2005 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 traction control

320 OperationTires and wheelsQuality grades can be found, where appli-
cable, on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.Traction
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades rep-
resent the tire’s ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
Treadwear
Traction
Temperature
200
AA
A
Warning!
G
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.

342 Practical hintsWhat to do if …?Problem
Possible cause
Suggested solution
l
Only vehicles with Distronic*:
The red distance warning lamp
comes on while driving.
You are too close to the vehicle in front of
you to maintain selected speed.

Apply the brakes immediately to in-
crease the following distance.
l
Only vehicles with Distronic*:
The red distance warning lamp
comes on while driving and you
hear a warning sound.


You are gaining too rapidly on the vehi-
cle ahead of you.


The distance warning system has recog-
nized a stationary obstacle on your
probable line of travel.

Apply the brakes immediately.

Carefully observe the traffic situation.
You may need to brake or maneuver to
avoid hitting an obstacle.
v
The yellow ESP warning lamp
flashes while driving.
The ESP or traction control has come into
operation because of detected traction loss
in at least one tire.
Distronic* is deactivated.

When driving off, apply as little throttle
as possible.

While driving, ease up on the accelera-
tor.

Adapt your speed and driving to the pre-
vailing road and weather conditions.

Do not deactivate the ESP. Exceptions:
(page 83).
Failure to follow these instructions increas-
es the risk of an accident.

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.).

451 Index
Driving systems 214
ABC 231
AIRMATIC 229
Airmatic 229
Cruise control 214
Distronic* 217
Driving safety systems 80
Parktronic system* 235
Vehicle level control 230, 232
E
Easy-entry/exit feature 114
Activating 170
Electrical fuses 411
Electrical system 427
Electrically folding exterior rear view
mirrors 188
Electronic Stability Program see ESP 82,
439
Emergency call system* 255
Emergency calls
Initiating an emergency call 257
With Tele Aid 256
Emergency operation (Limp Home
Mode) 185Emergency operations
Closing the power tilt/sliding
sunroof 386
Locking the vehicle 384
Opening the power tilt/sliding
sunroof 386
Remote door unlock 262
Unlocking the vehicle 383
Emergency tensioning device see
ETD 69, 439
Emission control 282
Emission control information label 418
Ending
A call (telephone) 154
Engine 420
Compartment 286
Message in display 340, 341
Starting 46
Starting with KEYLESS-GO* 47
Starting with the SmartKey 46
Turning off with the SmartKey or the
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 57
Engine cleaning 332
Engine compartment 286
Fuse box in 413
Hood 286Engine malfunction indicator lamp 340,
341
Engine number 418, 439
Engine oil 287
Adding 291
Additives 431
Checking level 287
Consumption 287
Display messages 362
Filler neck 291
Messages in display 289, 362
Viscosity 439
Engine oil level see Oil level 285
Entry position
Messages in display 364
ESP 82, 439
Four wheel electronic traction system
with ESP 85
Switching off 83
Switching on 84
Synchronizing 352
Warning lamp 342, 343
ETD 439
Safety guidelines 64
ETD (Emergency tensioning device) 69
Exterior lamp switch 131

452 IndexExterior rear view mirror
Auto-dimming on the driver’s
side 186
Exterior rear view mirrors
Adjusting 41
Folding electrically 188
Parking position for 171
F
Fahrenheit (°F)
Setting temperature units 163
Fastening the seat belts 43
Fine adjustment
Cruise control 216
Distronic* 223
First aid kit 379
Flat tire 398
Lowering the vehicle 402
Mounting the spare wheel 398
Preparing the vehicle 398
Flexible Service System (FSS) 328
Flexible Service System see FSS
Fog lamp, rear 134, 390
Replacing bulb 395Fog lamps
Replacing bulbs 390
Fog lamps, front
Messages in display 366
Switching on 134
Folding electrically
Exterior rear view mirrors 188
Four wheel electronic traction system
(4MATIC)
with ESP 85
4MATIC 85
Front air bags 65
Front lamps
Messages in display 366–369
Replacing bulbs 390, 392
Switching on 131
Front passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp 346
Front seat head restraints
Installing 116
Power seat 116
Removing 116
FSS (Flexible Service System) 328
FSS (Flexible Service System) (Canada
vehicles) 439Fuel 284
Fuel reserve warning lamp 341
Premium unleaded gasoline 284
Reserve warning lamp 25
Fuel consumption statistics
After start 157
Since last reset 158
Fuel filler flap 283
Locking 283
Opening 385
Unlocking 283
Fuel tank
Filler flap 283
Fuels, coolants, lubricants etc. 429
Functions (control system) 145, 147
Resetting 161
Fuse box 412, 413
Fuse chart 380
Fuses 411
Auxiliary fuse box in trunk 412
Fuse box in engine compartment 413
Fuse box in passenger
compartment 412
Fuse chart 380
Fuse extractor 380
Spare fuses 380