2005 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 294

ContentsOperation......................................... 271
The first 1000 miles (1500 km) ......... 272
Driving instructions ............................ 273
Drive sensibly – save fuel ............. 273
Drinking and driving ..................... 273
Pedals .......................................... 273
Power assistance ......................... 273
Brakes .......................................... 274
Driving off..................................... 275
Parking ......................................... 275
Tires ............................................. 276
Hydroplaning ................................ 277
Tire traction .................................. 277
Tire speed rating .......................... 278
Winter driving instructions ........... 279
Standing water ............................. 280
Passenger compartment .............. 280
Driving abroad .............................. 280
Control and operation of radio
transmitters.................................. 280
Catalytic converter ....................... 281
Emission control........................... 282
Coolant temperature .................... 282At the gas station .............................. 283
Refueling ...................................... 283
Check regularly and before
a long trip ..................................... 284
Engine compartment ......................... 286
Hood ............................................ 286
Engine oil ..................................... 287
Transmission fluid level ................ 292
Active Body Control* (ABC*)
fluid level...................................... 292
Coolant level ................................ 292
Battery ......................................... 294
Windshield washer system and
headlamp cleaning system* ......... 295
Tires and wheels ................................ 296
Important guidelines .................... 296
Tire care and maintenance ........... 297
Direction of rotation ..................... 299
Loading the vehicle ...................... 299
Recommended tire inflation
pressure ....................................... 305
Checking tire inflation pressure ... 307
Tire labeling.................................. 312
Load identification ....................... 316DOT, Tire Identification
Number (TIN) ............................... 317
Maximum tire load ....................... 318
Maximum tire inflation pressure .. 319
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards (U.S. vehicles) ............. 319
Tire ply material ........................... 321
Tire and loading terminology ........ 322
Rotating tires ............................... 325
Winter driving .................................... 326
Winter tires .................................. 326
Block heater (Canada only) .......... 327
Snow chains................................. 327
Maintenance...................................... 328
Clearing the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 328
Maintenance service term
exceeded ..................................... 329
Calling up the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 329
Resetting the maintenance
service indicator .......................... 329
Vehicle care....................................... 330
Cleaning and care of vehicle ........ 330

294 OperationEngine compartmentBattery
Your vehicle’s battery is located on the
right side of the trunk floor (
page 403).
The battery should always be sufficiently
charged in order to achieve its rated ser-
vice life. Refer to Maintenance Booklet for
battery maintenance intervals.
If you use your vehicle mostly for short-dis-
tance trips, you will need to have the bat-
tery charge checked more frequently.
When replacing the battery, always use
batteries approved by Mercedes-Benz.
If you do not intend to operate your vehicle
for an extended period of time, consult an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center about
steps you need to observe.Batteries contain materials that can harm
the environment if disposed of improperly.
Recycling of batteries is the preferred
method of disposal. Many states require
sellers of batteries to accept old batteries
for recycling.
G
Observe all safety instructions
and precautions when handling
automotive batteries.
A
Risk of explosion
D
Keep flames or sparks away
from battery. Do not smoke.
B
Battery acid is caustic. Do not
allow it to come into contact
with skin, eyes or clothing.
In case it does, immediately
flush affected area with clear
water and seek medical help if
necessary.
E
Wear eye protection.
C
Keep children away.
F
Follow the instructions in this
Operator's Manual.

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