2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 airbag

401 Technical terms
ABC
(A
ctive B
ody C
ontrol)
Active, computer-controlled system
that hydraulically adjusts the suspen-
sion at all four wheels in response to
various driving situations.
ABS
(A
ntilock B
rake S
ystem)
Prevents the wheels from locking up
during braking so that the vehicle can
continue to be steered.
Alignment bolt
Metal pin with thread. The centering
pin is an aid used when changing a tire
to align the wheel with the wheel hub.BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system
This system detects if a special system
compatible child restraint seat is in-
stalled on the front passenger seat. The
system will automatically deactivate
the passenger front airbag when such
a seat is properly installed (indicator
lamp PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF in the
center console comes on). See an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center for
availability.
BabySmartTM compatible child seats
Special restraint system for children.
The sensor system for the passenger
seat prevents deployment of the pas-
senger front airbag if a BabySmart
TM
compatible child seat is installed.BAS
(B
rake A
ssist S
ystem)
System for potentially reducing braking
distances in emergency braking situa-
tions. The system is activated when it
senses an emergency based on how
fast the brake is applied.
Bi-xenon headlamps
Headlamps which use an electric arc as
the light source and produce a more in-
tense light than filament headlamps.
Bi-xenon headlamps produce low beam
and high beam.

405 Technical terms
Remote 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.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-
vided 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.

408 Index
Steering column up or down 37
Steering wheel 37
Air conditioning
Turning off 190
Turning on 190
Air pressure see Tire inflation
pressure 283
Air recirculation mode 187
Activating 187
Deactivating 188
Air vents, rear passenger compartment
Adjustable 192
Air volume
Adjusting 186
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 311
Airbags 59
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 71, 401
Children 60
Front 63
Passenger 63
Safety guidelines 62
Side impact 63
Window curtain 63AIRMATIC 218
Alarm
Audible 76, 84
Canceling 84
Visual 83
Alarm system
Anti-theft 83
Alignment bolt 364
Alignment bolt (vehicle tool kit) 345, 401
Antiglare
Automatic 174
Antilock brake system (ABS) 401
Anti-theft alarm system
Arming 84
Canceling alarm 84
Disarming 84
Anti-theft systems 83
Anti-theft alarm system 83
Immobilizer 83
Tow-away alarm 85
Aquaplaning see Hydroplaning 263
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 232,
233, 234Ashtray 238
At the gas station 269
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) 278
AUDIO menu 139
Operating
Cassette player 141
Selecting radio station 140
Selecting satellite radio* station
(USA only) 140
Audio system
CD mode 142
Automatic antiglare for rear view
mirror 174
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating
(control system) 159
Automatic climate control 180
Air recirculation mode 187
Defrosting 187
Rear window defroster 189
Setting the temperature 183
Automatic headlamp mode 125

409 Index
Automatic lighting control
Activating 129
Deactivating 130
Automatic locking when driving 106
Automatic transmission 164
Accelerator position 170
Comfortable program mode 170
Deactivating steering wheel gearshift
control 173
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) 173
Fluid level 278
Gear ranges 166
Gear selector lever position 167
Gear shifting malfunctions 173
Kickdown 170
One-touch gearshifting 165
Program mode selector switch 170
Selector lever position 164
Starting the engine 43
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) S 55 AMG 168
Transmission fluid 278
Winter program mode 171
Auxiliary fuse box 374B
BabySmart
TM
Airbag deactivation system 71
Compatible child seats 71, 401
Self-test 71
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 401
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 113
Shoulder region 112
Backup lamps 354, 358
Bulbs 354
BAS 78, 401
Messages in display 315
Batteries, SmartKey
Changing 350
Check lamp 90, 91
Replacing 349
Battery discharged
Jump starting 369
Battery, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Changing 351
Check lamp 95Battery, vehicle 280, 366
Charging 367
Disconnecting 367
Reconnecting 368
Reinstalling 367
Removing 367
Bi-Xenon headlamps 401
Block heater (Canada only) 293
Blocking
Rear window operation 74
Brake assist system (BAS) 401
Brake fluid 270, 394
Brake lamp bulbs 354
Brake lamp, high mounted 354
Brake pads
Message in display 321
Brakes 260
Warning lamp 305
Break-in period 258
Bulbs, replacing 353
Additional turn signals 353
Backup lamps 354
Brake lamps 354

410 Index
Fog lamps 353
Front lamps 353
High beam 353
High mounted brake lamp 354
License plate lamps 354, 358
Low beam 353
Parking and standing lamps 353
Parking lamps 354, 357
Rear fog lamp 354
Rear fog lamps 358
Side marker lamps 353, 357
Standing lamps 353, 354, 357
Tail lamp assemblies 354, 358
Turn signal lamps 353, 354
C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 402
Calling up
Distronic* settings 147
Range (distance to empty) 150
Service indicator 295
CAN system 402
Cargo tie-down hooks 230Cassette player
Operating 141
Catalytic converter 267
CD changer* 142
CD mode 142
CD player
Operating 141
Center console 25
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp 311
Centigrade
Setting temperature units 154
Central locking
Automatic 106
From inside 107
Switch 107
Switching on/off (control
system) 159
Unlocking from inside 107
Changing
Batteries (SmartKey) 350
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 351
CDs 142SmartKey setting 160
Vehicle level 219, 222
Charcoal filter 188
Activating 188
Deactivating 189
Charging
Vehicle battery 367
CHECK ENGINE malfunction indicator
lamp 306
Checking
Brake fluid 270
Coolant level 278
Oil level 271, 273
Oil level via control system 274
Tire inflate pressure 271
Vehicle lighting 271
Child safety 69
Airbags 60
Infant and child restraint systems 64,
69
LATCH child seat anchors 73
Cigarette lighter 239

416 IndexFour wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC)
with ESP 82
4MATIC 82
Front airbags 63
Front lamps
Messages in display 330–333
Replacing bulbs 353, 355
Switching on 124
Front seat head restraints
Installing 109
Power seat 109
Removing 109
FSS (Flexible Service System) 294, 403
Fuel 270
Fuel reserve warning lamp 308
Premium unleaded gasoline 270
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 148
Since last reset 149Fuel filler flap 269
Locking 269
Opening 351
Unlocking 269
Fuel tank
Filler flap 269
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 391
Functions (control system) 136, 138
Resetting 152
Fuse box 374, 375
Fuse chart 345
Fuses 374
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk 374
Fuse box in engine compartment 375
Fuse box in passenger
compartment 374
Fuse boxes in the engine
compartment 376
Fuse chart 345
Fuse extractor 345
Spare fuses 345G
Garage door opener 250
Erasing in remote control 255
Integrated remote control 252
Rolling code programming 253
Gasoline see Fuel 270
Gear range 403
Automatic transmission 166
Limiting 166
Shifting into optimal 165
Gear range limit
Canceling 165
Gear selector lever
Cleaning 301
Position 167
Glasses
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 234
Global
Locking 89
Unlocking 89

418 IndexInside rear view mirror
Antiglare 174
Installing
Infant and child restraint systems 72
Towing eye bolt 373
Wiper blades 360
Instrument cluster 22, 131, 403
Cleaning 301
Coolant temperature gauge 132
Illumination 131
Multifunction display 134
Outside temperature indicator 133
Selecting language 155
Integrated remote control
Canadian programming 254
Erasing memory 255
Hand-held transmitter 252
Operating 255
Rolling code programming 253
Interior illumination
Delayed switch-off 158Interior lighting 129
Activating automatic control 129
Deactivating automatic control 130
Manual operation 130
Interior rear view mirror
Adjusting 38
J
Jump starting 369
K
Key see SmartKey 30, 53
Key, mechanical 348
Key, SmartKey
Positions in starter switch 31
Key, SmartKey, SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*
Replacing the battery 349
Key-dependency memory
Settings 160
KEYLESS-GO* 403
Activating ignition with 33
Closing power windows 198
Closing sliding/pop-up roof 202Locking the vehicle 95
Loss of SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO 96
Messages in display 328
Starting the engine 44
Turning off engine 54
Kickdown 170, 403
Kilometers/miles in speedometer 154
Km/h or mph in speedometer 154
L
Lamp bulbs, exterior 353
Lamps, exterior
Front 353
Light sensor 331
Messages in display 331
Rear 354
Lamps, indicator and warning
ABS 304
Airbag Off 63
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 94
Battery (SmartKey) 89
Brakes 305

421 Index
Entry position 328
Hood 328
Lamps 331
Parking brake 321
Selector lever 317
SmartKey 328
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 328
TeleAid 334
Telephone* 334
Tires 336, 339
Trunk 334
Washer fluid 334
Multifunction steering wheel 24, 135,
404
Buttons 135
N
Navigation system
Operating 147
See separate COMAND* operating
instructions
Night security illumination 126
Nubuck leather upholstery
Cleaning 302O
Occupant safety 58
Airbags 59
Children and airbags 60
Children in the vehicle 69
Fastening the seat belt 40
Infant and child restraint systems 69
LATCH child seat anchors 73
Seat belts 40, 62
Oil
Adding 277
Consumption 273
Dipstick 273
Filler neck 277
Viscosity 403
Oil level
Checking 271
Oil level via control system
Checking 274
One-touch gearshifting 165
Canceling gear range limit 165
Downshifting 165
Upshifting 165Opening
Ashtray 238
Cup holder 237
Doors from the inside 96
Fuel filler flap 269
Fuel filler flap manually 351
Glove box 231
Hood 272
Side windows 196
Sliding/pop-up roof 199, 352
Sliding/pop-up roof in an
emergency 352
Sliding/pop-up roof with
SmartKey 201
Storage compartment in the center
console 232
Storage compartments in the
armrest 233
Storage compartments in the center
console 233, 234
Trunk 97
Trunk lid from the inside 97
Windows 195
Windows with SmartKey 197