2003 MERCEDES-BENZ S55AMG roof rack

Contents
Sun visors .................................... 172
Rear window sunshade* .............. 173
Rear door window sunshade* ...... 173
Automatic climate control ................. 174
Setting the temperature ............... 177
Adjusting air distribution .............. 178
Adjusting air volume .................... 179
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ....... 179
Defrosting .................................... 180
Air recirculation mode.................. 180
Charcoal filter .............................. 182
Rear window defroster ................. 183
Deactivating the climate control
system ......................................... 183
Air conditioning ............................ 184
Storage compartment ventilation. 184
Residual heat and ventilation ....... 185
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents ...................... 186
Rear passenger compartment
climate control* ........................... 187
Power windows.................................. 188
Opening and closing the windows 188
Synchronizing power windows ..... 191Sliding/pop-up roof ............................ 192
Opening and closing the slid-
ing/pop-up roof ............................ 192
Synchronizing the sliding / pop-up
roof .............................................. 195
Driving systems .................................. 196
Cruise control ............................... 196
Distronic* ..................................... 199
AIRMATIC...................................... 211
Active Body Control (ABC)* .......... 213
Parktronic system* (Parking
assist) ........................................... 218
Loading............................................... 222
Roof rack* .................................... 222
Loading instructions ..................... 222
Cargo tie-down hooks ................... 223
Useful features ................................... 224
Interior storage spaces ................. 224
Ashtrays........................................ 232
Cigarette lighters .......................... 233
Heated steering wheel* ................ 235
Telephone* ................................... 236
Tele Aid ......................................... 237
Garage door opener ...................... 245
Infrared reflecting windshield ....... 248
Operation.......................................... 249
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) .......... 250
Driving instructions ............................ 251
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 251
Drinking and driving...................... 251
Pedals ........................................... 251
Power assistance .......................... 251
Brakes .......................................... 252
Driving off ..................................... 253
Parking ......................................... 253
Tires.............................................. 254
Hydroplaning ................................ 255
Tire traction .................................. 255
Tire speed rating ........................... 255
Winter driving instructions ............ 256
Standing water ............................. 257
Passenger compartment............... 258
Driving abroad .............................. 258
Control and operation of radio
transmitters .................................. 258
Catalytic converter ....................... 259
Emission control ........................... 259
Coolant temperature .................... 260

101 Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking

Press switch2 in the trunk lid.
The trunk lid closes automatically and
the vehicle is locked. The turn signals
flash three times to confirm locking.Limiting opening height of trunk
You can limit the opening angle of the
trunk lid. The trunk lid then opens only to
approximately the height of the roof edge.
This can be useful when there is not
enough overhead clearance space, for ex-
ample. The trunk lid opening height can be
limited when transporting goods on a roof
rack (e.g. presence of an MB sport luggage
container). When activated, the trunk lid
opens to approximately the height of the
roof edge.

With the trunk lid closed, press the re-
mote control switch (
page 99) and
hold for at least five seconds.
Depending on its previous status, the
opening height restriction is then
switched either on or off.
iTo prevent a possible inadvertent lock-
out, the trunk lid will open automatical-
ly if a KEYLESS-GO card is recognized
in the area of the rear shelf or inside
the trunk.Warning!
G
Monitor the closing procedure carefully to
ensure that no one is in danger of being in-
jured. To prevent possible personal injury,
always keep hands and fingers away from
the trunk opening when closing the trunk.
Be especially careful when small children
are around. To stop the closing procedure,
press the trunk lid closing switch1 in the
trunk lid, the
Š
button on the SmartKey,
or the remote trunk lid switch (on driver’s
door control panel).
iIf the trunk lid comes into contact with
an object while closing (e.g. luggage
that has been piled too high), the clos-
ing procedure is stopped and the trunk
re-opens slightly.
The closing procedure can be stopped
at anytime by once again pressing the
closing switch in the trunk lid, the re-
mote control switch in the driver’s
door, or the
Š
button on the Smart-
Key.

222 Controls in detailLoading
LoadingRoof rack* Preparing roof rack installation

Open trim at the trim strips in the roof.

Secure the roof rack according to man-
ufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Loading instructions
The total load weight including vehicle oc-
cupants and luggage/cargo should not ex-
ceed the vehicle capacity weight indicated
on the certification tag which can be found
on the left door pillar.
Warning!
G
Use only roof racks approved by Mer-
cedes-Benz for your vehicle model to avoid
damage to the vehicle. Follow manufactur-
er’s installation instructions.
!Load the roof rack in such a way that
the vehicle cannot be damaged while
driving.
Make sure that:

you can fully raise the
sliding/pop-up roof


you can fully open the trunk

251 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at regular intervals by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips, and in hilly country.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are a very dangerous combina-
tion. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions,
and judgement.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident is sharply increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Please don’t drink or take drugs and drive or
allow anyone to drive after drinking or taking
drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.Warning!
G
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake 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 ve-
hicle.

398 IndexLayout of poly-V-belt drive 361
Leather upholstery
Cleaning 287
Lever
For cruise control 203
License plate lamps
Replacing bulbs 332, 336
Light alloy wheels
Cleaning 286
Light sensor 312
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 233
Lighting 120
Automatic headlamp mode 121
Combination switch 123
Daytime running lamp mode 122
Exterior lamp switch 120
Front fog lamps 122
High beam flasher 123
High beams 123
Instrument cluster illumination 127
Interior 124
Locator lighting 122
Low beam 120
Manual headlamp mode 121
Night security illumination 122
Parking lamps 120Rear fog lamp 123
Settings (control system) 150
Limiting the gear range 162
Limp Home Mode 165
Loading 222
Cargo tie-down hooks 223
Instructions 222
Roof rack 222
Locator lighting 122
Setting 151
Lock button 383
Lock buttons 383
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 53
Locking 50, 86
Fuel filler flap 261
Global (KEYLESS-GO* card) 91, 92
Global, SmartKey 87
The vehicle with KEYLESS-GO* 93
Trunk lid, separately 98
Vehicle in an emergency 327
Loss of keys 89, 94
Low beam headlamps
Messages in display 313, 314
Replacing bulbs 331
Lowering
Vehicle 342Lumbar support adjustment 104
M
Main Dimensions 369
Maintenance 12, 280
Malfunction
Displaying 145
Malfunction memory 145
Calling up 145
Manual headlamp mode 121
Manual operations
Fuel filler flap 329
Interior lighting control 125
Locking the vehicle 327
Sliding/pop-up roof 330
Unlocking the driver’s door 326
Unlocking the trunk lid 327
Manual shift program S 55 AMG 166
Massage function 109
MAXCOOL
Maximum cooling 179
Mechanical key 326
Memory function 117, 383
Recalling positions from memory 118
Storing exterior rear view mirror park-
ing positions 118
Storing key dependent settings 118

403 Index
Trip odometer 128
Residual heat utilization 185, 384
Residual ventilation 185
REST (Residual engine heat utilization) 384
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems 67, 71
Rims and Tires 364
Roadside assistance 12
Tele Aid* 240
Rolling code programming 246
RON 261
RON (Research Octane Number) 385
Roof rack 222
Rotating wheels 277
Rubber parts
Cleaning 287
S
Safety
Occupant 56
Safety belts see Seat belts 40
Safety defects
Reporting 18
Safety systems
Driving 76
Screwdriver (vehicle tool kit) 323Searching
Radio station 136
Seat belt force limiter 65
Seat belts 62
Cleaning 287
Fastening 40
Proper use of 42, 64
Safety guidelines 60
Warning lamp 294
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 108
Seat for and aft adjustment 114
Seat heater
Switching off 111
Switching on 111
Seat height 114
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 110
Switching on 110
Seats 104
Adjusting 34
Adjusting lumbar support 108
Adjusting shoulder support 108
Easy entry/exit feature 104
Heater 111
Massage function 109Multicontour seat* 107
Rear power seat bench* 113
Rear seats 113
Securing cargo
Cargo tie-down hooks 223
Selector lever
Lock 43
Message in display 307
Position 160
Self-test
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation sys-
tem 70
Tele Aid* 238
Service
Calling up the service indicator 281
Major service (Service B) 280
Minor service (Service A) 280
Overdue 280
Types 280
When due 280
Service (maintenance) 280
Service and warranty information 10
Service indicator 280
Calling up 281
Clearing 280, 281
Service life (tires) 273

406 IndexSteering wheel gearshift control (Speed-
shift) and manual shift program
S55AMG 166
Stolen vehicle
Tracking services 244
Stopping
Sliding/pop-up roof 193
Windows 189
Storage compartment ventilation 184
Storage compartments
Armrest 225, 226, 227, 228
Glove box 224
Storage spaces
Cup holder 230
Storage tray 225, 226, 227
Storing (Memory function*)
Positions into memory 118
Submenus
Convenience 155
For settings 132
In control system 134
Instrument cluster 149
Lighting 150
Resetting functions in Control system
147
Selecting 147Settings menu 147
Vehicle 154
Sun visors 172
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) 385
Suspension tuning
For regular driving style 214
For sporty driving style 214
Setting 213
Switching off
Automatic central locking (control sys-
tem) 155
Engine 52
ESP 80
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 51
Switching on
Automatic central locking (control sys-
tem) 155
ESP 80
Front fog lamps 122
Front lamps 120
Hazard warning flasher 124
Headlamps 46
High beams 123
Parking lamps 120
Rear fog lamp 123Windshield wipers 47
Symbol (Distronic*)
Distance warning function* 142
Synchronizing
Power windows 191
Sliding/pop-up roof 195
T
Tachometer 129
Overspeed range 129
Tail lamps
Cleaning 284
Replacing bulbs 332, 336
Tar stains 283
Tele Aid
Information 242
Initiating an emergency call manually
240
Roadside assistance 240
Tele Aid System 237
Tele Aid button 27
Tele Aid System 385
Tele Aid* 237
Emergency calls 238
Remote door unlock 244
Stolen vehicle tracking services 244
System self-check 238