2005 MERCEDES-BENZ S CLASS length

176 Controls in detailAutomatic transmissionGear ranges
With the gear selector lever in positionD,
you can limit the transmission’s gear range
by pressing the gear selector lever to the
left (D-), and reverse the gear range limit
by pressing the gear selector lever to the
right (D+).
The selected gear range appears in the
tachometer display (
page 174). If you
press on the accelerator when the engine
has reached its rpm limit, the transmission
will upshift beyond any gear range limit
selected.
Effect
ï
The transmission shifts through
sixth gear only (applies to
vehicles with 7-speed automatic
transmission only).
î
The transmission shifts through
fifth gear only (applies to
vehicles with 7-speed automatic
transmission only).
é
The transmission shifts through
fourth gear only.
è
The transmission shifts through
third gear only.
With this selection you can use
the braking effect of the engine.
Effect
ç
The transmission shifts through
second gear only.
Allows the use of engine’s
braking power when driving:

on steep downgrades


in mountainous regions


under extreme operating
conditions
æ
The transmission operates in
first gear only.
For maximum use of engine’s
braking effect on very steep or
lengthy downgrades.

279 Operation
Driving instructions
Winter driving instructions
The most important rule for slippery or icy
roads is to drive sensibly and to avoid
abrupt acceleration, braking and steering
maneuvers. Do not use the cruise control
system under such conditions.
When the vehicle is in danger of skidding,
move gear selector lever to position N. Try
to keep the vehicle under control by cor-
rective steering action.Road salts and chemicals can adversely af-
fect braking efficiency. Increased pedal
force may become necessary to produce
the normal braking effect.
Depressing the brake pedal periodically
when traveling at length on salt-strewn
roads can bring road-salt impaired braking
efficiency back to normal.
If the vehicle is parked after being driven
on salt-treated roads, the braking efficien-
cy should be tested as soon as possible af-
ter driving is resumed.
For more information on winter driving, see
“Winter driving” (
page 326).
iFor information on driving with snow
chains, see “Snow chains”
(page 327).
Warning!
G
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehi-
cle control. Your vehicle’s ABS will not pre-
vent this type of control loss.
Warning!
G
Make sure not to endanger any other road
users when carrying out these braking ma-
neuvers.
Warning!
G
If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, make
sure that snow is kept clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around the vehicle with the
engine running. Otherwise, deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) gases may enter vehicle in-
terior resulting in unconsciousness and
death.
To assure sufficient fresh air ventilation,
open a window slightly on the side of the ve-
hicle not facing the wind.Warning!
G
The outside temperature indicator is not de-
signed to serve as an ice-warning device and
is therefore unsuitable for that purpose. In-
dicated temperatures just above the freez-
ing point do not guarantee that the road
surface is free of ice.

328 OperationMaintenanceWe strongly recommend that you have
your vehicle serviced by an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center, in accordance with
the Maintenance Booklet at the times
called for by the maintenance service indi-
cator display.
Failure to have the vehicle maintained in
accordance with the Maintenance Booklet
and maintenance service indicator at the
designated times /mileage will result in ve-
hicle damage not covered by the
Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
The maintenance service indicator will no-
tify you when your next maintenance ser-
vice is due.Starting approximately one month before
your next maintenance service is due, one
of the following messages will appear in
the multifunction display while you are
driving or when you switch on the ignition
(example service A):
'A' SERVICE IN XXXXX MILES (KM)
'A' SERVICE IN XXX DAYS
'A' SERVICE IN X DAY
'A' SERVICE DUE NOWThe type of maintenance service due is in-
dicated in the multifunction display:9
Basic service (A)
´
Extended service (B)Clearing the maintenance service indi-
cator
The maintenance service indicator is auto-
matically cleared after 30 seconds when
you switch on the ignition or when reach-
ing the maintenance service threshold
while driving. You can also clear it yourself.
Press the reset buttonJ in the instru-
ment cluster (
page 140).
iVehicles equipped with FSS (Flexible
Service System) only (Canada vehi-
cles):
The interval between services depends
on your driving habits. A gentle driving
style, moderate engine speeds and the
avoidance of short-distance trips will
lengthen the interval between services.

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.

428 Technical dataMain dimensions and weightsMain dimensionsWeightsModel
S 430 (220.070)
S 430 (220.170)
S 430 4MATIC (220.183)
S 500 (220.175)
S 500 4MATIC (220.184)
S 55 AMG (220.174)
S 600 (220.176)
Overall vehicle length
198.3 in (5038 mm)
203.1 in (5158 mm)
203.1 in (5158 mm)
203.1 in (5158 mm)
Overall vehicle width
73.0 in (1855 mm)
73.0 in (1855 mm)
73.0 in (1855 mm)
73.0 in (1855 mm)
Overall vehicle height
57.2 in (1454 mm)
57.2 in (1454 mm)
57.2 in (1454 mm)
57.4 in (1457 mm)
Wheelbase
116.7 in (2965 mm)
121.5 in (3085 mm)
121.5 in (3085 mm)
121.5 in (3085 mm)
Track, front
62.0 in (1574 mm)
62.0 in (1574 mm)
62.1 in (1578 mm)
62.0 in (1574 mm)
Track, rear
62.0 in (1574 mm)
62.0 in (1574 mm)
62.1 in (1578 mm)
62.0 in (1574 mm)
Max. roof load
220 lbs (100 kg)
Max. trunk load
220 lbs (100 kg)

465 Index
Snow chains 327
Spare fuses 380
Spare wheel
Mounting 398
Speed
Setting current 215
Setting to last stored speed in Distron-
ic* (“Resume” function) 223
Speed settings
Cruise control 216
Distronic* 222, 223
To last stored speed (“Resume” func-
tion) in Cruise control 216
Speedometer
Displays 219
Settings units 163
Speedometer display mode
Selecting 163
Sporty driving style 232
SRS 68, 441
Indicator lamp 345
SRS indicator lamp 60Standing lamps 131
Replacing bulbs 390, 394
Standing water
Driving instructions 280
Starting difficulties 47
Starting the engine 46
Steering column
Height adjustment 40
Length adjustment 40
Steering wheel
Adjusting 40
Adjustment 40
Cleaning 335
Heated steering wheel* 253
Steering wheel adjustment 40
Steering wheel gearshift control S 55 AMG
Automatic transmission 181
Stolen vehicle
Recovery services 263
Stopping
Tilt/sliding sunroof 213
Windows 209Storage compartments 243
Armrest 245, 246, 247
Cup holder 248, 250
Glove box 244
In front of armrest 247
Parcel net 250
Storage compartment in front of
armrest 245
Storage tray 245, 246, 247
Under the front seats 248
Storing (Memory function*)
Positions into memory 129
Storing tires 298
Submenus
Convenience 169
For settings 145
In control system 147
Instrument cluster 163
Lighting 164
Resetting functions in Control
system 161
Selecting 161
Settings menu 161
Vehicle 168