2005 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 roof rack

Contents
Automatic transmission ..................... 173
One-touch gearshifting................. 175
Gear ranges ................................. 176
Gear selector lever position ......... 177
Automatic shift program .............. 179
Driving tips ................................... 180
Steering wheel gearshift control
(Speedshift) S 55 AMG................. 181
Manual shift program S 55 AMG .. 183
Emergency operation
(Limp Home Mode) ...................... 185
Good visibility .................................... 186
Headlamp cleaning system*
(Standard on S 500, S 600,
S 55 AMG).................................... 186
Rear view mirrors ......................... 186
Electrically folding exterior
rear view mirrors .......................... 188
Windshield wipers ........................ 189
Sun visors .................................... 190
Rear window sunshade* .............. 191
Rear door window sunshade* ...... 191Automatic climate control .................. 192
Setting the temperature................ 195
Adjusting air distribution............... 196
Adjusting air volume ..................... 198
Maximum cooling MAXCOOL ........ 198
Defrosting ..................................... 199
Air recirculation mode .................. 199
Charcoal filter ............................... 200
Rear window defroster .................. 201
Deactivating the climate
control system .............................. 202
Air conditioning............................. 202
Residual heat and ventilation ........ 203
Ventilated storage compartment .. 204
Rear passenger compartment
adjustable air vents....................... 204
Rear passenger compartment
climate control* ............................ 205
Power windows .................................. 207
Opening and closing the power
windows........................................ 207
Synchronizing the power
windows........................................ 209
Summer opening feature .............. 209
Convenience closing feature......... 210Power tilt/sliding sunroof .................. 211
Opening and closing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 211
Synchronizing the power
tilt/sliding sunroof........................ 213
Driving systems .................................. 214
Cruise control ............................... 214
Distronic* ..................................... 217
Airmatic ........................................ 229
Active Body Control (ABC)* .......... 231
Parktronic system*
(Parking assist) ............................. 235
Loading .............................................. 240
Roof rack* .................................... 240
Loading instructions ..................... 241
Cargo tie-down hooks ................... 241
Useful features ................................... 242
Vanity mirrors ............................... 242
Storage compartments ................. 243
Ashtrays........................................ 251
Cigarette lighters .......................... 252
Heated steering wheel* ................ 253
Telephone* ................................... 254
Tele Aid ......................................... 255
Garage door opener ...................... 264
Infrared reflecting windshield ....... 270

105 Controls in detail
Locking and unlocking
Limiting opening height of trunk lid*
Vehicles with trunk lid opening/closing
system*:
The trunk lid opening height can be limited
when transporting goods on a roof rack
(e.g. presence of an MB sport luggage con-
tainer*). When activated, the trunk lid
opens to approximately the height of the
roof edge. 
Activate the limiting opening height of
trunk lid using the control system
(page 169).
Closing the trunk
Closing the trunk from the inside auto-
matically*
In vehicles with trunk lid opening/closing
system* you can close the trunk from the
inside using the remote trunk lid switch.
Press remote trunk lid switch
(page 104) until the indicator lamp in
the switch goes out and trunk lid is
closed.
To interrupt the closing procedure:

Release remote trunk lid switch.iYou can also close the trunk by hand.
Warning!
G
Maintain sight of trunk area while operating
door mounted switch. Monitor the closing
procedure carefully to make sure no one is
in danger of being injured.
To interrupt the closing procedure, release
the door mounted remote trunk lid switch.
Even with the SmartKey or the SmartKey
with KEYLESS-GO* removed from the start-
er switch or the SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO* removed from the vehicle,
the remote trunk lid switch can be operated.
Therefore, do not leave children unattended
in the vehicle, or with access to an unlocked
vehicle. Unsupervised use of vehicle equip-
ment may cause an accident and/or serious
personal injury.


240 Controls in detailLoadingRoof rack* Preparing roof rack installation

Open trim at the trim strips in the roof.

Secure the roof rack according to man-
ufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Warning!
G
Use only roof racks approved by
Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to
avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow manu-
facturer’s installation instructions.
!Load the roof rack in such a way that
the vehicle cannot be damaged while
driving.
Make sure

you can fully raise the tilt/sliding
sunroof


you can fully open the trunk

273 Operation
Driving instructions
Driving instructions
Drive sensibly – save fuel
Fuel consumption, to a great extent, de-
pends on driving habits and operating con-
ditions.
To save fuel you should:

Keep tires at the recommended infla-
tion pressures.


Remove unnecessary loads.


Remove roof rack when not in use.


Allow engine to warm up under low
load use.


Avoid frequent acceleration and decel-
eration.


Have all maintenance work performed
at the intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Booklet and as required by the
Maintenance System (U.S. vehicles) or
FSS (Canada vehicles). Contact an au-
thorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Fuel consumption is also increased by driv-
ing in cold weather, in stop-and-go traffic,
on short trips, and in hilly area.
Drinking and driving
PedalsPower assistance
Warning!
G
Drinking and driving and/or taking drugs
and driving are very dangerous combina-
tions. Even a small amount of alcohol or
drugs can affect your reflexes, perceptions
and judgement.
The possibility of a serious or even fatal ac-
cident are greatly increased when you drink
or take drugs and drive.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive or allow
anyone to drive who has been drinking or
taking drugs.
Warning!
G
Keep driver’s foot area clear at all times. Ob-
jects stored in this area may impair pedal
movement.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.

323 Operation
Tires and wheels
GVWR (G
ross V
ehicle W
eight R
ating)
This is the maximum permissible vehicle
weight of the fully loaded vehicle (weight of
the vehicle including all options, passen-
gers, fuel, and cargo and, if applicable,
trailer tongue load). It is indicated on
Certification label located on the driver's
door B-pillar.
Kilopascal (kPa)
The metric unit for air pressure. There are
6.9 kPa to one psi; another metric unit for
air pressure is bars. There are
100 kilopascals (kPa) to one bar.
Maximum load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight and production
options weight.Maximum tire inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should ever be put in the tire
under normal driving conditions.
Normal occupant weight
The number of occupants the vehicle is
designed to seat, multiplied by
68 kilograms (150 lbs).
Occupant distribution
The distribution of occupants in a vehicle
at their designated seating positions.
Production options weight
The combined weight of those installed
regular production options weighing over
5 lbs (2.3 kilograms) in excess of those
standard items which they replace, not
previously considered in curb weight or
accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty
battery, and special trim.PSI (P
ounds per s
quare i
nch)
A standard unit of measure for air pressure
-> bar, kilopascal (kPa).
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Recommended tire inflation pressure
listed on placard located on driver's door
B-pillar for normal driving conditions.
Provides best handling, tread life and
riding comfort.
Rim
A metal support for a tire or a tire and tube
assembly upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.

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)

456 IndexLight alloy wheels
Cleaning 335
Light sensor 366
Lighter see Cigarette lighter 252
Lighting 131
Automatic headlamp mode 132
Combination switch 135
Courtesy lighting 139
Daytime running lamp mode 133
Door entry lamps 139
Exterior lamp switch 131
Front fog lamps 134
High beam flasher 135
High beams 135
Instrument cluster illumination 140
Interior 137
Locator lighting 133
Low beam 131
Manual headlamp mode 132
Night security illumination 133Parking lamps 131
Rear fog lamp 134
Settings (control system) 164
Trunk 138, 139
Limiting opening height of trunk lid* 105
Limiting the gear range 176
Limp Home Mode 185
Line of fall 440
Loading 240
Cargo tie-down hooks 241
Instructions 241
Roof rack 240
Loading terminology 322
Loading the vehicle 299
Locator lighting 133
Setting 166
Lock button 440
Door handle (KEYLESS-GO*) 58
SmartKey 92
SmartKey with KEYLESS-GO* 96Locking 55, 58, 92
Fuel filler flap 283
Global (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 99
Global, SmartKey 94
Glove box 244
Vehicle in an emergency 384
Vehicle with KEYLESS-GO* 101
with the KEYLESS-GO* 58
with the SmartKey 58
Loss of SmartKey 96
Loss of Smartkey with
KEYLESS-GO* 102
Low beam headlamps
Messages in display 366, 367
Replacing bulbs 390
Lowering
Vehicle 402
Lumbar support adjustment 122

462 IndexRemote controls
Integrated 266
Remote door unlock
With Tele Aid 262
Removing
Vehicle battery 404
Wheel 401
Wiper blades 396
Replacing
Backup lamp bulbs 394
Battery (SmartKey with
KEYLESS-GO*) 388
Brake fluid 431
Brake lamp bulbs 394
Bulbs 389
Front lamp bulbs 392
License plate lamp bulbs 395
Parking lamp bulbs 394
Rear fog lamp bulbs 394, 395
Rear lamp bulbs 390, 394
Rear turn signal bulbs 394
Side marker lamp bulbs 394
Standing lamp bulbs 394
Wiper blades 396Reporting
Safety defects 18
Reset button in the instrument
cluster 160
Resetting
All functions (control system) 160
All functions of a submenu 161
Fuel consumption 158
Maintenance service indicator 329
Trip odometer 141
Residual heat utilization 203, 441
Residual ventilation 203
REST (Residual engine heat
utilization) 441
Restraint system see Infant and child re-
straint systems 71, 75
Rim 323
Rims and Tires 422
Roadside assistance 12
Tele Aid* 258
Rolling code programming 267
RON (Research Octane Number) 284,
441
Roof rack 240
Rubber parts
Cleaning 336S
Safety
Occupant 60
Safety belts see Seat belts 43
Safety defects
Reporting 18
Safety systems
Driving 80
Screwdriver (vehicle tool kit) 380
Seat belt force limiter 69
Seat belts 66
Cleaning 335
Fastening 43
Proper use of 45, 68
Safety guidelines 64
Telltale 343
Seat cushion depth
Adjusting 123
Seat for and aft adjustment 118
Seat heater
Switching off 125
Switching on 125
Seat height 118
Seat ventilation*
Switching off 127
Switching on 127