) 205
Units
Speedometer 149
Temperature 149
Vehicle level control 212, 215
Setting current speed 197
Setting passenger seat position from rear*
115
Settings
Calling up Distronic* 142, 202
Convenience functions 155
Factory, SmartKey 87
Individual (SmartKey) 156
Lighting (control system) 150
Menus and submenus 132
Resetting all (control system) 146
Resetting in the submenu 147
Selective 87Settings menu
Functions in 146
Individual vehicle settings 146
Submenus 147
Shift lock 385
Shifting
Gear selector lever positions 163
Into optimal gear range (automatic
transmission) 161
Shoulder support
Seat adjustment 108
Side impact airbags 61
Side marker lamps
Replacing bulbs 331, 332, 335
Side windows
Automatic opening 189
Cleaning 286
Closing 188, 189, 190
Closing with KEYLESS-GO* 93, 190,
194
Closing with SmartKey 190
Opening 188, 190
Opening fully 189
Opening with SmartKey 190
Stopping 189
Synchronizing power windows 191