2003 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS length

38 Getting startedAdjustingSteering wheel adjustment
The stalk is located on the steering column
(lower left).
1Steering column, lengthen or shorten
2Steering column, height
Turn the SmartKey in the starter switch
to position1or2.
or

Press the KEYLESS GO* start/stop
button once or twice.
or

Open the driver’s or passenger door.Steering column, lengthen or shorten

Move stalk forward or backward in the
direction of arrows1 until a comfort-
able steering wheel position is reached
with your arms slightly bent at the el-
bow.
Steering column, height

Move the stalk up or down in the direc-
tion of arrows2. Make sure that your
legs can move freely and that all of the
displays (including malfunction and in-
dicator lamps) on the instrument clus-
ter are clearly visible.
Mirrors
Adjust the inside and exterior rear view
mirrors before driving so that you have a
good view of the road and traffic condi-
tions.
Inside rear view mirror
Manually adjust the inside rear view
mirror.Warning!
G
In the case of an accident liquid electrolyte
may escape the mirror housing if the mirror
glass breaks.
Electrolyte has an irritating effect. Do not al-
low the liquid to come into contact with
eyes, skin, clothing, or respiratory system.
In case it does, immediately flush affected
area with water, and seek medical help if
necessary.

162 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionGear ranges
With the selector lever in positionD, you
can limit the transmission’s gear range by
pressing the lever to the left (D-), and re-
verse the gear range limit by pressing the
lever to the right (D+).
The selected gear range will appear in the
tachometer display field. If you press on
the accelerator when the engine has
reached its rpm limit, the transmission will
upshift beyond any gear range limit
selected.
Gear
range
Effect
é
The transmission shifts
through fourth gear only.
è
The transmission shifts
through third gear only.
With this selection you can
use the braking effect of the
engine.
Gear
range
Effect
ç
The transmission shifts
through second gear only.
Allows the use of engine’s
braking power when driving:

on steep downgrades


in mountainous regions


under extreme operating
conditions
æ
The transmission operates
only in first gear.
For maximum use of engine’s
braking effect on very steep
or lengthy downgrades.

257 Operation
Driving instructions
Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
We therefore recommend depressing the
brake pedal periodically when traveling at
length on salt-strewn roads.
This can bring road salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal. Be very careful
that you carry out these braking maneu-
vers without endangering any other road
users.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed while observing the
safety rules in the previous paragraph.
For more information, see “Winter driving”
(
page 278).
Standing water
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around the vehicle with the
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
s i g n e d t o s e r v e a s a n i c e - w a r n i n g d e v i c e a n d
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. In-
dicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.
!Do not drive through flooded areas or
water of unknown depth.
If you must drive through standing wa-
ter, drive slowly to prevent water from
entering the passenger compartment
or the engine compartment. Water in
these areas could cause damage to
electrical components or wiring of the
engine or transmission, or could result
in water being ingested by the engine
through the air intake causing severe
internal engine damage. Any such dam-
age is not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.

280 OperationMaintenance
MaintenanceWe strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by your authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, in accordance with
the Service Booklet at the times called for
by the FSS (Flexible Service System).
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Service Booklet at the
designated times /mileage called for by
the FSS may result in vehicle damage not
covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited
Warranty.
FSS will notify you when your next service
is due.
Approximately one month before your next
service is due, one of the following mes-
sages will appear in the multifunction dis-
play while you are driving or when you
switch on the ignition (example service A):SERVICE A IN XXXXX MILES (KM)
SERVICE A IN XXX DAYS
SERVICE A IN X DAY
SERVICE A DUE NOW!
The type of service due is indicated in the
multifunction display:9
Minor service (A)
´
Major service (B)
Clearing the service indicator
The service indicator is automatically
cleared after 30 seconds. You can also
clear it yourself.
Press the reset button
J
to the right in
the instrument cluster (page 22).
Service term exceeded
If you have exceeded the suggested ser-
vice term, you will see the following mes-
sage in the multifunction display:SERVICE A EXCEEDED BY XXXX MILES (KM)
SERVICE A EXCEEDED BY XXX DAYS
SERVICE A EXCEEDED BY X DAYAn acoustic signal will also sound.
The Mercedes-Benz Center will reset the
service indicator following a completed
service.
iThe interval between services depends
on your driving habits. A gentle driving
style, moderate engine speeds and the
avoidance of short distance trips will
lengthen the interval between services.

347 Practical hints
Jump starting
Jump starting
If the battery is discharged, the engine can
be started with jumper cables and the bat-
tery of another vehicle. Observe the follow-
ing:

Jump starting should only be performed
when the engine and catalytic convert-
er are cold.


Do not start the engine if the battery is
frozen. Let the battery thaw out first.


Only jump start from batteries with the
same voltage rating (12V). Jump start-
ing with a more powerful battery could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system,
which will not be covered by the Mer-
cedes-Benz Limited Warranty.


Use only jumper cables with sufficient
cross-section and insulated terminal
clamps.


Always make sure that the jumper ca-
bles are not on or near pulleys, fans or
other parts that move when an engine
is started or running.
Warning!
G
Failure to follow these directions will cause
damage to the electronic components, and
can lead to a battery explosion and severe
injury or death.
Never lean over batteries while connecting
or jump starting, you might get injured.
Battery fluid contains sulfuric acid. Do not
allow this fluid to come in contact with eyes,
skin or clothing. In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with water, and seek
medical help if necessary.
A battery will also produce hydrogen gas,
which is flammable and very explosive. Keep
flames or sparks away from battery, avoid
improper connection of jumper cables,
smoking etc.
Attempting to jump start a frozen battery
can result in it exploding, causing personal
injury.
Read all instructions before proceeding.
!Avoid repeated and lengthy starting at-
tempts.
Do not attempt to start the engine us-
ing a battery quick charge unit.
If engine does not run after several un-
successful starting attempts, have it
checked at the nearest authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Excessive unburned fuel generated by
repeated failed starting attempts may
damage the catalytic converter and
may present a fire risk.
Make sure the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation.
Make sure the cable clamps do not
touch any other metal part while the
other end is still attached to a battery.

369 Technical data
Main dimensions
Main dimensions
Model
S 430 (220.070)
S 430 (220.170)
S 430 4MATIC (220.183)
S 500 (220.175)
S 500 4MATIC (220.184)
S 55 AMG (220.174)
S 600 (220.176)
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)
57.2 in. (1454 mm)
57.4 in. (1457 mm)
Wheelbase
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)

387 Index
A
ABC 213
Messages in display 297, 299
Setting vehicle level 212, 215
ABS 76, 381
Malfunction indicator lamp 291
Messages in display 298
Warning lamp 291
Accelerator position, automatic transmis-
sion 165
Accident
In case of 49
Activating
Air conditioner (cooling) 184
Air conditioning 184
Air recirculation mode 180
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Central locking (control system) 155
Charcoal filter 182
Distance warning function* 208
Distronic* 204
Easy-entry/exit feature 156
ESP 80
Exterior lamps 121Exterior rear view mirror parking posi-
tion 169
Front and rear fog lamp 121
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 46
High beams 123
Ignition 31
Ignition with KEYLESS-GO* start/stop
button 33
Immobilizer 52, 82
Rear window defroster 183
Residual heat 185
Seat heater 111, 112
Seat ventilation* 110
Tow-away alarm 84
Windshield wipers 47
Activating steering wheel gearshift control
166
Downshifting 167
Upshifting 166
Adding
Coolant 269
Engine oil 266, 267
Additional turn signals 331Adjustable air vents, rear passenger com-
partment 186
Adjusting 34
Air distribution 178
Air volume 179
Backrest tilt 36
Drive-dynamic seats 159
Exterior rear view mirror 39
Head restraint height 37
Head restraint tilt 37
Inside rear view mirror 38
Instrument cluster illumination 127
Lumbar support 104
Mirrors 38
Multicontour seat* 107
Power seat bench* 113
Seat cushion depth 36, 108
Seat cushion tilt 36
Seat fore and aft adjustment 36
Seat height 36
Seat in the lumbar region 108
Seat in the shoulder region 108
Seats 34
Steering column height 38
Steering column length 38
Steering wheel 37

405 Index
Simultaneous wiping and washing
Windshield wipers 48
Single wipe 47
Sliding/pop-up roof 192
Closing 192, 330
Closing with KEYLESS-GO* 93, 190,
194
Closing with SmartKey 194
Opening 192, 330
Opening with SmartKey 194
Stopping 193
Synchronizing 195
SmartKey 30
Battery check lamp 87
Changing batteries 328
Changing the batteries 328, 329
Checking the batteries 88
Factory setting 87
Global locking 87
Global locking and unlocking 87
Global unlocking 87
Locking and unlocking 86
Loss of 89
Opening and closing the slid-
ing/pop-up roof with 194
Opening and closing windows with 190Remote controls 86
Restoring to factory setting 88
Selective setting 87
Starting the engine 43
Turning off the engine 52
Unlocking with 30
SmartKey positions in starter switch 31
Snow chains 279
Spare fuses 323
Spare parts service 358
Speed
Setting current 197
Setting to last stored speed in Distron-
ic* ("Resume" function) 205
Speed settings
Cruise control 198
Distronic* 204, 205
Speedometer
Displaying gear range 162
Displays 201
Settings units 149
Speedometer display mode
Selecting 149
Sporty driving style 214
SRS 64, 385
Indicator lamp 292SRS indicator lamp 56
Standing lamps 120
Replacing bulbs 331, 332, 335
Standing water
Driving instructions 257
Starter switch 31
Positions 31
Starting difficulties 44
Starting position 31
Starting the engine 42
Station (radio)
Search 136
Station selection
Setting 154
Steering column
Height adjustment 38
Length adjustment 38
Steering wheel
Adjusting 37
Adjustment 38
Cleaning 287
Heated steering wheel* 235
Height adjustment 38
Steering wheel adjustment 38