252 OperationDriving instructionsBrakesTo help prevent brake disk corrosion after
driving on wet road surfaces (particularly
salted roads), it is advisable to brake the
vehicle with considerable force prior to
parking. The heat generated serves to dry
the brakes.
If your brake system is normally only sub-
jected to moderate loads, you should occa-
sionally test the effectiveness of the
brakes by applying above-normal braking
pressure at higher speeds. This will also
enhance the grip of the brake pads.If the parking brake is released and the
brake warning lamp in the instrument clus-
ter stays on, the brake fluid level in the res-
ervoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may
be the reason for low brake fluid in the res-
ervoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center immedi-
ately.
All checks and service work on the brake
system should be carried out by an autho-
rized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Install only brake pads and brake fluid rec-
ommended by Mercedes-Benz.Warning!
G
After driving in heavy rain for some time
without applying the brakes or through wa-
ter deep enough to wet brake components,
the first braking action may be somewhat
reduced and increased pedal pressure may
be necessary to obtain expected braking ef-
fect. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles
in front.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal will
cause excessive and premature wear of the
brake pads.
It can also result in the brakes overheating,
thereby significantly reducing their effec-
tiveness. It may not be possible to stop the
vehicle in sufficient time to avoid an acci-
dent.
!Be very careful not to endanger other
road users when you apply the brakes.
Refer to the description of the Brake
Assist System (BAS) (
page 78).
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.).
389 Index
Gear selector lever position 163
Gear shifting malfunctions 165
Kickdown 165
One-touch gearshifting 161
Program mode selector switch 164
Selector lever position 160
Starting the engine 43
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) and manual shift pro-
gram S 55 AMG 166
Transmission fluid 268
Winter program mode 166
Auxiliary cup holder 230
Inserting 230
Removing 231
Auxiliary fuse box 353
B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 69
Compatible child seats 69, 381
Self-test 70
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation system
381
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 108
Shoulder region 108Backup lamps 332, 336
Bulbs 332
BAS 78, 381
Messages in display 300, 310
Batteries, KEYLESS-GO* card
Check lamp 92
Checking 92
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 328, 329
Check lamp 88
Checking 88
Battery discharged
Jump starting 347
Battery, vehicle 270, 344
Charging 345
Disconnecting 345
Reconnecting 345
Reinstalling 345
Removing 345
Bi-Xenon headlamps* 381
Block heater* 279
Blocking
Rear window operation 74
Brake assist system (BAS) 381
Brake fluid 262, 373
Brake lamp bulbs 332Brake lamp, high mounted 332
Brake pads
Message in display 302
Brakes 252
Warning lamp 293
Break-in period 250
Bulbs, replacing 331
Additional turn signals 331
Backup lamps 332
Brake lamps 332
Fog lamps 331
Front lamps 331
High beam 331
High mounted brake lamp 332
License plate lamps 332, 336
Low beam 331
Parking and standing lamps 331
Parking lamps 332, 335
Rear fog lamp 332
Rear fog lamps 336
Side marker lamps 331, 335
Standing lamps 331, 332, 335
Tail lamp assemblies 332, 336
Turn signal lamps 331, 332
390 IndexC
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 381
Calling up
Distronic* settings 142
Range (distance to empty) 145
Service indicator 281
CAN system 381
Cargo tie-down hooks 223
Catalytic converter 259
CD changer* 137
CD mode 137
CD player
Operating 136
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 295
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 149
Central locking
Automatic 102
From inside 103
Switch 103
Switching on/off (control system) 155
Unlocking from inside 103
Central locking switch 103Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 328, 329
CDs 137
KEYLESS-GO* card setting 91
SmartKey setting 155
Vehicle level 213, 216
Charcoal filter 182
Activating 182
Deactivating 182
Charging
Vehicle battery 345
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 294
Checking
Batteries (KEYLESS-GO* card) 92
Brake fluid 262
Coolant level 268
Oil level 262, 264
Tire inflate pressure 262
Vehicle lighting 262
Vehicle lock status (KEYLESS-GO*
card) 93Child safety 67
Airbags 58
Infant and child restraint systems 62,
67
LATCH child seat anchors 72
Cigarette lighter 233
Cleaning
Cup holder 287
Distronic* system sensor cover 285
Gear selector lever 287
Hard plastic trim items 287
Headlamps 171
Headliner 287
Instrument cluster 287
Leather upholstery 287
Light alloy wheels 286
Parktronic* system sensor 285
Plastic and rubber parts 287
Seat belts 287
Steering wheel 287
Windows 286
Windshield 48
Wiper blades 286
400 Index
Fastening the seat belt 40
Infant and child restraint systems 67
LATCH child seat anchors 72
Seat belts 40, 60
Oil
Adding 266, 267
Checking level 264
Consumption 264
Filler neck 267
Viscosity 382
Oil level
Checking 262
One-touch gearshifting 161
Canceling gear range limit 161
Downshifting 161
Upshifting 161
Opening
Ashtray 232
Cup holder 230
Doors from the inside 94
Fuel filler flap 261
Fuel filler flap manually 329
Glove box 224
Hood 263
Side windows 188, 189
Sliding/pop-up roof 192, 330Sliding/pop-up roof in an emergency
330
Sliding/pop-up roof with SmartKey
194
Storage space in the armrest 226
Storage space in the center console
225, 226, 227
Trunk 95
Trunk from the inside 96
Windows 188
Windows with SmartKey 190
Opening from the inside
Trunk 99
Operating
CD player 136
COMAND* see separate operating in-
structions
Garage door opener 247
Integrated remote control 247
Navigation system 142
Radio 136
Radio transmitters 258
Safety 16
Telephone* 139
Vehicle outside the USA and Canada
13Operating safety 16
Operator’s Manual 10
Ornamental moldings 284
Outside temperature indicator 129
Overdue service 280
Overhead control panel 27
Garage door opener 27
Reading lamp 27
Rear view mirror 27
Tele Aid button 27
Override switch see Blocking of rear win-
dow operation 74
Overspeed range 384
P
Paintwork 283
Panic alarm 75
Panic button on SmartKey 75
Parcel net in front passenger footwell 232
Parcel net in trunk 232
Parking 50, 253
Parking and standing lamps
Replacing bulbs 331
Parking assist see Parktronic 218
Parking brake 44, 50
Engaging 50
Message in display 315
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
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