2005 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS light

313 Operation
Tires and wheels
General:
Depending on the design standards used,
the tire size molded into the sidewall may
have no letter or a letter preceding the tire
size designation.
No letter preceding the size designation
(as illustrated above): Passenger car tire
based on European design standards.
Letter “P” preceding the size designation:
Passenger car tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “LT” preceding the size designation:
Light Truck tire based on U.S. design
standards.
Letter “T” preceding the size designation:
Temporary spare tires which are high
pressure compact spares designed for
temporary emergency use only. Tire width
The tire width1 (
page 312) indicates
the nominal tire width in mm.
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio2 (page 312) is the
dimensional relationship between tire
section height and section width and is
expressed in percentage. The aspect ratio
is arrived at by dividing section height by
section width.
Tire code
The tire code3 (
page 312) indicates
the tire construction type. The “R” stands
for radial tire type. Letter “D” means diag-
onal or bias ply construction; letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
At the tire manufacturer's option, any tire
with a speed capability above 149 mph
(240 km/h) can include a “ZR” in the size
designation (for example: 245/40 ZR 18).
For additional information, see “Tire speed
rating” (
page 314).Rim diameter
The rim diameter4 (
page 312) is the
diameter of the bead seat, not the
diameter of the rim edge. Rim diameter is
indicated in inches (in).
Tire load rating
The tire load rating5 (page 312) is a
numerical code associated with the
maximum load a tire can support.
For example, a load rating of 91 corre-
sponds to a maximum load of 1 356 lbs
(615 kg) the tire is designed to support.
See also “Maximum tire load”
(
page 318) where the maximum load as-
sociated with the load index is indicated in
kilograms and lbs.

316 OperationTires and wheelsAll-season and winter tires
Load identification
1Load identificationIn addition to tire load rating, special load
information may be molded into the tire
sidewall following the letter designating
the tire speed rating1 (
page 316).
No specification given: absence of any text
(like in above example) indicates a
standard load (SL) tire.
XL (Extra Load): designates an extra load
(or reinforced) tire.
Light Load: designates a light load tire.
C, D, E: designates load range associated
with the maximum load a tire can carry at
a specified pressure.
Index
Speed rating
QM+S
up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
TM+S
up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
HM+S
up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
VM+S
up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
iThe marking “M+S” next to the service
description designates tires with mud
and snow capabilities.
iFor illustration purposes only. Actual
data on tires is specific to each vehicle
and may vary from data shown in above
illustration.

332 OperationVehicle careEngine cleaning
Prior to cleaning the engine compartment
make sure to protect electrical compo-
nents and connectors from the intrusion of
water and cleaning agents.
Corrosion protection, such as MB Anticor-
rosion Wax should be applied to the engine
compartment after every engine cleaning.
Before applying, all control linkage bush-
ings and joints should be lubricated. The
poly-V-belt and all pulleys should be pro-
tected from any wax.
Vehicle washing
Do not use hot water or wash your vehicle
in direct sunlight. Only use a mild car wash
detergent, such as Mercedes-Benz ap-
proved Car Shampoo.
Thoroughly spray the vehicle with a dif-
fused jet of water. Direct only a very weak
spray towards the ventilation intake. Use
plenty of water and rinse the sponge and
chamois frequently. Rinse with clear water and thoroughly dry
with a chamois. Do not allow cleaning
agents to dry on the finish.
Due to the width of the vehicle, fold in ex-
terior rear view mirrors prior to running the
vehicle through an automatic car wash to
prevent damage to the mirrors.
In the winter, thoroughly remove all traces
of road salt as soon as possible.
When washing the underbody, do not for-
get to clean the inner sides of the wheels.Ornamental moldings
For regular cleaning and care of very dirty
chrome-plated parts, use a chrome clean-
er.
Headlamps, tail lamps, side markers,
turn signal lenses

Use a mild car wash detergent, such as
Mercedes-Benz approved Car Sham-
poo, with plenty of water.
To prevent scratches, never apply strong
force and use only a soft, non-scratchy
cloth when cleaning the lenses. Do not at-
tempt to wipe dirty lenses with a dry cloth
or sponge.
iVehicles with KEYLESS-GO*:
If a door handle is hit by a strong jet of
water, and a SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* is in close proximity, i.e.
within approx. 3 ft. (approx. 1 m), the
vehicle could be inadvertently locked
or unlocked.

335 Operation
Vehicle care
Light alloy wheels
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care
should be used for regular cleaning of the
light alloy wheels.
If possible, clean wheels once a week with
Mercedes-Benz approved Wheel Care, us-
ing a soft bristle brush and a strong spray
of water.
Follow the instructions on container.
Instrument cluster
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.Steering wheel and gear selector lever
Wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly
or clean with Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care.
Cup holder
Use a gentle dishwashing detergent or
mild detergent for delicate fabrics as a
washing solution. Wipe with a cloth moist-
ened in lukewarm solution. Do not use
scouring agents.
Hard plastic trim items
Pour Mercedes-Benz approved Interior
Care onto soft lint-free cloth and apply
with light pressure.
Headliner and shelf below rear window
Clean with soft bristle brush, or use a
dry-shampoo cleaner in case of excessive
dirt.Seat belts
The webbing must not be treated with
chemical cleaning agents. Only use clear,
lukewarm water and soap. Do not dry the
webbing at temperatures above 176°F
(80°C) or in direct sunlight.
iOnly use acid-free cleaning materials.
Acid may cause corrosion or damage
the clear coat.
Warning!
G
Do not bleach or dye seat belts as this may
severely weaken them. In a crash they may
not be able to provide adequate protection.

336 OperationVehicle careUpholstery
Using aftermarket seat covers or wearing
clothing that have the tendency to give off
coloring (e.g. when wet, etc.) may cause
the upholstery to become permanently dis-
colored. By lining the seats with a proper
intermediate cover, contact-discoloration
will be prevented.
Leather upholstery
Wipe leather upholstery with a damp cloth
and dry thoroughly or clean with
Mercedes-Benz approved Leather Care.
Exercise particular care when cleaning per-
forated leather as its underside should not
become wet.Nubuck leather upholstery (S 55 AMG)
The nubuck leather upholstery is treated
with a protective coating. Wipe nubuck
leather upholstery with damp microfiber
cloth to remove dust and other light stains.
Carefully dab nubuck leather upholstery
with a dry microfiber cloth to remove oil
stains.Plastic and rubber parts
Do not use oil or wax on these parts.
Wood trims
Dampen cloth using water and use damp
cloth to clean wood trims in your vehicle.
Do not use solvents like tar remover or
wheel cleaner nor polishes or waxes as
these may be abrasive.
!Do not use Mercedes-Benz approved
Leather Care or any solvents to clean
nubuck leather upholstery.
Avoid hard scrubbing on nubuck leath-
er upholstery.

344 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
H
The yellow warning lamp for the
tire inflation pressure monitor
comes on.
The tire inflation pressure monitor detects a
loss of pressure in at least one tire.

Bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding
abrupt steering and braking maneuvers.
Observe the traffic situation around you.

Take note of the messages in the multi-
function display.
The warning lamp goes out once the tire in-
flation pressure monitor has been reactivat-
ed after the tire inflation pressures have
been corrected.
Warning!
G
When the tire inflation pressure monitoring
system warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. You
should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire in-
formation placard. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehi-
cle’s handling and stopping ability. Each tire,
including the spare, should be checked
monthly when cold and set to the recom-
mended inflation pressure as specified in
the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.
iThe recommended tire inflation pres-
sures for your vehicle can be found on
the tire placard on the driver's door
B-pillar or, if available, the inside of the
fuel filler flap, not in the owner’s
manual.

364 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Display
Possible cause
Possible solution
_
ENTRY POSITION
DO NOT DRIVE
Seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel
have not yet moved to their preset driving
positions.

Wait until the seat, exterior mirrors and
steering wheel have moved to their driv-
ing positions.
The message will disappear.
Y

HOOD OPEN!
You are driving with the hood open.

Close the hood (
page 287).
I
REMOVE KEY!
You have forgotten to remove the
SmartKey.

Remove the SmartKey from the ignition.
REPLACE KEY!
DRIVE TO WORKSHOP
The SmartKey is malfunctioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT ON
REMOVE KEY!
SmartKey in starter switch position 1
or2.

Remove the SmartKey from the starter
switch.
KEY
CHECK BATTERY
The battery in the KEYLESS-GO* key is
discharged.

Replace the battery (
page 387).
KEY
NOT RECOGNIZED
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is not rec-
ognized while the engine is running be-
cause

the SmartKey is not in the vehicle


there is strong radio-frequency inter-
ference

Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.

Search for the SmartKey.
Otherwise the vehicle cannot be centrally
locked nor can the engine be started again
after it has been stopped.

365 Practical hints
What to do if …?
Display
Possible cause
Possible solution
F
KEY
NOT RECOGNIZED
The SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* is mo-
mentarily not recognized.

Change the position of the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* in the vehicle.

Operate the vehicle with the SmartKey in
the starter switch if necessary.
KEY
STILL IN VEHICLE
A SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* left in the
vehicle was recognized while locking the
vehicle from the outside.

Take the SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO*
out of the vehicle.
KEY
DRIVE TO WORKSHOP
The KEYLESS-GO* system is malfunction-
ing.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
.
3RD BRAKE LIGHT
CHECK LIGHT

The high mounted brake lamp is malfunc-
tioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
STOP LIGHT
VISIT WORKSHOP
Brake lamp illumination is delayed or
lamp is permanently on.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
BRAKE LIGHT LEFT
CHECK LIGHT

SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
The left brake lamp is malfunctioning. A
substitute bulb is being used.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
BRAKE LIGHT RIGHT
CHECK LIGHT

SUBSTITUTE LAMP ON!
The right brake lamp is malfunctioning. A
substitute bulb is being used.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
VISIT WORKSHOP
The display for the lamps or the system is
malfunctioning.

Visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz Cen-
ter as soon as possible.