Page 408 of 474

406 Practical hintsJump 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 use 12 volt battery to jump start
your vehicle. Jump starting with a more
powerful battery could damage the ve-
hicle’s electrical system, which will not
be covered by the Mercedes-Benz Lim-
ited Warranty.
Only use 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.!Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Page 409 of 474

407 Practical hints
Jump starting
The battery is located on the right side of
the trunk under the battery cover
(page 403).
Make sure the two vehicles do not
touch.
Turn off all electrical consumers.
Apply parking brake.
Shift gear selector lever to positionP.
Open the trunk lid.
Remove battery cover (
page 403).
Remove red cover from positive
terminal 1. 1Positive terminal of discharged battery
2Negative terminal of discharged
battery
3Positive terminal of charged battery
4Negative terminal of charged battery
Connect positive terminals 1 and3
of the batteries with the jumper cable.
Clamp cable to charged battery3
first.
Start engine of the vehicle with the
charged battery and run at idle speed.
Connect negative terminals2 and4
of the batteries with the jumper cable.
Clamp cable to charged battery4
first.
Start the engine of the disabled vehi-
cle.
Now you can again turn on the electrical
consumers. Do not turn on the lights under
any circumstances.
Remove the jumper cables first from
negative terminals2 and4 and then
from positive terminals1 and3.
You can now turn on the lights.
Have the battery checked at the near-
est authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Warning!
G
Keep flames or sparks away from battery.
Do not smoke.
Observe all safety instructions and precau-
tions when handling automotive batteries
(page 403).
!Never invert the terminal connections.
Page 411 of 474

409 Practical hints
Towing the vehicle
!
To be certain to avoid a possibility of
damage to the drive train, however, we
recommend the drive shaft be discon-
nected at the rear axle drive flange (ve-
hicles with 4MATIC: disconnected at
the front and rear axle drive flanges) for
any towing beyond a short tow to a
nearby garage.Warning!
G
If circumstances require towing the vehicle
with all wheels on the ground, always tow
with a tow bar if:
the engine will not run
there is a malfunction in the power sup-
ply or in the vehicle’s electrical system
as that will be necessary to adequately con-
trol the towed vehicle.
Prior to towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground, make sure the SmartKey is in
starter switch position2.
If the SmartKey is left in starter switch
position0 for an extended period of time, it
can no longer be turned in the switch. In this
case, the steering is locked. To unlock, re-
move SmartKey from starter switch and re-
insert.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. Adapt your driving accordingly.iThe gear selector lever will remain
locked in positionP and the SmartKey
will not turn in the starter switch if the
battery is disconnected or discharged.
See information on the battery
(page 403) or on jump starting
(page 406).
iTo signal turns while being towed with
the hazard warning flasher in use, turn
SmartKey in starter switch to
position2 and activate the combina-
tion switch for the left or right turn sig-
nal in the usual manner – only the
selected turn signal will operate.
Upon canceling the turn signal, the haz-
ard warning flasher will operate again.
Page 429 of 474
427 Technical data
Electrical system
Electrical system
Model
S 430, S 500
S 55 AMG
S 600
Generator (alternator)
14 V/150 A
14 V/180 A
14 V/220 A
Starter motor
12 V/1.7 kW
12 V/1.7 kW
12 V/1.7 kW
Battery
12 V/95 Ah
12 V/95 Ah
12 V/95 Ah
Spark plugs
Bosch F 8 DPP 332
NGK PFR 5 R-11
NGK IL FR 6 A
NGK IFR 6Q-G
Electrode gap
0.039 in (1.0 mm)
0.031 in (0.8 mm)
0.028 in (0.7 mm)
Tightening torque
15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)
18 – 22 lb-ft (25 – 30 Nm)
15 – 22 lb-ft (20 – 30 Nm)
Page 444 of 474

442 Technical termsTele 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.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.).
Page 447 of 474

445 Index
Armrest
Storage compartment in front of 245,
246, 247
Ashtray 251
Aspect ratio 322
At the gas station 283
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) 292
AUDIO menu 148
Selecting CD track 150
Selecting MP3-CD track 150
Selecting radio station 149
Selecting satellite radio* station (USA
only) 149
Audio system
CD mode 151
Auto-dimming for rear view mirror 186
Automatic central locking
Activating/deactivating (control
system) 168
Automatic climate control 192
Air recirculation mode 199
Defrosting 199
Rear window defroster 201
Setting the temperature 195
Automatic headlamp mode 132Automatic lighting control
Activating 137
Deactivating 137
Automatic locking when driving 112
Automatic shift program
Automatic transmission 179
Automatic transmission 173
Accelerator position 180
Automatic shift program 179
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 185
Fluid level 292
Gear ranges 176
Gear selector lever position 173, 177
Gear shifting malfunctions 185
Kickdown 180
Kickdown, manual shift program S 55
AMG 184
Manual shift program S 55 AMG 183
Manual shifting 175
One-touch gearshifting 175
Starting the engine 46
Steering wheel gearshift control S 55
AMG 181
Transmission fluid 292
Auxiliary fuse box 412B
BabySmart
TM
Air bag deactivation system 73
Compatible child seats 73, 437
Self-test 74
BabySmart
TM airbag deactivation
system 437
Backrest supports
Lumbar region 123
Shoulder region 123
Backup lamps 390, 395
Bulbs 390
Bar 322
BAS 81, 437
Messages in display 351
Batteries, SmartKey
Check lamp 95
Checking 95
Replacing 387
Batteries, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Checking 101
Battery discharged
Jump starting 406
Page 448 of 474

446 IndexBattery, SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
Check lamp 101
Replacing 388
Battery, vehicle 294, 403
Charging 404
Disconnecting 404
Reconnecting 405
Reinstalling 404
Removing 404
Bead 322
Bi-Xenon headlamps 437
Block heater (Canada only) 327
Blocking
Rear window operation 78
Brake assist system (BAS) 437
Brake fluid 284, 431
Brake lamp bulbs 390
Brake lamp, high mounted 390
Brake pads
Message in display 357
Brakes 274
Warning lamp 339
Break-in period 272Bulbs, replacing 389
Additional turn signals 390
Backup lamps 390
Brake lamps 390
Fog lamps 390
Front lamps 390
High beam 390
High mounted brake lamp 390
License plate lamps 390, 395
Low beam 390
Parking and standing lamps 390
Parking lamps 390, 394
Rear fog lamp 390, 395
Rear fog lamps 394
Side marker lamps 390, 394
Standing lamps 390, 394
Tail lamp assemblies 390
Tail lamp unit 395
Turn signal lamps 390C
CAC (Customer Assistance Center) 437
Calling up
Distronic* settings 156
Maintenance service indicator 329
Range (distance to empty) 158
CAN system 438
Canceling
Cruise control 215
Cargo tie-down hooks 241
Catalytic converter 281
CD changer* 151
CD mode 151
CD operation
Selecting tracks 150
Center console 27
Air bag off indicator lamp 346
Front passenger front air bag off indica-
tor lamp 346
Page 449 of 474

447 Index
Centigrade (°C)
Setting temperature units 163
Central locking
Automatic 112
From inside 113
Switch 113
Switching on/off (control
system) 168
Unlocking from inside 113
Change of address or ownership 12
Changing
CDs 151
SmartKey setting 169
Vehicle level 230, 233
Charcoal filter 200
Activating 200
Deactivating 201
Charging
Vehicle battery 404Checking
Brake fluid 284
Coolant level 292
Oil level 285, 287
Oil level via control system 288
Tire inflate pressure 285
Vehicle lighting 285
Child safety 71
Air bags 62
Infant and child restraint systems 66,
71
LATCH child seat anchors 76
Cigarette lighter 252
Cleaning
Cup holder 335
Distronic* system sensor cover 333
Gear selector lever 335Hard plastic trim items 335
Headlamps 186
Headliner and shelf below rear
window 335
Instrument cluster 335
Leather upholstery 336
Light alloy wheels 335
Nubuck leather upholstery 336
Parktronic* system sensor 333
Plastic and rubber parts 336
Seat belts 335
Steering wheel 335
Upholstery 336
Windows 334
Windshield 53
Wiper blades 333
Wood trims 336
Cleaning tires 298